The Withdrawal Princess Hinata

Moriyue didn't know what he and Hinata had said to each other. All Kazeki saw was Moriyue whispering something into Hinata's ear. Afterward, the girl's expression shifted multiple times, and her eyes eventually became somewhat vacant, as if she had been broken.

However, judging by the results, she really didn't cause any more trouble and seemed much more well-behaved.

This thoroughly spooked Ando. He cautiously approached Moriyue and spoke in an extremely guarded tone.

"Captain? When did you learn Genjutsu? You just said a few words and made that girl behave. You didn't secretly do anything to me, did you? I have principles, I don't like men..."

Moriyue delivered a chop to Ando's head. What was this kid thinking about all day? He remembered this kid wasn't like this at first. How did he end up with a broken brain after following him? How would he explain this to Darui?

"Focus on moving. You can rely on me this time, but if there are enemies next time, you'll have to handle it. Shira's squad didn't pursue us. Did he finally figure things out?"

Moriyue took out a piece of roasted bear meat from his pocket and started eating. They hadn't encountered any enemies all afternoon. Perhaps it was because they had defeated the so-called "King of the Forest" at the starting point, and few squads would willingly take the same path as them.

"It's a bit difficult when we don't encounter anyone. Hinata, is this really all there is to the basics of Gentle Fist? Isn't it too simple?"

Hinata, who was called upon, nodded obediently. To prevent Moriyue from doing anything drastic, she taught him some Ninjutsu as Moriyue had instructed.

"That's all there is. Gentle Fist only works when combined with the Byakugan. Gentle Fist alone cannot exert much power, so it won't be very useful even if you learn it."

Hinata, after all, was still inexperienced. How could this little girl outwit Moriyue, that scoundrel... how could she outwit this old fox Moriyue? At this moment, she didn't seem to realize that if Moriyue wanted to take her eyes, wouldn't that make it useful?

"Well, it's a technique for using power, at least. Shadow Clone Jutsu and the like are already commonplace, and the remaining Ninjutsu are all mediocre. Hinata, I have to say, you're very smart."

Moriyue continuously practiced the technique of striking with Gentle Fist. The Byakugan combined with Gentle Fist's acupoint striking would be a sure kill for ordinary ninjas. Unfortunately, for him, it was no different from ordinary attacks. However, the application of strength was somewhat interesting.

"I don't understand what you're saying. I've done what you asked..."

Hinata looked confused, seemingly not understanding why Moriyue would think that.

Seeing her pretend ignorance, Moriyue also smiled. He patted Hinata's cheek and casually pulled out a small black bug from behind her.

"Well, after leaving them so much time, Shino and the others should be catching up soon."

Moriyue stated it directly. It was true that Hinata was captured by them, but she wasn't that fragile. At certain moments, she was terrifyingly strong. Moriyue had been deceived by her at first, thinking she had truly given in. It was only when he thought back later that he realized something was wrong.

While Hinata wasn't paying attention, Moriyue had Kazeki carefully scan her entire body. As expected, they found several extremely tiny sources of Chakra on her. Those Chakras were emitted by these small bugs. For some time, Shino and the others had been tracking their movements using these bugs as clues, and they figured they would arrive soon.

"You found me... You can do as you please, kill me or torture me, but I... will never betray Konoha or Naruto-kun!"

Hinata, who was usually gentle, acted incredibly tough at this moment, as if everything before had been an act.

Looking at the resolute Hinata, Moriyue chuckled, patted her cheek, and shook his head. Hinata didn't know what he was thinking and could only stare at him with wide eyes.

"How could I bear to kill you? You brought us a scroll, I should be thanking you."

Hearing Moriyue's words, Hinata had a bad premonition. She quickly connected the dots. This guy... wanted to use her to get the scroll from Shino!

"Zero, Ando, get ready. We're attacking them by surprise. The advantage is ours. Your strength isn't weak, you just lack combat experience. For the upcoming battle... I'll be counting on you."

Moriyue didn't look at Hinata's shocked expression. He believed that they could handle the upcoming battle. After all, he was still a ninja, so he should restrain himself and research how to use the Ninjutsu Hinata gave him in a "Reverse" manner.

He then dragged Hinata to a nearby tree, no longer intending to make a move.

Ando nodded upon hearing this. As Moriyue said, their combat power wasn't bad, they just lacked sufficient battle experience.

Kazeki was already eager to try. As the saying goes, every healer wants to be a warrior. In the previous two battles, Moriyue had single-handedly dominated. Although they were grateful for Moriyue's relentless pushing of them to achieve good results, they also couldn't bear to see Moriyue torment himself like this. They were also members of the Cloud Ninja, and Moriyue's teammates. Why should everything be left to their captain?

Moreover, the location they chose was strategic. They were currently at the border between Konoha and the Land of the Wind. The fertile black soil under their feet had been replaced by somewhat dry yellow sand. It hadn't reached the point of barrenness, but not much vegetation could grow on the ground. Only a small patch of forest was stubbornly resisting, and it was the only greenery in the vicinity.

Kazeki had already set up a circle of traps around the area. The Lightning Release traps used before were not suitable in this situation; the loud noise would easily give them away. This time, she had set up more concealed, portable trigger traps using simple materials: Explosive Tags and thread.

Considering Shino's ability to control bugs, she had also specifically cast several waves of Wind Release around the area, hoping the wind and sand would blow away some of the bugs. As for Kiba and Akamaru's keen sense of smell, a few stink bombs would suffice.

Everything was ready, waiting for the opportune moment. Kazeki had made thorough preparations. As soon as those two stepped into the traps, they would be met with a storm of attacks. Today, she would show those people that even a healer could be formidable when provoked.

Ando looked at the inexplicably excited Kazeki. He hadn't seen her so animated in a long time. Thinking about what he could do, he seemed to only be good at direct confrontation. Otherwise, all that was left was "quality commentary." He scratched his head, and after a long thought, he decided to wipe the knife in his hand to make himself look busy.

"Just wait. When your teammates arrive, I believe you can fetch a good price. You're a very important ATM, huh? I guess Neji's squad would need you too."