Yamanaka Chujiu did not stop walking.
He had already formulated a battle plan based on the intelligence gathered through sensing, and now he issued his orders directly.
"Senior Hyuga Yuanhui, there are two hidden sentries seventy meters ahead to your left. They're slack. Take them out."
"Yes!"
"Ino-Shika-Cho Squad, accelerate. There are seasoned Kumogakure Ninja one hundred and fifteen meters ahead of you."
"Yamanaka Misaki, advance forty meters and launch a surprise attack with the Mind Transfer Jutsu. Senior Nara Shikano, advance to fifty meters and take over control with Shadow Possession Jutsu. Senior Akimichi Tasuke will handle the elimination."
"Yes!"
"Remember, don't use the Expansion Jutsu!"
"Understood!"
"Iwasaki Squad, Yokoyama Squad, stay alert to the left. Watch for Kumogakure Ninja two hundred and thirty meters to your left."
"Uchiyama Squad, Ryoshi Squad, stay alert to the right. There are two linked groups of hidden sentries one hundred and ninety-eight meters away."
"Genjutsu Squad, use Night Mist Illusion eighty meters behind you."
"Uchiha Squad, stand by!"
"Five-second countdown. Five, four... move!"
The instant the order was given, the Konoha ninja vanished into the darkness. The next moment, kunai pierced the backs of the Kumogakure sentries. Their lungs were punctured, leaving them unable to make a sound as they died silently in the shadows.
The other sentries were first forcefully controlled mentally, then physically restrained by Shadow Possession Jutsu, and finally pinned beneath the mountain-like bodies of the Akimichi Clan, smothered to death without a sound.
On the map in Chujiu's mind, the three red dots silently went dark. He ordered, "The route is clear. Everyone, continue forward."
"Adjust formation. Uchiha Squad, move to the front. Watch for traps ahead."
After the assault force moved on, a patrol of Kumogakure Ninja passed through the area behind them. Under the effects of