Within the Land of Fire.
Lin Ze stopped outside a relatively open valley.
The tracks grew clearer here and led into the valley.
Lin Ze leaped onto a large tree, concealing himself among its dense branches and leaves as he looked into the valley.
Several figures were resting inside.
They wore the standard flak jackets of Iwagakure Ninja. One was particularly tall and burly, with a resolute face. It was Kitsuchi!
He was crouching on the ground, examining a map and occasionally exchanging a few quiet words with his subordinates.
It really is him.
Lin Ze felt reassured.
He carefully observed the Iwa Shinobi beside Kitsuchi. There were four in total, and judging by their chakra fluctuations and conduct, all were elite jōnin.
One near-Kage level? Four jōnin... this squad has quite a formidable lineup.
Lin Ze noticed that Kitsuchi's aura fluctuated a little more strongly than before. His strength had probably reached the threshold of Kage level.
His mind raced as he considered his approach.
Charge straight in and fight them head-on?
With his current strength, he naturally had nothing to fear.
But if they were determined to flee, especially a ninja like Kitsuchi who specialized in Earth Release, stopping all of them would be somewhat troublesome.
It would be best to kill Kitsuchi in one blow, or at least severely injure him, stripping away most of their fighting strength.
While Lin Ze was considering his tactics, Kitsuchi seemed to sense something. He abruptly raised his head and scanned the valley's surroundings, his gaze finally settling slowly on the general direction of Lin Ze's hiding place.
Hmm? His senses are sharp.
Lin Ze thought to himself that Kitsuchi certainly lived up to his reputation as an Iwagakure elite.
"On guard!"
Kitsuchi barked, his voice echoing through the valley.
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