Land of Fire.
Border.
Orochimaru led nearly a hundred ninja, including Feng Ye, to a small town.
The entire town had become a field of ruins. Some places were still burning, and numerous corpses lay scattered everywhere.
"Report, Lord Orochimaru! These are traces of a battle from three days ago!"
After quickly searching the ruined town, a ninja reported to Orochimaru.
A dangerous glint appeared in Orochimaru's snake-like eyes as he swept his gaze across the town. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Traces from three days ago. The Stone Shinobi must no longer be here, but we've entered their range of operations. We'll encounter them sooner or later."
"Get organized. Set up camp here and rest!"
Orochimaru issued the order.
This was already the border of the Land of Fire, and they could encounter battle at any time. Everyone had traveled for an entire day to reach this place. Though they were still fit to fight, continuing onward to search would consume even more energy. If they ran into a Stone Shinobi ambush, it would be dangerous.
"Yes!"
The Chunin responded.
After exchanging glances, the nearby ninja entered the town one after another. They cleared away the bodies, extinguished the flames on the burning buildings, and made simple camp arrangements.
Once the camp was set up, Orochimaru stood before a stone table in the central tent, staring thoughtfully at a map spread across it.
After pondering for a moment, Orochimaru suddenly said:
"Which direction do you think the Stone Shinobi are in now?"
Only master and disciple, Feng Ye and Orochimaru, were in the tent. Feng Ye stood nearby, studying the map as well. Hearing Orochimaru's question, he considered it briefly and said, "Since the Stone Shinobi advance force came to carry out harassing attacks, they probably won't return