Leaving the ruin, the group of three rushed toward the Land of Rain. Since time was tight, they moved swiftly, keeping a steady pace while avoiding the main routes. Orochimaru led the way, his senses alert for any signs of danger, while Akane and Tsunade followed closely.
"If we maintain this speed, we'll reach the border by nightfall," Orochimaru said after calculating, his tone calm and analytical.
Tsunade glanced at Akane and noticed his thoughtful expression. She asked, "Something on your mind?"
Akane shook his head lightly and replied, "Just thinking about the potential resistance once we enter Rain. If word about Iwa's movements has spread, we might not be the only ones investigating."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod, acknowledging the possibility. "We'll adjust our approach once we assess the situation. For now, stay vigilant."
With that, they pushed onward, each lost in their own thoughts while maintaining a practiced awareness of their surroundings.
...
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the trio reached the edge of the Land of Rain. The air grew colder, metallic scent of the ever-present drizzle that remained in the region.
"We are close," Orochimaru spoke. He paused for a moment, scanning the area before signalling for them to proceed with caution.
Akane felt the slight chill of the moisture-laden wind on his face. He glanced at Tsunade, who had already activated her chakra sensing, her eyes narrowed as she focused on their surroundings.
"We'll avoid the known patrol routes," Orochimaru continued, his snake-like eyes catching the faint moonlight as he led them into a dense thicket. "Our first task is to locate the camp and assess their numbers without revealing ourselves. The locations marked on the map might have some changes in them, so we will proceed after checking out."
Akane nodded, his mind already racing through the possible scenarios. He tightened the straps on his kunai pouch, ensuring everything was in place. "If we encounter any Rain or rogue ninjas, do we engage or evade?"
Orochimaru smirked, his sharp features shadowed by the trees. "Evade, if possible. But if engagement is unavoidable, eliminate them quickly. We can't afford to leave witnesses. After all, our priority is different, and time is the main thing in this mission."
Akane nodded at his words. He thought of sending more Zetsus around, but he knew that Orochimaru would notice his movements.
As they moved deeper into the rain-soaked terrain, Akane felt the pressure of their mission settling over him. He knew that any mishappening could lead to something bigger and the information he has might be lost.
'Not only on them, but if information is known to others, it will affect us. Even if information about me is known, I don't want anyone to know about Land of Waves, no matter what.'
With each step, the steady patter of rain grew louder, the ground beneath their feet turning slick and treacherous. Yet, despite the rising tension, Akane felt a strange sense of calm, a silent confidence that had begun to root itself within him.
'No room for mistakes,' he thought, his eyes narrowing as they crossed into the heart of the Land of Rain.
The trio moved swiftly, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth and constant drizzle.
Akane's eyes flicked from tree to tree, his senses extended to catch the faintest hint of movement. After a while, he whispered, "Four scouts ahead. Two on the left, one on the right, and one moving parallel to us about fifty meters out."
Orochimaru glanced at him, impressed by his sense. He made a subtle hand signal, and they shifted their path, moving to avoid the scouts without breaking their pace.
As they continued, Akane raised his hand again. "Two more, higher up, watching the approach to the main trail. They are positioned to catch anyone moving too directly toward the camp."
"Sharp as ever," Tsunade whispered, a small smirk on her lips. She also glanced at Orochimaru, who seemed to be impressed by Akane's sensing abilities, which were better than many ninjas he had known.
Tsunade tightened the bandages on her knuckles, her muscles already tensing in anticipation.
Orochimaru adjusted his pace, choosing a narrower, rockier path that wound between large, jagged stones. It provided better cover and fewer clear sightlines for the scouts above.
After another hour of careful navigation, Akane whispered again, "We are entering their outer perimeter. Traps are likely from here on. Watch for wire and seal markers."
As if on cue, Tsunade paused and subtly pointed out a thin, almost invisible wire strung between two twisted tree roots. Orochimaru stepped around it without breaking his stride, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The air grew denser, the rain felt heavier as they finally reached a ridge overlooking a small, well-hidden clearing. Several makeshift tents and camouflaged tarps were scattered below, the dull glow of faintly lit lanterns casting long shadows across the muddy ground.
"We are nearing the camp perimeter. There will be scouts nearby, likely spread thin to avoid detection by Amegakure patrols." Orochimaru explained with a thoughtful face.
Tsunade adjusted her cloak, pulling the hood further down as rain dripped from her chin. "You know the signal, right?"
"Of course," Akane replied, forming a quick series of hand seals before releasing a thin pulse of chakra. It travelled silently, an invisible wave that would be picked up by the right sensors but remain unnoticed by others.
Moments later, a flicker of movement to their left caught Akane's attention. A figure dropped down from the trees, landing with a quiet thud. It was a Konoha shinobi, clad in dark, rain-patterned gear with his headband partially obscured.
The ninja scanned the trio, his gaze lingering on Tsunade and Orochimaru before focusing on Akane. He gave a small nod, a subtle but clear sign of recognition.
"Welcome," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rain. "Follow me. The captain is waiting."
Without another word, the trio moved deeper into the cover of the dense forest, following the scout as he led them through a winding path lined with hidden seals and traps meant to catch intruders.
After a few minutes, the trees thinned out, revealing a small, camouflaged outpost nestled among jagged rocks and dense underbrush. The faint glow of chakra barriers shimmered briefly as they crossed into the camp's protected zone.
Several more figures moved in the shadows, some of them stopping momentarily as they recognised Tsunade and Orochimaru. The camp, though small, was bustling with quiet but intense activity, a stark contrast to the chaotic fronts of the war.
The scout guided them to a larger, tent-like structure near the centre, partially hidden by a thick layer of rain-soaked leaves and mud to blend with the surroundings.
"Wait here," he said before slipping inside the tent.
Akane glanced at Tsunade, who gave a small nod, her eyes narrowing as she took in the layout of the camp. Orochimaru stood beside them, his sharp gaze missing nothing, a faint smirk playing at his lips.
Moments later, the tent flap rustled, and a tall, scar-faced man stepped out, his eyes locking onto Tsunade and Orochimaru before shifting to Akane.
"Welcome. I didn't expect you so soon, and also not him," he said, his voice a deep, gravelly whisper. "But I suppose it's a good thing. I hope the trip wasn't too... inconvenient."
Tsunade crossed her arms, a hint of a smirk on her lips. "We had a few detours, but nothing serious. Let's talk inside."
With that, they stepped into the tent, the thick fabric muffling the relentless rain outside as the real discussions began.