Sato's words snapped the genin out of their daydreams. They got to their feet and resumed their patrol.
"Captain, we've already taken Sunagakure. What country around here would still dare invade the Land of Fire?"
Sato shook his head. "The more critical the moment, the more careful we have to be. And an invasion isn't the only danger.
"The Land of Fire is the wealthiest country in the Shinobi World. Wandering ninja down on their luck will take advantage of Konoha's weakness to come here looking for easy pickings.
"They might plunder villages or wealthy merchants. Konoha belongs to the Land of Fire, so we need to be ready to protect the whole country.
"Come check the area ahead with me. We can rest after patrolling a little longer."
"Yes, sir."
Sato Hyuga activated his Byakugan from time to time to scan ahead. Its field of vision extended in a full circle, with only one blind spot at the back of his head caused by the Caged Bird seal.
Nothing else obstructed his 360-degree view. The squad moved swiftly, and Sato Hyuga activated his Byakugan again.
Dense ranks of figures appeared in his vision. Every one of them showed chakra activity in the abdomen.
Cold sweat instantly broke out on Sato's forehead. "Stop! There's a large enemy force ahead. Retreat toward Konoha, quickly. Don't alert them."
His voice trembled. Judging by the chakra signatures, there were at least several thousand ninja. With its current forces, Konoha had no hope of stopping their attack.
He had never expected Kumogakure to approach by sea.
The genin saw their captain's expression and realized how serious this was.
They turned and sprinted toward Konoha. The Kumogakure Forces behind them had yet to realize they had been spotted.
But even if they had known, they