The Release of the Beast in the Cage and the Interception by Konoha's Anbu

Night was as black as ink, spilling across the only road from the Land of Fire to Konoha.

The forest fell silent. Even the insects had stopped chirping, and the air was thick with the oppressive stillness that came before a mountain storm.

The ANBU squad captain codenamed "Crow" crouched on the thick branch of a century-old tree. Beneath his cold mask, his breathing was as steady as a rock's. His hand gripped the hilt of the Ninja Blade at his waist, the rough texture of the cloth wrapped around it clear against his skin.

The wind carried an extremely faint yet nauseating smell.

The smell of blood.

Mixed with the stench of some beast, and... the foul odor of rotting bodily fluids.

"They're here."

Through the miniature communicator at his throat, Crow spoke two brief words that only the squad members could hear.

Among the surrounding shadows, a dozen or more masked figures silently adjusted their stances. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, like activated parts of a precise killing machine.

Every one of their nerves was stretched taut.

Several hours earlier, they had received a top-secret order from the Fifth Hokage.

There had been no unnecessary explanation, no lengthy mobilization speech—only a map, a formation diagram, and a cold command devoid of emotion.

—"At the coordinates known as 'Death Corridor,' intercept the 'thing' coming from the direction of Kyoto. Use this formation diagram and wear it down to death."

"My lord, do we need it alive?" Crow had asked instinctively at the time.

He would never forget the Fifth Hokage's indifferent eyes beneath the dim light of the Hokage's Office, as if he were looking down upon ants.

"Alive?" Baishi had chuckled. There had been no pleasure in his laugh, only pure, lofty mockery. "The garbage released by that