"This time, our mission is to lie in ambush in Area Four." Akasuna Hideki pointed at a small red dot on the map.
"This is a Hidden Mist Village stronghold on Mount Yoshizawa. According to intelligence, more than two hundred Hidden Mist ninjas are stationed here. At four o'clock, Konoha's main force will launch a full-scale assault on the Hidden Mist. The battle should be over in roughly two hours. Sunagakure's task..."
Akasuna Hideki pointed to the latter half of the map.
"...is to cut off the enemy's retreat!"
The three youngsters listened attentively while smearing tactical paint over their faces. This was a new product from the Hourglass Group, a handy little thing that provided camouflage while repelling insects. Sunagakure had purchased a batch for the units participating in the operation, issuing one to every person.
"This time, we are not the main force. Area Four is not the best retreat route, so theoretically, we won't encounter large groups of routed soldiers. But we absolutely cannot let our guard down. If we encounter scattered small enemy groups, we eliminate them. If a large enemy force retreats through our sector, we hold them back. Pheobe!"
"Here!"
"Take this flare. If there are more than four enemies, set it off. Within twenty minutes, at least six combat teams will come to support us. Do you understand?"
"Understood!" the three answered in low voices.
"One last reminder. Even if we face fifty or a hundred enemies, as long as there is one living person left in Team Twenty-One, we must grit our teeth and hold out for twenty minutes!"
"Yes!" the three replied firmly.
"Check your equipment!"
"Complete!"
"Complete!"
"Complete!"
"Synchronize watches!"
Four watches were lined up together, all displaying 3:12.
"Move out!"
At Akasuna Hideki's command, the four figures swiftly vanished