Now that the Sunagakure forces have been crippled, they will surely retreat across the board, and they will definitely guard such important strategic locations with the utmost vigilance.
This is likely to be a hard-fought battle.
If Orochimaru and the others can complete their training and come out to lead the teams, it will be fine.
But if they can't, many people will likely die.
"There's no need to worry too much about the pressure."
"The operation begins tonight, but it's only for preliminary reconnaissance and testing."
"The formal attack will only start once the intelligence ninjas have a clear grasp of the situation."
"By then, Orochimaru will also return to resume leadership."
"Furthermore, other teams from the Village in the direction of the Land of Wind are coming to support us."
"You'll know the specific arrangements when the time comes."
Kome Aki clearly knew what the others were thinking and immediately explained.
Orochimaru is coming out?
And there are other arrangements?
That's good then.
This shows that Orochimaru also approved of this tactical approach and knows more details.
Since he thinks it's feasible, there shouldn't be much of a problem.
That night, Uchiha Gen's team assembled again and began to penetrate deep into the Asuka Mountains for reconnaissance.
Their team's reconnaissance capabilities were actually top-tier—mainly because of Hyuga Hizashi.
In terms of scouting, the Byakugan has an advantage that other reconnaissance ninjas cannot replace.
Coupled with Uchiha Gen's Ninja Crows, which could monitor from the sky at a long distance, their surveillance was formidable.
They also had the summoned snakes of Ryūchi Cave, which have excellent scent-tracking abilities and can serve as half an Inuzuka clan ninja.
Their configuration in this regard was absolutely top-notch.
"There is a Sunagakure patrol team one kilometer to the west; I suggest avoiding them."
Hyuga Hizashi held a drawing board, sketching the terrain and Sunagakure's military layout seen through his Byakugan as he spoke.
"Next, we head south."
"The Ninja Crows spotted a Sunagakure stronghold from high altitude, but it's protected by a barrier."
"We can't get close, so we'll have to make a trip there ourselves."
Uchiha Gen fed a few strips of dried meat to a Ninja Crow perched on his arm and spoke calmly.
"Alright, I'll still lead the way," Hyuga Hizashi nodded.
Meanwhile, inside the target stronghold that Uchiha Gen and the others were heading toward.
The Jonin captain in charge of guarding the stronghold watched helplessly as he was blindsided by a trusted subordinate, losing consciousness.
Even with his decent strength, when faced with a sneak attack from someone stronger than himself while completely off guard, he simply had no time to react.
"My, my, how unfortunate."
"To be nearly taken out by your closest person. Sadly, I'm not your 'someone special.'"
Amidst the eccentric voice, the body of a female ninja wearing a Sunagakure uniform shifted and transformed into a swirl-faced White Zetsu.
This was the most powerful and unique White Zetsu in Madara's hands, Tobi.
"Hmm—I wonder if your body will let me experience the urge to poop? I'm really looking forward to it."
"If it doesn't work, I'll definitely kill you after finishing Lord Madara's mission."
Tobi patted the face of the unconscious Sunagakure Jonin.
The swirl on his face opened up, swallowing the body like a flower bud.
He then transformed again, taking on the appearance of that Sunagakure Jonin.
"Hey! Has that guy arrived?"
Tobi tapped the floor with his foot and whispered.
"He has already reached the designated area."
"Although the Byakugan's reconnaissance range is large, there are ultimately distance limits."
"The Ninja Crows and summoned snakes also have their own ways of being evaded."
"As long as we form an encirclement outside the Byakugan's line of sight, no matter how they hide, it will be futile."
A half-black, half-white head emerged from the wooden floor, explaining in a raspy voice.
"What's with all the chatter?"
"Since everything is arranged, let's head out!"
"I can mobilize all the ninjas in this entire stronghold."
"Once they get close, I can start killing, right?"
Tobi gestured wildly, but this movement looked indescribably ridiculous on a burly Sunagakure Jonin with a serious face and a full beard.
"Theoretically, yes, but at least make the disguise a bit more convincing."
"Otherwise, who in this stronghold will listen to you?"
Black Zetsu looked at Tobi's behavior and critiqued him, as was his habit.
"Ahem, don't worry."
"I've been lurking and observing this person for three days."
"I've mastered his speech, behavior, and expressions. I won't show any flaws."
Tobi spoke with a serious face, and he actually looked the part.
"Sigh, pay attention to the signals from the other White Zetsu. They are almost there."
Black Zetsu left one final word before slowly sinking into the ground and disappearing.
A few minutes later.
One kilometer outside the stronghold.
Uchiha Gen and the others formed a circle, guarding Hyuga Hizashi in the center.
Veins bulged around the latter's eyes as his Byakugan stared toward the stronghold, his hands rapidly sketching all the observed intelligence onto the drawing board.
This was the last place they needed to scout on this trip, and also the deepest they had ventured into enemy territory.
Just as he was halfway through, Hyuga Hizashi stopped his movements.
With a startled expression, he called out, "We've been discovered!"
Discovered?
Uchiha Gen moved instantly, looking up at the sky.
Several blurred attacks appeared in the sky, shooting toward the Ninja Crows.
Does the other side also have wide-range sensory ninjas?
Is their range actually large enough to rival the Byakugan?
Or did something else happen?
Poof!
Forming a hand seal, the summoning of the Ninja Crows in the sky was released.
The attacks aimed at the Ninja Crows missed, and Uchiha Gen turned to look at Hyuga Hizashi.
"Which direction do we retreat?"
"I'm looking, but—it seems we've fallen into an encirclement!"
"Several Sunagakure teams have blocked off every direction."
"If the enemy has sensory ninjas, then no matter which way we go, we'll be intercepted!"
Uchiha Gen's expression instantly turned grim.
"Our reconnaissance area was selected based on information from the Intelligence Department."
"Aside from the superior ninjas who gave us the mission and the people in the Intelligence Department, no one should have been able to predict our route!" Sarutobi Enjun said through gritted teeth.
This meant a traitor had leaked the information!
Uchiha Gen actually suspected the same, and the target of suspicion in his mind immediately pointed to a certain Konoha elder.
Since he was both an Uchiha and the disciple of Orochimaru—a future Hokage candidate—and a "successor of the Will of Fire" certified by Mito, it seemed plausible for Danzo to target him.
But that guy is currently in the Land of Hot Springs following Hiruzen Sarutobi to fight Kumogakure.
Can his reach really extend this far into the Land of Rain?
But if it wasn't Danzo, who else could it be?
Or what if it wasn't a betrayal by a spy, but some other, more troublesome situation?
Now was not the time to think about these things.