Mahiru

Following the swift decision made by the Konoha high command, an increasing number of Konoha ninja rushed toward the northwest side of the village.

"Swish!" "Swish!" "Swish!"...

Black silhouettes flashed across the rooftops one after another, followed by the continuous sound of air being torn asunder above the villagers' homes.

"I see them! Are those the enemy ninja attacking the village!?"

A very young-looking ninja spoke in a deep, grave voice.

No sooner had he finished speaking than the ground beneath his feet, where he had just landed, suddenly shattered!

"Boom!"

Countless sharp stone spikes surged wildly from the ground. Caught in this sudden ambush, the young Konoha ninja didn't even have time to react before he was pierced through and killed by the spikes.

Fresh blood gushed from his wounds, instantly staining the ground crimson.

Not far from him, the ninja who had arrived with him stared at the scene in horror, then looked toward the dark, dense forest ahead with a face full of vigilance and tension.

"Wh-who is there!?"

He shouted, his face turning somewhat pale.

Upon hearing his voice, several muffled sounds drifted from the forest.

"One is still alive? Is it because the Earth Style trap set earlier wasn't triggered?"

"No, that trap was already used to kill the ninja who stepped in here earlier. It's just that Ishime seems to have forgotten to reset it."

"Oh... then let's finish this guy off quickly. It will be troublesome if we let him escape."

"Hmm..."

Hearing their exchange from the shadows, cold sweat beaded on the young Konoha ninja's forehead.

What on earth are these guys talking about!?

Are they treating us like prey, setting traps to hunt us down wave after wave!?

Just as the puzzled thought flashed through the young ninja's mind, the soil