Damn It, He Got Away!

Kawaki Aoba took the scroll and studied it carefully. As he read, he said, "Understood.

"I'll disguise myself as an ordinary merchant and slip into Sunagakure's border region. I'll use specialized reconnaissance tools to gather intelligence without exposing my identity."

"Good."

Shinku's voice held a note of trust. "

"This mission will be both a challenge and a chance for you to grow.

"Remember, no matter what happens, stay calm. Your safety comes first.

"If you run into trouble you can't handle, activate the distress signal included in the scroll. The village will send someone to help you."

Kawaki Aoba held the scroll tightly against his chest and said solemnly, "You can count on me. I'll complete the mission and come back safely."

Shinku nodded, his gaze settling on the dark night sky beyond the window. There was a subtle weight to his words. "Sunagakure probably won't let this go so easily. When you reach the border, keep a close eye on their movements, especially Baki and Kankuro. They're both elite Sunagakure ninja. Don't underestimate them."

Kawaki Aoba's heart tightened. Teacher Shinku must have had a reason for saying that.

He nodded firmly. "I'll remember your warning and stay alert."

The oil lamp in the secret room flickered, casting their shadows on the wall. As they spoke, the shadows kept shifting, as uncertain and tense as the situation between the two countries.

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Sunagakure's gates slowly opened.

Baki led a squad of twenty elite ninja toward Singing Sand Gorge on desert lizards.

Every member of the squad wore a grave expression. Their ninja tool pouches bulged at their waists, and they carried specially made windproof goggles, ready for whatever might happen.

"Lord Baki, did we bring enough ninja tools?"

A young ninja in