The Fox Squad crossed most of the Land of Rain and arrived at the north bank of the Yoshimizu River.
The Yoshimizu River originated in a large lake to the northwest, gathering several tributaries before flowing east along the southern edge of the Land of Rain basin and finally entering the Land of Rivers.
From a distance, Yoru could see the massive Jikō Ridge, rising sharply like a colossal stone wall.
That mountain range was the natural border separating the Land of Rain from the Land of Wind.
The Yoshimizu River was over 100 meters wide, surging with wild momentum.
Yoru hid beneath a large tree to escape the rain and opened his map.
The Yoshimizu River didn't have much strategic value—wind-style shinobi from the Sand couldn't effectively hold a defense line even if they occupied it.
Scanning the map, Yoru noted the nearest large settlement: Digu Town.
"Let's go. We start by investigating Digu Town and see if anyone there has seen Sand shinobi."
Reaching the town, Yoru ordered the rest of the squad to hide outside while he and Purple Cat entered disguised as travelers.
Her mask removed, Purple Cat wore a long waterproof cloak. Only the smooth curve of her chin peeked from beneath the hood.
Few people were on the street; in such heavy rain, most stayed indoors.
After walking a while, they sat on a bench—resting while quietly observing.
A small figure approached through the rain.
A girl, maybe eight or nine, carrying a little basket.
"Big brother, is that lady your girlfriend? Do you want to buy her a blue flower? These are rare little blue flowers that grow only on the riverbanks here."
Purple Cat lifted her hood slightly and brightened at the sight of the flowers.
Seeing her interest, Yoru said, "I'll buy all your flowers—for my girlfriend."
The girl beamed. Purple Cat beamed even more.
Yoru casually asked, "Little one, what's your name? And have you seen anyone unusual around here recently?"
"My name's Blue. The most unusual people are… you two."
"…Right. Aside from us, anyone else?"
"We lost our friends in the rain," Yoru added. "We're really worried."
Blue glanced at the coins in her hand and said, "Okay! I'll take you to them!"
She led them first to an umbrella shop.
"The umbrella man is special! He always repairs broken umbrellas and gives them to us orphans."
Seeing her hopeful look, Yoru bought two umbrellas.
Next was a bakery.
"The bakery lady is special too! She gives us bread that's almost expired but still good."
Another hopeful look. Yoru bought two bags of bread.
Then shoes… gloves… dried fish… even paper and pens from a stationery shop whose owner taught orphans to read.
It was clear—this town took care of its orphans.
"Blue, we can't buy any more. I can't carry anything else."
But she pleaded again.
"Please, big brother! Just one more! The man who patrols the riverbank always gives us work and pays us a little!"
"The man who patrols the riverbank?"
Yoru's eyes sharpened.
If this town had any strategic point, it was the river levee north of it.
"…Fine. Lead us."
Outside the town, Purple Cat signaled the hidden squad members not to approach.
They followed Blue to the levee.
The river patrol man descended from the embankment, spotting Blue and the two strangers overloaded with bags.
"Sorry, sorry," he said.
"Blue does this a lot. Because we look after the orphans, she always recommends town shops to travelers. You didn't spend too much, did you? I can compensate you."
Blue's lips trembled—she was about to cry.
Purple Cat hurriedly said, "No, no—Blue's bread recommendation was great. I already ate mine."
Yoru asked, "Sir, we're travelers from the Land of Grass and don't know the situation here. Can this levee really hold the Yoshimizu River? Isn't it dangerous?"
The man explained:
"A hundred years ago, the river's path changed. After that, a gap was left here, so the daimyo ordered a levee built to block it. Most people in Digu Town are descendants of those forced laborers.
Luckily this place is poor—few shinobi come here. If any ninja destroyed the levee, Digu Town and ten villages behind it would be flooded."
Yoru looked at the levee, then at the distant Jikō Ridge.
Are the Sand ninja planning something with this river…?
Back in town, Yoru rented a room for him and Purple Cat.
She wiped her hair, uneasy.
"Captain… our squad is still waiting outside in the rain. Isn't it wrong for us to stay somewhere warm?"
"What's wrong about it? Just tell them we booked two rooms. Simple."
With White Ram now an Aburame instead of a Hyūga, Yoru no longer had to hide from the team; coordination was easier.
Purple Cat blushed. "Saying that on purpose… won't it make them misunderstand even more?"
Yoru sighed and waved her off.
"We're here for reconnaissance, not relaxation. If we stay alert, we won't miss any important intel."
—
The next morning, Yoru stood by the window, staring at Jikō Ridge.
On the other side of those peaks lay wasteland and desert—completely different climates.
Suddenly, Blue ran across the street shouting:
"The river patrol uncle has been taken by ninja!"
Yoru immediately donned his ANBU mask.
"Purple Cat—move!"
They jumped out the window, landing on the highest rooftop nearby.
Outside the town, Sand shinobi were fighting a dozen local samurai.
The samurai were being overwhelmed—no match for trained ninja.
More Sand shinobi appeared in the distance.
Where on earth did so many Sand ninja come from?!