The Sky Ninja Village had once been located in the Land of Grass, which had only emerged after the Land of Sky was destroyed.
The Land of Grass was likewise wedged between great nations, though it was better off than the Land of Rain. It bordered only the Hidden Rock Village and Konoha, rather than facing three great nations at once.
The Grass Ninja Village of the Land of Grass kept a low profile, but its methods were thoroughly dirty. The village survived by selling intelligence, often trafficking information between the great nations.
However, the gradually resurging Sky Ninja had nothing to do with the present-day Land of Grass.
Upon reaching the forest, it was obvious that there were traces of human activity within it.
No wonder Konoha's ninja had found these people so quickly after arriving.
The Sky Ninja had operated openly and arrogantly declared war on the Five Great Ninja Villages during the Second Shinobi War, which was already a very long time ago.
There had been no news of them for so long, and they had only begun moving again in recent years. No wonder no one had noticed them.
"Go gather some intelligence. I'll wait for you here."
This was a good opportunity for training. The Sky Ninja's only threat was Shennong. The three little ones had been following Orochimaru for quite some time, so they should have no problem handling this. They still lacked real combat experience.
The three exchanged glances, nodded in agreement, and began exploring the forest.
Hiruzen Sarutobi found a large tree and sat beneath it cross-legged.
Of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi's Divine Sense remained fixed on the three of them at all times.
"What exactly is our mission?"
Only after entering the forest did Anko realize that she did not even know