Switching to Tenseigan Chakra Mode!

Asuma's grief-stricken murmur was like a stone dropped into a deep pool, sending suppressed ripples spreading through the survivors.

Ao of Kirigakure and Samui of Kumogakure, standing opposite him, exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in the other's eyes.

The Third Hokage was actually... dead?

The air was so heavy it almost seemed wringable, and wariness and hostility toward the people of the Land of Stars began to gather in the eyes of Konoha's ninjas.

Just then, several sounds of rushing wind came from afar and drew near.

The first to land were three light yet swift figures: Yukimi, Idasuke, and Neji Hyuga.

Yukimi landed on a charred black rock, her eyes quickly sweeping over Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, then passing over Karin, Kurotsuchi, and Ranmaru.

Seeing that her disciples, though battered, were all standing there in one piece, she let out a breath of relief and asked with concern, "You lot, are you all right? Anyone hurt?"

Seeing her teacher, Temari's tense expression eased slightly. She nodded and replied, "Teacher Yukimi, we're fine. We're all good. It's just..."

Her gaze shifted with complicated feelings toward that despair-inducing sinkhole, and the air above it that was still twisting.

Gaara stood with his arms folded, his jade-green eyes calm and rippleless. He merely gave Yukimi a slight nod to indicate that he was unharmed.

Kankuro also hurriedly spoke up to prove that he was still in decent shape.

On the other side, Karin, Kurotsuchi, and Ranmaru clearly perked up when they saw Idasuke.

Karin was the first to call out, "Teacher! We're fine!"

Kurotsuchi also waved her fist. Though her little face was still covered in dust, she tried hard to look energetic.

Ranmaru stood obediently beside Kurotsuchi and Karin, giving Idasuke a reassuring smile.

Idasuke, carrying the enormous Kubikiribōchō on