The border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth.
A stretch of barren land lay sharply divided from the lush forest. The desolate area was completely uninhabited.
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" ...
Dozens of figures arrived at that very moment!
They stood scattered among the trees, watching the barren land opposite from a great distance.
Beneath the concealing green leaves of a large tree.
"Sosuke... cough... What do you make of the current situation?"
An older ninja, his face somewhat pale, turned slightly toward the tall young man behind him and asked quietly.
Looking at the young, handsome ninja behind him, the older man felt a faint pang of emotion.
Three years ago, he had been a boy...
And now... had he already grown this much?
At the question, Sosuke offered a gentle smile. His bright eyes behind his glasses surveyed the desolate land across from them, and his voice was soft and resonant.
"It seems the other side hasn't focused on deploying ninja along the border between the two countries. Given Iwagakure's military strength, this situation is highly unusual."
"Based on intelligence gathered over the years, Iwagakure's ninja forces should be no weaker than Konoha's."
As he spoke, a glint flashed in his eyes. He continued quietly, "In that case, they may be signaling an unspoken understanding to Konoha... that the main battlefield... isn't here."
"The Land of Rain is the ideal battlefield."
"Of course, that's only my guess. We'll follow your orders, Captain Shingo."
Sosuke smiled slightly, his expression calm and modest.
After hearing him out, Moonlight Shingo's expression remained unchanged. He turned his head away and spoke, his tone faintly approving.
"Your analysis is spot-on, Sosuke."
"Before we left, Lord Third gave me a confidential letter containing information on Iwagakure's ninja movements. All signs indicate... that