At the center of the force, Danzo studied his tactical notes as he moved, never slowing as he leaped from one thick branch to another.
Around him were three figures wrapped tightly in black robes. Broad hoods concealed their features, leaving outsiders with only faces half-hidden in shadow.
The Konoha ninjas carefully surrounding Lord Danzo had no questions about these three black-robed figures.
They simply assumed they were members of Konoha's mysterious Root.
All they wanted was to perform well in front of Lord Danzo, even if that meant taking a blade for their beloved lord.
Jiraiya was at the front of the formation. This time, he was the reconnaissance unit's captain, and he was very confused.
He had no idea who had spread the rumor in Konoha that he was good at intelligence work...
"Captain Jiraiya, there are large numbers of chakra signatures ahead."
Without turning his head, Jiraiya replied, "Have the Byakugan take a look."
The somewhat tired Hyūga clansman behind him nodded, formed hand seals, and activated his Byakugan, which he had only just given a brief rest.
"Byakugan!"
Alarming veins instantly bulged around the Hyūga clansman's pure white eyes.
In the Byakugan's black-and-white world, the Hyūga clansman looked through the endless trees, bringing the chakra signatures ahead into closer view.
Densely packed ninjas stood not far from their main force, right at the Land of Fire's border. Though there were many of them, none of their chakra signatures were particularly strong.
"Captain Jiraiya, a large number of ninjas ranging from genin to chunin strength have gathered outside the border."
"They aren't hiding. Judging by their ninja forehead protectors..."
"They should be from Kusagakure."
The Hyūga clansman expanded his field of vision, confirmed he had missed nothing, then deactivated his Byakugan and reported to Jiraiya.
"Tch. Report