"I never thought a simple reconnaissance mission would turn into a pursuit by enemies of this caliber."
"Captain Hatake, I'm kind of innocent here."
Uzumaki Kuming glanced around at the Sunagakure ninja surrounding them and sighed inwardly. Leading the pursuit force was Sunagakure's Elder Chiyo. Standing beside her were Rasa and Karura.
In the distance, Shukaku had finally been subdued and returned to human form. The current One-Tail Jinchuriki was a man in his twenties with an ordinary appearance—the sort who would disappear into a crowd. Even after Shukaku had been suppressed, though, the young man remained conscious, watching Kuming with a cold expression.
Aside from those few, nearly a hundred other Sunagakure ninja had gathered. They made no attempt to hide who they were. Wearing pale yellow half-armor and Sunagakure Forehead Protectors, they had Kuming and Hatake Sakumo firmly surrounded.
"I'm sorry. I've dragged you into this."
"I'll cover your escape. Get out of here as soon as you can."
Sakumo spoke with some guilt. He knew exactly why Sunagakure had sent such a powerful force after a six-person ninja squad. There was only one reason: Hatake Sakumo had killed the son and daughter-in-law of Sunagakure's elder, Chiyo.
That grudge had driven Sunagakure to pursue their squad relentlessly. Under normal circumstances, a force of ten would have been more than enough to eliminate six Konoha ninja who had infiltrated their territory.
But nearly a hundred Sunagakure ninja were enough to fight a small-scale battle. They could have wiped out a weaker village several times over.
"You think I can get away with this many people here?" Kuming said flatly, glancing at Sakumo.
Sakumo lowered his gaze and apologized. "I'm sorry. I dragged you into this."
"Enough with the pointless talk."
"Captain, there's no need to hold back now. I'll