"Hard to say."
Shinku shook his head. "Sunagakure has many secret techniques, especially Wind Release techniques involving sand and dust. They can easily interfere with perception.
Perhaps they used the cover of the sandstorm to keep us from noticing anything unusual in advance." He paused before adding, "But the possibility of an informant is greater.
The friction between Konoha and Sunagakure has been growing lately. It's inevitable that some people with weak convictions might be won over."
The two walked beneath a thick oak tree. Leaning against its trunk, Shinku pulled two canteens from his ninja tool pouch and tossed one to Kawaki Aoba.
"Have some water. That battle took a lot out of you."
Kawaki Aoba caught the canteen, unscrewed the cap, and took a large gulp. The cool water slid down his throat, easing its dryness.
He looked at Shinku and asked, "What do we do next? Investigate the informant?"
"Investigating the informant is a matter for the higher-ups. Our mission isn't complete yet."
Shinku took a drink and said, "Our objective this time is to escort the supplies to the border outpost. Although we were ambushed, the supplies suffered no real losses, so we still need to continue onward.
However, to be safe, I've already contacted the camp and asked them to send reinforcements. We'll set out first thing tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning?"
Kawaki Aoba was somewhat surprised. "We're not resting for another day? Some of the team members were injured in that battle."
"We can't wait any longer."
Shinku's tone was firm. "Since Sunagakure's commander has already withdrawn, he'll most likely return with more men to retaliate, or set more ambushes along the route to the outpost.
We need to reach the outpost as soon as possible and join up with the garrison there. That's the