Naraku's squad consisted of eighteen people.
Naraku was in the middle, guarded by a four-man squad. Several kilometers to either side, another four-man squad protected each flank.
Three ninjas scouted ahead. Behind them, the company captain and one other ninja brought up the rear, protecting their retreat.
Under the layers of protection, Naraku began to lose focus as he moved through the trees.
The visit to Granny Cat had gone perfectly.
Naraku had subdued a newly born, two-tailed cat demon named Matatabi.
He had also created a giant Summoning Scroll, similar to the one Jiraiya used.
According to the agreement written on the scroll, every Ninja Cat in the Dark Ninja Cat Realm could be summoned by whoever held the contract.
The strongest Ninja Cat in Ninja Cat Castle was naturally Matatabi. She was enormous and powerful, yet agile, and could even use Hand Seals to perform Genjutsu. She was an excellent ally.
There were countless Ninja Cats skilled with Ninja Swords, and dozens as large as tigers.
These large Ninja Cats, who wielded Ninja Swords, were at least elite ninja level. There were also plenty like Kozunmaru, who excelled at Sensory Ninjutsu, as well as some skilled in Fuinjutsu. In short, there were a lot of cats. Naraku had acquired a fine clan of Summoning Beasts.
This Summoning Scroll could serve as an heirloom passed down through Naraku's line.
The other Uchiha ninjas would continue the traditional practice of adopting Ninja Cats from Granny Cat and signing contracts with them. After building a bond, they would leave the cats in her care.
Each Uchiha ninja would only raise and contract with a few Ninja Cats. They had limited time and energy, and couldn't train too many. Still, the cats were useful for gathering intelligence, so that arrangement would remain