Early in the morning, Uzumaki Kuming had already met up with the ten-man squad under his command. But after joining them, he didn't lead the team back to the Konoha camp. Instead, they hid nearby and kept watch on the Cloud Ninja as they withdrew.
Although Uzumaki Kuming had reached an agreement with the other side's Raikage, it was still necessary to stay on guard.
"Crack!"
A faint popping sound came from the firewood in the campfire. Uzumaki Kuming held a small stick and gently stirred the flames. The weather was getting colder, and sitting by a fire in such temperatures was wonderfully comfortable. As for keeping watch on the Cloud Ninja, the few shinobi under his command were more than capable of handling it.
As their leader, why should he need to do it himself?
Not far from Uzumaki Kuming, four shinobi stood hand in hand with their eyes closed, gathering Chakra. They were combining their efforts to use Sensory Ninjutsu, monitoring the Cloud Ninja's every move from several miles away. Five others were scattered through the surrounding woods, keeping watch.
Nara Shikaichi sat with Uzumaki Kuming, helping feed firewood into the flames.
"Lord Kuming, won't the Cloud Ninja spot us if we build a fire?" Nara Shikaichi asked, scratching his head in puzzlement as he looked at the blazing campfire and the smoke curling up above it.
"So what if they do? What does it matter?"
"Don't worry. The Cloud Ninja aren't that stupid."
Uzumaki Kuming replied unconcernedly. He tossed the fire poker aside, stretched, and lay down on his sleeping mat. Looking at the flames, he continued, "The Raikage's younger brother was exhausted after I beat him last night. He won't recover anytime soon."
"The Raikage has already made his choice, so I'm not worried he'll go