With Teacher Shinku here, what big trouble could possibly happen?

Asuma froze for a moment, then broke into a grin. "Tch, Aoba, you can be pretty scary sometimes. But then again, when do you think the sand bandits will make their move?"

"Soon."

Aoba's tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable certainty. "Didn't you notice? The birds have gone quiet since a while ago. The forest is too quiet—quiet in a way that isn't normal."

Asuma's expression shifted slightly at those words. He immediately fell silent and listened carefully to the sounds around them.

Sure enough, the occasional birdsong had completely vanished. Only the wind and the murmurs of the caravan members remained in the air.

"Aoba, you..."

Asuma muttered under his breath, though a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes. "Looks like things are about to get interesting."

Just then, Yuhi Shinku at the front of the group suddenly raised his hand again, signaling the caravan to stop.

His voice was low, but it carried a chilling frost. "Everyone, prepare for battle! The sand bandits are here!"

The moment he finished speaking, a burst of rapid hoofbeats suddenly echoed through the forest, accompanied by rough cries of slaughter.

Several dozen dark figures rushed out from the dense woods on both sides, wielding curved blades and spears as they charged fiercely at the caravan.

"They're finally here!"

Asuma let out a low roar, tightening his grip on his Kunai as fighting spirit flared in his eyes. Aoba did not answer. He merely slowly drew the short blade at his waist, his cold gaze fixed on the charging sand bandits. The corner of his lips curled into a frigid smile. "A bunch of rabble. They came at just the right time."

Battle was on the verge of breaking out. The caravan guards swiftly formed up and met the charging sand