Mind Games...

A few days later in the Land of Wind, the scorching sun beat down, and in the boundless desert, the high temperature baked the air on the surface until it was almost deformed.

Under such harsh conditions, a peculiar white object moves rapidly through the desert sands. If modern people saw it, they might mistake it for a submarine probe in the desert. It even occasionally twists its field of vision, which is quite amazing.

Shuichi successfully transformed into a sand dinghy using Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage, while simultaneously using Super Beast Imitation Drawing to survey the surrounding area.

Suddenly, the camera spotted several black dots in the distance. They quickly retreated underground like startled rabbits, and sand flowed in to fill the gaps, leaving no trace on the surface.

"Swish, swish..."

Several figures floated past his head from afar, clearly indicating that the other party was also unable to detect the subtle changes in the desert with the naked eye.

"Looks like they're nearby." After they walked away, Shuichi quickly jumped out and ran in another direction, disappearing underground again a few kilometers away.

"Found it. The Sand Village's supply convoy should be taking this route. We can move in tonight." In the dark underground hut, the three members of the team began to discuss their infiltration plan.

After resolving their supply issues in the Land of Wind, they needed to consider how to infiltrate their frontline camp from behind the Sunagakure.

Shuichi had already planned this out, having learned about Sunagakure's general strategy after intercepting and killing Takichi and his two companions.

Simply put, it means launching attacks on the front lines while focusing on reconnaissance along the borders. For example, the Sunagakure of the Land of Rain has retreated to the border.

If you head directly south for a distance and then into the Land of Rivers, it's like plunging headlong into the misty, controlled territory of Sunagakure, where you'll have to Sunagakure and gather intelligence while Sunagakure patrols.

Now, Shuichi has grasped the key point: he has found Sunagakure's supply line. By following them, they can definitely reach the central base.

Fortunately, their team was small in number but highly agile and capable, which allowed them to choose this high-risk yet effective plan.

Following Orochimaru's notification, Konoha and Sand Village have begun their battle for control of the central battlefield, making these next few days the best time to infiltrate. We must seize this opportunity.

At night, the temperature in the desert of the Land of Wind drops sharply after the sun sets, but because it is summer, it doesn't feel cold, and the gentle evening breeze makes it feel exceptionally comfortable.

"They're here!"

As if accompanying the commentary of onlookers, a long supply convoy from the Sunagakure was approaching, with many ninjas around them checking for any unusual activity.

Less than 2 kilometers away, Akiha's Byakugan had just caught sight of the Sunagakure appearing at the edge of his field of vision when he discovered they had quickly circled back.

"Just as the captain predicted, they won't go too far." The enemy patrol team disappeared, and she calmly turned her attention back to Shuichi Yifen, who was 1 kilometer away.

Shuichi's plan was executed perfectly. He first found the enemy's supply convoy route through the reconnaissance of Blue Bird and Byakugan, and then followed them from a distance at their side and rear using special means.

The Shadow Clone and the Ink Monster are now tracking him at a precise distance. The three of them are following Shuichi's Shadow Clone with their Byakugan. The distance they are following him is something Sunagakure never expected.

Even if they are discovered, these two tools can be disarmed and disappear underground, making the Scout Team think they are imagining things.

It's worth mentioning that Sunagakure's food transport schedule differs from Konoha's; they inspect the routes during the day and then transport the food at night, completely opposite to Konoha.

"That makes perfect sense. The temperature is comfortable at night, and the visibility in the desert is good enough under the moonlight," Shuichi thought to himself. "We've seized a great opportunity. The Byakugan's effectiveness has been fully demonstrated. I really am a genius!"

Everything was going smoothly. Sunagakure had to transport supplies every day, and after a while, even the most patient ninja couldn't stay on edge all the time.

As a result, Shuichi's Shadow Clone were never detected, and the three-person team easily followed the grain transport team into the Land of Rivers, successfully completing the first stage of their infiltration.

The Tsuchizawa Small Basin was the first area captured since the Sunagakure invasion. It is less than 100 kilometers from the western border and is surrounded by rolling hills. It was also the first base responsible for supplying troops and provisions to the front lines.

The base had only a few narrow entrances and exits, so Shuichi's squad had no choice but to retreat first, choosing to approach from the side by climbing over a small hill. They were now hiding in a relatively secluded grove of trees not far from the base.

"There are currently around 1,000 people, with only a few Jonin strong chakra. This should be a logistics base..." Hyuga Akiha reported.

Judging from the number of ninjas here, most of them are likely from Sunagakure, serving as reinforcements to replenish losses and also responsible for transporting supplies. Further investigation is needed to obtain intelligence on the main force of Sunagakure.

"It seems the best course of action is for us to blend in with the group and follow them. If we just follow them, we're very likely to be spotted by the enemy's scout ninjas," Shuichi analyzed the situation.

"Alright, it's almost dawn now, let's split up and see if we can catch any lone Sunagakure, then we'll regroup here later..."

The next morning arrived quickly, and the morning light shone into the Sunagakure Village camp. Many ninjas left their temporary quarters and began their work.

Inside a tent on the edge of the camp, a green-haired youth from Sunagakure was cleaning training equipment, then looked at the woman sitting to the side.

"Natsuki, what's wrong with you lately?" Iketani asked, frowning slightly. His childhood friend seemed like a different person lately. "I know you're worried about the war. Don't worry, I'll protect you."

He guessed that the other party might be suffering from pre-battle anxiety or similar psychological issues, so he reassured him, "Don't worry, although I'm just a Genin, I'm quite strong."

Natsuki sat close to the corner, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her head was wrapped in a traditional bandage from Sunagakure, but beneath the Forehead Protector were her well-defined features and fair skin, as if she had never been bothered by the sandstorm.

At this moment, she looked slightly melancholy, and her beautiful eyes revealed an uneasy expression, making her look pitiful and heartbreaking.

"The village will soon be victorious. Let's go back to the village and get married after we complete our mission..."

As they were talking, someone lifted the curtain and walked in. The newcomer had bronze skin, a resolute face, and looked very steady and reliable.

"The village and Konoha have begun their battle. The team is scheduled to depart tomorrow, so get ready as soon as possible," Kawakami, the team leader, said in a deep voice.

"Understood!" Iketani was slightly impatient, not understanding why the village had assigned them to such an inconspicuous Chunin team. He believed his strength was no less than this person's. "Natsuki, let's go train, hurry up!"

After hearing this, Natsuki slowly got up and obediently followed behind, preparing to leave the room.

Just as she was about to step out the door, she suddenly reached out and grasped Kawakami's hand. When Kawakami looked over in surprise, she quietly tickled his palm twice.

All of this happened very quickly, and Iketani, who was walking ahead with his back turned, naturally did not notice anything at all.

After they left, Kawakami felt something in his hand, and when he unfolded it, he found it was a crumpled piece of paper.

"I'm so sorry, Kawakami- senpai! This is Natsuki's first time experiencing war, so it's understandable that she's feeling apprehensive. Iketani is too arrogant and overconfident, and Natsuki is worried about the team's future."

"When I met Kawakami- senpai, I felt a sense of peace. You're a reliable man, so I'd like to speak with you alone, in about half an hour..."

Kawakami never expected Natsuki to convey such a message to him. It was the first time in over twenty years that he had been so close to a woman, and he felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

Kawakami began to recall Natsuki's appearance; her fair and jade-like face was captivating, and the thrilling touch from her fingertips was still lingering in his Kawakami.

"What an innocent and lovely girl!" After remarking, he thought of the green-haired Iketani's behavior and felt that Natsuki was truly insightful, recognizing at a glance that he was the one he could rely on.

Staring at the agreement on the paper, Kawakami drew his gleaming short sword from behind him and carefully tidied his appearance using the mirror's reflection. This was the first time in his life he'd ever done this. "I can't keep this girl waiting..."

Half an hour later, on the training ground at the edge of the Sunagakure camp, Iketani watched Natsuki throw Shuriken. Only one of her five throws missed slightly. Iketani immediately encouraged her, "That's fantastic! Your Shurikenjutsu have improved so quickly!"

"Mmm." Seemingly pleased with the praise, a smile gradually spread across the girl's face. "It's all thanks to Iketani- kun! Natsuki is very happy today."

"Hehehe..." Iketani was so happy after hearing her say that that he almost blew snot bubbles from his nose.

"Oh, right!" Natsuki said, her face full of embarrassment. "I left something in the room. Could you please allow me to leave for a moment? Thank you, Iketani- kun."

Having been completely misled and disoriented, Iketani had no objections, but he didn't see Natsuki quicken her pace and rush to the other side after entering the camp.