Creating Chaos

Saji had his doubts, but his two companions had a point. Maybe he was just too tense.

Still, it paid to be careful. He got out of bed, lifted the tent flap, and looked outside. Rain still fell over the camp. Apart from squads of shinobi on patrol, nothing stirred.

"Well, Saji?"

Saji nodded. "Nothing at all. Maybe the last two days have put me on edge.

"This alliance has had one setback after another, especially that infighting. Our plan to invade the Land of Fire looks so close to success. All we need to do is drive back the forces in front of us.

"But after several battles, we haven't gained an inch, and the Stone shinobi have suffered terrible losses. We've lost as many elite fighters as we did in the previous six months. If this goes on, Iwagakure's very foundation will be at risk."

Asano fell silent.

Iwaju said, "He's right. As long as we have people, we can quickly replace lower-ranking fighters. Elite fighters are forged in battle. Every one we lose is a heavy blow."

The three fell silent again and lay down to sleep. Quiet settled over the tent.

Fugaku was in no hurry to attack them. None of them had fallen asleep yet, and entering the tent would only alert them again.

He turned toward another tent. Ordinary Stone shinobi were nowhere near as vigilant as Saji and the others.

Fugaku lifted the flap and slipped inside. The shinobi within were still fast asleep.

Four shinobi shared the tent. His kunai flashed several times, and three died in their sleep without ever knowing what had happened.

He placed the survivor under deep hypnosis, planting a suggestion in his mind to attack the Sand Shinobi when the allied forces next faced an enemy.

Fugaku