Each team Shibuki dispatched was led by an experienced Sensor Ninja, accompanied by an investigator skilled in Earth Release and a guard responsible for communication and keeping watch.
This arrangement ensured an efficient search while making ample preparations for any danger they might encounter.
Although everyone knew there was no chance of encountering danger on this mission.
Still, this team formation was standard practice in the shinobi world.
No matter how safe things were, they could not abandon their vigilance just to save themselves some trouble!
These were all lessons learned in blood.
Deep in the woods, the first team was slowly advancing.
The Sensor Ninja leading them was named Nuemaru, a man in his early thirties.
He knew this area east of the village like the back of his hand.
Even so, faced with this uninhabited area five kilometers in diameter that Naruto had marked out, he did not dare grow careless or relax in the slightest.
"There are a few natural underground caves in this area that the village's ninja discovered by accident in the past," Nuemaru explained quietly to Naruto's Shadow Clone behind him.
"But... if there really is a secret base, those caves have most likely been modified."
"So we should focus on investigating these caves first!"
"Okay!"
Led by the Takigakure team, Naruto began swiftly but carefully searching the suspicious places nearby.
"Keep moving. Maintain the pace."
"Stop and check every suspicious spot. Don't overlook anything questionable."
"Yes!"
Time ticked by.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled light and shadows across the ground.
The woodland air carried the scent of damp earth, and an occasional birdcall drifted over from the distance.
Now and then, the ninja's footsteps rang out, along with the rustling of clothing brushing against branches and leaves.
Along another search