Judging from Da Bai's perception, one of the four individuals has a high amount of chakra. The other three have significantly less.
From this, it's clear the enemy team follows the standard configuration: one Jōnin and three Genin.
Regardless of who they are, anyone crossing the border into this territory is now considered an enemy.
This area is remote, yet a squad of enemy ninja just happens to pass through on a mission—it's too much of a coincidence.
So it's highly likely they've come for the gold mine.
As for how the information leaked, there are too many possible causes: Rain Country deserters, spies, or even someone from Konoha.
But this wasn't something Uchiha Tatsumi needed to worry about.
Their squad had already withdrawn from the mission. The sudden appearance of enemy ninja disrupted all their plans. Their goal now was survival.
"Tatsumi, did you notify Orochimaru-sensei?" Yuzuki asked, standing beside Uchiha Tatsumi.
"I've already informed Orochimaru-sensei and Tsunade-sensei," Tatsumi nodded.
"What did they say?"
"Orochimaru-sensei hasn't responded yet, but Tsunade-sensei is en route."
"So what do we do now? Retreat and rendezvous with her?" Mikoto asked.
Tatsumi shook his head.
"No."
"There's no time."
"They're approaching fast," he explained. "Their team includes a sensor. We've already been detected."
"Based on chakra signatures, it's one Jōnin and three Genin—one of whom is the sensor."
"So, in terms of configuration alone, we actually have an advantage," Tatsumi concluded.
"Oh?" Kushina blinked in confusion.
We have the advantage?
How does that work? They've got a Jōnin, and we're four Academy students.
Tatsumi continued explaining calmly.
"The enemy's fast. Too fast for us to outrun their Jōnin."
"But we've set up traps here. If we use the terrain well, we can lure them in, stall them, and hold out until Tsunade-sensei arrives."
No one objected.
But if they were going to stall, someone had to engage the Jōnin.
"Well then—let's go greet our guests."
Shff!
The four of them vanished from the tent.
Mase, moving swiftly through the forest, suddenly stopped.
Sakamoto, leading the group, signaled everyone to halt.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Enemy. Close," Mase replied shortly.
"All units alert. Target approaching," Sakamoto said quietly. The others nodded.
He drew a signal flare from his pouch.
Although he'd claimed earlier he could handle two Chūnin alone, he wasn't going to risk his subordinates' lives unnecessarily.
But just as he was about to fire it, four figures suddenly appeared ahead of him.
They were clearly only children—around ten years old.
Sakamoto glanced at Mase. She shook her head. "Only them."
He nodded and stowed the flare again.
"Heh. Maybe I'm being too cautious. Guess I won't even need to fight."
He studied the kids. No signs of Henge no Jutsu, and their chakra signatures weren't being suppressed. Genuine.
Uchiha Tatsumi stood atop a thick tree branch, looking down at the opposing team.
"Who are you?" he called down, stalling for time.
"What's a team like yours doing here, Sakamoto-san?"
He smiled, "Sand Village really pulled out all the stops—sending a Jōnin to sneak into the Land of Fire."
"Relations between the Five Great Nations are already tense. If Sunagakure is sending elite ninja across borders, are you trying to start a war?" he continued.
The Genin were confused. Only Sakamoto chuckled.
"Kid, what're you talking about? We're not Sand. I hate those guys."
"Right? They don't bathe and smell like dust," Tatsumi replied smoothly.
Kimura looked angry and started forward, but Watanabe held him back.
Nawaki and the others tensed, preparing for combat.
"Should we deal with these rejects now?" Nawaki asked.
Sakamoto's face twitched.
Rejects? This kid dares?
The fight was inevitable now, but that brown-haired brat had really ticked him off.
He decided: that one would be first.
Nawaki felt the Jōnin's eyes settle on him and instinctively felt a chill run down his spine.
"Wait… you're not from Amegakure?" Sakamoto suddenly asked.
"Huh? What gave it away?" Tatsumi responded playfully.
"It's simple. I've heard rumors about Konoha's Genin being monsters. I didn't believe it—until now," Sakamoto smirked.
"But if Konoha's here, that means the gold mine info leaked. Have you found it? Where's your team leader?"
Tatsumi just gave a slow smile. "We're the only ones you'll need to worry about. The rest? Don't exist."
"Fine. Makes it easier for us. Dead Genin can't talk," Sakamoto said, pushing his glasses up as he stepped forward.
But just as he moved—shhhk!
A surge of murderous intent swept through the trees.
Sakamoto froze. His instincts screamed. His pores opened in cold sweat.
Every hair on his neck stood up.
He whipped around just in time to see—
Thunk!
A kunai shot from the trees and pierced straight through Kimura's skull.
Blood sprayed.
Before he could react, a dark-haired boy was suddenly in front of him.
Sakamoto tried to retreat, but the boy's silent, effortless movements overtook his fumbling steps.
Sakamoto raised a kunai—too slow.
Tatsumi knocked it aside and launched Sakamoto off his feet.
The Jōnin's body arced through the air.
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