"Shikamaru, can you determine Asuma-sensei's location?" Ino moved closer to Shikamaru and asked with a worried expression. Neither Ino nor Choji knew much about what kind of organization Akatsuki was, but Kakashi's earlier introduction had emphasized that nearly every Akatsuki member possessed Kage-level strength!
Or they possessed some special ability, such as a bloodline limit.
That left Ino deeply worried about her teacher Asuma's situation. Both she and Choji had a rough understanding of Asuma's strength. Back when they had just become genin, jonin like Asuma had seemed invincible in their eyes. But now, they could see Asuma's limits.
Under the suppression of Kage-level strength, even though Asuma was their teacher, Ino could not help but feel a shadow cast over her heart.
"Yeah. According to the Hokage-sama's assessment, those two should be conducting their transaction at a black market somewhere in this area. After all, if they're carrying corpses, they can't keep moving for too long—the bodies will rot and start to stink! Judging from the Fire Temple's location and the surrounding area, it should be this one!" Shikamaru said calmly.
His words carried immense confidence.
Just as Shikamaru finished speaking, a strange sound suddenly seemed to ring out from the distant sky. Shikamaru's expression shifted slightly.
"Neji!"
"Got it! Byakugan!" Hyuga Neji gave a low shout, and the veins around his eyes immediately bulged.
"That's right, it's a distress signal! It's right at the location you mentioned!" After observing for a moment with his Byakugan, Neji said gravely to Shikamaru.
"Good! Whether it's another Anbu squad or Asuma-sensei, since they sent the signal, they must have discovered those two. Move out at full speed and provide support!"
"Yeah!"
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"
Shikamaru, Neji, and the others swiftly raced through the forest.
Meanwhile, Asuma and the others, who had fallen