In the dark forest, a profound silence reigned.
Tall shrubs and dense undergrowth sprawled everywhere. Even in the afternoon, most of the sunlight was still blocked out.
The three members of Team 7 walked through the dark forest, maintaining the vigilance expected of ninja. Second Pillar's gaze constantly swept the surroundings, using the Sharingan's perceptive abilities to investigate the area.
For some reason, he had a persistent, hair-raising feeling, like prey being watched by some soft-bodied crawling creature. It left him restless and uneasy.
"Sasuke, are you okay?" Naruto Uzumaki keenly noticed his condition and asked in a low voice.
His childhood experiences fishing with Shin had given him a state of mind far beyond that of ordinary people. He was highly sensitive to changes in the emotions of those around him. Though he was not yet as perceptive as he would be after learning Sage Mode years later, he was still better than most reconnaissance ninja.
"I'm fine," Second Pillar said gravely, his eyes continuing to scan the surroundings, unease faintly visible within them.
"..." Naruto Uzumaki fell silent. Faced with Sasuke's attitude, he truly found it hard to say anything more.
"Who's there?" Suddenly, Sasuke, who had been advancing, shouted. The kunai in his hand flew without hesitation, tracing a cold gleam through the dark forest before burying itself in the distant bushes.
A figure immediately appeared, leaping several times from the bushes to a tree trunk. He let out a gloomy, strange laugh. "You actually discovered me through my disguise. Looks like you're outstanding members of Konoha's younger generation. I'll give you a chance—hand over the scrolls, and I can spare your lives."
Second Pillar looked up. Two crimson magatama had already appeared in his eyes as he said in a low voice, "He's a ninja from