"Yes. If it hadn't been for Aoba, we probably would've had a hard time making it back alive this time."
Izumi said the same, her gaze toward Aoba filled with admiration.
Aoba merely nodded faintly without saying anything.
He had been thinking about that mysterious Elite Jonin and the mysterious person who had appeared at the end.
Although this mission had been completed, his grudge with Sunagakure had only just begun. And that mysterious person would likely become a threat to him in the future as well.
The three continued onward and soon arrived at a border town in the Land of Fire.
They decided to rest in the town for the night, replenish their supplies, and then return to Konoha.
When the townspeople saw them wearing ninja uniforms, reverent expressions appeared on their faces.
The three found an inn, settled in, and ordered some food and drinks.
"Come on, Aoba, Iwasaki. Let's celebrate the successful completion of this mission!"
Izumi raised her cup and said with a smile.
"Alright!"
Iwasaki raised his cup as well and clinked it against Izumi's.
After hesitating briefly, Aoba also raised his cup.
Just then, the inn's door was suddenly pushed open, and several ninjas dressed in Sunagakure uniforms entered.
Leading them was a tall Sunagakure ninja whose sharp gaze swept over everyone in the inn.
When he saw Aoba and the others, a cold glint flashed through his eyes.
Aoba's group instantly became alert, Kunai already clenched in their hands.
"I didn't expect to run into invaders like you here."
The tall Sunagakure ninja sneered, his tone icy. "Looks like you won't be escaping today!"
"Sunagakure ninjas? How did you track us all the way here?"
Izumi's expression changed as she asked.
"Hmph. Sunagakure's tracking techniques are beyond anything you can imagine."
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