They were Konoha's raiding force, made up entirely of battlefield elites.
Most of the Medical Ninja, along with the Genin and Chunin, had stayed behind with a small group of Konoha's senior leaders to guard the main camp.
"Lord Sakumo, we're only one kilometer from the Sand Ninja Main Camp. If we get any closer, they'll easily detect us. What should we do?" The veins around a Hyuga Ninja's eyes bulged. He had clearly activated his Byakugan.
"One kilometer. Can we launch the attack from here?"
"No. It would be better to get a little closer."
At dawn, the Sand Ninja were fast asleep. They had no idea that the Konoha Ninja they thought were still avoiding battle had quietly slipped up to the edge of their camp.
"Finish this quickly. Take out their sentries first," Hatake Sakumo said coldly.
"Yes." Several members of the vanguard nodded together, then vanished as they rushed toward the guard posts.
It was less a battle than a silent assassination.
The Sand Ninja who had been mocking Konoha moments earlier died without so much as a scream.
"Keep moving."
Once the sentries were dealt with, Hatake Sakumo waved the force forward again...
That was only a minor skirmish. To the raiding force, a little guard post like that was merely an appetizer.
"Get into formation. Prepare to attack."
With the Byakugan, the Sand Ninja guard posts had nowhere to hide.
And with such a formidable Assassination Squad clearing the way, the raiding force entered the Sand Ninja Main Camp without resistance.
Though it was already the early hours of the morning, plenty of guards were still keeping watch.
The Konoha Ninja had taken up their positions.
The assassination specialists slipped into the shadows and crept into the Sand Ninja camp.
Meanwhile, Ninja skilled in