The airdrop crate was still billowing red smoke, rising from the center of the valley like a conspicuous beacon.
Against the green forest backdrop, the red smoke was especially glaring, clearly visible to anyone within several miles.
The surroundings fell silent. Even the birdsong vanished, leaving only the rustle of wind through the canopy and the occasional chirp of insects in the distance.
This silence was more oppressive than any clamor, more dangerous than any cries of battle.
Inuzuka Hana crouched behind a thicket, her body completely concealed within the shadows of the branches and leaves.
Haimaru's ears stood erect in her arms, his nose twitching slightly as he carefully sniffed every trace of scent in the air.
A moment later, Haimaru's body tensed slightly. He lowered his head and gently licked the back of Inuzuka Hana's hand with his wet nose.
Inuzuka Hana narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice, barely loud enough for the two beside her to hear, "They're here."
Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan glimmered faintly in the shadows, its tomoe slowly turning.
He said nothing, merely nodding slightly as his right hand settled on the hilt of the ninja sword at his waist.
Kabuto Yakushi silently slid down from a tree branch and crouched beside Inuzuka Hana. He took out a kunai from his pack and gripped it in his hand.
The enemy seemed extremely wary. They did not rush out to seize the airdrop crate at once, and there were not even any footsteps or sounds of wind being cut. They were waiting.
Time passed second by second.
The red smoke continued to rise, while the airdrop crate stood quietly in the center of the valley like an enticing chunk of meat.
Yet the surroundings remained deathly still, without the slightest sound, as if