Explosive Tags Placed Five Meters Forward

Along with Gari came three Jonin from Iwagakure, making a total of four Jonin.

To hunt down Konoha's most outstanding genius, Gari had truly gone all out. Four Jonin plus one Jonin with a Kekkei Genkai—such a lineup could hold off even an opponent beyond Jonin level for several minutes.

Using it against a ten-year-old brat showed just how seriously they took him.

The four rushed through the forest, afraid that if they arrived too late, Uchiha Mai would escape.

A moment later, Gari, the Explosion Release ninja leading the group, suddenly frowned and looked ahead, toward the direction from which the intelligence ninja had sent his information.

At the edge of his vision, an Iwagakure unit slowly came into view, retreating toward them in orderly formation.

Gari narrowed his eyes. Wasn't that the unit led by Dong Shiren and Jushi Shota? Why were they suddenly retreating?

The four sped up and rushed before the Iwagakure ninjas, blocking their path as Gari demanded, "Why are you fleeing? Where is your captain?

"And where is Uchiha Mai?"

With four people suddenly blocking their way, the Iwagakure ninjas tensed. Only after recognizing Deputy Commander Gari did the weight in their hearts finally lift.

A rather respected middle-aged ninja stepped out from the crowd and answered, "Lord Gari, Captain Dong Shiren ordered us to withdraw.

"Captain Dong Shiren and Captain Shota joined forces against Uchiha Mai, but after only a few exchanges, they were no match for that red-haired brat. Captain Shota was killed.

"Then Captain Dong Shiren ordered us to retreat and chose to remain behind alone to hold Uchiha Mai back."

Gari's expression shifted slightly. One had been killed after only a few moves in a two-against-one fight. That Uchiha Mai was strong.

As for Dong Shiren, who had stayed behind