Identifying White Zetsu, Cooperation

The Valley of the End training camp's final assessment entered its third hour.

The Forest Node had been easily captured by the Third Team. Kurotsuchi stood atop a massive rock in the center, her brows faintly furrowed.

It had gone too smoothly—abnormally smoothly.

As one of Iwagakure's new generation of tactical minds, she instinctively sensed something discordant.

"Captain, the surrounding area has been scouted. There really are no preset traps."

Shitsuchi, the team's sensory ninja, returned with his report. He was from Iwagakure and specialized in Earth Release and trap detection.

"What about the sentries in each direction?"

Kurotsuchi asked.

"They're in position. Bunya is to the east, Akatsuchi to the west, me to the north, and to the south..."

Shitsuchi paused.

"Oh, Chiemi is to the south. She said she wanted to handle one direction by herself."

Kurotsuchi nodded.

She had no doubts about that.

As the younger sister of Mirai Uchiha, the opponent she acknowledged, Chiemi's strength was equally absurd.

If Chiemi did not dislike being captain, the position would never have fallen to Kurotsuchi.

Having her guard one direction was indeed reassuring.

"Stay alert and rest in shifts. The real battle may only be beginning."

South of the Forest Node.

Chiemi stood alone on the branch of an ancient tree, her Sharingan silently observing the surroundings.

Suddenly, a faint tremor came from afar.

Someone was approaching from the east.

She turned her head and saw Bunya hurrying through the woods toward the central area where Kurotsuchi was.

Chiemi's gaze settled on him.

Her brows drew together slightly.

Why did he feel somewhat different from before? Was it just an illusion?

"Captain Kurotsuchi!"

Bunya's voice was urgent.

"Traces of the First Team have been found to the east! They're moving this way!"

Kurotsuchi leaped down from the boulder.