"Whoosh, whoosh—" Four figures leaped through the trees in crouched positions. Though they moved quickly, their movements were even more cautious.
There were four of them: one tall, three short. At the front of the group was a man around thirty years old. His face was utterly ordinary. His only somewhat distinctive feature was his pair of small eyes. Though they were not curved, they somehow gave people the sense that he was hiding a strange smile within. Behind him were three half-grown children: first was a round-faced boy with a tiger-like head and tiger-like build; behind him was a handsome boy with a somewhat sturdy body; and at the rear was a boy dressed in black, thin but handsome. However, the blade on his back clashed somewhat with his image.
The four were Chi Jingyou, Tuo, Mirai, and Sai. They had gone to Kirigakure territory to complete an unfinished mission.
They had left camp the day before yesterday and had already traveled for two days. After barely more than a day of travel, they had completely left Konoha's controlled territory. The danger had increased, so they moved through the Forest with considerable caution, slowing their pace accordingly. As for the sword on Sai's back, Mirai had prepared it for him while they were resupplying at camp. After all, he was supposed to carry out assassinations; constantly using Hatred would have too great an impact on his combat strength.
In fact, Mirai had wanted Sai to give him a sword at the time, but he had been stopped for all sorts of reasons, such as a sword distracting him. Still, all three of them knew the most important reason was definitely that the guy was unwilling to spend more money.
"Hm? Something's happening!" Mirai suddenly said in a low voice.