"The enemy's here!"
Orochimaru's words were like a pebble dropped into water, sending ripples across the group.
Kuming and Tsunade, who had been fooling around inside the cave, immediately turned their attention to Orochimaru. Minato and Jiraiya, standing not far away, both wore grim expressions. Might Duy, on the other hand, didn't seem surprised.
"Stone Ninja pursuers?"
"Hadn't sensed anyone approaching?"
Uzumaki Kuming focused, throwing the full range of his Mind's Eye of the Kagura open. His Chakra quickly connected with the sensory barrier he'd set up earlier, but after searching the area, he couldn't find any sign of the enemy.
At Kuming's words, Orochimaru glanced at him without offering an explanation.
"They really are coming!"
Suddenly, numerous Stone Ninja appeared within the range of Kuming's sensory field, hurrying toward them. The moment he sensed the pursuers, Kuming looked at Orochimaru in surprise and murmured,
"Is Orochimaru's sensory range even greater than mine?" A thought flashed through Kuming's mind. He immediately looked toward Minato, waiting for his decision.
Although Jiraiya and the others had the most experience among those in the cave, Minato was the only captain of Kuming's squad. If something unexpected happened, naturally the captain had to decide what they would do next.
"We should leave first. Duy, carry Teacher Jiraiya."
Minato quickly made his decision under Kuming's gaze. At his command, Duy hurried over to Jiraiya. He had just reached out to carry him when someone grabbed his hand.
"Hm?" Orochimaru suddenly stepped in front of Jiraiya, stopping Duy. Duy looked at him in confusion, unsure what to do.
"Lord Orochimaru, what are you planning?" Minato had just helped Jiraiya to his feet. Seeing Orochimaru's strange behavior, he was baffled and asked him outright.
"Boy, we're in the middle of a war. You can't let personal feelings