Crisis

"Anko, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Tetsu, where are those guys now?"

In a forest within the Kirigakure-controlled zone of the Land of Whirlpools, Mitarashi Anko watched as Morino Ibiki bandaged her arm while questioning Hyuga Tetsu, who stood nearby.

Anko's squad had received orders from Orochimaru not long ago to head into the Kirigakure-controlled zone to carry out raids and sabotage.

However, their luck was poor; they had been spotted by an enemy squad the moment they stepped into the region.

Although they possessed the Byakugan and could conduct long-range reconnaissance, activating the Byakugan required a constant supply of chakra.

No one could use the Byakugan without restraint, so they were simply unlucky to have run into the enemy while it was deactivated.

After a fierce battle, Anko's squad had eliminated one Kirigakure squad, but they had also been latched onto by the enemy.

Consequently, they had no choice but to move deeper into the Kirigakure-controlled zone while dodging their pursuers.

If they could, they would have liked to take out those pursuing Kirigakure ninja as well.

But those Kirigakure ninja were no pushovers, and even though Anko was a student of Orochimaru and had mastered several powerful forbidden techniques, she could not withstand their relentless assault.

Anko was already injured, and Morino Ibiki was in no better shape.

Hyuga Tetsu's chakra reserves were depleted to an absurd degree; his constant use of the Byakugan for monitoring had left him in an even worse state than Morino Ibiki or Anko.

"The situation is dire; they've closed in on us." Hyuga Tetsu panted slightly, whispering, "We have to leave here immediately."

"I'm afraid it's too late for that." Morino Ibiki sighed, saying helplessly, "We simply didn't have the time to clean up our tracks."

Failing to clean up the scene was fatal for fugitives; those tracking them could stay glued to their heels as long as they followed the traces left behind.

Moreover, the Kirigakure ninja were already so close that the advantage of the Byakugan could not be fully utilized, especially since their eyes were now completely exhausted.

"Don't overthink it, let's just go." Anko stood up, a smile appearing on her face, though a hint of madness flickered in her eyes: "If it comes to it, I'll stay behind to cover you."

Mitarashi Anko was naturally a person full of madness; although she usually appeared carefree, even acting as if her brain hadn't fully developed, that sense of insanity would surge forth whenever she encountered trouble or danger.

Otherwise, in the future, upon learning that Orochimaru had gone to Konoha to destroy the Chunin Exams, she wouldn't have recklessly rushed in to try and take him down with her.

"Damn it, they've found us!" Suddenly, Hyuga Tetsu shouted, immediately dropping into a combat stance.

At that very moment, a signal flare rose into the sky, and simultaneously, four Kirigakure ninja appeared before them.

"You lot, you sure can run." The lead Kirigakure ninja wore a cruel smile: "We've been chasing you for days; it's time for this to end!"

"Do you really think we're easy targets?"

The madness on Anko's face grew more intense; she pulled out a kunai and, mimicking Orochimaru, licked her lips.

"Come on, let me see just how strong you really are!"

"Captain, we still haven't found anyone. Are we looking in the wrong direction?"

In the forest of the Kirigakure-controlled zone, Shiranui Genma scanned his surroundings, and after a long while, he whispered to Uchiha Sou.

Ever since they had finished interrogating for information, the three of them had carefully crossed the border of the Kirigakure-controlled zone and begun a serious search for the captured Konoha squad.

Might Guy remained the most enthusiastic; his nature was simply like that—passionate and kind—but interestingly, Shiranui Genma also seemed much more proactive now.

His change in attitude had actually occurred after his conversation with Uchiha Sou; clearly, he agreed with Uchiha Sou's plan.

As a commoner ninja, he had always resonated with Uchiha Sou's words—never underestimate any ordinary person; if given the chance, they could sway the outcome of an entire war.

He felt deeply moved, as Uchiha Sou was a rare individual who, despite being a proud Uchiha, held no prejudice against commoner ninja and even valued them highly.

Furthermore, after careful consideration, he had largely accepted Uchiha Sou's plan.

Having participated in the war for so long, he knew full well how much hatred the actions of Kirigakure in the Land of Whirlpools had stirred up among the common people.

If those ordinary people hadn't lacked the power to oppose ninja, they likely would have acted long ago.

And if Konoha ninja, who were also fighting against Kirigakure, asked them for help, they would likely not refuse, no matter how one looked at it.

"So, we really do need manpower to create a greater deterrent and achieve better results."

With this thought in mind, Shiranui Genma naturally became more active, especially since the squad they were trying to rescue possessed a Byakugan.

No one could deny the immense value the Byakugan could provide in such an environment.

However, in enemy territory, enthusiasm sometimes didn't count for much.

They had to be extremely careful not to follow in the footsteps of those they were tracking, while simultaneously searching for traces, finding the enemy's location, and locating suitable places to rest to prepare for the battles that could erupt at any moment.

Therefore, they hadn't had much success so far.

"I can't be sure either; after all, the intelligence we received is limited and delayed."

Uchiha Sou was also finding it difficult; searching for so long without results was certainly not good news.

If it weren't for that Byakugan, he would have been tempted to let that Konoha squad fend for themselves.

As the saying goes, as long as the green hills remain, one need not worry about firewood.

If they didn't run into them this time, surely they would encounter other Konoha squads in this vast Kirigakure-controlled zone?

However, he found it difficult to actually say those words out loud; after all, having come all this way, there was no such thing as giving up so soon.

At the very least, he should spend another day searching before calling it quits.

"Let's keep looking for a while longer."

Thinking this, Uchiha Sou couldn't help but speak up.

"But we cannot waste too much time either. We have our own mission to complete, so if we truly find nothing, we must withdraw as soon as possible. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Captain." Shiranui Genma nodded; he still maintained the necessary level of reason.

"Captain... yes, I understand." Might Guy looked a bit conflicted, but since Shiranui Genma had already spoken, he could only nod along.

"Very good, then—" Uchiha Sou nodded in satisfaction, but just as he was about to say something, he suddenly furrowed his brows.

It wasn't just him; Might Guy and Shiranui Genma did the same, and then they all involuntarily raised their heads to look toward the sky.

In the sky at this moment, a signal flare was rising steadily, trailing a thick plume of smoke.