Naruto rebirth! Born again with a system.

Chapter 32: Silent Hunters...

The abandoned campsite revealed its secrets slowly as Team 15 approached with practiced caution. Kōzaru's enhanced senses, combined with Yuki and Riku's instinctive tracking abilities, painted a detailed picture of recent activity that made their situation increasingly clear—and increasingly dangerous.

"Four individuals," Kōzaru reported in a whisper, his nose analysing the complex scent trails. "They were here for at least six hours, maybe more. The ocean scent is definitely stronger here—these are definitely ninja."

"Recent departure?" Shibi asked, his insects beginning to spread in subtle patterns around the area.

"No more than two hours ago," Kōzaru confirmed, watching as Yuki and Riku investigated different parts of the abandoned camp. "But they didn't go far. The scent trail leads deeper into the forest, toward the rocky terrain to the north."

Shibi's expression grew more serious as he processed the implications. "Four potential Mist ninja operating in Fire Country territory represents a significant intelligence operation. The fact that they're maintaining a position rather than immediately fleeing suggests they're here to extract valuable information."

Through their system interfaces, the three genin could see their mission parameters had shifted:

[MISSION UPDATE] Mission: Animal Recovery → Intelligence Threat Status: Enemies: 4 Hidden Mist Ninja (Estimated Skill Level: Unknown) Objective: Recover carrier hawks AND prevent intelligence breach Reward: 500 EXP (Increased due to mission escalation)

The doubled experience reward reflected the mission's increased danger and importance. This was no longer a simple animal recovery—they were facing a genuine intelligence threat that could impact the war effort.

"Sensei," Tatsuma said quietly, "what's our next move? Do we report back to the village and let chunin or jōnin handle this?"

Shibi considered the question carefully, his analytical mind weighing multiple factors. "The intelligence those hawks were carrying includes current supply routes and troop movement schedules. Every hour of delay gives the enemy more time to decode our communications and potentially compromise multiple operations."

"So we're doing this ourselves," Aotaka said, his hand moving instinctively to his sword hilt, feeling his body tense a little.

"We're assessing the situation first," Shibi corrected. "If the enemy force is beyond our capabilities, we'll request reinforcements. But if there's an opportunity to resolve this quickly and quietly, we'll take it."

He gestured for them to move deeper into the forest, following the scent trail that Kōzaru and his companions had identified. Their movement became more cautious as they approached the rocky terrain where the trail led.

"Remember," Shibi continued as they moved, "this is an intelligence operation. Our first priority is preventing the enemy from extracting information. Recovering the hawks is secondary to ensuring our communications remain secure."

The weight of genuine responsibility settled over the three genin. This wasn't training or a routine mission—the decisions they made in the next few hours could affect the broader war effort.

As they moved through the forest, Kōzaru's enhanced senses continued to provide crucial information. The enemy's scent trail was becoming stronger, more recent, indicating they were getting closer to the Hidden Mist team's current position.

"There," Riku suddenly alerted with a quiet whimper, his nose pointing toward a cluster of large rocks ahead. "That's where the trail leads."

"I can smell the hawks too," Kōzaru confirmed, his bond with his companions allowing him to interpret their findings. "They're alive, but they're definitely being held against their will."

"How many enemies?" Shibi asked, his insects beginning to scout ahead in patterns invisible to potential observers.

"Four, like we thought," Kōzaru replied. "But..." He paused, his expression growing concerned. "Their chakra signatures feel stronger than the enemies we faced on our last mission. These aren't just foot soldiers."

The implications sent a chill through the team. The Stone chunin from their previous mission had nearly killed them, and these Mist ninja apparently had even stronger chakra signatures.

"We need reconnaissance," Shibi decided. "Kōzaru, can you and your partners get close enough to determine their exact position and capabilities without being detected?"

"We can try," Kōzaru said, though his voice carried uncertainty. "But if they're experienced, they might have detection techniques we don't know about."

"I can create a shadow clone to scout from a different angle. If they detect one of us, the others can still gather intelligence." Tatsuma said, wanting to be of help as he voiced his idea.

Shibi nodded approvingly. "Good tactical thinking. However, stealth reconnaissance against experienced chunin requires specialized skills. Kōzaru, you and your partners will conduct the primary reconnaissance. Your enhanced senses and natural pack coordination give you the best chance of gathering intelligence without detection."

"What about us then?" Tatsuma asked.

"You'll remain in position to provide immediate support if the reconnaissance goes wrong," Shibi replied. "Academy-level stealth training isn't sufficient against experienced enemy ninja. Better to have you ready for combat than risk detection."

The plan made tactical sense, even if it meant less active involvement for Tatsuma and Aotaka. Their recent training had been focused on combat techniques, not infiltration skills.

"Remember," Shibi said as they prepared to move, "reconnaissance only. Do not engage unless I give the order. If you're discovered, retreat immediately. We need information, not casualties."

"Understood," all three replied, their voices carrying the quiet determination they had developed through their recent training and missions.

Kōzaru moved first, his stealth capabilities being put to the test. Yuki and Riku flanked him, their natural pack coordination allowing them to move through the forest as quietly as possible.

The rocky terrain ahead concealed multiple hiding spots, but Kōzaru's enhanced senses were already narrowing down the possibilities. The enemy's scent was strongest near a cluster of large boulders that formed a natural cave entrance.

"There," he whispered to his companions, pointing toward the concealed opening. "They're definitely in that cave."

Through their pack bond, Yuki and Riku confirmed his assessment. The captured hawks were inside, along with four chakra signatures that felt significantly stronger than typical genin.

Kōzaru spent the next few minutes carefully observing the enemy position from multiple angles, his enhanced senses allowing him to gather detailed intelligence without getting dangerously close. His ninja hounds provided additional sensory data, creating a comprehensive picture of the tactical situation.

As Kōzaru managed to get more of a picture in head head, detecting the chakra of the mist shinobi, his system suddenly flared to life.

Enhanced Inuzuka ability, chakra detection through scent activated. The system said, suddenly giving Kōzaru a display in his mind for each of the shinobi he could detect, showing a level that he guessed was their strength level.

No way... I wasn't able to do that before. Kōzaru thought to himself as he looked at each of the levels in his mind.

Lv 12,

Lv 13,

Lv 12,

Lv 19,

Oh shit... They are much stronger than we are. And that one who is level 15, I knew I had a bad feeling about him from his scent. Its almost blood thirsty. Kōzaru thought, feeling a shiver run down his spine knowing him and the others were only level 6.

The cave entrance was well-concealed but not impossible to approach. Suddenly one guard became visible at the entrance, maintaining a patrol pattern that suggested professional security protocols. Through careful observation, keeping concealed in the treeline, Kōzaru identified what appeared to be a smaller back entrance through the rock formations.

System notification: You have received 100 EXP for reconnaissance.

Kōzaru ignored the message from his system and after gathering as much intelligence as possible without risking detection, he carefully withdrew to rejoin his teammates, knowing he could focus on that later.

When Kōzaru returned to rejoin his teammates, he brought comprehensive intelligence about the enemy position.

"Four enemies confirmed," Kōzaru reported. "All with chakra signatures stronger than us, most likely chunin. They're definitely holding the hawks in the cave."

"One guard visible at the entrance," he continued. "Patrol pattern suggests they're not expecting immediate threat, but they're maintaining security protocols."

"The cave has at least two entrances," Kōzaru concluded. "Main entrance they're guarding, and what looks like a smaller back entrance through the rock formations."

Shibi processed the information with his characteristic analytical intensity, being impressed by Kōzaru's ability to gather so much information. "Chakra signatures stronger than genin suggests we're facing chunin-level opponents. Four chunin against three genin represents significant disadvantage in direct combat."

"But we have advantages too," Kōzaru said, his confidence building as he considered their options. "We know where they are, we have multiple approach routes, and they don't know we're here."

"Plus our coordination has improved significantly," Tatsuma added. "Our combination techniques might give us an edge they're not expecting."

"The question is whether we can neutralize them quickly enough to prevent them from destroying the intelligence or escaping with it," Aotaka observed.

Shibi's insects returned from their scouting mission, bringing additional information about the enemy position. "My insects confirm your assessments. Four individuals, professional setup, hawks secured but alive."

He studied each of his students carefully. "This represents genuine risk. These aren't desperate Stone chunin fighting for survival—these are Hidden Mist professionals conducting an intelligence operation. They'll have backup plans and escape routes."

"What do you recommend?" Kōzaru asked, though he could already sense what their sensei was thinking.

"Coordinated assault through multiple entry points," Shibi replied. "Fast, overwhelming, designed to prevent enemy response or escape. We use your improved combination techniques to create chaos while I ensure none of them escape with the intelligence."

The plan was risky but logical. Their recent training had prepared them for exactly this type of coordinated assault, and the element of surprise would be crucial against superior opponents.

"Remember," Shibi said as they prepared to move, "our primary objective is preventing intelligence breach. Recovering the hawks is secondary. If we can accomplish both objectives, excellent. If we must choose, we prioritize mission security over animal recovery."

"Understood," they replied, though the prospect of leaving the captured hawks troubled all three of them.

"Kōzaru, you and your partners will create the initial distraction through the main entrance," Shibi outlined their assault plan. "Tatsuma, your clones will assault through the back entrance simultaneously. Aotaka, you'll provide precision strikes to neutralize specific threats as they emerge."

"And you, sensei?" Tatsuma asked.

"I'll ensure no one escapes alive," Shibi replied, his tone carrying the quiet finality of someone who understood the tasks that must be done. Getting a grim nod from the others as they also knew what needed to be done.

"Guys, I need to tell you something." Kōzaru said as he turned to the others while Shibi focused on the cave entrance.

"What is it?" Aotaka asked.

"I think I unlocked a new ability, while I was scouting I was able to determine the level of the enemy ninja... It was like the more information I gathered with my senses the more clear it became until I could actually see a level."

"No way! That's so cool!" Tatsuma said.

"What are their levels?" Aotaka asked, wanting to get straight to the point, knowing they were stronger already.

"Lv 12, Lv 13, Lv 12 and Lv 19..." Kōzaru said, getting a grim expression from the others.

"Shit... We are only level 6." Aotaka said, not liking their odds at seeing how they were twice if not more than their current level.

"No way... Wait, what about Shibi Sensei, can you see his level?" Tatsuma asked.

Kōzaru wasn't sure, and turned his head to look at their sensei, taking a sniff toward him as he wait.

Slowly the number came to him, displaying at level 25.

"No way... Sensei is, level 25." Kōzaru said, getting a shocked look from the others.

"Level 25!" Tatsuma blurted out, causing Shibi to look over at them with a questioning look.

"What is it?" He asked, wondering if something was wrong.

"N-Nothing Sensei, we are just coming up with a plan." Aotaka said, making a cover story quickly.

"Very well, prepare to move out." He said, snapping the others out of their thoughts.

"Right." Each of them said, looking back at one another for a moment.

"If Sensei is already so strong, then we should have nothing to worry about." Tatsuma said in a whisper.

"Hmm, I guess we will see." Aotaka said, realizing just how weak he was compared to a Jōnin level ninja like Shibi.

Suddenly the system pinged to life in their minds, as if responding to their question about levels.

Level system explained:

Lv, 1 - 4 - Academy level ninja,

Lv, 4 - 12 - Genin level ninja,

Lv, 12 - 20 Chunin level ninja,

Lv, 20 - 25 Tokubetsu Jōnin level ninja,

Lv, 25- 35 Jōnin level ninja,

Lv, 35 - 40 Anbu level ninja,

Lv, 40 - 50 Kage level / S rank ninja.

"No way... That's so cool." Tatsuma said, looking at the display.

"Amazing. The system is displaying what the levels mean for us." Aotaka said, also studying it.

"Seems like it. And that means this group of Mist ninja are all Chunin level..."Kōzaru said, getting a grim nod from the others.

"Alright you three, move out." Shibi said, snapping them out of their daze.

"Yes, sensei they said, getting ready to move.

With that they moved into position with practiced efficiency, each team member understanding their role in the coordinated assault. The familiar pre-combat tension settled over them, but it was balanced by confidence in their abilities and trust in their coordination and sensei.

The warning felt appropriate. This wasn't training or a scripted encounter—they were about to face experienced enemy ninja in a genuine intelligence operation that could affect the war and the village.

"On my signal," Shibi said quietly, his insects beginning to position themselves for the assault.

Team 15 prepared to prove that their recent training and improved coordination could overcome superior individual opponents through teamwork, tactics, and surprise.

The battle for the captured hawks—and the intelligence they represented—was about to begin.