In Root's underground command center, the only sound in the frigid air was the low hum of machinery.
On the enormous display, two glaring red dots moved unhurriedly along their projected route toward Konoha's central district.
Naruto stood with his arms folded, calmly watching everything unfold.
"Zero."
"Present, Commissar." Zero emerged from the shadows and respectfully lowered his head.
"Judging from their clothing, they belong to the same organization. Both have clear scratches across their forehead protectors, which suggests this may be an organization specializing in recruiting rogue ninja," Naruto analyzed slowly. "Their objective, their scale, their leader... all of these are unknown variables. I need data."
He paused, his gaze never leaving the screen.
"Initiate a Level Two population clearance. Evacuate all civilians along planned routes Three through Seven. I don't want any noncombatants appearing in their sight."
"Yes!"
"Let them come in," Naruto added. "I want them to speak."
He switched to another communication channel, his voice turning even colder.
"Cicada Shell."
A clear, steady reply came from the other end. "Cicada Shell in position."
"Proceed to Sniper Position One and lock onto target 'Samehada.' Until I give the order, maintain silence and make no unnecessary movements. However, if they show any signs of harming civilians, open fire without hesitation."
"Understood."
With the orders issued, the command center once again fell into absolute silence. Naruto sat with his eyes closed like a statue, patiently waiting for his prey to step into the cage he had carefully prepared.
The moment Kisame Hoshigaki entered Konoha, he sensed an unprecedented strangeness.
The streets were completely deserted. The doors and windows of the shops on both sides were tightly shut, and some even had wooden signs hanging outside that read, "Closed Temporarily." The entire village was as silent as a massive