Akaseki and Ranwu realized that the three people beneath the tree had not come over because they had discovered anything. They had simply noticed how big the tree was and wanted to hollow out a space to rest in.
That played right into Akaseki's hands!
The upper part of the tree where Akaseki and Ranwu were perched happened to be covered by a Sealing Technique that concealed them. The three below clearly could not detect either of them. It was the perfect spot for an ambush.
Meanwhile, even in the darkness, Akaseki could see the five-pointed star design on their Forehead Protectors. That marked them as ninja from Hoshigakure.
Two boys and one girl, all looking only fourteen or fifteen. They were quite young.
The green-haired boy had fairly regular features and was called "Fire Fly." He had been the one to suggest resting, and he seemed to be their leader.
The other boy, who had pink hair and a rather long face, acted very arrogantly. He was called "Aka."
The only girl had short, wine-red hair and was called "Natsuhi."
"Hoshigakure—I remember that's the hidden village in the Land of Bears, right?" Akaseki asked quietly.
The Sealing Technique Southern Dipper Sage · Tanuki Treasure had left behind also blocked sound. Since they could not see through it, they certainly could not hear Akaseki speaking!
"Yes. The Land of Bears lies deep in the mountains northwest of the Land of Earth. The country itself is very isolated, and Hoshigakure is surrounded by poisonous mists, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. They've also always maintained friendly relations with us in Konoha, so Iwagakure hasn't been able to do much about them," Ranwu said with a nod.
"Let me test you—what kind of ninjutsu do they specialize in?" Akaseki