With tensions between the nations mounting and the Third Shinobi World War looming, Sunagakure's leadership reacted almost immediately.
Large numbers of Sunagakure ninja were dispatched to the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire to conduct a sweeping search. They also closely monitored every unusual movement along the border, hoping to locate Pakura.
Or catch the "hidden hand" who had dared to target one of Sunagakure's key fighters.
The Land of Fire naturally noticed the unusual activity on Sunagakure's side, and patrols and security along the border were stepped up accordingly.
Unfortunately-or perhaps rather "coincidentally"-Uchiha Makoto, Kakashi, and Harada Yuichi happened to be assigned a routine border patrol mission this time.
Their task was to patrol several designated observation points along the Land of Fire's western border and check for signs of enemy infiltration.
It had originally been a dull assignment, but over the past two days, the atmosphere had noticeably changed.
"Cheng, Kakashi, don't you think Sunagakure is making a little too much noise over there?"
Harada Yuichi crouched behind a rock on high ground, pointing toward several faint plumes of dust rising in the distance toward the Land of Wind as he spoke quietly.
"Yesterday, there were only scattered patrols. Today, it feels like there are several times as many people, and they're moving fast. Are they looking for something?"
Uchiha Makoto glanced in the direction of his finger. He knew why they were making such a fuss.
Looking for something?
No, they were looking for someone.
"Who knows? Maybe they lost a valuable ninja beast or some important supplies."
Uchiha Makoto brushed the question off casually, his expression unchanged.
He certainly hoped these Sunagakure ninja would find no leads and gradually call it quits.
He wasn't afraid of trouble, but he didn't want