"Through this forest and continuing along the coastline, you’ll reach the place I mentioned before," Saitama said, pointing at a hand-drawn map as the three of them huddled together.
"Understood." Hyuga Dun gave a curt nod. Though his tone remained slightly stiff, he showed no outward hostility during the mission.
"Ruifeng, release your insects to scout ahead. There might be enemies hidden in the woods. Dun, activate your Byakugan and scan the surroundings every three minutes."
Saitama gave his orders with calm authority. Aburame Ruifeng gave a slight nod, adjusting his sunglasses with one gloved finger.
"No problem," Hyuga Dun replied evenly.
"Let’s move out. Stay sharp. If the enemy is aware of our previous presence, their defenses will be tighter than before."
The group disappeared into the dense forest, their footsteps barely disturbing the underbrush.
---
After traveling some distance through the woods, Ruifeng suddenly raised his hand in signal.
"Hold up."
They dropped silently onto a thick tree branch. Saitama gave Ruifeng a questioning look.
"Some of my insects have gone silent," Ruifeng said in his usual calm tone, though a faint tension had crept into his voice. He adjusted his sunglasses again.
"Dun."
"Byakugan!" With a hand seal, bulging veins surged to Hyuga Dun’s temples as his Byakugan activated. His pupils dilated as his chakra surged toward his eyes.
Saitama could sense the chakra fluctuation—stronger than the average Hyuga’s.
"Anything?"
"No direct threats in visual range... but it feels off," Dun said, his eyes still scanning.
"How so?" Saitama frowned.
"It’s too quiet. This forest... it’s unnaturally peaceful." Dun deactivated his Byakugan, the veins receding.
"Ruifeng, send out more insects. We’ll advance slowly and remain alert. No need to provoke anything."
"Understood." Ruifeng extended both arms and sent out a fresh swarm, black insects trailing like thick threads before vanishing into the trees.
"We proceed. Dun, increase your scans to every minute. I want no surprises."
The three pressed forward.
---
"Drop!"
Saitama landed silently in a crouch, followed by Dun and Ruifeng.
"Byakugan." Dun activated his dojutsu again. "Clear for now. Keep moving."
They emerged from the woods into a dense thicket, nearing the coastline.
A distant rumble reached them.
They froze, eyes meeting.
"Stay alert," Saitama warned, hand hovering over the hilt at his waist, chakra beginning to circulate more rapidly through his body.
They crept forward, and the forest opened to a large bay under construction. Dozens of shinobi and workers were scattered across the site, structures partially built, supply crates stacked along the shoreline.
"There it is," Saitama whispered, crouched low in the brush, eyes reflecting the moonlight as they locked onto the enemy operation.
Hyuga Dun and Ruifeng knelt beside him, visibly tense.
"What now?" Dun murmured, voice low and clipped.
"We return. We’ve confirmed the intelligence. No need to risk detection," Saitama said, scanning the patrol patterns.
"Understood." Dun lowered his head instinctively. Being this close to an enemy outpost without backup made his nerves taut.
"Wait—my insects... they’ve disappeared again. Three o’clock!" Ruifeng’s voice tightened.
"Byakugan!" Dun activated his eyes instantly.
"They’re coming—seven enemies, closing fast!"
"They’ve spotted us!" Dun hissed, immediately crouching lower.
"Move!" Saitama barked. "We can’t risk engagement this close to their base. Reinforcements will be on us in seconds."
"Retreat!" He stood and dashed back toward the forest, Dun and Ruifeng right behind him.
"Dun, scan our rear and flanks. Ruifeng, keep releasing insects for early warning."
"Understood!" both responded in unison, their training kicking in.
---
Whoosh! Whoosh!
They sprinted through tall grass, moving like shadows. Saitama focused his chakra senses outward, alert for any pursuit or traps.
"Left!" Dun called out. "Enemies ahead!"
Without hesitation, they veered, altering course to avoid detection.
"Huh?" Saitama’s foot slid to a stop. His gaze fixed on a stone half-buried in the soil.
"Wait!"
The others halted, confused.
"What is it?" Dun asked, eyes scanning the perimeter.
"This stone..." Saitama crouched and picked it up, feeling a concentrated flow of chakra inside it.
"There are chakra patterns etched into it." He brought it closer, eyes narrowing. "Looks like a seal tag was carved into the surface—this might be a marker, or a part of a larger formation."
---
[To be continued...]
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