Elsewhere...
Yui glanced at the battle around the distant convoy, then lowered her gaze to the group of ninja on the ground.
White vests and those forehead protectors... Kumogakure ninja? She was a little surprised.
Had this shipment of ninja tools really been stolen by Kumogakure ninja?
And had they turned around and laid a trap for Orochimaru and the other two?
Now she was full of questions.
"Lord Red Earth." A ninja dressed in black hurried over from a distance.
"Those samurai and the Konoha ninja have fallen into our trap." The black-clad ninja approached a tall ninja and spoke excitedly.
At those words, the tall ninja named Red Earth burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! To think the Konoha ninja would live to see this day!"
"Good. While we have the chance, gather everyone and charge in. Wipe them out in one fell swoop."
"Yes, as you command." The black-clad ninja saluted, then turned to organize the ninja behind him.
Before long, the black-clad ninja had assembled his men and swiftly headed into the distance.
Suddenly, as though remembering something, Red Earth called after the group ahead, "Remember to conceal your identities and wear your Kumogakure masks. Also, no Earth Release. Don't let them find out!"
"Oh, and don't kill all the Konoha ninja. We need to leave a witness."
At those words, the black-clad ninja turned around.
"Yes, my lord. Rest assured! I won't let the Konoha ninja notice anything out of place." He reached up to straighten the Kumogakure forehead protector on his brow, then turned and strode away.
Only two figures remained.
Just then, the other man, tall and thin, spoke. "Lord Tsuchikage's plan is truly brilliant! With just a little clever thinking, he's run circles around the Konoha ninja."
Red Earth nodded.
"Indeed. This plan will