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The larger the group, the more varied their strengths and weaknesses, which often left behind useful clues. All Rong Lin could do was follow these small bits of intelligence to locate the mission's target.
"Do you feel that Uchiha Rong Lin is different from others?" Haru Ame Yoru, who couldn't contribute much during the journey, asked in a low voice.
"He is different."
Shimura Oto nodded. "Compared to his peers, he's stronger, more composed, and his behavior doesn't resemble that of a child at all. I wonder how he compares to Kakashi, whose fame resounds throughout Konoha!"
Though Kakashi had quite the reputation, he wasn't particularly popular in school. He always kept people at arm's length, leading to few truly understanding him—most impressions were based on speculation.
"I feel like this mission was specially prepared for him. We're practically useless here."
A girl's intuition can be surprisingly accurate, and Haru Ame Yoru voiced her suspicions.
"Perhaps. But words like that should not be spoken aloud."
Shimura Oto frowned. It wasn't just Haru Ame Yoru; even he shared this impression. However, such thoughts were best kept to oneself. Voicing them would cast doubt on the Hokage and the White Fang, inviting unnecessary trouble.
Every mission was reviewed by the Hokage before being issued, meaning the Third Hokage had personally gone over its contents. The White Fang then accepted it. Speaking against this process would essentially question the judgment of both the Hokage and the White Fang.
"Oh."
Haru Ame Yoru responded softly, her mood dampened. She didn't want to feel this way, but watching her teammates work tirelessly while she remained helpless was maddening.
"We need to catch up with him."
Shimura Oto raised his hand to gently caress Haru Ame Yoru's cheek, causing her face to flush as she let out a soft hum and fell silent.
Ah, the ultimate move—face-touching flirtation! Done right, it could charm anyone, male or female, potentially ending one's single life. Done wrong, well, it might end with a black eye instead.
But were these two shamelessly flirting? Or shamelessly flirting? Or shamelessly flirting? Important things must be said three times!!!
Noticing their antics from behind, Rong Lin couldn't help but recall a certain phrase. Clearing his throat, he said, "You two, this is mission time. If you want to get cozy, wait until tonight—I'll pretend I didn't see or hear anything."
"What?! What are you talking about?!"
"... ..."
Shimura Oto and Haru Ame Yoru's faces turned bright red as they quickly separated, feeling awkward under Rong Lin's amused gaze.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Rong Lin said with a smirk, "but you'll have to stop your little love fest. I've found traces of the enemy."
Flustered and embarrassed, they froze for a moment before joyfully asking, "You found them?"
"Mhm." Rong Lin smiled and nodded. "While rain washes away many things, it also leaves behind traces—if you know where to look."
"Amazing!!!"
This was the first good news since leaving the village—at least for the error-prone duo.
Shaking his head, Rong Lin grew serious. "Don't celebrate just yet. Remember, the enemy has a large number of skilled fighters. We need to gather sufficient intelligence before making a move, or it will put us at a disadvantage."
The smiles on their faces vanished, replaced by stiff expressions.
That's right—the enemy was powerful. Could the three of them really complete this mission?
Thinking about the numerous Special Jonin, a group of Chunin, and the Jonin leader, they felt a chill run down their spines. This was going to be a tough fight.
"Trust me—we'll complete the mission."
Rong Lin reassured them. "Rest here for now. I'll go gather useful information."
"Wait!"
Shimura Oto raised his hand and called out, "Why don't I come with you?"
After a moment's thought, Rong Lin declined. "It's about to rain."
He glanced at the sky. "Find a place to rest and leave markers. I'll return soon. It's easier to move alone."
Gathering intelligence was dangerous work, and Rong Lin certainly couldn't afford to drag along a tag-along. One slip-up could lead to discovery, putting both of them in grave danger. Even if Rong Lin managed to escape safely, what about Shimura Oto?
Rong Lin had no intention of repeating the experience of saving a teammate while abandoning a mission.
"Alright, be careful. We'll leave markers." Rejected, Shimura Oto's eyes flickered with a hint of dejection, but he said nothing. He knew his own limits—if he went, he'd only become a burden to Rong Lin. Still, being rejected by someone three years younger than him at the age of ten left a bitter taste.
After declining Shimura Oto's offer to accompany him, Rong Lin quickly departed.
A wise decision. From the shadows, Sakumo silently observed as Rong Lin rejected Shimura Oto and set off alone to gather intelligence. Nodding approvingly, he acknowledged the boy's prudence.
"Hahaha, everyone drink up! That last raid was fantastic—it'll keep us living comfortably for a while!"
Standard Rain Country wilderness camping equipment came into view. Several large tents stood before them, accompanied by raucous laughter and chatter echoing in the distance. Clearly, the enemy made no effort to hide. In the Five Great Nations, this might not mean much, but within Rain Country, their lineup was formidable enough to deter most people. Their carefree drinking and revelry were perfectly normal.
"Two hidden sentry posts, each manned by one Chunin and two Genin."
Amidst the pouring rain, Rong Lin used his Byakugan to carefully observe the enemy's sentry positions, analyzing the situation in his mind. It had to be said that when it came to reconnaissance, the Sharingan couldn't compare to the Byakugan. What puzzled Rong Lin, however, was that his Sharingan seemed to be evolving slowly, while his Byakugan showed no signs of change. Would it only begin evolving once his Sharingan reached its peak?
The thought flitted through his mind, and Rong Lin hoped that wouldn't be the case—it would be incredibly frustrating.
These were wandering shinobi, so their strength couldn't compare to those from established Hidden Villages. Their overall power level was significantly lower, especially among the Genin and Chunin ranks.
The biggest challenge would be their leader, the Jonin. Hopefully, he wasn't one of the rogue Jonin from the Second Shinobi World War.
The aftermath of the war had left many stranded or deserting shinobi scattered across Rain Country, with significant numbers hailing from Konoha and Iwagakure. If that were the case, things would get complicated.
Especially since these individuals might have experienced the trials of war.
Of all aspects of this mission, Rong Lin was most concerned about the enemy leader. If they could neutralize him, everything else would fall into place.
Though the enemy was strong, Rong Lin had great confidence in himself—as long as nothing unexpected happened.