Shadows of the Enemy Draw Near, Danger Looms

The dense canopy blotted out the sun, with only scattered patches of dappled light filtering through, casting flickering shadows in the forest.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, mingled with the fragrance of unknown plants. Yet, this fresh, natural aroma couldn't dilute the oppressive atmosphere within the group.

Hiruko walked at the very front, his grim face etched with impatience.

He kept glancing back, urging the others, "Hurry up! Dawdling like this, you're all useless! Don't forget, I pulled you back from the brink of death. You'll owe me this favor forever!"

Haotian followed silently in the middle of the group, his deep gaze sweeping the surroundings.

He paid attention to Hiruko's every move while quietly estimating their distance from the Western Front's camp.

Since leaving, they had ventured at least fifty kilometers into the Land of Fire's interior, a distance beyond the usual route back to the village.

What was Hiruko's objective?

To test Hiruko, Haotian asked casually, "Lord Hiruko, are you on good terms with Lord Orochimaru? I heard you're also one of the Sannin."

Hiruko abruptly stopped, turning to glare fiercely at Haotian, his sinister eyes seeming to pierce through him.

"What are you asking so much for, kid? Just do your job!" he roared angrily, a hint of undisguised panic in his tone.

Haotian calmly observed Hiruko's reaction, forming a preliminary judgment.

It seemed Hiruko's relationship with the Sannin wasn't as close as he presented, perhaps even...

"Snap--"

The sound of a breaking branch suddenly shattered the forest's tranquility.

Haotian's head shot up, his sharp gaze sweeping towards the source of the sound.

"Who's there?" Hiruko demanded sternly, his right hand already on his kunai.

In the silent forest, a subtle killing intent began to spread...

The bushes rustled violently, and three figures leaped out. Their rock-grey uniforms stood out starkly under the dappled light of Madara—Iwa Ninja!

A grim, murderous atmosphere immediately filled the air, as if even the birds in the forest had fallen silent.

Haotian's pupils constricted, his heart sinking. He quickly scanned the three figures. The leader was tall, his rock-like rough face contorted into a ferocious grin. It was the Iwa Ninja Jonin, Gari!

"Iwa Ninja?" Uchiha Mei gasped. Her Sharingan activated instantly, the three tomoe reflected in her crimson pupils.

Haotian took a deep breath and said in a low voice to Hiruko, "Lord Hiruko, it's Iwa Ninja! It seems we've been discovered. What do we do?" He subtly watched Hiruko's reaction, hoping to find a flaw in his expression.

Hiruko's face darkened, his gaze flickering as if weighing the pros and cons.

After a moment, he gritted his teeth and whispered, "We press on! Don't engage!" With that, he took the lead, his pace slightly faster than before.

Haotian sneered inwardly. Hiruko's reaction further confirmed his suspicions. This guy was definitely up to something!

"Lord Hiruko," Haotian deliberately raised his voice, "we have so many injured with us, our speed is too slow. We won't get far before they catch up! Why don't you stay behind and hold them off, buying us some time!"

His words shocked everyone.

Kakashi and the others wore expressions of disbelief, never expecting Haotian to suggest such a thing.

Uchiha Mei's eyes widened even further, staring at Haotian in disbelief, as if questioning if she had heard correctly.

Hiruko stopped abruptly, turning to glare furiously at Haotian, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"What nonsense are you spouting, kid! You want me to stay and cover your retreat? Who do you think I am?"

Haotian met his gaze fearlessly, his tone calm, "Lord Hiruko, you are a Jonin of Konohagakure, powerful. Only you can stop them! We are weak and would only be a burden. Don't worry, we will rush back to the village as quickly as possible and report this situation to the Hokage!"

Hiruko's face turned ashen, rage burning in his eyes.

He stared intently at Haotian, as if he could devour him whole.

Kakashi and the others also drew their kunai, preparing for battle.

A tense atmosphere filled the air, on the verge of exploding.

"Hiruko," Gari's voice echoed from a distance, laced with mockery, "What, not planning to run anymore?"

Gari slowly approached with his two Iwa Ninja subordinates. He grinned, revealing his white teeth, "Looks like we got lucky today, catching a bunch of Konoha brats. And a few injured ones too, tsk tsk, how pathetic." His gaze swept over them coldly, "Especially that kid," Gari pointed at Haotian, "You escaped last time, but it won't be so easy this time."

Seeing Hiruko, Gari paused slightly, seemingly surprised, "Oh, isn't this Hiruko? What, have you sunk to protecting these brats?" He had intended to leave with his subordinates, as capturing a few genin was far less meritorious than capturing a Jonin.