"In principle, an elite squad like the Iwagakure Explosive Corps should achieve its strategic objective as quickly as possible once it made a move."
"For such a unit, having its whereabouts exposed often meant the mission had failed."
"Under those circumstances, most squads would choose to withdraw rather than waste time looking for another opportunity."
"This looks less like they're seeking an opportunity to destroy Konoha's defenses, and more like—"
"A diversion!"
Orochimaru raised his eyes toward the blazing fire in the distance.
For a moment, unease stirred within him.
As early as half a month ago, he had discovered traces of the Iwagakure Explosive Corps along Konoha's border and within the Land of Grass.
Yet until now, aside from secretly destroying several of Konoha's defensive facilities, they had made no meaningful moves.
That kind of strategy might fool the village's mediocre fools, but it could not escape Orochimaru's eyes.
He had realized it long ago, but he could not figure out what Iwagakure was truly planning.
"What is that old bastard Ōnoki trying to do?!"
Flames roared ahead, and waves of heat swept through the area, lifting Orochimaru's long hair and revealing his somewhat slender frame. It only made the night's silence feel even more profound.
The squad members around him also fell silent.
They lowered their heads, each considering Iwagakure's possible strategic objective, but ultimately found nothing.
After pondering for a long time without reaching any conclusion, Orochimaru ordered the Chunin to remain behind and handle the aftermath. After instructing the squad's ninja to heighten their vigilance, he led the others away.
No one spoke along the way.
By the time they neared their encampment, the squad members, exhausted after a night of work, had finally relaxed somewhat and found the mood to chat.
A Nara Chunin lowered