Inside the Land of Rain.
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"...
Several dark figures flashed through the massive trees.
They were a Konoha squad, mainly tasked with scouting near Konoha's base to see whether ninja from enemy villages were carrying out any sabotage.
One member of the squad, with his youthful face, stood out. Though his small face was set in a tight frown, it was still clear that he was frightened by the mission—and deeply excited beneath the fear in his eyes!
So this is a battlefield?
Will we run into enemies later...? I hope not... I'm not ready for that yet...
Nawaki took a deep breath, his gaze fixed ahead as he thought.
Just as the squad had passed over a few tree trunks, a seal hidden in a secluded spot beneath one of them began to glow faintly.
In the forest not far ahead, a group of ninja who looked utterly exhausted suddenly turned cold-eyed.
"Captain! Someone's entered the barrier's range!"
One of the ninja licked his dry lips and spoke in a low voice.
The Forehead Protectors they wore identified them as a Sand Ninja squad.
At his words, the Sand Ninja captain's expression darkened slightly. He said in a low voice, "Prepare to meet the enemy. Whether or not they've discovered our tracks, we have to wipe them all out here!"
"This mission is crucial. The outcome of this war for the Sand Ninja depends on it!"
"Even if we have to give our lives, we won't hesitate! Is that clear?"
His voice was low and hoarse. The bloodshot veins in his eyes showed just how exhausted he was!
And yet, a fearless resolve radiated from him.
The Sand Ninja didn't reply, but they all nodded solemnly, their eyes shining with a readiness to die!
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"...