CHAPTER 58

Outside Nanyun Town, on a remote hill.

In a dilapidated cave, the three-man squad of Uchiha Kiyo was resting and recovering their strength.

A small bonfire crackled softly, sending wisps of smoke toward the ceiling of the cave. Near it, a large, flat boulder covered with a layer of dry grass served as a makeshift bed. Judging by the layout, someone had once lived there. Uchiha Kiyo suspected it was a refuge for a wanderer or a beggar who had nowhere else to go.

However, the state of abandonment was evident. Dust and cobwebs clung to the cave walls, and the scattered remains of old belongings had long since been untouched. Whether the previous occupant had perished or simply moved on was unknown.

The journey had been long and exhausting, and after reaching the cave, the team wasted no time setting up a temporary camp. They tidied the space hastily before sitting down in a meditative stance to restore their chakra.

For a seasoned shinobi, the ability to enter a restful state quickly was a necessity. The trio of Kiyo, Nawaki Senju, and Sarutobi Shō had completed over sixty missions together, honing their survival skills along the way. In the past six months, Orochimaru had been absent, forcing them to rely solely on each other. As a result, they had developed the habit of maintaining vigilance even while resting.

Uchiha Kiyo, in particular, had an additional advantage. Since mastering his new sensory technique, his perception had sharpened to an extraordinary degree. Even while resting, he could detect movement within ten meters.

This ability—Spiritual Perception—was a sensory ninjutsu Kiyo had developed to complement his Body Flicker Technique and better adapt to spatial changes during combat.

The principle behind it was relatively simple. By modifying his Self-Cultivation Technique, he could spread his chakra beyond his body and use the dispersed spiritual energy to perceive his surroundings.

Spiritual energy was a mysterious force—connected to the soul yet distinct from it. Kiyo had not fully unraveled the mechanics of its formation. However, he had discovered that it reflected the surrounding environment in his mind. If directed inward, it allowed him to sense the internal state of his body; when extended outward, it functioned as a means of perception.

Unlike physical energy, spiritual energy alone could not exist outside the body for long. Even those with exceptional talent could not project it far without it dispersing. Because of this, most shinobi were incapable of utilizing spiritual energy as a sensory tool.

But Kiyo had a workaround.

By dispersing chakra into the air and using it as a medium to restore spiritual energy, he could expand his range of perception significantly. As long as he maintained a delicate balance—releasing chakra at the same rate as it regenerated—he could sustain his sensory field for extended periods.

Having trained in the Self-Cultivation Technique for seven years, Kiyo had near-perfect control over his chakra regeneration. Even at a distance of five hundred meters, he could manipulate his chakra to restore spiritual energy effectively.

Currently, his Spiritual Perception covered a three-hundred-meter radius in combat. Within this range, he could perceive the environment almost as clearly as if he were physically present.

With further refinement, he had even managed to use spiritual energy to detect light variations, making the perceived images in his mind increasingly realistic. However, it had limitations—he still couldn't perceive chakra itself.

Even so, it was akin to a weakened version of the Byakugan, making it an invaluable asset.

---

After finishing their recovery, Kiyo began delegating tasks.

"Nawaki, you'll scout the southern sector of Nanyun Town. Sarutobi, you take the northern area. I'll handle the western region."

The two nodded in agreement.

Kiyo had chosen the most dangerous area for himself—the eastern side, closest to Amegakure. The probability of encountering enemy forces was highest there.

"Stay hidden and avoid direct conflict," Kiyo warned. "If you aren't discovered, there won't be a problem."

After finalizing their assignments, they exchanged brief glances before heading in their respective directions.

Just before leaving, Kiyo gave a final instruction.

"If there's an emergency and you engage Rain ninja, don't fight to the death. Prioritize survival and send a signal immediately."

As Orochimaru's students, the trio had not yet been granted the Ryūchi Cave summoning contract, but they did possess subordinate summoning rights. Each had signed a minor contract that allowed them to summon small serpents for communication.

For the next two days, they carried out their reconnaissance mission.

Bit by bit, they pieced together the defensive layout of Amegakure's forces near Nanyun Town.

While they hadn't encountered large enemy patrols, they were unable to infiltrate deeper into enemy bases.

By the end of their scouting operation, they had identified thirteen locations where Amegakure ninja were stationed. These were likely small outposts capable of mobilizing troops at a moment's notice.

Understanding the enemy's placement and numbers was crucial—Konoha needed this intelligence to avoid being caught off guard in battle.

---

On the third day, Kiyo had just completed his final survey of the area when a small serpent slithered up to him.

The snake coiled around his ankle and spoke in a low, human-like voice.

"Kiyo, Sarutobi Shō has been surrounded by Rain ninja."

Kiyo's expression darkened.

"Damn it, they must've discovered our movements and set a trap."

Without wasting another second, he moved.

Under the guidance of the serpent, Kiyo dashed toward Sarutobi's location at full speed.

On another front, Nawaki had also received the message and was rushing toward the battlefield.

---

In a clearing surrounded by tall grass, Sarutobi Shō stood at the center of a group of seven Rain ninja, all clad in Chūnin gear.

One of them sneered.

"Heh, a Konoha scout? Looks like we caught a big one."

Another chuckled. "Aren't Konoha shinobi usually in three-man squads? That little summoning trick of yours was to call for backup, wasn't it?"

"Perfect," a third said mockingly. "We'll take them all down when they arrive."

The leader of the group, a man called Liang, smirked. "Good work baiting him out. If we eliminate three Konoha shinobi in one strike, Lord Hanzō will surely reward us handsomely."

Sarutobi Shō's expression was grim.

"I was careless. This isn't just a random patrol—they've planned for this."

Regret burned in his chest. He never should have sent that message. If Kiyo and Nawaki arrived, they would be in just as much danger.

There was no time to dwell on it. The enemy closed in.

Liang's hand flicked forward, signaling the attack.

The six Rain ninja lunged at once.

Sarutobi dodged, barely escaping a sweeping kunai strike. A second enemy came from his blind spot, forcing him to twist midair and block with his kunai.

For now, he could hold his ground. But if they got serious, he knew he wouldn't last long.

Across the battlefield, the enemy shinobi laughed.

"Heh, this one's stronger than I expected," one remarked. "Even against six of us, he's still standing."

Liang narrowed his eyes. "Don't underestimate him. If he's this strong, his teammates will be too. End this before they arrive."

The enemy forces shifted. Their attacks became more precise, more lethal.

Sweat dripped down Sarutobi's brow.

He was running out of time.

And Kiyo wasn't here yet.