Near the bandit stronghold.
Luo Mang and the other four stood there, observing the situation inside the stronghold and the people coming and going.
Kakashi glanced over as well, then returned his gaze to the Icha Icha Paradise in his hand and replied casually.
"The people going up and down the mountain are all ordinary civilians. Even if there really is a ninja, it's probably only their leader. As I said earlier, I'll stay hidden and watch your progress."
"If your lives are in danger, I'll intervene, but that will also mean you've failed your training and will be punished. So do your best."
With that, he vanished from the spot without leaving a trace.
Only the four of them remained. Luo Mang raised his hand slightly, and they all crouched down to start planning.
"Since they're all ordinary people, we'll use the Transformation Technique to slip inside and get a clear picture of the situation. Then we'll decide whether to attack head-on or assassinate them."
Hearing that they needed the Transformation Technique, Naruto Uzumaki immediately rubbed his head and spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
"Brother Mang, my Transformation Technique... y-you probably already know."
"That's right, Mang. Naruto never passed his Transformation Technique tests at the Academy. Something could go wrong and get us caught," Sakura Haruno said, nodding.
"That is a problem."
Luo Mang rubbed his chin, looking at Naruto as he considered a solution.
Just then, Sasuke, who had remained silent, suddenly offered a suggestion.
"Heh, Bro Mang, Naruto could play a hunter we've captured. Wouldn't that keep us from being discovered?"
"Huh?!"
Naruto's eyes immediately widened at those words. He didn't want to go up the mountain tied up as a captive, so he hurriedly looked at Luo Mang beside him.
But Luo Mang had already