Discovery!

"Kuroi, Saroi, fall back!"

After acknowledging the order, the older Maki drew a slight breath, then sternly shouted down at Kuroi and Saroi below.

"Yes!"

At his words, Kuroi and Saroi hurriedly leaped up and landed on a branch behind the thick one where Dodai and Maki stood. Kuroi still maintained his hand seal as he paused atop the branch. "The target is still roughly 280 meters away. At this speed, they will reach our position in approximately three to five minutes."

Clearly, Kuroi had found his rhythm and dutifully, appropriately reported the other side's situation.

"Saroi, prepare for battle!"

After hearing Kuroi's report, Dodai gave an unquestionable order.

"Yes!"

A trace of solemnity, along with some nervousness, flashed across Saroi's still-youthful face. His hand trembled slightly, but he gripped his Kunai tightly, his expression ultimately settling into determination.

These boys may still be green, but they have plenty of potential. I never understood why Lord Third Raikage personally selected these two boys before. Now, it seems that when it comes to judgment, I am still far inferior to Lord Third Raikage!

Listening to the exchange among the three, the stern look on Maki's face seemed to soften slightly. His lips twitched before he spoke. "Dodai, you should fall back as well. This distance is far too dangerous."

"No, I have to stay here."

However, his habitual commanding tone was rejected by the man who had once been his student and was now his captain. Flatly rejected.

"This is a chain trap. I'm not entirely certain myself. One wrong move, and it could trigger."

Hearing Dodai's resolute tone, Maki frowned and looked at the mischievous boy from the past. His words were not harsh, but his tone was extremely serious, almost stern. "I know, but I'm the captain, Senior Maki!"