Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed an immense threat inside the Eight Trigrams formation. It definitely wasn't just a remote island he'd been transported to with Esdeath.
Otherwise, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't have risked suffering a backlash by using the Heavenly Transfer Technique outright.
"I'll make sure I catch that bastard and give him a proper grilling!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen carried the badly wounded, unconscious Esdeath over his shoulder. He didn't return right away,
instead staying out of sight in a secluded corner for half a day, practicing Immortal Breathing.
Only after his injuries had completely healed and he'd returned to peak condition did Sarutobi Hiruzen take Esdeath back to the Imperial Capital.
He didn't want to rush back and fall into Syura's trap again.
Fortunately, everything was as usual when he returned to the Imperial Capital.
Najenda was simply shocked that Sarutobi Hiruzen had brought back a gravely wounded Esdeath.
Had he actually beaten Esdeath?
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't explain. He only told her to take good care of Esdeath, and ordered the Jaegers to keep watch over the Imperial Capital and stay alert for Syura's arrival.
Esdeath had an exceptionally strong constitution. She woke up the next day, and her injuries had already mostly healed.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's treatment had certainly helped, too.
"Syura."
After Sarutobi Hiruzen explained what had happened, Esdeath believed most of his story. She knew about Syura, too.
A bloodthirsty smile curled her lips as she bared her pearly white teeth.
She wasn't the sort to stay quiet after being ambushed.
"Just let me catch him."
"Then I won't even give him the chance to kneel and lick my shoes!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, however, wasn't so optimistic.
"That Teigu of his is a real nuisance. If he runs, it'll be nearly impossible to catch him."
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't know Syura very well,