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With a wave of his hand, the journey began.
As soon as they left the village, a ninja from the Hyuga clan activated his [Byakugan]. Just like entering a battlefield, the entire team went on high alert.
This was not an overreaction. It was a necessary precaution.
During the Second Great Shinobi War, a specific event had occurred. A Konoha team had encountered an ambush just ten miles outside the village. The support squad suffered heavy losses. If the Jonin reinforcements from the village had not arrived in time, that squad would have faced total annihilation.
Cruel wars brought more than just blood and tears. They brought many lessons.
Currently, war could break out at any moment. These preparations were mandatory. Part of the purpose behind the training camp established by Yuhi Shinko was exactly this. As a veteran who had survived the battlefield, he wanted to pass down the experience gained from these lessons to the newly promoted Chunin and Genin of Konoha. It was a way to reduce unnecessary casualties.
This was the reason why Sarutobi Hiruzen supported the actions of Yuhi Shinko.
The group of fourteen included three Jonin. They even had a [Kage-level] powerhouse like Orochimaru. Every member was an experienced Shinobi. This made Kifu feel slightly more at ease.
'As long as we do not encounter an ambush led by a Kage-level expert, there should be no safety issues on this journey.'
As Kifu expected, they encountered no trouble along the way. The team successfully reached the outpost at the border of the [Land of Fire].
They completed a simple resupply of [Ninja Tools].
They left the temporary safety of the Land of Fire and entered the [Land of Valleys].
The Land of Fire did not share a border with the Land of Earth. Small nations like the Land of Valleys and the Land of Grass lay between them. They appeared to be buffer zones between the great powers. In reality, the buffering effect was not significant.
According to what Kifu knew, the Land of Valleys was a small nation that leaned toward the [Hidden Stone Village]. The Hidden Waterfall Village within the Land of Valleys was nothing compared to the Great Hidden Villages. However, its strength was quite outstanding among the smaller villages.
They had to guard against attacks from the [Iwa Shinobi]. They also had to watch for a sudden betrayal by the Waterfall Shinobi. The journey was full of hidden dangers.
After leaving the border, the Shinobi in the team became even more vigilant. They were prepared to engage in a large-scale battle at any moment. Even Orochimaru set aside his relaxed expression.
The Land of Valleys was filled with cliffs and waterfalls. The speed of the group slowed down instantly. Not only was the road difficult to travel, but they also had to be careful. A sudden attack could come from behind a giant rock, under a waterfall, or within a pool of water.
The Shinobi of Konoha and the Iwa Shinobi could walk boldly within the Land of Valleys. The Hidden Waterfall Village felt anger but did not dare to speak out. Small nations had no rights. This was true for the entire Shinobi world.
Whether it was the Land of Valleys or the Land of Hot Springs, Konoha had built outposts within their borders. These outposts were not used during times of peace. However, during wartime, these outposts became keys to the conflict.
The [Torimori Outpost] they were heading toward was a remnant left by Konoha during the Second War. Recently, the Iwa Shinobi had provoked the border of the Land of Fire several times. To ensure the safety of the residents of the Land of Fire, Konoha had to move its defensive focus forward. Thus, the Torimori Outpost was reopened.
Unfortunately, not long after the Konoha Shinobi moved in, they were attacked. The outpost immediately lost contact.
After walking carefully through the Land of Valleys for a while, they finally arrived safely at the location of the Torimori Outpost. Kifu maintained a very low profile throughout the journey. The Shinobi in the team knew what Kifu's mission was for this trip. They did not complain. They simply performed their own duties.
At the outpost.
What greeted their eyes were slightly damaged buildings.
"Hyuga Tokubashira."
"Yes! Orochimaru-sama!"
The one called was the only member of the Hyuga clan in the team. His [Byakugan] was the best tool for reconnaissance. The expression of Hyuga Tokubashira gradually became heavy.
"Reporting to Orochimaru-sama. The battle likely took place two days ago. I cannot find any traces of survivors for now."
He reported the situation to Orochimaru quickly and concisely. A dangerous light flickered in the snake-like pupils of Orochimaru. He scanned the buildings. His voice was hoarse.
"Watch the surroundings. Guard against an ambush. Enter the outpost!"
"Yes!"
Several people responded. They drew their [Kunai] and various [Ninja Tools]. They entered the building.
There was a thick smell of blood and severed limbs. It was mixed with a faint scent of charred flesh. The team entered the building. The scene they witnessed made everyone look grim.
After thinking for a moment, Orochimaru suddenly spoke. "Do you think the Iwa Shinobi will return?"
Without anyone noticing, the person standing next to Orochimaru had become Kifu. Looking at the corpses of his fellow villagers inside the building, Kifu felt a weight in his heart. He revealed a thoughtful look.
'Since this was a probe by the Iwa Shinobi, they definitely will not just leave. They want to see the reaction of Konoha. They want to see the status of Konoha. Right now, it is highly likely they are hiding in the distance. They are watching this place using a method we do not know.'
Orochimaru let out a cold laugh. "Good thinking. I believe so too. Furthermore, I do not think they will wait long before attacking again."
As he spoke, the group walked through the narrow corridor and arrived at the operations room inside the outpost. A blood-stained [Map] was spread out on the table in the center.
Orochimaru picked up two pieces from the scattered chess set and placed them on the map. After doing this, he mused. "Nakamura Kenta, Mitsui Hiyori. Each of you will lead a team to investigate a different direction. Leave markers along the way. Do not go too deep. Just a shallow probe."
"Yes!"
The captains of the two teams bowed in response.
He then looked at the remaining Jonin. "Gekko Naoki. Take your men and clean the outpost. Gather all the corpses."
Then he looked at Kifu without saying a word. Kifu understood his meaning. He nodded solemnly.