Once they passed through the village gates, the ninjas formed several groups and raced off in different directions.
As Hatake Harukaze and Hyuga Kagami followed their instructor in another direction, Uchiha Yuan caught Harukaze's eye and gave him an encouraging look.
Senju Gen watched Harukaze and the others leave. "That way should take them to the front against Kumogakure."
Uchiha Yuan frowned. "Kumogakure won't be easy to deal with. I hear they're all obsessed with strength. Of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, they're the most eager to fight."
"Right. That's why the village sent the most reinforcements to that front."
Shiranui Aoma came over after finishing his discussion with the other squad leaders.
"We should get going."
Uchiha Yuan asked, "Aoma-sensei, which front are we going to?"
Shiranui Aoma glanced at Senju Gen and smiled. "The front against Sunagakure."
Of all Konoha's fronts, the one against Sunagakure was under the least pressure. Sunagakure had suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Kikyo Pass.
Uchiha Yuan noticed Aoma's discreet glance at Gen. He immediately realized the village had sent their squad to the Sunagakure front to protect Gen.
About three hundred ninjas had been assigned to reinforce that front. They hurried on and reached a temple called the Fire Temple that night, where they stopped to rest.
The monks at the Fire Temple had already prepared food and bedding for them.
After eating, the ninjas, worn out from a full day's travel, settled down to sleep.
At midnight, a crescent moon hung high above the Fire Temple, bathing it in cool moonlight.
In one of the guest rooms, roughly thirty Genin lay fast asleep on their bedding.
Senju Gen had kicked off his blanket and was snoring softly. Uchiha Yuan lay beside him.
Suddenly, Yuan opened his eyes a fraction. A