"The location shown in the intelligence should be here. I just didn't expect it to be this secluded." Mei Terumi stood before the hot spring's entrance, looking around as she pondered to herself.
She wore her distinctive blue battle robe, looking valiant and dashing, though there was also a hint of caution in her demeanor.
After all, this was Konoha territory, and their purpose here was to investigate Root. One careless move could alert Konoha.
Ao, standing beside her, chimed in, "I never expected one of Root's bases to be hidden here. No wonder we could never find it within Konoha."
There was a trace of surprise in his voice. Clearly, this discovery had caught him off guard as well.
Mei Terumi nodded, agreeing with Ao. They had come here to gather intelligence on Root.
That this hot spring was actually the location of a Root base had truly exceeded their expectations.
"Still, that means this operation may go more smoothly than expected." A sly glint flashed in Mei Terumi's eyes. "Since this place is so well hidden, Root's defenses probably aren't too tight either."
Ao smiled. "Let's hope so. But we still need to be careful. This is Konoha territory, after all."
The two exchanged a glance, each understanding what the other meant.
Though they were currently here as exchange personnel, that did not mean they intended to behave themselves.
If they could gain something without drawing Konoha's attention, or do a little "looting" in Konoha, they certainly would not turn it down.
They had gone to great lengths to avoid the surveillance of Konoha's Hyuga clan.
Now that they had finally made it here, they naturally had to make the most of the opportunity and gather as much intelligence as possible.
Mei Terumi took a deep breath, composed