"According to Lady Tsunade's intelligence, the Iwa–Suna coalition is positioned somewhere ahead," Hyūga Hizashi said in a low voice. "From here on, we move cautiously."
The five-man unit had traveled for hours before stopping to assess their situation.
Each of them was young — most in their twenties — which made communication easy and decisions swift.
"We may only be five," Hizashi continued, "but that's still a large enough presence to risk discovery. Our mission is to gather intel, not to fight. We complete the task only if we return alive."
Lock nodded slightly. "I can use my concealment jutsu and move ahead to scout. It'll be faster if I go alone."
But Hizashi immediately shook his head. "No. That's too risky. The Iwa–Suna forces have skilled sensory-nin. If they detect even a hint of chakra fluctuation, your stealth won't save you."
Yamanaka Inoichi added, "He's right. We know your talents, Lock, but don't act rashly. The coalition isn't careless — they're prepared."
Seeing both of them oppose the idea, Lock didn't argue. He wasn't working alone this time — teamwork mattered more than pride.
Over the next few days, the five continued to patrol and reconnoiter. Bit by bit, they pieced together a clearer image of the enemy's formation — troop numbers, patrol routes, supply lines.
Twice, they encountered enemy scouts. Both times, skirmishes broke out. Though Lock's team eliminated the enemy, they had to retreat and relocate each time to avoid pursuit.
Fortunately, their coordination was excellent. They evaded detection and circled to continue their mission from another direction.
The information they gathered was regularly transmitted back to Tsunade through Yamanaka Inoichi's mind link. Even so, something about the enemy's behavior was… odd.
Despite their overwhelming numbers, the Iwa–Suna coalition hadn't advanced in days. Their movements were minimal, their attacks nonexistent — as if the entire army had suddenly gone still.
"They're just sitting there," Lock muttered one evening, crouched in the shadow of an oak tree. "No signs of preparing for an assault."
He'd even risked slipping past the perimeter under concealment once, but before he could get close enough to uncover anything meaningful, a wave of sensing chakra had washed over him — the enemy's sensory-nin were relentless. He barely escaped by using a teleportation technique.
That failure still stung. Lock had the skill to vanish, but it seemed the coalition had learned to expect him.
The group took shelter in a small clearing to rest and eat. Akimichi Chōza chewed noisily on a ration pill and grumbled, "We've been watching them for days. If they've got so many troops, why aren't they attacking? What are they waiting for? Trying to bore us to death?"
Inoichi smirked faintly. "You're thinking like a brawler again. Remember, the alliance isn't a single village — it's two. That means two commanders, two agendas. They may be united in name, but that doesn't mean they trust each other."
Hizashi nodded. "He's right. We're in the Land of Fire now. Every bit of land they've seized is closer to the Wind Country, farther from the Earth Country. I wouldn't be surprised if Iwa starts to question what Suna gains — or vice versa."
Ryōko Takeuchi, the medic, folded her arms. "If that's the case, their delay is our advantage. The longer they hesitate, the more time Lady Tsunade has to strengthen our position."
"Exactly," Inoichi said. "They may outnumber us, but unity matters more than headcount. And hesitation on their part means opportunity for us."
Hizashi turned his pale eyes toward Lock. "What about you, Lock? What's your read on this?"
Lock blinked, surprised to be asked so directly. He thought for a moment before replying, his voice calm and analytical.
"If the Iwa–Suna army attacked recklessly, we wouldn't stand much chance — not against that many. But as long as they hesitate, our odds rise with each passing day. They don't trust each other. We do. That's our real advantage."
He looked out toward the distant treeline where the enemy lay hidden. "And there's another thing. Iwa's come a long way from home, and Suna's fighting without a Kazekage. Armies like that don't last. Sooner or later, they'll turn on each other."
Chōza laughed and clapped him on the back. "Spoken like a veteran! Who knows — keep this up and you'll be the next big name in the ninja world, just like Lady Tsunade or Lord Jiraiya."
Lock gave a small, embarrassed smile. "You give me too much credit, Chōza-senpai."
"Ha! You're just modest," Chōza chuckled, digging back into his pack.
Then, all at once—
"Quiet."
Inoichi's expression shifted, his chakra flaring slightly as his mind spread outward.
Everyone froze.
"Something's off…" he whispered. "Chakra ahead — dozens, maybe more. Moving fast."
Hizashi's eyes turned pale as his Byakugan activated. He scanned the forest ahead — then his face hardened.
"…This isn't just a patrol," he said gravely. "The enemy's formation is changing."
Lock's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his kunai.
Whatever the Iwa–Suna alliance had been waiting for, it seemed they were finally about to move.
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