Splash!
The curtain of water around them crashed down, sending ring after ring of ripples across the still surface, spreading outward and slapping against the bamboo banks on either side with soft splashes.
What was going on?
Why was no one here? My deduction couldn't be wrong. At this time, the two of them should have been lying in ambush here, waiting for Mazuru to gather intelligence. Nor was it possible that they had gone out to search for him because Mazuru had been gone too long.
If they had truly gone to support Mazuru because he had been away too long, then there would be no need for me to change fate.
Then, if they hadn't gone to support Mazuru, what had caused this place to be empty?
As the shattered curtain of water fell away, Chiba's figure slowly emerged. By now, he had straightened up, the Exploding Tag Kunai in his hand gradually lowering as the hand seal in his left hand slowly loosened. Yet his brows were drawn tight, the shock and confusion in his heart refusing to fade for a long time.
Splash!
Just then, after he had completely lowered the Exploding Tag Kunai and released his hand seal, a spray of water exploded behind him. A figure abruptly leaped out, cold light flashing in their hand as they descended toward his back in an instant!
But Chiba's attention seemed wholly consumed by the shock and confusion in his heart. He remained standing with his head lowered, utterly motionless! He showed no reaction whatsoever to the flashing blade behind him!
Could it be...
At that moment, Chiba, whose every thought was fixed on his doubts, seemed to find an answer that explained it all. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes, and his body tilted back