Investigating Sunagakure's Movements!

He paused, then continued, "But you don't need to be too nervous. With the two of us working together, as long as we're careful, we can retreat safely even if we encounter enemies."

Kawaki Aoba nodded. "I understand, sir.

I'll remember what you said and won't act rashly."

They continued northwest. After running for more than two hours, they finally reached the border region.

The terrain was every bit as complicated as the rumors claimed. Sand dunes and gorges lay everywhere, along with the ruins of abandoned villages. Broken walls stood desolate beneath the relentless wind and sand.

"Let's rest here, drink some water and recover our strength. Then we'll start our patrol."

Kazama spoke as he found a dune sheltered from the wind and sat down.

Kawaki Aoba sat beside him, took a flask from his pack and drank.

"Sir, look over there."

Kawaki Aoba suddenly pointed toward an abandoned village nearby.

Kazama followed his finger. A figure seemed to flash past the village entrance.

Kazama's gaze sharpened instantly. He lowered his voice. "Aoba, be careful. Let's take a look."

They approached the abandoned village cautiously, stepping lightly to make as little noise as possible.

They hid behind a broken wall and looked into the village.

A person dressed as a Konoha Ninja stood in the center of the village with his back to them, apparently searching for something.

"It's a Konoha Ninja!"

Kawaki Aoba kept his voice low. Both his hands had already closed around the Kunai at his waist.

Kazama patted Kawaki Aoba's shoulder, signaling him not to act.

"Let's see what he's doing first. Don't alert him."

Kazama watched the Konoha Ninja closely.

The Konoha Ninja seemed unaware of Kazama and Kawaki Aoba. He wandered around the village, occasionally bending to inspect the ground as though