Just as Shamu had expected.
Shikamaru's team soon came under attack from ferocious beasts.
Although Shikamaru's team had some strength, they could not withstand the endless waves of beasts and poisonous insects rushing at them.
In the end, a gigantic venomous spider chased Shikamaru and the others all over the place.
Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Technique and Ino's Mind Transfer Technique had become useless, while Choji's Multi-Size Technique had turned him into nothing more than a ball to be kicked around.
They were soon injured. Ino had a huge gash torn into her calf, and Choji's palm had been pierced through.
Later, Kiba's team arrived, only to suffer injuries as well.
Sakura's trap worked, but after the venomous creatures were hoisted up, the spider directly sprayed a rain of poison across the sky.
Other than Shino and Shikamaru, everyone else was hit.
The two teams had to join forces to drive the spider away.
By the time Shamu saw them again, it was already evening.
After six hours, Naruto and the others arrived at the open ground outside the central gathering tower.
Shamu had followed Kimimaro's group the whole way.
He had no time to seize any scrolls, intending to assess the situation once they reached the gathering point.
When Shamu's team arrived, they saw the bedraggled teams of Shikamaru and Kiba.
Four of the six people had been poisoned, while the other two had injuries of their own.
Hinata was running back and forth, giving them emergency treatment.
Inside the gathering tower, Anko was stuffing dango into her mouth while guarding the entrance.
Apparently, no one was allowed in yet.
Hinata's frantic efforts made Shikamaru feel very apologetic.
"Thank you, Hinata. Don't trouble yourself anymore. With their condition, I'm afraid they can't continue."
Hinata wiped the sweat from her forehead.