Dan observed the individuals standing before them with meticulous care, simultaneously sensing the chakra levels of every single one of them using the advanced Network technique he had mastered. He scanned each person's level with absolute precision. After a rapid analysis, Dan estimated that among them were three individuals at the Jonin level—relatively strong, possessing a respectable amount of chakra. The rest—the majority of the group—were approximately at the Chunin level, mid-tier fighters. Four of them were clearly at a lower level, likely Genin or perhaps even below that.
Of course, these classifications—Genin, Chunin, Jonin—were merely theoretical future categorizations that had not yet officially appeared in this world. Dan utilized them in his mind only as a reference drawn from his previous knowledge of the anime. Furthermore, this classification did not account for other vital factors such as actual combat experience, specialized technical skills, tactics, or the weaponry being used. From what Dan also observed about the group before them, they appeared to be a collective of direct warriors, frontline combatants. Almost all of them carried swords hung at their waists, and their movements and stances suggested training in close-quarters sword combat.
Naturally, Leon and Sato also observed and analyzed the people standing before them with accuracy using the Sensory Network technique. Both of Dan's sons are proficient in this crucial technique. Of course, they are not at his advanced degree of mastery, but their level is quite good. From the beginning, Dan had insisted that all of his children learn the Sensory Network skill as a mandatory requirement, especially after awakening their Kekkei Genkai. The ability to sense enemies and danger from a distance is a fundamental survival skill.
At the same time, the intruders—the group of twenty warriors—watched the three individuals standing before them with visible caution. They focused particularly on the person standing at the forefront—Sato—who appeared from his position to be the leader of this small group. The leader of the intruders—a man with short black hair at the front of the group—had clearly witnessed the immense speed with which these three people had appeared before them moments ago. Such extraordinary speed meant only one thing: they were by no means ordinary people. They were trained warriors.
Additionally, their appearance was strikingly notable. Their distinct sky-blue hair, all sharing the exact same shade, indicated clearly that they were of the same blood, the same family or clan. An unknown family or clan with distinctive blue hair was a significant piece of information. The leading man took a single step forward, raising his voice in a commanding tone while looking directly at Sato standing in the front—since his position clearly indicated he was the leader or the one responsible for the group:
"Boy! Identify yourself. Who are you? And what brought you to this territory that officially belongs to Lord Ayato?"
Dan and his sons heard these words clearly. Immediately, Dan began to analyze what the man had said. "The territory belonging to Lord Ayato." So, this land was claimed by someone, seemingly a type of feudal lord or a local chieftain. These twenty were likely a patrol belonging to him, or border guards. Useful information.
As for Sato, he remained silent for a few moments, thinking rapidly about how to respond. Finally, he answered in a calm, neutral voice, with a slight apologetic tone:
"I am sorry, sir. We did not mean any harm. We were merely passing through."
A simple reply. Non-provocative. It gave away no information. Dan was slightly surprised by this specific response from Sato. He had not expected this particular approach. However, he did not intervene. He said nothing. Instead, he quickly grasped his son's approach and analyzed the logic behind it. Is Sato trying to avoid conflict? Or is he gathering more information before making a decision? He would see.
As for Leon, standing beside Dan, his facial features shifted slightly when he heard his brother's reply. Clear annoyance appeared in his eyes. He was on the verge of saying something in protest against what he perceived as a weak response. However, he suddenly noticed Dan's serious gaze directed straight at him. A clear, silent look of warning: Be quiet. Do not interfere. Leon suppressed what he was about to say. He clamped his mouth shut, though the annoyance remained evident on his face.
The leader of the hostile group, upon hearing Sato's apologetic and relatively weak response, seemed to grow somewhat emboldened. He saw an opportunity. These people were perhaps not confident, perhaps they were afraid. He took another step forward with greater confidence, raising his voice in a more threatening and condescending tone:
"Boy! Do you think I will accept such a pathetic excuse? You have trespassed upon the lands of Lord Ayato and entered the Territory of the Sacred Dragons!"
He then signaled to his subordinates standing behind him with a clear and direct gesture. Immediately, the group of nineteen warriors began to move. They spread out slowly and with clear organization, surrounding the three from all sides. A simple but effective pincer tactic. They were cutting off potential escape routes.
Sato looked at them with a calm gaze, silently analyzing what he had just heard. "Territory of the Sacred Dragons." An interesting name. Perhaps the name of the region, or a symbolic title. "Lord Ayato." He appeared to be the local ruler, and these were his soldiers. He had gathered enough information now from this brief dialogue. He would not get more than this through mere words. Any additional information would require... other methods.
After a few moments of silence, Sato turned his head toward Dan and Leon standing slightly behind him. He spoke in a calm but clear voice:
"Very well. I have heard what I needed for now. And I do not think I will achieve anything more than this without extracting it in another way."
Simple words. But the meaning was perfectly clear. The time for talk was over. It was time for action. Dan looked at him directly. Then, he gave a small, satisfied smile. He said in a calm voice full of approval: "Well done."
Sato had grasped the situation quickly. He gathered basic information without giving anything away about himself or his family. And he knew when to end the futile conversation. A correct assessment. A wise decision.
Then Dan turned toward Leon standing beside him, who was clearly burning from within with the desire to fight for several minutes now. He said to him in a calm but firm tone:
"It is your turn now. Go on, boy."
He paused for a moment, then added in a serious and clear voice:
"And remember well: I want them alive."
Alive. Not killing them. Capturing them. Dan would need to interrogate them later. To know who this "Lord Ayato" is, the extent of his power, and how much he knows about the area surrounding the base. Essential information.
Leon's eyes ignited with a clear enthusiasm that he did not hide. Finally! He said in a voice full of energy and obvious excitement:
"Understood, Father!"
Then he took a step forward. The warriors surrounding them noticed the change immediately. They tensed up. Their hands moved toward their weapons. Their leader shouted: "Get ready!"
The confrontation is about to begin.
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