The Kirigakure reconnaissance squad entered the Forest first to check for ambushes ahead. Whether they found any or not, they had to send their findings back. The main force followed them in, using the scouts' reports to decide whether to advance and what measures to take.
The reconnaissance squad moved cautiously through the woods. As experienced ninja, they naturally understood that this terrain was ideal for ambushes. During their training in Kirigakure Ninja Village, they had frequently been tasked with ambushing others in forests or locating and disarming traps.
No one spoke. Instead, they silently conveyed orders to their companions through hand signals and other gestures. They were all experienced Kirigakure ninja. Even if they rarely encountered worthy opponents within the Land of Water, the records and accounts of battles left behind by veterans of the Shinobi World War provided material for simulated trials.
Those records taught the Kirigakure scouts what tactics their enemies had used and how to overcome them. Those accompanying the forces led by Hozuki Lengyue and Jing were naturally among Kirigakure Ninja Village's elite scouts. In the village's brutal atmosphere, anyone without strength could never earn recognition. They either died early on the battlefield or were relegated to insignificant positions and left to fend for themselves.
With the reports sent back by the scouts, the main force led by Hozuki Lengyue and Jing entered the forest with confidence. The two highest-ranking Jonin analyzed the intelligence arriving from ahead together and decided on their next moves.
"Could they really have set no ambush here?" Hozuki Lengyue asked in surprise. After reading several reports, he had noticed nothing unusual.
"Perhaps they really don't have many people and don't want to waste lives here," Jing speculated.
"What cowards." Hozuki Lengyue curled his lip. He was merely indulging in empty