The mountains lay silent, with only the occasional, barely audible rumble of thunder drifting from distant Kumogakure, as though heaven and earth were whispering.
Just as the Third Hokage led Naruto stealthily into the hidden passage west of Kumogakure-
The squad led by Yemu was already moving like shadows through another secluded area.
Amid the lush forest, the wind passed soundlessly and leaves trembled, as though the squad had not disturbed even the flow of air.
They stopped in a concealed clearing behind a cliff face. Dense vines blotted out the sky, and darkness hid their figures, leaving only a faint ripple of chakra concealed in the wind.
The Third Hokage had not rushed to attack.
As a commander who had fought through several great wars, he understood the extraordinary significance of this operation.
They needed not only to intimidate Kumogakure and make it realize that Konoha still possessed overwhelming strength, but more importantly-this was a trial by combat for the younger generation.
In an age where war and peace intertwined, only those who stepped onto a killing field themselves could truly grow.
Yemu's squad lay concealed, waiting for their opening.
In the stillness, Shikamaru Nara stepped forward.
With both hands in his pockets, his languid posture contrasted sharply with his taut nerves. His brows furrowed slightly, and a note of guarded hesitation colored his voice.
"Yemu, you're the commander of this operation. Now that we've infiltrated the area, what's the plan? Let's hear it."
Moonlight filtered through the leaves and fell across Yemu's stern profile, casting soft patches of light and shadow. He smiled faintly, his calm gaze holding a keen edge, as though everything was already under his control.
"Our objective is to infiltrate Kumogakure and obtain classified intelligence."
His voice was steady and unhurried, yet carried