Nathan walked beside Yukihime along the narrow forest path that led away from the Shinobi Village.
The village was already awake behind them. Scouts moved in and out of the hidden trails, horses were being prepared, and messages were carried between the houses with increasing urgency. The first rumors had begun reaching Norihiro's network, and soon enough, the Daimyo would have to respond.
Nathan did not want to remain too far away when that happened.
Minami Kyoto was still a considerable distance from the village. If Norihiro moved suddenly, if one of the shinobi discovered something important, or if the trap inside the city began to reveal itself, Nathan needed to be close enough to act without losing precious time.
Genzo's people were positioned throughout the surrounding roads and towns. Information would reach Nathan wherever he went. But information alone was not enough.
When the moment came, he intended to be there.
