In the Land of Rivers, the territories controlled by the Sand Village and Konoha interwove like jagged teeth. Battles and deaths occurred constantly along the long border between their spheres of influence.
As Hanyu's squad crossed from their side of the territory into their assigned patrol zone, they encountered no enemies. They did, however, run into their own people several times. The encounters between different squads were rather comical, since each group demanded that the other prove their identities... Funny as it was, it showed that Konoha's defenses were quite thorough.
From top to bottom, every ninja was on high alert.
Then the squad plunged into the woods. After a brief reconnaissance, the four gathered again.
"On the map, this is the best spot in these woods for keeping watch. It's high up, with a clear view and relatively sparse trees. But precisely because it's such a good location, we can't set up our observation post there." Hanyu pointed to a spot on the map.
The reason was obvious. In a sniper battle, snipers never hid in the best position, because an obviously ideal place to hide and attack was just as obvious to the enemy. Using it would be like revealing your position outright.
"Besides that, these are the remaining options." Hanyu circled several spots on the map with a pen and marked them with numbers.
"I think spot number five is the best. It has a good view, enough to monitor the surrounding area, while the thick vegetation makes it easier to hide. It also gives us room to maneuver or relocate, so we won't be trapped." Renjuro pointed to spot number five on the map.
The reconnaissance ninja's opinion deserved respect. The other two nodded along. From that spot, they could observe the whole area, and if danger arose, it would be easier for everyone to retreat to Konoha-controlled territory.
"If we're all in agreement, let's head over there." Hanyu thought the spot was a good choice too, so he settled on it for their observation post. Then they carefully made their way toward it.
On the way, they found neither any sign of the enemy nor any traces left behind by the previous squad.
Once they reached spot number five, the reconnaissance ninja, Renjuro, began drawing special chakra patterns on the surrounding trees. Once he had finished, he would be able to quickly sense any unfamiliar chakra that came near one of the patterns.
Hanyu wasn't unfamiliar with this particular method of reconnaissance. In fact, it even felt somewhat familiar to him, because he could sum it up as... warding.
Once Renjuro was ready, Hanyu said to the others, "Set aside a few as spares, then place all the remaining Explosive Tags around us."
"All of them, Hanyu? Supplies at the front lines are extremely scarce. We should try to conserve them whenever we can," Nara Nagisa said. He thought Hanyu's plan was wasteful.
"All of them," Hanyu stressed, then explained, "Your idea is sound, but it won't make a difference. If we're the only ones conserving resources, it won't affect the overall battle at all. If everyone is conserving resources, then it won't hurt for us to waste a few. So... set out all the Explosive Tags. At least these traps will improve our chances of survival and completing the mission."
Logistics were the Hokage's concern, not theirs as Genin. There was one advantage to being a Genin, at least: they didn't have to worry about much. Whatever supplies they were given, they just used. Why fuss over it?
There was no doubt that public property in Konoha was wasted by people like Hanyu... But at least he put the supplies to public use instead of lining his own pockets.
"..."
Hanyu's words sounded somewhat reasonable to the others, but they still felt there was something not quite right about them.
They had little choice. Under their squad leader's orders, they set out the Explosive Tags. Once all their preparations were complete, their frayed nerves finally relaxed a little.
Then the squad spread out into their reconnaissance formation at spot number five. Hanyu and Nara Nagisa hid in the canopy of a tree, constantly scanning their surroundings with wary eyes. Not far behind them, Renjuro sat with his eyes closed, carefully sensing the area around each of the patterns he had placed.
Chichiwa lay on the trunk of a towering tree farther behind them, completely concealed.
Missions on the front lines were tense and monotonous, yet they allowed no room for carelessness. Hanyu and the others might have looked as if they were doing nothing, but the constant strain was exhausting.
As they stayed intensely alert, the first night gradually fell, and it seemed that nothing had happened that day.
But it was unwise to draw that conclusion too soon. A few bird calls, sounding perfectly natural and out of place in no way, reached Hanyu's ears. He immediately grew even more wary... It was a signal from Renjuro.
Then the bird calls sounded again, and Renjuro accurately conveyed what he had found:
"Enemy spotted. Number: 1. Coordinates: 22, 15!"
Through layer upon layer of leaves, Hanyu looked toward the coordinates Renjuro had reported and spotted a Sand Village ninja, just as expected.
Everyone had received Renjuro's message. Though they had only been together a short time, they had already established several ways to communicate.
"What should we do?" Nara silently asked Hanyu, forming signs with both hands.
Hanyu thought for a moment, then replied, "Wait. We need to wait until the enemy's teammates show up before deciding whether to attack. We must make sure we kill every enemy in one strike and give them no chance to counterattack."
Hanyu didn't believe a Sand Village ninja would enter this area alone. He figured the enemy was part of a squad, and the first one to appear was just bait meant to lure them out.
"But that ninja is already approaching the trap zone we set up."
"He's just trying to draw us out, but he's being too obvious about it. We have to hold back... Don't underestimate the Sand Village ninja's cunning."
"He's getting close to the Explosive Tags. Three steps, two steps, one step—he's stepped on the trap. It's about to go off!" Nara watched the enemy's movements closely, but at that point, he couldn't watch any longer.
What the hell, this Sand Village ninja seemed genuinely stupid. He didn't realize he'd fallen into a trap until he stepped right on an Explosive Tag.
A tremendous explosion startled the birds and beasts in the woods, and the Sand Village ninja who had blundered into the trap was sent flying.
Seeing the result, Nara stopped using hand signals and looked straight at Hanyu. His eyes seemed to ask, "What do you have to say for yourself now?"
Hanyu thought for a moment, then continued signaling, "We still can't let our guard down. Look, even the blood mist from the explosion is shaped like bait."
"..."
What exactly does bait look like, anyway?!
Before you continue