Swish, swish, swish.
Accompanied by faint whistles of wind, shadowy figures darted through the forest, stirring up vortices that made the grass on either side rustle. The rabbits hiding in the grass poked out their heads and nervously looked around, but then, as if startled by something, they let out another "whoosh" and shrank back into the grass.
This was happening in far more places than just this one.
As a result, one or two birds were startled into flight from time to time throughout the forest, accompanied by the occasional roar of a beast.
But the moment those birds took flight, they were struck and fell to the ground, silenced. And before the beasts' roars could carry very far, they abruptly cut off, and peace returned.
Moments later, not the slightest sound came from the forest. It was terrifyingly quiet!
In the central area of the forest, numerous ninjas dressed in Kumogakure attire were either lying in wait among the grass, hiding behind tree trunks, or concealed in the treetops. They had all blended into their surroundings and were waiting in silence.
There was no doubt about it.
This was an experienced Kumogakure Ninja Army. Their entire march had been orderly, and they had reached the designated tactical position without making almost any noise.
Their target was an underground structure located in the center of the forest.
According to the intelligence Itachi had secretly sent back, this underground structure was one of the Akatsuki Organization's many secret bases.
After the Kumogakure Jonin leading the team confirmed the target with the members of the Intelligence Squad accompanying them, he slowly raised his right hand. Then, under everyone's gaze, he abruptly clenched his fist.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Almost at the same moment the Kumogakure Jonin leading the team clenched his fist,