Chapter 108 – Catching a Spy
The night was quiet, broken only by the wind rustling through the dense forest.
A squad of Konoha shinobi moved silently among the trees, forehead protectors gleaming faintly in the moonlight. It was the Fourth Patrol Unit, tasked with guarding the border.
"Captain, something's moving ahead," one of the jonin whispered, eyes fixed toward the direction of the Kumogakure scouting line.
"That's within our patrol range," the captain murmured. "Let's move. Quietly."
The team adjusted formation and advanced.
Meanwhile, among the Kumogakure scouts, a young chunin named Arudo rushed ahead, unable to contain his excitement. It was his first mission across the Land of Fire's border. His enthusiasm carried him out of the sensory range of his squad's sensor-nin.
The more experienced Cloud scouts stayed cautious, mapping traps and covering each other's movements. But Arudo suddenly noticed how unnaturally silent the forest had become. His instincts flared—too late.
Two Konoha jonin dropped onto the branches ahead of him.
Startled, Arudo spun around, only to see three more blocking his retreat.
Five jonin. His escape was sealed.
As a scout, he instantly recognized their green flak vests. Most would panic—but Arudo straightened his back, feigning calm, as if he had trapped them instead.
The patrol captain narrowed his eyes. Something was off. No headband, no clear insignia.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
One of his subordinates smirked. "Captain, don't waste words. He crossed the border in the middle of the night—obviously a spy. Let's drag him back to camp. The Yamanaka clan will sort him out."
The captain nodded. "Fine. You take him back. The rest of us will continue the patrol. If he has accomplices, we'll flush them out."
"Leave it to me," the jonin said, pulling out rope. He addressed Arudo sharply. "Cooperate, boy. Don't make this harder."
Arudo knew he couldn't resist against five jonin. Without a word, he extended his hands. The Konoha ninja bound him swiftly, then delivered a precise hand strike to the neck, knocking him unconscious.
"Got him. I'll return to camp first," the jonin said, hefting Arudo over his shoulder.
The patrol captain gave a curt nod and signaled the others forward. Still, unease gnawed at him. The scout had appeared from the very direction where earlier disturbances had been reported. The forest ahead seemed too dark, too heavy. A bad premonition pressed on him.
"Let's check that area," he ordered.
The squad disappeared deeper into the forest.
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Not far away, within the Hidden Cloud encampment, the sensor-nin Kamudo rushed to his leader.
"Raikage-sama! Scout Arudo's chakra has vanished. He's been gone for over five minutes. I fear we've been discovered by Konoha."
The towering Fourth Raikage didn't flinch. "Hmph. Nearing their outpost, it was inevitable." His voice rumbled like thunder.
In truth, he respected Konoha's strength. Their shinobi, alongside his own Hidden Cloud, were unmatched in individual combat. He remembered the last war clearly: back then, he and Bee, still young, had clashed with the Yellow Flash. That man had been formidable—worthy as an opponent.
A flicker of disdain passed through his eyes. "But he died young. Killed by his own Tailed Beast. Pathetic."
In contrast, Killer Bee had long since mastered the Eight-Tails. There was no danger of rebellion. Hidden Cloud had turned its jinchūriki into living weapons, not prisoners. That, and the foresight of the Third Raikage—who had seized Uzumaki sealing arts decades ago—was why their village stood strong.
Their jinchūriki fought for the village. Other nations kept theirs locked away, trembling in fear. Weaklings.
"Listen up!" the Raikage barked, snapping his men to attention. "We'll encounter Konoha soon. They're likely already watching us."
His sharp eyes swept the trees. The moonlight barely pierced the thick canopy; the forest remained a wall of black.
"Light the torches!"
Flames sprang to life, driving away the shadows.
If Konoha had captured their scout, he would break easily under interrogation—the Yamanaka could peel thoughts straight from his mind. The Raikage expected no less.
But he wasn't afraid. If they had been discovered, then there was no need for hiding.
Hidden Cloud thrived on battle. And the Fourth Raikage had never feared a direct clash.
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