Drip!
The next morning, the sudden downpour had just ceased. Rainwater gathered along the branches of the dead tree, forming drops that slowly fell from the bare limbs into the puddles beneath, splashing into tiny droplets and sending ripples across the muddy water.
Squelch!
The next second, a foot stepped out of the tree hollow, scattering mud in every direction.
"It finally stopped!"
Looking at the rain-soaked scene after the downpour, Chiba could not help taking a deep breath of the fresh air. His mind cleared, and he let out a sigh.
Then, it's time to check out the place Hyuga Yukyō marked.
After that sigh, Chiba wasted no words. He pushed off with his foot, mud splashing as his figure flashed away like an arrow.
"Kakashi?"
Elsewhere, in Konoha's Ninja Engineering Corps camp, Yukina had just been about to open the door to her room when someone called out to her. She turned toward the voice and asked in puzzlement.
"Kakashi, why are you here?"
At the same time, Hirohiko, who had just opened his own door and was holding a bowl of medicine, stopped in surprise.
At that moment, both their gazes settled on Kakashi, who had removed his fox mask.
"Can we talk inside?"
Facing their astonished looks, Kakashi remained grim as he spoke softly.
"Could it be..."
Hearing this, Hirohiko froze, and his expression immediately changed.
"Come in, quickly."
Yukina reacted noticeably faster than Hirohiko. She hurriedly pushed the door open and entered first.
Kakashi and the recovered Hirohiko did not hesitate either, filing in after her.
"Is it news from Chiba?"
Once both men had entered and the door had shut, Yukina's anxious voice rang out.
"Mm."
Kakashi nodded. "Pakkun brought me this message. I copied it down. Chiba has already reached the interior