"Sandstorm?" Kakashi's expression changed. He understood the environment of the Land of Wind and knew how terrifying sandstorms in a place like this could be.
Once one started, the sky would darken and the earth would vanish from sight. Even ninjas most familiar with the terrain could lose their way and be buried beneath the endless yellow sand. One misstep could cost them their lives.
Before the forces of nature, even ninjas were incomparably fragile.
"A sandstorm..." Naruto Uzumaki murmured. As he remembered it, when he had gone to rescue Gaara in his previous life, they had also been blocked by a sandstorm and forced to wait for a long time.
Moreover, he had run into Temari on the way there in his previous life. But things had changed slightly this time. Temari had not appeared in Konoha and had instead remained in Sunagakure, so naturally there would be no chance encounter.
"Yes. It looks huge. We need to find somewhere to take shelter." Hinata nodded. The shadows in her eyes were drawing ever closer.
At that moment, the others could vaguely make out the terrifying mass of yellow sand as well. Three Tomoe appeared in Sasuke's eyes. The Sharingan's long-range perception was inferior to the Byakugan's, but this distance was not a problem.
"It's a massive sandstorm. We can't force our way through."
Kakashi nodded. After looking around, he said, "There's a rocky ledge on the right. We can use ninjutsu to open up a cave and take shelter. Let's go."
"Uh, Naruto?"
The three turned around, only to find Naruto standing where he was without making a move, and they could not help but look puzzled.
Naruto smiled. "There's no need for that. We're in a hurry right now. Every second we waste puts Gaara's life in greater