At night, the chirping of insects rose intermittently around them, like music, though far too chaotic to be called a melody.
To an irritated person, it would only sound noisy. But to someone at peace, it added a touch of amusement to an otherwise dull night.
Uchiha Tsukikaze concealed himself within the dense bushes. He had hidden himself so thoroughly that only two tiny holes around his face let in a sliver of moonlight.
His gaze crossed with the moonlight as he watched every movement within the village with unwavering focus.
He had chosen his position carefully as well, hiding on higher ground to ensure he had an unobstructed view of the entire village.
This village did not have many exits. Even the Thunder Train tracks were not far from the entrances. But to be safe, he had to prevent the enemy from leaving from any unexpected direction.
That was why he had taken the high ground, ensuring that he could spot the enemy no matter which direction they left from.
And now, after crouching in the bushes for an entire day, Tsukikaze finally had results. He had spotted someone who seemed to be the enemy leaving the village through the main gate.
The other person wore a white robe that fluttered in the wind. A white mask covered his face, exposing two holes for his eyes. Beneath them, an eerie mouth curled slightly upward.
It was neither a smile nor not a smile, as though mocking someone, yet also as though silently refusing all conversation in helplessness.
That distinctive aura already revealed his identity. He was a ninja—and an outstanding one at that!
Tsukikaze immediately set off in pursuit. His movements were light, like an agile wildcat springing from tree to tree.
At the village entrance, the White-Robed Man