Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 36: Hidden Mist Recovery III

HIDDEN MIST RECOVERY III

The docking was the easy part. Well, docking might not be the most apt description. Because the shinobi team all headed off toward the inlet, the ship actually stopped some distance from the shore and they ran over the water to get to land. This way, at least they ensure that the crew will have time to react in case any enemy slips past.

The crew, while not shinobi, are still competent combatants, and Awaji is a trained shinobi. Retired, but trained. Then there's the kids, who might be strong enough, but if the enemies have Curse Marks, there's no way they'd be a match.

The plan is simple- go in and take them out.

Team Chojuro is currently running through the trees making their way toward the inlet where Hinata saw the group had docked. They haven't moved much since, with some group venturing inward and others returning.

Hinata has her Byakugan trained on them. "They seem to have set up a base at the inlet. They seem to be looking for someone. 'He's not there, either.' they say."

Chojuro raises a brow. "How do you know? The Byakugan only gives the user a visual, correct?"

"Oh, I can read lips." She explains. "I can't pick everything up but I can manage well enough here."

"That's certainly a handy skill to have at your disposal." Kiri compliments.

"Then I better watch what I mutter under my breath, huh?" Naruto laughs.

"Alright, keep us posted on any changes, then. See if they give anything more on this 'he' they're looking for." Chojuro orders.

Hinata nods, "Right." and continues to keep her eyes focused on the Curse Mark holders, observing their movements. Two of them are sitting under a large tent and appear to be the leaders, or at the very least the ones everyone reports to once they return. Some of them keep watch around the perimeter they've set up, while one is sitting on the ground, hands in front of his torso, in the 'Ram' hand sign.

As the Mist-Leaf group approaches, the Cursed that's been sitting the entire time whips his head exactly in their direction. For a brief moment, it feels to Hinata as if he looked directly at her.

'Intruders coming fast', she sees him mouth to the others as they already begin to prepare.

"They've spotted us!" Hinata calls out. "They know we're coming."

"Damnit." Chojuro curses. "Was that one guy a sensor?"

"No," Hinata shakes her head, "He definitely wasn't using sensory abilities, I could tell that much." She continues observing them. "He doesn't have our exact number, but he estimates there's 3 or 4 of us. He has an estimate of how far away we are."

"What do we do, Captain?" Kiri turns to his superior.

"They don't know that we know. We can use that to our advantage. Whatever ability that man used, it's apparently not perfect; they don't know our numbers, most likely don't know our chakras."

"I could just rush them." Naruto chimes in. "Kick 'em down before they even know what hit 'em."

"While I do support brute force, I believe there's another option for now. We can save the rushing for stage two." Chojuro then turns to Hinata. "You can see with your Byakugan through anything, correct? Cover it with your headband so they're not alerted by it when they come to intercept."

"How do you know they will?" Naruto asks.

"They will."

Just as predicted, three Cursed make their way towards them, having been informed of the intruders' location. They move quickly and silently, showing themselves as competent, if nothing else.