The three of them reached a consensus in an instant and continued deeper into the cave.
"Who are you? How dare you find this cave?"
"The ones here to take your life. We accepted a commission to protect Granny Shi Jiao, so you'd better surrender obediently."
"That old fool really didn't trust me after all. But you little brats can stay here and keep me company."
A tremendous suction force suddenly emerged from within the cave. Shen Ye and the other two lost control of their bodies and were pulled deeper inside, drifting like pale-blue talismans.
Shen Ye nodded at Minato and immediately assumed a fighting stance, ready for whatever came next.
As they neared the depths of the cave, Shen Ye finally saw the one who had been threatening Granny Shi Jiao.
He had medium-length blue hair and a pale face, and looked about the same age as Jiraiya. It was impossible to imagine that the disgusting giant monstrosity had come from his hands.
"Since there are no children from the village to keep me company, you can stay and play with me instead."
The puppeteer wore a smiling expression, but his words allowed no room for doubt, as if he had already decided Shen Ye and the others' fate.
Shen Ye shook his head helplessly. How was he supposed to make this guy understand that he was dreaming in broad daylight?
"Attack!"
At Shen Ye's command, Minato and Shikaku simultaneously hurled the shuriken in their hands straight at the puppeteer's face.
The latter frowned, not expecting the attack to come so quickly. He had no time to react.
Suddenly, a figure rushed in from the side, blocked the shuriken with its body, and crashed heavily onto the ground.
"A Fei, don't scare me, A Fei!"
With a grief-stricken