Deliberate Indulgence amid an Unknown Attack and Going with the Flow in the Defensive Formation

The wind had changed.

It was no longer a simple howl. Now, it carried the sharp whine of blades slicing through the air.

Several glints of cold light suddenly appeared from the shadows on both sides of the Canyon, striking precisely at the feet of the two ANBU at the front of the convoy.

The sand exploded—not ninjutsu, but Explosive Tags hidden beneath it.

"Enemy attack!"

Inuzuka's roar rang out almost simultaneously with the explosions, but it was already too late.

Chaos erupted in an instant.

Dozens of figures charged out of the curtain of sand. Their Protectors varied wildly, and some were not wearing any at all. Their outfits were just as mismatched, like a rabble hastily thrown together.

Yet their attacks were exceptionally seasoned and vicious. With the storm as cover, every strike was meant to kill.

"Form a circle! Protect the carriage!"

Inuzuka drew the Short Blade at his waist. Chakra erupted in an instant, and one slash sent three Shuriken flying.

The ANBU beside him immediately carried out the order, quickly closing in around the carriage in an attempt to form a circular defensive line.

But under the combined pressure of the sandstorm and the ambush, the formation was stiff and riddled with openings.

The attackers had no intention of meeting them head-on. Instead, they used the blowing sand as perfect cover, harassing and splitting them with ruthless efficiency.

An ANBU had just formed hand seals and cast Wind Release, trying to blow away the curtain of sand before him, when a chain burst from the sand and wrapped around his ankle. He only had time to let out a short cry before his entire body was dragged into the darkness, never to make another sound.

Inuzuka's command now seemed particularly clumsy.

"Seventh and Eighth Squads,