Chapter 51

More or less getting himself together and properly stretching after sitting in the cramped space for a long time, Sakumo determined the approximate direction towards Sunagakure no Sato and we resumed our journey. Since it was not possible for outsiders and even travelers somewhat familiar with the area to find the village immediately (and even after several days of wandering, as our scouts' experience showed), our task was to reach any of the patrols stationed to guard the remote approaches.

After that, the Sand shinobi would act as guides for all guests from other villages. Of course, it would be much simpler if their forces were stationed at the border of the Wind Country, as all neighbors, including us, do, but guarding the desert border doesn't make sense when it's easier and less costly to use patrols. Especially in light of the recent loss of the war and the loss of most of their combat-ready forces.

Despite the monotony of the surrounding landscape and numerous inconveniences, we made good progress, hoping to arrive in about two days. The small time buffer initially allocated for unforeseen situations came in handy — not only would we not be late due to a slight delay, but there would also be enough time for the genin to rest before the trials. The jōnin are much more enduring, but I had already had to treat some genin's sand-chafed feet.

After all, sandals are not suitable for this kind of terrain; closed high-top boots are much better, which I managed to acquire through traveling merchants. It was certainly expensive to pay forty thousand ryō for two pairs, but at least now I don't have to endure the hassle of chakra covering for the feet while running, as everyone in the group does. Genin struggle with it with varying success, as it requires more control than running on walls.

Fortunately, neither that day nor the next did any new sandstorms occur — it seems that driving jinchūriki to arrange such greetings repeatedly isn't feasible, and possible encounters with the presumed enemy were avoided thanks to the Hyūga's dōjutsu. However, there were only two such cases: once when Hizashi detected a dozen shinobi in crossed headbands moving in the opposite direction, and once when a band of marauders led by a pair of shinobi was spotted in the distance.

Each time, Hatake led the group on a wide detour and set up a barrier of three jōnin between the potential threat and the trainees in case of a sudden assault. He was being cautious, of course, but there was logic in such a decision; even an experienced chūnin could easily wipe out a group of genin in a couple of seconds, not to mention jōnin.

Area techniques are more powerful, and no one would even have a chance to escape. After all, defense missions are considered much more challenging than elimination missions — anyone can kill, but protecting a client from all sorts of threats, including threats from fellow professionals, is not something everyone can manage.

Suddenly, the lead Hyūga signaled attention and began to slow down.

— Hizashi-san? — the leader called out.

— A rather large group of shinobi to our right, — replied the squad's scout.

— Details?

— They are at the edge of my Byakugan range, so I don't know yet, — he shrugged. — If we continue at our current speed, I should be able to get a clearer view in a few minutes.

— Then we'll move a bit ahead, and the rest stay a little behind just in case, — commanded Sakumo.

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