Today, Might Guy had to go on a mission, so he couldn't train with the brothers. That left just the two of them at the training ground.
They hadn't been training for long when Haku suddenly heard the sound of a branch snapping somewhere in the distance.
Their training ground was in a forest far from the village center and its residential areas.
Although it was still within the village's sensory barrier, it was already a long way from the village. Normally, no one came out here except the three Mights to train.
Something must have happened. They'd better go take a look. If something really had gone wrong and they couldn't use this training ground anymore, finding a new one wouldn't be easy.
As for the danger—
Ninja work was a high-risk profession, after all. A mature ninja had to pay close attention to details. Otherwise, while carrying out a mission in the wilderness, they could easily put themselves at a disadvantage.
The fact that someone had snapped a branch loudly enough to be heard while moving meant they weren't very skilled. They were probably a rookie, too.
So Haku figured there wasn't much chance he'd run into danger by checking it out. He'd take a look from a distance first, and if anything seemed dangerous, he'd make a run for it.
As for Might Duy, Haku glanced at him, then shook his head. Better not bring him along.
Duy was still a long way from reaching Genin level. He probably wouldn't make it until next year.
If Haku brought him along and they ran into danger, he wouldn't be able to protect him. Better to let Duy train in peace on his own.
Haku told Duy he was going to relieve himself, and asked him to finish training and head home alone. Then he set off by himself in the direction the sound had come from.
It didn't take long for Haku to catch up with the people who had made the noise. While tracking them, he unexpectedly discovered that he wasn't the only one following them.
Someone else spotted this group, too. I don't know if the other person tracking them is friend or foe. I'll leave a signal, then fall back and see.
At the pace they're moving, it'll still be a long time before they leave the village barrier's range. Plenty of time.
As he thought, Haku left the standard Konoha Ninja communication code, inviting the other tracker to meet him farther back and discuss things.
After leaving the code, Haku hurried to the agreed-upon meeting spot.
When he arrived, Haku hid nearby, wanting to see who the other tracker was before deciding whether to show himself.
He'd been hiding for less than two minutes when he heard a somewhat familiar voice call out to him.
Come out, Might Haku. I know it's you!
Looking at the figure who had appeared not far ahead, Haku understood why the voice had sounded familiar.
The other tracker who had revealed himself was his classmate, Uchiha Yu, whom he'd met just that day.
Seeing this, Haku had to admit that although the Uchiha had a problem with their attitude, looking down on this person and dismissing that one, they really did have the strength to look down on the other ninja clans.
Uchiha Yu was the same age as him. He hadn't recognized her, yet she had identified him first and accurately found his hiding place.
Uchiha Yu was at least Genin level, and might even be a skilled fighter among the Genin.
For someone your age, you've managed this much. I'll provisionally acknowledge you as a teammate. Let's exchange information.
A clear, cool voice interrupted Haku's thoughts about Uchiha Yu.
"From the traces left behind, there are three people ahead. Their strength is probably below Genin level, or they've only just reached it."
Haku didn't hesitate to share what he'd found and what he thought.
"Also, they're probably enemies. We're already very close to the barrier. If they keep going, they'll leave the village in about half an hour. Konoha Ninja wouldn't come this way to leave the village."
After hearing Haku's conclusion, Uchiha Yu gave him a slightly surprised look, then continued.
"Your skills and powers of observation are barely adequate."
"There are four people ahead, not three. Three of them abducted a child from the village. The child looks like he's from the Hyuga clan."
"I don't know who they are, but if they went to the trouble of abducting someone from the Hyuga clan, he must be from the main family. This is serious. We can't let the Byakugan fall into enemy hands."
Uchiha Yu's voice was exceptionally firm as she said this.
"If we go back to the village to report this and wait for other ninja to arrive, it'll be too late. By then, they'll already be able to leave the village. There are bound to be others waiting to meet them outside."
"Something this important couldn't possibly be left to just three weaklings."
"If we're going to keep the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands, you and I have to intercept them. Do you think you can handle it?"
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