The Defecting Puppeteer

"Once we notice anything wrong, we'll retreat immediately and report to Lord Hokage."

Shikamaru Nara acknowledged, then performed the Shadow Imitation Technique. His body slowly merged into the surrounding shadows as he pursued the direction in which the Sunagakure ninja had disappeared.

Kawaki Aoba, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi lowered their bodies and cautiously followed behind, using the sand dunes for cover.

The wind in the desert grew stronger and stronger, whipping up sand that struck their faces painfully.

Kawaki Aoba kept his eyes fixed ahead, his chakra highly focused as he sensed Shikamaru's position and tracked the movements of the Sunagakure ninja.

Ino also continuously used her Mind Sensory Technique to scan the surroundings, making sure no other Sunagakure ninja were lying in ambush.

After following them for about an hour, the Sunagakure ninja ahead suddenly stopped and formed a circle, seeming to discuss something.

Shikamaru's shadow halted behind a nearby dune, completely motionless. He was clearly listening carefully to their conversation.

Kawaki Aoba signaled for Ino and Choji to stop, then asked quietly, "Ino, can you sense what they're saying?"

Ino closed her eyes and concentrated. After a while, she opened them again, her expression grave. "I can only sense that they're very agitated, as if they're arguing about something.

"I can't make out the specifics. They used a special ninjutsu to block the transmission of sound."

Kawaki Aoba frowned. "Blocking sound transmission? It seems this operation is highly secretive. They don't want anyone else to know about it.

"I wonder whether Shikamaru can hear what they're saying."

At that moment, the Sunagakure ninja ahead suddenly looked toward where Shikamaru was hiding. One of them shouted harshly, "Who's there? Come out!"

Kawaki Aoba's heart leaped into his throat. Shikamaru might have been discovered.

Shikamaru emerged from the shadows,