Chapter 107
"What do you hear?"
Saitama tilted his head, ears twitching slightly. He frowned—there was a faint sound, like fire crackling in the distance, but it wasn’t clear.
"There’s no sound, Captain," replied Uchiha Yan after pausing to listen carefully. "Nothing nearby."
"West," Saitama muttered, eyes narrowing. He had already determined the direction.
"Let’s move." He quickened his pace without hesitation. If memory served, there were supposed to be a few settlements in that area—small villages on the Fire Country’s inner border, still within reach of Konoha’s patrol perimeter.
Although the border wasn’t far, a vast forest lay in between, making some isolated civilian settlements viable, especially those reliant on hunting.
As they moved, the sound grew louder, more distinct.
The fire was real.
Saitama’s instincts screamed. Something was wrong.
"Damn it!" He darted around a massive tree blocking their view—and flames filled his vision.
The glow of fire lit up the forest clearing. Wooden houses were engulfed in flames, crackling violently. The heat was oppressive, and thick black smoke curled into the sky. Several corpses lay in front of the homes, already charred, their features impossible to distinguish.