Clang.
The members of the Iwagakure Execution Squad lined up shoulder to shoulder and drew the long swords from their backs in perfect unison. The sound of their blades leaving their sheaths rang out almost as one!
Shinnō took a slight step back, his expression turning grim.
Having traveled far and wide, he naturally knew that these Iwagakure Ninja, dressed as they were, were almost certainly members of Iwagakure's most elite unit: the Execution Squad.
The squad had distinguished itself during the Third Shinobi World War, infiltrating enemy territory several times and assassinating high-ranking enemy personnel.
Sasuke sensed that something was wrong, too. "Who are you?"
The leader of the Iwagakure Execution Squad said coolly, "Sasuke Uchiha, come with us."
"Damn it, why has Iwagakure gotten involved, too?!"
Shinnō grew anxious.
The sudden appearance of the Kirigakure assassination unit had made him realize that the situation had changed.
And now even Iwagakure had made a move!
There was no doubt about it: his plan to trick Sasuke was no longer an affair involving the Akatsuki Organization alone. The other Great Shinobi Villages clearly wanted to take advantage of the chaos—and pin the blame on him while they were at it.
Once he realized this, he knew he could not hand Sasuke over to them.
Otherwise, not only would the mission the organization had given him fail, but he might not be able to get away himself.
Neither the Kirigakure assassination unit from earlier nor the Iwagakure Execution Squad before him would leave any witnesses alive.
Just then, Shinji and the others came running into the woods and reached the group.
Seeing yet more people interfere, the members of the Iwagakure Execution Squad exchanged glances and silently spread out.
Clearly, they were prepared to leave Sasuke alive and kill everyone else