In the nick of time, a figure dropped like a phantom from a nearby treetop, the short sword in his hand flashing coldly!
Slice!
Blood sprayed! The summoned beast's claw was severed at the wrist, and it staggered back with an agonized shriek.
The newcomer flipped and landed in front of Sakura, shielding her. Blood dripped from his short sword. He wore an animal mask and the uniform of the Konoha Anbu.
"Are you all right?" The Anbu's voice came through his mask, somewhat low.
"I-I'm fine! Thank you!" Sakura was still shaken.
"You're Team Seven? Come with me. It's not safe here," the Anbu said quickly, his wary gaze sweeping their surroundings.
"An unidentified force has infiltrated the Forest of Death and is controlling summoned beasts to attack the examinees. Their target may be..."
He glanced at Naruto. "You. The Fourth has ordered me to take you to a relatively safe area to rendezvous."
Naruto froze. "Me? Why me? And who are you? How come I've never seen you before?"
"Anbu 'Plan C,' acting under orders. There's no time to explain. We need to leave. More summoned beasts and attackers could arrive at any moment!" the Anbu who called himself "Plan C" said urgently, turning to lead the way.
Naruto frowned, his blue eyes fixed on Plan C's back, then glanced at the summoned beast on the ground, still twitching after having its claw cut off.
Then he looked at the other two summoned beasts, which had been driven back for the moment but were still watching them hungrily, and a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.
This Anbu showed up a little too conveniently. And... something just feels wrong.
His chakra feels... a little strange, even though he's hiding it well.
Over the past year, however, Naruto's sensitivity