Cherry blossoms filled the grove, carpeting the entire road in a sea of pink.
Three figures lurked behind different cherry trees.
Their expressions were grim and cold.
"Copper Horn, are you sure your information is right? Are you certain that member of the Uzumaki Clan takes this route home?"
A burly ninja spoke to the man before him.
"Lord Ryosuke, I've been undercover in Konoha for years. Whenever Kushina Uzumaki goes home from the Ninja Academy, she has to pass this way."
Copper Horn knelt before Yotsuki Ryosuke with his head bowed.
"One more thing. Kushina Uzumaki is usually accompanied by someone named Uchiha Yin. They're both Tsunade's disciples, and word is they have the strength of Chunin."
Copper Horn gave Yotsuki Ryosuke the warning.
"Hmph. Konoha loves to exaggerate its ninjas' abilities. Two students who haven't even graduated from the Ninja Academy have the strength of Chunin?"
"If they were that strong, they'd have graduated early. Why would they still be there?"
Yusuke spoke with a mocking edge.
In his eyes, Konoha had clearly exaggerated Uchiha Yin and Kushina Uzumaki's abilities.
"Yusuke has a point, but we can't let our guard down. This is Konoha's territory. Once we grab that girl from the Uzumaki Clan, we leave immediately. Don't let Konoha catch us."
Yotsuki Ryosuke thought for a moment before speaking.
"Besides, we have a backup plan. This mission should go smoothly. Then we can find out how to control Tailed Beasts from a member of the Uzumaki Clan."
"Yes, Lord Ryosuke," Yusuke and Copper Horn replied at once.
"Someone's coming. Hide." Yotsuki Ryosuke's eyes flashed, and all three vanished.
"Yin, what do you think will happen when they assign teams tomorrow? Will we end up together?"
Kushina held Uchiha Yin's hand, her budding chest pressed against his arm.