As soon as Mizuki finished speaking, Sasuke charged into the forest at the front of the group.
The others quickly followed.
Mizuki wore a cold smile.
"Teacher Mizuki, we should get going as soon as possible."
"These students could be in danger on their own out here."
Igaki spoke with an easygoing expression.
As a Chunin, he had little trouble dealing with the dangers here.
This mission was simply a chance to get some field experience under his belt.
Thanks to Iruka falling ill, he hadn't been able to come. Otherwise, Igaki would have been the one left at the school.
"Right."
"Teacher Mizuki, Teacher Igaki is right."
"We should get moving as soon as possible. That's the only way to keep the students safe."
"After all, there are older students here, and they might go after ours."
Bainduo chimed in.
"You both make a good point."
"But I can go in by myself. The two of you can stay here for now."
After Mizuki finished speaking, a vicious look crossed his face.
"What do you mean?"
"Although you're leading this mission, Teacher Mizuki, we're also—"
"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
Two wet, tearing sounds rang out. Bainduo and Igaki stared at their chests in disbelief.
This...
"Mizuki, you..."
Igaki clutched his chest, trying to slow the flow of blood.
But there was no saving his life now.
Even at this moment, Igaki still couldn't understand why Mizuki had attacked them.
"Attacking fellow villagers—is this your way of defecting from Konoha?"
"Mizuki, you know—"
"Thud!"
Before Bainduo could finish, Mizuki kicked them both, sending them flying into the distant woods.
At the same time, he took out a scroll and summoned two Fuma Shuriken with long blades.
He removed his Forehead Protector and scratched out Konoha's symbol.
"Defecting?"
"Every renowned ninja in the