After Hatake Sakumo and the others left the Konoha Camp, they headed toward their destination, choosing more difficult paths along their planned route. Anyone without sufficient skill would find it impossible to catch up with them quickly.
As they moved farther from the camp, Yamanaka Risa could no longer receive transmissions through the mental secret technique. Without the aid of a jutsu formula or large ninja tools, human power alone could not maintain communication over such distances.
"Captain Sakumo, we haven't received any reports of Iwagakure ninja pursuing us," Yamanaka Risa reported to Hatake Sakumo once her mind link with the camp broke.
Hatake Sakumo glanced back. "Good. Keep an eye on our surroundings. I trust our village's intelligence-gathering abilities. Even if the Iwagakure ninja come after us, it will take them some time. We can get much farther ahead."
"Yes." Yamanaka Risa acknowledged the order, running and leaping along in the middle of the team as she used her sensory ability to monitor their surroundings.
"The enemy really was drawn away, wasn't it, Captain Sakumo?" asked Fujimura Yuki, who followed behind.
"Yes, most likely. The Iwagakure ninja's movements seem to suggest that." Hatake Sakumo nodded. "Thanks to Ken's suggestion, we'll have much less pressure on us. With any luck, we might reach our destination safely."
"That's Ken for you." Fujimura Yuki smiled and glanced at Uchiha Ken.
"Nothing special," Uchiha Ken said expressionlessly.
Seeing Uchiha Ken's reaction, Fujimura Yuki gave a slight shrug. Since his return, Uchiha Ken had not slacked off in his missions at all, but he seemed to have little interest in fame or fortune.
They were all among the finest Konoha ninja, so they naturally traveled quickly. Still, no matter how fast they were, they had to stop and rest. Hatake Sakumo surveyed the terrain