Hearing Sosuke's words, Ōnoki naturally didn't believe him. His expression was frighteningly grim.
His gaze fixed on Sosuke, brimming with murderous intent.
If it had been anyone else, the Tsuchikage's sheer presence would likely have left them crumpled on the ground by now.
But Sosuke was completely unaffected. Instead, he regarded Ōnoki with keen interest, as if he wanted to study exactly how the man felt at that moment.
Sarutobi watched the scene with a deepening frown. His expression was grave; even he couldn't understand why Ōnoki was acting this way.
One thing was certain, though: whatever had prompted Ōnoki's behavior had to do with Sosuke!
Whether it was genjutsu or some other method, no one knew.
At that moment, Sarutobi looked at Sosuke again, his expression growing exceedingly complicated.
He realized that this young ninja, long regarded as the most outstanding of the village's new generation, had been hiding many things from everyone.
No one could see through him. He was unfathomable...
Just then,
Ōnoki could no longer contain his fury. He glared at Sosuke with icy eyes and spoke in a low voice.
"No matter what, you're going to die!"
"I'll kill you with my own hands and make sure you have no place to be buried!"
His words rang out with chilling force. Everyone present felt their scalps tingle, and when they sensed the killing intent behind them, they couldn't help shivering.
Sosuke, the target of that murderous intent, regarded him with an amused smile and studied him before speaking softly.
"Is that so?"
"It seems Lord Tsuchikage is still very confident in his strength."
As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward Kitsuchi among the Rock Ninja. With a curl of his lips, he chuckled.
"That man is Lord Tsuchikage's son, isn't he?"
"Compared to you, Lord