"According to our previous observations, they had always been stable. They had never made a move like this."
Saddam frowned slightly.
"Have we been exposed?"
The young ninja's face went pale, and he hurriedly shook his head.
"No! I can guarantee it with my life!
Our surveillance had always remained at the maximum possible distance. We had never approached the perimeter of their settlement.
And they packed up very calmly. It didn't look like they had been alarmed. It was more like... they were preparing to leave according to a plan."
Saddam stared at the lights below in silence for a moment.
"Could Konoha have..." he mused, but did not finish the sentence.
The young ninja did not dare respond.
The night wind swept over the cliff, carrying the faint sound of a distant stream.
A sharp gleam flashed through Saddam's eyes.
No matter what, Kumogakure was determined to get this group of Uzumaki Survivors.
He absolutely could not ruin the mission personally assigned by Lord Raikage.
"We move tomorrow," he said in a deep voice.
The young ninja perked up. "Yes! The specific deployment is—"
"Before they leave, take them all."
Saddam cut him off.
"Remember Lord Raikage's orders—we need them alive and intact.
Not one can be missing, and not one can be injured."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces hidden in the darkness behind him.
"Do this well, and all of you will be richly rewarded.
When we return to the village, promotions and titles will be easy enough."
Several figures lowered their heads in unison. "Yes!"
Saddam turned back toward the settlement below.
In the night, those faint lights seemed to be silently telling some story.
Uzumaki Survivors.
The corner of his mouth curved slightly.
"Go make your preparations. Tomorrow, we'll give them a