Chapter 39
"What's the situation?" everyone immediately concealed themselves, and Captain Kawaki whispered his inquiry.
"Three chakra signatures are approaching from the northwest. They aren't familiar," Hyugaki reported while continuing to observe through his Byakugan.
"Stay alert. They could be enemies," Kawaki muttered, sensing something was off even before their traps had been fully set.
Saitama lay under a sparse bush, eyes locked on the northwest direction. The others weren't far, similarly concealed.
This area was barren, with little vegetation due to its proximity to the Wind Country's border. The harsh climate and frequent sandstorms made it an inhospitable place for plant life—and ideal for ambushes.
Whoosh!
The sound of movement cut through the wind as three figures approached. They moved swiftly despite the rough terrain and neared the perimeter Saitama's squad had marked earlier.
The leading figure halted abruptly, raising his left hand. The two younger shinobi behind him stopped immediately.
"Discovered?" A bead of sweat rolled down Kawaki's forehead. Though experienced, he'd become more cautious over the years. With responsibilities—family, comrades—came hesitation. His instincts screamed that they were outmatched.
From his observations, the leader was a jōnin from Sunagakure, and at least one of the others was a skilled chūnin. Kawaki knew they couldn't win head-on.
He signaled rapidly with hand gestures.