More than thirty ninja—practically the entire fighting force of a small ninja village—had no reason to lie in ambush in the wilderness just to attack a merchant caravan.
That left only one possibility: they had been drawn here by something and had specifically come to ambush them.
Realizing this, Chiri immediately leaped onto Uzumaki Heiji's carriage and demanded, "What exactly are you transporting?"
She suspected Uzumaki Heiji had concealed the mission's true rank. What he was transporting was not cargo at all, but contraband that could attract the greed of other ninja.
Uzumaki Heiji looked utterly bewildered as he stammered, "It-it's just some ordinary goods..."
Without another word, Chiri lifted the carriage curtain. Porcelain, spices, tea leaves, and other items were neatly arranged before her, with nothing unusual among them.
At that moment, the ninja behind them caught up by following the tracks left by the wheels.
Ninja naturally traveled far faster through the wilderness than horse-drawn carriages.
"They're over there."
"Kill them all! Don't leave a single survivor!"
Hearing the enemy's murderous orders, Watanabe realized a fierce battle was inevitable. Just as he was about to use a ninjutsu to launch a long-range attack, Chiri struck first. Her hands formed seals, and an absurdly massive Great Fireball burst from her mouth.
The instant the Great Fireball appeared, the dark forest was illuminated. Dozens of ninja wielding all manner of ninja tools were clearly revealed in the firelight.
"Not good!"
The ninja were horrified. Some dodged, while others unleashed ninjutsu to block it.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Boom!
A violent explosion rang out. The ninja were blasted backward by the shockwave, while scattered flames fell throughout the forest.
"Who are you, and why are you ambushing us here?"
Chiri's voice was cold. She was certain that this group was