Kumogakure

"Captain, we understand why we're checking Konoha's strength, but we only faced off against Iwagakure a few days ago. Does the Raikage intend to attack the Land of Fire?" a ninja asked.

"Of the Five Great Nations, the Land of Fire is the wealthiest. The Raikage may covet the Land of Earth's territory, but Iwagakure hasn't been weakened on a large scale.

It can still fight. Which nation we go to war with will ultimately be decided by the Raikage and Kumogakure's senior officials.

We can't guess what they'll decide. We just need to report what we find."

Not far from the valley, Fugaku's squad advanced quickly. Its members came from all of Konoha's reconnaissance-focused clans.

The Byakugan and Kikaichū worked together to rule out traps the enemy might have laid, while Jun Inuzuka's partner, Black Maru, kept them on course.

Working together, the three moved at remarkable speed. The enemy had laid plenty of traps along the route, but the three of them found and dismantled every one.

Fugaku detonated an Explosive Tag and said, "They've laid a lot of traps. Without you three, another squad might have charged straight in and taken heavy losses."

"You're too modest, Captain. Compared to what you've accomplished this past year, what we're doing now is nothing."

Fugaku's Sharingan swept their surroundings, alert for anything unexpected.

"Captain, there's a valley ahead. The enemy may be hiding there," Aburame Nozawa said.

"Naoki, take a closer look."

"Yes."

Naoki Hyuga peered into the valley as the squad continued forward cautiously.

"Captain, there are six of them. They don't have any markings identifying their village, but they all have plenty of Chakra. They won't be easy to deal with."

As Naoki watched them, a ninja in the Kumogakure squad suddenly said, "Konoha shinobi are coming. I