The Lord's instantly respectful attitude made Uzumaki Yoake's eye twitch.
But Tetsuya Uzumaki himself did not care at all. He merely looked at Yun Chuan with an expectant, ingratiating expression.
Yoake had already hinted at the strength of this seemingly young boy before him and mentioned that the blindfolded boy was a member of the same clan.
He might not understand the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, but he knew the Chinoike Clan very well.
They were a great clan that had endured since the Warring States Period, once comparable to the Uchiha Clan, possessing the immensely powerful Kekkei Genkai, the Ketsuryūgan.
How could a Ninja capable of killing someone from the Chinoike Clan possibly be some ordinary youth?
This attitude made Yun Chuan glance at him again. He thought that not everyone in the Uzumaki Clan was a foolish simpleton; there were also clever people who could adapt to circumstances and handle every side with finesse.
However...
"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you."
Yun Chuan held up five fingers with an amused smile and said frankly, "After learning of Kirigakure's unusual movements, I only brought fifty people this time in order to conceal our tracks and maintain speed."
Those fifty people actually made up a quarter of Dawn's fighting strength. In these chaotic times, he could not possibly keep everyone by his side.
But those who did not know the truth had disappointment flash through their eyes.
"Fifty people..."
Tetsuya Uzumaki slumped back in his chair like a deflated balloon. Still, he forced a bitter smile and thanked him. "Thank you for your aid and reassurance, but even Kirigakure's advance force numbers several hundred..."
If they could swallow Kirigakure's advance force, that would already be enough for them.
As long as they were not tied hand and foot as they