Gaara's killing intent was nearly tangible, but it wasn't aimed at Zi Xu. His undisguised murderous gaze was fixed squarely on the veiled Wind Shadow atop the platform.
That "good father" who had turned him into a weapon—if possible, Gaara wanted even more to kill him.
At some point, Hatsumi and Chino had already left the arena. Worth mentioning was that Neji had left with them as well. But with such a huge venue, a few people leaving was nothing unusual. Most of the village's fighting force was currently gathered at the arena; if they wanted to act, this was the best opportunity.
Chino and Neji quickly returned to the clan compound, where a group of Branch Family members had long been prepared. The moment they saw Chino and the others, they immediately understood what was happening.
Hatsumi did not return to her own clan. Instead, she dragged Xianglin out. Her bugs had already been packed up, and she treated this like an adventure or a trip, brimming with excitement.
Xianglin looked utterly bewildered. She steadied her glasses, which were nearly shaken off by the jolting, and stammered:
"W-We're... where are we going...?"
Hatsumi giggled, adjusting her own glasses as well, and answered casually:
"Of course we're running away. Zi Xu said that someday, we'll truly establish our own organization and village. What do you think? Just thinking about it is exciting, isn't it~?"
Xianglin froze for a moment before speaking timidly:
"Th-Then... doesn't that make us Rogue Ninja?"
"Rogue Ninja? Hmm... Zi Xu said we aren't called Rogue Ninja. We're revolutionaries or something. Whatever."
Xianglin felt that the peaceful days she had only just begun to enjoy were about to be shattered again. She had no idea whether she should be happy or sad.
"The match begins!" Genma Shiranui