Kawaki nodded. "That's right.
Kanon, come with me to search what's left of the enemy camp and gather intelligence.
Everyone else, watch the perimeter. Don't let enemy reinforcements catch us by surprise.
Stay alert. If you spot anything unusual, signal immediately."
Kawaki headed toward the center of the blast, with Kanon close behind.
They moved lightly, avoiding the rubble and the remains of traps scattered across the ground.
The air reeked of smoke and burning. Craters of every size pocked the earth, and broken kunai and other ninja tools lay among the wreckage, stained with dark red blood.
"This must have been the Sunagakure ninjas' temporary camp."
Kanon stopped and pointed to a relatively flat stretch of ground ahead.
Several tents had once stood there. The blast had torn away their roofs, leaving only charred frames and scattered fabric.
Kawaki crouched and picked up a piece of cloth bearing Sunagakure's insignia. He examined it closely. "Yes, standard-issue Sunagakure tent fabric.
They must have been stationed here for some time." He set it down and scanned the area. "Kanon, use genjutsu to check the surroundings for hidden intelligence scrolls or traps."
"Okay."
Kanon answered and swiftly formed hand seals, murmuring an incantation.
Pale purple chakra flowed from her body and spread over the camp like a thin mist.
A moment later, she frowned. "I haven't found any hidden traps, but there's a faint chakra signature beneath those tent remains. It seems to be a sealed scroll."
Kawaki went where she pointed and used a kunai to clear away the debris.
Sure enough, a black scroll lay pinned beneath the ruined tent, with a Sunagakure sealing talisman affixed to its clasp.
"Be careful. The seal might be trapped," Kanon warned.
Kawaki didn't touch the scroll. He extended a finger and fed a