"A reinforced elite squad, six members in total, with one jonin in the team, but at least two special jonin as well. The rest are all skilled fighters. According to intelligence, the leader should be Konoha's Nara Shikahira, and the two special jonin are likely from the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans."
"As for that Uchiha, their identity is currently unknown. They possess a double tomoe Sharingan. Priority is to capture this person. The second priority is the Yamanaka clan ninja—he's likely the sensor in the enemy squad. Take him out, and they'll be like headless flies in the vast desert."
On the way, Ishido relayed the intel as Hardy followed behind with a sealing scroll on his back, chakra spreading under his feet as he walked atop the sand.
There were patches of quicksand in the desert, which could be dangerous, but since ninja can walk on water, quicksand wasn't much of a threat.
Before long, Hardy's group rendezvoused with Jonin Jiuichi.
Since Jiuichi was more familiar with the area, Ishido handed over command to him.
"I'll lay out the tactical arrangements."
Jiuichi was a typical Sunagakure ninja, dressed in a white and brown mixed long robe, a cloth wrapped around his head. He was tall and thin, with rough, dark skin.
"The Ino-Shika-Cho trio led by Nara Shikahira will be handled by me and Jonin Ishido. The Uchiha ninja will be dealt with by the puppet corps. Kana, you'll assist your fellow puppet corps members. The rest will form an encirclement and hold off the remaining Konoha ninja. Do your best to ensure the Uchiha is captured alive."
"Yes, sir!"
The surrounding ninjas responded in unison.
"Captain, the Ino-Shika-Cho combo has been a tough nut to crack since the Warring States period. Are you and Captain Ishido sure you can handle them?"
The Sunagakure ninja named Kana asked Jiuichi.
"Haha, Kana, even if you look down on me, you can't underestimate Captain Ishido. He's not just any ordinary jonin puppeteer."
Jiuichi laughed heartily.
"Shizuka, lead the way!"
"Yes!"
A female Sunagakure chunin formed hand seals, closed her eyes, and began sensing the enemy's location.
"They're to the northwest!"
"Move out!"
...
...
The Konoha squad was highly capable, and Sunagakure had put in considerable effort to obtain the Sharingan bloodline.
They could only spare two jonin because most were at the front lines, but there was no shortage of other ninja.
Jiuichi had pulled together three border patrol squads to join the operation.
Because it was wartime, these squads were better equipped than in peacetime, each made up of a special jonin with combat expertise and three chunin.
Now, to ensure the Uchiha could be captured alive, the Sunagakure side had deployed two jonin, four special jonin, and more than ten chunin—on average, more than twice the strength of the enemy.
As for Hardy and Sasori, they were both members of the puppet corps, far stronger than ordinary genin. Of course, this might also be to give Sasori, Chiyo's grandson, a chance to shine, and Hardy could tag along for the ride.
At least, that's what the special jonin named Kana thought—his task was probably to protect the two young masters of the puppet corps and let them pick up some credit.
Reality didn't stray from expectations.
The strongest in Konoha's squad was the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, but they were firmly suppressed by Jiuichi and Ishido, the two jonin.
Jiuichi's strength was probably on par with Konoha's jonin, but Ishido was on a whole different level.
He used the highest secret technique of puppet jutsu, the same as Chiyo's—White Secret Technique!
Although he couldn't perfectly control ten puppets like Chiyo, nor did he use the top-tier puppets like the Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets, he still controlled five white-robed puppets, easily suppressing the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
This was definitely an elite among jonin!
"Although this mission is important, it's also a training exercise—for the two of you."
Jianye strolled about, leisurely controlling two puppets, and together with two special jonin, surrounded the Uchiha. At the same time, he addressed Hardy and Sasori.
"Hardy, Sasori, this is a good training opportunity. In a moment, I'll let two Konoha ninja through for you to spar with."
On the other side, Kana frowned slightly but said nothing, only becoming more certain of his suspicions.
This was just a gilding and training session for the young masters.
In reality, only Sasori was a true young master; Hardy was just along for the ride.
Still, Hardy was curious to see what he was capable of now.
Sasori felt the same.
Though exceptionally gifted, he had never truly fought against enemies from other villages—not even during his assessment match with Hardy.
"Then we'll be in your care, Senior Jianye and Senior Kana."
Hardy nodded to the two special jonin, then removed the sealing scroll from his back and summoned his two puppets.
With a wave of his hands, chakra threads quickly connected to the Formentor Puppet, which disassembled into a flurry of components to shield him.
The Boy Puppet extended its spiral mechanical claws, itching for action.
"Damn it! These Sand ninja are using us as practice dummies for their kids!"
One of the Konoha ninja who had been let through, a sword-wielder, glared at Hardy and Sasori with a dark expression.
His companion, standing back-to-back with him, was a seemingly ordinary middle-aged ninja.
"Looks like they think they've got this in the bag. But Takigi, don't forget what Lord Hirano said—we must hold out! You focus on pushing back the puppets, I'll use ninjutsu to attack their real bodies!"
The middle-aged ninja spoke calmly.
"What's there to be afraid of! These two might be Sunagakure's young geniuses, but if it comes to a life-and-death struggle, trading our lives for theirs would be a huge win! And if we make it back alive, we'll be heroes!"
As the sword-wielding ninja boasted, the middle-aged ninja...
The user forms hand seals with both hands and unleashes a ninjutsu.
"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
A massive fireball, so hot that it distorts the very air, surged toward Hardy and Sasori.
"Black Secret Technique: Salamander."
With an indifferent expression, Sasori extended his five fingers, manipulating a puppet resembling a giant lizard to shield himself and Hardy. The puppet unfurled the shield on its back, blocking the incoming flame bullet.
"This salamander was originally prepared for you."
Sasori said this to Hardy, then continued his assault by manipulating the chakra threads.
"Tch... a defensive puppet designed to protect the puppeteer's main body? I can tell it's specifically targeted at the Tom Cat puppet I developed earlier."
Inside the Formentor puppet, Hardy curled his lips in disdain. Multitasking, he activated another puppet.
"Black Secret Technique: Little Boy."
"Black Secret Technique: Termite."
Two figures swiftly skirted around the Salamander, charging forward.
After mastering the Black Secret Technique, both Hardy and Sasori had gained the ability to control two puppets simultaneously.