C142

Here's the expanded version of the journey, incorporating the details you provided:

The journey to the eastern border was straightforward, but Haruto knew better than to let his guard down. With Sakumo Hatake leading them, they moved in strict formation—Sakumo at the front, Shuisi covering the rear, and Daichi and Haruto flanking either side. It was a well-coordinated system, one drilled into them through countless exercises in the academy, but Sakumo's strict adherence to sign language took it to another level.

Communication through hand signals had been extensively covered in their training, but Sakumo pushed them to perfect it. No words were exchanged during their entire three-day journey. Every movement, every signal had to be precise. One wrong gesture could mean disaster in a real combat situation. Haruto respected that. It was a silent, disciplined way of functioning, and he took to it naturally, the muscle memory from his academy days kicking in without a hitch.

Haruto hadn't spoken for three days, and he didn't need to. The silence suited him, allowing him to focus entirely on the mission and his surroundings. He volunteered to hunt each night, using his skills to bring back fresh game for the team. It wasn't just about providing food; it was a way to contribute to the team's success, to ensure they stayed alert and energized. Smokeless fires were permitted, and each night they cooked their meal in near silence, communicating only through gestures and hand signs.

At night, Haruto used his chakra sensitivity to sweep the area, pushing it to maximum range in short bursts. A flash of chakra, even at max range, wasn't too taxing on his reserves if it lasted only a second. He used this technique at the beginning, middle, and end of his watch, ensuring they weren't caught off-guard. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it gave him peace of mind, knowing he'd done everything he could to keep the team safe.

The rhythm of the journey became almost meditative. The forest around them seemed to breathe in time with their silent steps, and though the tension of the mission hung in the air, there was also a strange sense of calm. The team moved like a well-oiled machine, each member understanding their role, each one trusting the other without the need for words.

When they finally arrived at the first bandit base, the silence was lifted by Sakumo's signal. The hand signs that had dictated their every move for the past three days were no longer needed, but the discipline remained. Haruto's senses were sharp as ever, his focus entirely on the task ahead.

The bandits wouldn't know what hit them.