The Goal Has Been Reached

Behind his sunglasses, his gaze was sharp as a blade. His right hand lightly brushed his sleeve, and several tiny Kikaichū crawled out, silently burrowing into the ground and vanishing into the soil.

"My insects have already spread out. If there's an ambush, they'll bring back information soon."

Yuhi Shinku heard the three talking and turned around, his gaze lingering on them for a moment. His tone was stern. "Don't let your guard down.

"Our mission is to deliver the supplies safely to their destination. No accidents can be allowed.

"Aoba, scout the left flank. Yu, the right. Zhihui, the rear.

"Maintain formation. Do not split up."

"Understood!"

Kawaki Aoba answered, leaning forward slightly as chakra slowly flowed through his body, ready to respond to any sudden situation.

His gaze swept across the eaves of the shrine, where several crows perched, their heads tilted as they stared at them with an eerie glint in their eyes.

A chill ran through him. Lowering his voice, he said to Yuhi Shinku, "Captain Shinku, those crows... something's off about them."

Yuhi Shinku followed his gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. "Mm, they are indeed unusual.

"They may be summoned beasts used for reconnaissance. Everyone, stay alert."

Just then, the black-clad leader walked over with a perfunctory smile on his face. "Everyone, the convoy is ready. Our people will escort you to the town's border.

"Once you're past the border, you'll be on your own."

"Thank you."

Yuhi Shinku's tone was flat, but a hint of wariness flashed through his eyes.

He turned to the team. "Move out!"

The convoy slowly began moving. The wooden cart wheels rolled over the uneven ground, letting out low creaks.

Kawaki Aoba walked on the left side of the group, his steps light, but his eyes as sharp as