At the moment when the bandits came roaring and screaming from the forest to the trader's caravan, we were surprisingly "lucky" to be within earshot, and the subsequent blows of the rabble's and the defenders' weapons traveled quite far.
- Sensei, do you hear that? - Asani was the first to react, obviously having a sharper ear than the other girls.
- Naturally," I nodded and took the lead, overtaking the trio and throwing a short order over my shoulder, "Follow me.
I turned into the woods and slowed my pace a little so the Genin wouldn't break their legs in the worsening light. By this time, the others had heard the echoes of battle as well.
- Ryo-sensei, what is that? - Hoshi asked, trying not to lose her breath.
- Apparently, the bandits have found their prey," I shrugged defiantly.
- We have to help," Surizawa jumped up and was about to rush forward, but I grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, still moving in an arc toward the battlefield.
- Where?! Did I give you an order?! - I yanked her back, the smallest of reinforcements to the Ki words.
Fortunately, the rest of the team behaved in a disciplined manner and did not rush into the fray.
- As long as you are trained, only I have the right to command what the team should do! - I stopped and shook the shrunken girl. - Is that clear?
- Y-yes, - this fool squeaked in a thin voice and I put the student on the ground.
- All right, then, let's cautiously approach and see what's going on," I commanded.
Fortunately, the lessons of stealthy movement at the academy were given at a decent level, and I added to them later, so it was quite easy to get in direct line of sight to the caravan fighting off the bandits. Moreover, only ordinary people from both sides were involved in the skirmish. I peeked out from under the bushes and took a few moments to assess the situation, as well as to make sure that the three young kunoichi were also scrutinizing everything, I moved back,
- I see, let's move on, there's nothing for us to do here, - I quietly highlighted the situation more for the students, in a similar situation I would have just shown some signs with my hands, but I haven't had time to teach the team the basic Konoha sign language yet.
Fortunately, this time no one was unauthorized, despite the fact that Surizawa was ready to explode with indignation, and my girls had clearly unhappy faces.
- Follow me," I didn't even let my students speak, "questions and conversations later.
Having circled the battle through the forest in an arc, I took the Genin far enough away for the situation to resolve itself by this time, and then picked up a rather convenient place for a parking lot and subsequent overnight stay. Turning to my emotional charges, I sighed and unpacked the wooden pieces of furniture that had already served well as furniture and nodded to take a seat on them.
- Well, I'm listening.
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