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The team moved through the dense trees in absolute silence, the only sound the distant crashing of waves against the cliffs. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a faint glow over the terrain, but otherwise, the world seemed wrapped in darkness. The natural port that harbored the smuggling operation was hidden well, concealed by towering cliffs and thick vegetation that made it nearly impossible to find. It was only through the information extracted from the captain that they had any clue as to where the operation was based.

As they approached the cliff's edge, Haruto Takeda extended his chakra sensitivity to its limits. His pulse slowed, and he could feel every presence in the camp below. After a moment, his eyes snapped open, and he quickly signed his findings to the others.

Seventy-eight chakra signatures. Forty-nine grouped in the west—likely the prisoners, smaller chakra signatures… children.

Sakumo Hatake gave a firm nod, his face hardening as he considered the grim reality of the situation. The plan was clear. Haruto and Shisui Uchiha would target the western side of the camp, where the prisoners were held. Sakumo and Daichi Uzumaki would handle the perimeter, taking out the remaining smugglers to prevent any escape.

Without a word, they vanished into the night, their forms blurring into the shadows as they descended upon the camp like ghosts.

Haruto and Shisui moved with lethal precision, their footfalls silent as they reached the western side of the camp. Haruto's chakra sensitivity picked up the presence of five smugglers inside the structure that held the prisoners. Faint cries could be heard, the sound of women and children suffering at the hands of their captors. Haruto's jaw clenched in anger, but he kept himself steady.

Shisui, his Sharingan spinning slowly, motioned for Haruto to move to the entrance while he took out the lookouts. Within seconds, Shisui had scaled the building and, in one fluid motion, slit the throats of two guards perched on the roof. Their bodies dropped without a sound.

Haruto pushed the door open and stepped into a scene of depravity. Five smugglers were inside, their laughter and drunken jeers filling the room. Several women lay bound, crying as the men forced themselves on them. The children were huddled in the corner, their faces pale with fear.

Haruto moved like a shadow, his Chakra Scalpel Jutsu already active. The first smuggler didn't see him coming. Haruto's scalpel slashed across the man's neck, severing his spinal cord instantly. He crumpled to the floor in a lifeless heap.

The second smuggler turned, his face a mix of confusion and panic as he saw his comrade fall. Before he could shout, Haruto sent two shuriken flying, embedding themselves in the man's throat. Blood sprayed as the smuggler gagged and collapsed.

The remaining three men scrambled to react, but Haruto gave them no time. He leapt forward, cutting through the third smuggler's abdomen with his scalpel, his hands moving with deadly precision. The man gasped, stumbling before hitting the ground.

The fourth man tried to flee, but Shisui appeared from the shadows, his Sharingan locking onto the smuggler's terrified eyes. In an instant, the man's mind was trapped in a nightmare of genjutsu, his body twitching as he collapsed in fear. Shisui ended him swiftly with a kunai to the heart.

Haruto turned to the final smuggler, his hand crackling with lightning chakra. The smuggler froze in place, his body seized by the paralyzing electricity. Haruto stepped forward and slit his throat with a cold, detached precision. The room fell silent, save for the soft whimpers of the captives.

"You're safe now," Haruto whispered as he moved to free the women and children from their bonds. Their faces were streaked with dirt and tears, but a flicker of relief appeared in their eyes as they realized the danger had passed.

Outside, Sakumo and Daichi had cleared the perimeter with brutal efficiency. The bodies of smugglers lay strewn across the camp, their throats cut, and weapons still clutched in their hands. Daichi's chakra chains had immobilized several, while Sakumo's legendary speed made quick work of the rest.

As Haruto and Shisui led the freed prisoners out of the building, Sakumo surveyed the camp one last time.

"There's a large village to the east," he said, his voice steady. "They should have a ship that can take the prisoners to safety. Shisui, Daichi, go and arrange for them to send a ship. We'll wait here."

Shisui and Daichi nodded, disappearing into the night to reach the nearby village. Meanwhile, Haruto and Sakumo began searching the rest of the camp. Inside the smuggler's main tent, they found confiscated goods—boxes of valuables, stolen from villages and merchants alike. It was more than they could carry, so Sakumo unsealed a storage scroll and began packing everything inside.

Hours passed, and while waiting for the ship from the eastern village, a second ship suddenly appeared on the horizon, heading straight for the hidden port. It was another smuggling vessel, unaware that their operation had been wiped out.

Sakumo's face hardened. "Haruto, be ready."

The ship docked, and as the smugglers began disembarking, they were met with Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha. His sword flashed in the moonlight as he moved, faster than the eye could see. The smugglers barely had time to react as Sakumo cut through them with deadly precision, their bodies collapsing to the dock before they even realized they were under attack.

Haruto stood nearby, ready to assist, but Sakumo made quick work of the crew. Within moments, the ten smugglers lay dead on the ground, their weapons scattered around them. It was a display of pure skill, a reminder of why Sakumo's name struck fear into the hearts of enemies across the lands.

Once the area was secured, they found ten more prisoners—women and children—held below deck. Haruto quickly freed them, guiding them to safety as they waited for the ship from the village.

Six hours later, the village ship arrived. Shisui and Daichi had successfully arranged for the transport, and the villagers worked quickly to load the prisoners aboard. The freed women and children, though still shaken, were safe and in good hands.

As the morning sun began to rise, casting light over the smoldering remains of the smuggler's camp, the team prepared to return to Konoha. Their mission was complete.

Sakumo looked at his team, nodding with approval. "Good work. Let's head back."

With that, the team vanished into the forest, leaving behind only ashes and the memory of those who had dared to prey on the innocent.