Maki tucked Hayato Satomi's identity papers inside his clothes. Once all three were properly dressed and equipped, they set off together.
"We have our identities. Next, we infiltrate Hanzō's rear lines."
Maki spread out the border patrol deployment map and pressed a fingertip against Amegakure's clearly marked supply route.
"Simply sneaking in won't accomplish much. With just the three of us, even blowing up a few warehouses wouldn't hurt him where it matters."
"Then where do we find people?" Minato asked.
"Refugees."
"The Land of Rain is full of civilians fleeing the fighting. Years of Hanzō's conscription and grain requisitions have already driven them to desperation."
"We give them food, shelter, and hope of surviving. Naturally, they'll be willing to work for us."
"What exactly would they do for us?" Nonō pressed.
"Transport Explosive Tags."
Maki traced a fingertip along the supply route, drawing a long line.
"Hanzō's supply lines are stretched thin. There are several relay stations between his headquarters in the rear and the front lines."
"Those stations are on maximum alert for ninja, but ordinary civilians face almost no scrutiny. If refugees carry things among the crowds, they won't trigger any sensory barriers."
"We start with the southernmost relay station and work our way north, eating away at his logistics."
"You want the refugees to take Explosive Tags into the supply stations, then detonate them there?"
"No detonations."
"They'll only transport and hide them. Once we've stockpiled enough, we hit them with one massive blast."
"We mix the Explosive Tags into ordinary supplies and spread them out, one tag per person. We won't even need sealing scrolls."
"Civilians have no chakra, and inactive Explosive Tags give off no energy reaction. They can't possibly search every civilian passing through."
"It's not very efficient, but it's safe enough."
Minato