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 group crouched low, hugging the shadows of the rock face, and moved slowly.
I Fūgetsu's Genjutsu worked perfectly. When the gazes of the Grass Ninja on the watchtower swept over their location, they didn't linger at all, as if there was nothing there.
As they closed the distance, at one point they were almost passing through the shadows directly beneath the watchtower. Shira could even hear the Grass Ninja complaining about the food up there.
He held his breath, his muscles tense, ready to deal with any unexpected situation, but his steps were as light as a cat's.
Bypass successfully!
Aoi gestured, pointing to another, steeper path that could barely be called a road. The group silently changed direction again.
Like experienced hunters, they skillfully avoided visible sentries, using the terrain and I Fūgetsu's Genjutsu to gradually infiltrate the outer defenses of Kusagakure.
During this time, they nearly ran into a three-person patrol team. Tetsuo quickly Hand Seals, and a rock in the distance suddenly made a slight rolling sound, successfully attracting the patrol team's attention.
The group quickly slipped into the deeper shadows on the other side.
On another occasion, Arai astutely discovered an extremely well-hidden trap trigger thread. He precisely cut it with a Kunai, like a scalpel, and disguised it to avoid triggering the alarm.
Shira remained highly alert throughout. His senses were heightened to their limit by the subtle adjustments of the Seven Heavens Breathing Method, allowing him to detect subtle Chakra fluctuations or footsteps in the distance several times in advance, and to remind the team to take precautions in advance through hand gestures.
The whole process was thrilling but ultimately safe. Fortunately, everything was progressing in a positive direction, and there were no instances of accidentally stepping on a stone or branch and being discovered by the enemy.
Finally, at sunset, they successfully crossed the most dangerous outer defensive zone and infiltrated the interior of Kusagakure.
The buildings here are more densely packed, the streets are narrow and winding, and the air is filled with a sense of oppression and chaos.
Most of the villagers looked pale and hurried along. When they saw these unfamiliar faces, their eyes were mostly wary and indifferent. No one stepped forward to question them, as if they had long been accustomed to this closed and insecure living environment.
"According to intelligence, those two missing-nin are most likely hiding in the black market area in the northwest corner of the village or in the abandoned old training ground," Aoi reported in a low voice. "We need to split up and gather information."
"Okay." I Fūgetsu nodded. "Two people per group. Kui and I will go to the black market. Arai and Tetsuo, you two take Shira to scout the area near the old alley. Remember, we're infiltrating. Unless we confirm the target and have a chance to eliminate them silently, we will not take any action. Meet up at the abandoned temple ruins at the east end of the village in an hour."
"Clear."
The group split up again, like drops of water merging into the ocean, disappearing silently into the shadows of the intricate alleyways of Kusagakure.
Shira followed behind Arai and Tetsuo, her eyes scanning the surrounding environment, memorizing every intersection and every landmark building.
Besides carrying out his mission, another tension was taut within him.
Karin... would you be here?