After leaving Konoha, Shikamaru immediately began to increase their speed.
Accelerating had two purposes: to reach the destination as quickly as possible and for Shikamaru to gauge the capabilities of "Senju."
No matter how much he increased his pace, Sasuke maintained a steady distance behind him always exactly two meters away, no more, no less.
This display was not just about speed; it revealed a terrifying level of control over his body.
Every subtle adjustment Shikamaru made to his movements slightly increasing or decreasing his speed was immediately mirrored by Sasuke.
This ability demonstrated that Sasuke was a far stronger ninja than Shikamaru.
"As expected... A replacement sent during this kind of situation wouldn't be ordinary."
The stronger Sasuke appeared, the more pleased Shikamaru felt. A mission like this required someone powerful.
"Alright! Let's maintain this speed while I explain my plan!"
Everyone drew closer, keeping themselves as near as possible to one another.
"The targets are likely four individuals: the leaders of the Land of Taki, the Land of Rain, the Land of Grass, and the Land of Rivers!
Additionally, we may encounter ninja squads from other smaller nations.
Our mission is solely to eliminate the leaders of the ninja squads they've sent.
However, according to my analysis, all four leaders are jonin-level fighters with extensive battlefield experience.
Although their raw power may not surpass Konoha's elite jonin, their combat experience is not far behind."
Shikamaru paused and looked at the others.
"This will be a very tough challenge for us.
My plan is to combine the strength of all nine of us to take down one of them first.
While this will alert the others, it minimizes the danger.
If a group of genin a mere assassination squad of genin can eliminate one of their leaders, it will strike fear into their ranks.
By taking down two leaders, the remaining two might retreat from the Land of Fire without further conflict."
Listening to Shikamaru's plan, Sasuke quickly understood.
Shikamaru intended to break their resolve by taking out a key individual, then defeating them one by one.
Taking out two leaders might even scare the others into retreating without a fight.
It was a good strategy.
If Neji had been on this mission, given the current strength of the nine of them, this approach would indeed have been the best choice.
However, Sasuke didn't agree.
Neither the system nor Tsunade would accept leaving any of these targets alive.
Thus, Sasuke wouldn't let a single one of them escape.
"Shikamaru, your plan is very well thought out. I have no objections!"
Kiba was the first to voice his support.
To be honest, going against a seasoned jonin in battle wasn't something he felt entirely confident about.
Working as a group felt much safer.
"I don't have any objections either," Shino added with a nod.
Lee gave Shikamaru a thumbs-up. "You're the captain. Whatever you decide, we trust you completely!"
However, while the others expressed agreement, Shikamaru noticed that Sasuke remained silent.
"What about you, Senju-kun? What do you think of the plan?"
"It's very good."
Hearing Sasuke's affirmation, Shikamaru felt reassured.
In that case, there shouldn't be any issues with the mission.
"But"
"I don't support it."
What?
Lee and the others were visibly shocked as they turned to Sasuke.
What was this newcomer doing?
Challenging the captain's decision as soon as he arrived? Was he trying to undermine authority?
"What's your idea, then?"
Rather than getting angry, Shikamaru calmly asked, viewing this as his first real test from his father: how to earn the trust of an unfamiliar teammate.
When asked for his opinion, Sasuke smiled a terrifying smile that no one could see due to his mask.
It carried an icy chill and a deadly intent.
"Kill them all.
The Land of Fire is not a place they can come and go as they please."
Sasuke's tone was calm, but every word dripped with murderous intent.
Even his teammates, Shikamaru and the others, felt a shiver run down their spines.
Kill them all?
This guy had an unbelievably arrogant attitude.
The targets were seasoned jonin with formidable strength.
Despite this, he was confidently declaring that he would take them all down.
Was he overconfident in his abilities?
"Senju... This isn't the time for impulsiveness. Konoha's main battlefield is on the brink of an all-out war.
The rear must be handled properly. Since I've accepted this mission, I cannot allow any uncertainties to distract our ninjas fighting Danzo's renegades at the frontlines!"
Shikamaru spoke with the authority and composure of a captain.
Sasuke, however, didn't immediately respond.
Instead, he abruptly turned his head to look ahead.
Suddenly, he raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.
Although they were a bit slow to react, Shikamaru and the others came to an immediate halt.
"What is it?"
Lee was about to say something but stopped when Sasuke signaled.
Sasuke pointed forward.
"Enemies."
The two words left everyone momentarily stunned.
Enemies?
Where could there be enemies here?
They had only left Konoha barely 3,000 meters away. It was impossible for enemies to be lurking this close.
Rustle, rustle~
Just as they were questioning Sasuke's claim, sounds suddenly came from ahead.
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed, and a chill ran down his spine, raising every hair on his body.
"Hide quickly!"
Swish, swish, swish!
The eight of them moved with lightning speed, concealing themselves and suppressing their presence.
However, Sasuke alone remained standing on a tree in an exposed position, making no effort to hide.
Shikamaru was stunned.
'What is this idiot doing? Why isn't he hiding?'
'For someone to silently infiltrate this close to Konoha, they must be at least Chunin-level, if not higher.'
And they were likely skilled in infiltration techniques.
Their combat abilities certainly couldn't be weak either.
As Shikamaru was about to step out and pull Sasuke back
The next moment!
Swish, swish, swish!
Five figures suddenly emerged from the trees around Sasuke, encircling him completely.
"ANBU?"
"Didn't expect to run into Konoha's ANBU ninja in a place like this!"
"Looks like it's just a kid!"
"So this is Konoha? Even brats can become ANBU ninjas?"
"Seems like Konoha has truly fallen on hard times, sending kids onto the battlefield!"
Shikamaru's heart was pounding furiously.
The aura these figures emitted was entirely different they had all taken lives before.
'Damn it… Why didn't Senju hide earlier… What a mess…'
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