Kazemori Masaki stood quietly, his silhouette indistinct in the darkness, as though he had become one with the night. Sensing the ninja's positions, he slowly approached without making a sound, using the complex terrain of the unexcavated Ninshu Ruins to close the distance.
The perception granted by the sage realm was extremely convenient. Like a true sensory ninja, he could detect other people and objects, observing details with a precision that rivaled the Sharingan's insight. However, he still could not hear sounds through it, so he had to get closer to listen to their conversation and determine who they were.
Certainly, stepping forward, capturing them all, and interrogating them one by one would have been the fastest approach. But Masaki still lacked specific information about them, making that course of action rather reckless. Even someone as strong as he was could come to grief through carelessness.
Zhenghui always kept Tobirama's teachings in mind. An excellent ninja must never make the mistake of underestimating an enemy. Only by exercising caution at every turn could he maximize his chances of survival.
As he drew closer, Masaki began to make out their voices. They did not talk much, remaining silent most of the time and exchanging a few words to liven things up only when they seemed bored.
Most of their conversation concerned trivial matters and offered little useful information. Their accents, however, told Masaki where they came from. His party had passed through that place not long ago.
The Land of Hot Water. These people were ninja from the Land of Hot Water.
Masaki was puzzled. Why were ninja from the Land of Hot Water lurking here and keeping the people of the Land of Demons away? His intuition told him this was not an operation authorized by Yugakure Ninja Village. Given