Strong Teams Collide

Shuichi said seriously, "In a previous mission, we took down a mixed team of two Jonin Sunagakure, who sacrificed Chunin and Genin to obtain information."

"The Sunagakure was able to adjust its strategic deployment so quickly, which means they couldn't have failed to assess the strength of our Konoha forces. That reconnaissance squad from earlier did just that; if Captain Minato and I hadn't been quick, they likely would have escaped."

After thinking about it, everyone agreed that it was indeed the case.

Assuming the team doesn't have Namikaze Minato and Shuichi, but instead has other Elite Jonin, the opposing Jonin would definitely be able to escape.

Even with only one speed-type Jonin, Sunagakure could scatter and escape, and our side would probably only be able to capture two people.

"And our reconnaissance capabilities aren't perfect." Shuichi's words surprised the others.

"If the Sunagakure Squad behind us is a very strong Hunting squad, their perception range is probably over 1 kilometer. Although they can't see what's going on here, they can at least guess that we are quite strong."

"So that's how it is!" The team members present all understood what Shuichi meant.

The Inuzuka Clan and Aburame clans have a long scouting range, but they cannot determine the enemy's exact situation. Only the Hyuga Clan can report precise information such as the number of enemies and their chakra levels.

Assuming the Sunagakure's perception range is over 1 kilometer, then it's possible that just as the Byakugan is getting a clear view of the opponent, the enemy can also sense their location.

Although they couldn't ascertain the exact strength of the Konoha Ninja in the distance, the 1-kilometer distance would give Sunagakure ample time to consider their options: call for backup, evacuate, or maintain their distance to pinpoint their location.

At this distance, even Shuichi and Namikaze Minato could no longer leave the group, which meant the group members were separated, greatly increasing the danger to each person.

In Shuichi's mind, the Byakugan combined with Mind's Eye of the Kagura is the most perfect combination of perception. If it were combined with the ability to Sense Evil, it would be even better. Secret Jutsu Clan are still somewhat inferior to the Bloodline Clan.

After listening, Namikaze Minato fell into deep thought; he needed to make a decision quickly.

If they charge directly at that Sunagakure team, the enemy might not necessarily fight them head-on. If they actually chase them into the enemy's encirclement, it will be inevitable that some team members will be injured or killed.

"Shuichi-kun, it's up to you again this time." He quickly made a decision. "First, we'll pursue that group of Sunagakure. If the Byakugan successfully observes them, we'll proceed with either of the following two plans..."

After the arrangements were completed, everyone understood Namikaze Minato's plan.

Inuzuka Tsume immediately began communicating with Kibamaru, and the two of them tracked down the location of the previous Sunagakure group once again.

"Enemy spotted, a few kilometers away at the 10 o'clock position. Judging from the smell, it's the same team."

"Alright, let the operation begin!"

The seven-person squad immediately sprang into action, following Inuzuka Tsume towards the enemy's location.

The team moved quite quickly because they knew the enemy had already given the signal.

However, ninjas are highly mobile, and the terrain of the Land of Rivers is quite complex, so enemy support will take a considerable amount of time, giving them time to make tactical arrangements.

"That's about right. The enemy and our forces are approximately 2 kilometers apart, and they are roughly moving towards each other." Inuzuka Tsume was extremely focused, calculating the enemy's position with all his might.

This was a very difficult challenge for him; it would be almost impossible to achieve accurate perception using only his sense of smell.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Shuichi created a Shadow Clone as planned. "It's time for my top-tier utility character to make an appearance again."

The Shadow Clone took a Scroll from the original body, and at the same time, Namikaze Minato also created a Shadow Clone and gave Shuichi a Flying Thunder God Kunai.

At this moment, the Konoha team suddenly split into two groups. Shuichi's Shadow Clone remained in place, along with Namikaze Minato's main body and Aburame Shibi, making a total of three people.

The other team is 5+1, which includes Shuichi, Aburame Shihei, Hyuga Akiha, Akimichi Choza, Inuzuka Tsume, and Shadow Clone of Namikaze Minato.

The reason for doing this is that only Byakugan in the entire team can thoroughly understand the enemy's intelligence. To achieve the greatest results, they must use a pincer movement tactic to succeed.

The Sunagakure's Sensory Ninja will be their biggest obstacle, so they can only launch a surprise attack by employing a combination of methods to coordinate operations on two fronts.

After setting off, the five people ahead, along with Minato's Shadow Clone, slowed down slightly, but their direction remained unchanged, continuing towards the nearest Sunagakure group.

Ahead of the Konoha team, a powerful team composed of several Sunagakure was also heading this way.

They headed straight for the location where their own Signal flare had appeared, so they were at a slightly different angle from the Konoha team.

"Hazuki, how's the situation?" Shashi was the leader of this squad. He wasn't wearing a proper ninja vest, but rather a thick gray bodysuit that tightly wrapped him up, his face covered in red paint.

Beside him was a mature-looking female ninja with a white bandage wrapped around her head, a traditional feature of Sunagakure. Her hands were constantly forming hand seals, and she easily kept up with the group's pace, clearly a seasoned Sensory Ninja.

Hazuki replied without changing her expression, "No enemies detected yet."

"I see. Then I'll trouble you to continue observing." Shashi's tone was very polite. Although Puppeteer held a high position in Sunagakure, even this expert in the Puppet Squad could only treat Hazuki with respect.

Just then, Hazuki's tone changed. "There's a ninja's chakra fluctuation ahead, about 1 kilometer away. This direction definitely isn't our village's group."

Shashi's face immediately tensed, as did several other Sunagakure beside him. "It must be Konoha Ninja. Katsuhira's team couldn't stop them at all; their strength must be formidable."

Hazuki's heart skipped a beat. "Ryo, please don't let anything happen to you!"

Shashi glanced at her expression and understood that she was very worried about her niece. However, since the village had appointed him as the team leader, he had to be responsible for all the team members.

He reassessed his own forces: a total of 3 Jonin, 2 Chunin strength close to Jonin, and 3 elite Chunin. Meanwhile, other Sunagakure teams were also on their way to support them from a few kilometers away. With such strength, to hide from 6 Konoha Ninja would be to seriously underestimate their own village.

"Keep a close eye on their movements. Test their perception range first. I'm counting on you, Hazuki," Shashi began issuing orders. "Signal the squads behind immediately. A Konoha team that dares to penetrate this deep will be very difficult to take down."

"Yes!" A Chunin next to him immediately used Scroll to summon several small pigeons, which flew towards a certain spot as soon as they appeared.

On the other side, Hyuga Akiha's Byakugan was also intently looking in the direction of Sunagakure. With Inuzuka Tsume telling her the approximate location, her reconnaissance wouldn't be so difficult.

Shortly after being detected by Sunagakure, Hyuga Akiha immediately reported, "They've appeared. There are eight of them in total. Their chakra is very strong, and there are likely more than three Jonin."

"Wow! This is like Mars colliding with Earth!" Shuichi exclaimed inwardly. He hadn't expected the second Sunagakure Squad to have such top-tier resources.

After Byakugan Sunagakure with their Byakugan, their group slightly adjusted their direction of advance.

Originally, the angle between the two sides' direct lines of sight was about 10 degrees, but now the Konoha Squad has turned to the side, to about 20 degrees, but their speed remains unchanged.

Even with her senses heightened to the maximum, Hazuki, a kilometer away, failed to detect the Konoha Ninja's subtle movements.

Although there was a slight deviation in the angle at which they were moving towards each other, it was impossible to calculate the difference based solely on the approach speed.

The Sunagakure Squad simply followed the directions she provided and continued to approach the Konoha Ninja. After hearing her report, Shashi felt a little relieved. "It seems the enemy's sensory range is wider than Ryo's, but not as wide as ours."

Hyuga Akiha had been keeping a close watch on the direction the Sunagakure was advancing. Seeing that even after their own side changed their angle, the enemy was still advancing straight towards them, he immediately began to report this important information, "The enemy 'Sensory Ninja is very skilled; they probably detected us from 1 kilometer away."

Namikaze Minato's Shadow Clone said, "Just as Shuichi-kun predicted, we'll proceed according to the original plan, turning around and accelerating when we're 600 meters apart."

"If the enemy pursues us, our battle strategy should be able to be executed smoothly. Gentlemen, brace yourselves and prepare for battle."