Is This Wind Style? Such Strong Control!

"Indeed."

Aoba responded in a low voice, turning his gaze to Nara Clan Yuto. "Yuto, your shadow technique can be useful in the desert. Be ready to handle any unexpected situations."

Nara Clan Yuto was a thin young man with a lazy expression on his face. He nodded at the words. "Understood.

But the desert terrain is too open. My shadow technique has limited room to work, so I'll need an opportunity to close the distance."

"That's enough. Stop discussing tactics for now."

Asuma waved a hand and looked at Fujiwara with a smile. "Captain Fujiwara, it's getting late. When are we leaving?"

Fujiwara looked up at the sky. Night had already fallen completely, and the desert wind was beginning to grow more biting.

He nodded. "We'll depart in another hour, once the caravan has finished preparing.

The rest of you should go get some rest over there. I'll have someone arrange places for you later."

With that, Fujiwara turned and walked back to the caravan, beginning to direct his men as they continued their preparations.

Asuma stretched lazily, a pipe between his lips as he winked at Aoba. "So, Aoba, how does it feel? Traveling with a caravan has to be better than the four of us wandering blindly around the desert, right?"

Kawaki Aoba glanced at him, his tone calm. "I hope so.

But..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the caravan's wagons and horses. "I have a feeling this journey won't be so simple."

"Haha, Aoba, you're always so cautious."

Asuma patted him on the shoulder, looking utterly relaxed. "Don't worry. With me here, I guarantee you'll reach Sunagakure safely!"

Shinku snorted and cut in. "Asuma, rein in that optimism of yours.

Aoba is right. This caravan is too large and too obvious a target. We're bound