The sandstorm gradually subsided behind us, replaced by an increasing number of low shrubs and twisted, drought-resistant trees.
The air was still dry, but a faint scent of earth and vegetation, different from that of the desert, began to drift in the wind.
In the distance, the outline of a village, built against a massive rock wall and appearing messy and crowded, appeared on the horizon.
Kusagakure.
In stark contrast to the Yamato and planned layout of Sunagakure, it resembles a giant, naturally grown nest, with houses nestled against the mountainside in layers. Many buildings are carved directly into the rock, making it appear hidden and easy to defend.
The group stopped in a secluded canyon several miles from the village.
I Fūgetsu gestured for everyone to gather around, lowering her voice considerably. " The Kusagakure is just ahead. Their defenses aren't as tight as the Five Great Shinobi Villages, but they're extremely exclusive. Patrols and sentries are everywhere around the perimeter, especially at the main passes leading to the village, which are guarded by sensory barriers and ninjas. Forcing your way in will expose you immediately."
He looked at Shira and the three Chunin: "Our objective is to infiltrate, locate the areas where missing-nin might be hiding or trading, gather intelligence, and, if necessary, carry out eliminations. The less disturbance, the better."
"Understood." They all nodded in unison.
"The infiltration method," Yi Fengyue continued, "I will use genjutsu to cover the five of us, distorting the light and sound around us to create a mirage-like effect, making us blend into the environment in the eyes of the patrollers. But this is not invisibility; moving too fast, getting too close, or encountering a chakra-sensing ninja will still risk detection."
"Aoi, you're in charge of scouting the route ahead and the distribution of sentry posts, and guiding people to safe routes."
" Arai, you cover our retreat, clear away any traces we might leave behind, and deal with any stray enemies we encounter unexpectedly. Do it silently."
" Tetsuo, you're in charge of providing support. Use your Earth Release is a type of escape technique) ability to create temporary cover or make small noises to divert attention."
" Shira," I Fūgetsu looked at him, "Your task is to remain absolutely silent and stay close to the group under the cover of Genjutsu. At the same time, use your keen senses to be alert for any dangers that may appear from unexpected angles. If an encounter occurs, you need to control or knock down the target immediately without making a sound."
There is a clear division of labor, and everyone performs their duties.
"Action!" I Fūgetsu led the three in forming Hand Seals, used the Transformation Technique to change their appearance, and removed the Sunagakure Forehead Protector from their foreheads.
Shira was a little dumbfounded, and could only stare blankly as she took off her Forehead Protector from her waist, filled with envy.
Then, I Fūgetsu began to Hand Seals, his movements fluid and silent. A faint yet subtle Chakra fluctuation spread out from him, enveloping the five people.
Shira immediately felt as if the surrounding scenery was covered by a very thin, flowing veil, and the distant scenery was slightly distorted, but her teammates beside her were still clear.
He could roughly guess that, to outsiders, their area would probably just appear as a blurry heatwave or ordinary rocky shadows.
"Follow me, keep a three-meter distance, and watch your step," Kui said softly, her eyes seemingly gleaming faintly as she scanned the area ahead.
She quietly slid out of the canyon first, choosing a secondary path, a secluded route filled with gravel and bushes.
The group, like five ghosts blending into the environment, began to approach the outskirts of Kusagakure.
Soon, they encountered their first obstacle—a wooden watchtower built on a steep slope, where two Grass Ninja were on guard, chatting lazily, but their eyes occasionally swept across the path below.
"The security has been really tight lately, with defenses everywhere, inside and out. It seems the situation in the Shinobi World is still very tense."
"You bet! I heard that two Sunagakure have recently Jonin to join our Kusagakure. Isn't that absurd?"
"Haha, our Kusagakure is doing well too."