While Konoha's villagers were enjoying the first snowfall of the year,
the Land of Rain was still filled with the endless, monotonous sound of rainfall. The clouds in the lead-gray sky hung thick and low like an enormous shroud, firmly covering the land and stingily refusing to let through even a sliver of sunlight.
However, compared with the drizzling rain from some time ago, the rain had now become cold and unceasing, as though it meant to wash the entire Land of Rain into the mud.
Only stray dogs without homes crouched low in corners, tearing at something and chewing on who knew what.
Patter... patter...
As though they had heard something, the wild dogs pricked up their ears warily and bared their teeth at the hazy rain mist.
In the distance, amid the desolate landscape, several figures ran out of the rain mist, splashing through puddles. Their faces beneath their raincoat hoods were illuminated by the light.
Hatake Kakashi, at the front, suddenly raised his hand. The people following behind him stopped in unspoken unison.
"We've entered the Land of Rain. Make sure to conceal your identities."
Kakashi's gaze swept over Hyuga Yunchuan, who stood in the middle of the group, as he reminded him, "We'll be gathering intelligence in populated areas next. Remember: listen more, speak less."
Yunchuan naturally knew that Senior Kakashi was warning him. He nodded solemnly in response.
"Split up."
At Kakashi's command, the team split into groups of three and dispersed to gather intelligence.
Yunchuan remained at Kakashi's side. Sarutobi Hiruzen had specifically instructed this, and in a sense, it counted as protection.
The four of them, including Yunchuan and Kakashi, infiltrated the Capital City of the Land of Rain without drawing anyone's attention or suspicion. No one gave them a second glance because