Latest Intelligence from the Land of Wind!

Yuhi Shinku swiftly issued his orders. "Remember, don't attack rashly. Observe the enemy's movements first.

"If anything seems wrong, retreat immediately. Protecting the supplies is the top priority."

"Understood!"

The three answered in low voices and quickly dispersed.

Kawaki Aoba and Yamashiro Aoba silently slipped into the left side of the woods, moving forward cautiously under the cover of the trees.

Aoba's footsteps were nearly soundless, but his gaze was as sharp as a hawk's.

He could sense a faint killing intent permeating the air, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.

"Aoba, do you feel it?"

Aoba lowered his voice, sounding somewhat nervous. "This chakra... it's strange. It doesn't feel like an ordinary ninja's."

"Yeah."

Aoba nodded, his brow tightly furrowed. "It feels like... chakra mixed with several different attributes.

"Aoba, don't you think this chakra is somewhat similar to that person from earlier?"

"Similar?"

Aoba froze, then his expression changed. "You mean the people ahead are from Kirigakure too?"

"Hard to say."

Aoba shook his head, though his gaze grew even more vigilant. "But whoever they are, we need to be careful.

"Aoba, is your Water Release ready?"

"Anytime!"

Aoba grinned, already forming hand seals. "What about you? Is your Wind Release ready?"

"Of course."

Aoba said quietly, his fingers already flying through seals before his chest. "Wind Release: Wind Blade, standing by."

Just then, a faint rustling came from the woods ahead, as if something were swiftly moving through the grass.

Kawaki Aoba and Yamashiro Aoba exchanged a glance, both holding their breath as they pressed themselves against the trunks of the trees.

"They're here."

Aoba murmured, his eyes fixed firmly ahead.

The next instant, three black figures shot out from the woods, moving as swiftly as ghosts.

Under the