Within the Land of Wind.
Aoba wore an ocher cloak, and the gourd on his back had shrunk considerably. A thin Sand Rope extended from its mouth into the air.
Before the windblown sand around them could reach anyone, it was swept away by a thin, swirling wall of sand.
"What a convenient ability."
Akimichi Choza chewed on a Military Ration Pill and praised him through a mouthful of food. "The last time I came to the Land of Wind, I was practically full from eating sand alone. This time, our clothes haven't even gotten dirty."
"It's just a small trick. Since there was sand everywhere, I gave it a try. I didn't expect it to actually work."
Aoba explained modestly.
Aburame Shibi adjusted his sunglasses and silently watched Aoba's back.
His Kikaichū had difficulty surviving in the windblown sand, yet within the boy's protective range, the insects were unusually lively.
This boy's Chakra control was terrifyingly impressive.
"Rōran is just ahead."
Minato stopped and crouched behind a sand dune.
"So quiet! There's no one here!"
Unlike the sandy buildings in other settlements, most of the structures here were built from massive stone blocks, exuding an ancient, desolate air.
Yet the entire settlement was empty, its deathly silence unnerving.
"Something's wrong."
Minato vigilantly surveyed the surroundings. "According to the intelligence, Rōran's main structures are underground."
He unfolded a map and pointed to a tall tower in the central area. "Choza, Shibi, we'll go there to look for Princess Sara. Aoba, you'll gather intelligence. Try to find a local and figure out what exactly happened here."
"Understood."
Aoba nodded without saying more.
It was the perfect chance. He had wanted to try that for a while.
Then, under the confused gazes of the other three, the gourd on Aoba's back suddenly