The forest's tranquility was utterly torn apart by a thunderous explosion. The force of destruction swept through the entire area like a raging storm.
Panicked creatures fled in every direction, their cries weaving together amid the chaos and casting a shadow of uncertainty over the battlefield.
The members of Hatake Sakumo's squad felt their hearts tighten involuntarily, their faces etched with tension and worry.
A trace of concern flashed through Senior Sakumo's eyes. He knew the explosion had come from the direction where Nawaki was tracking the enemy. Yet the situation before him was just as urgent. The enemy lurking in the shadows was cunningly using the terrain, and having to protect the two people beside him severely restricted his movements.
"Suzuran, have you found the enemy's position?" Senior Sakumo asked urgently while fending off the incoming ninja tools.
"Captain, not yet." A trace of guilt colored Hyuga Suzuran's voice. Her Byakugan searched through the smoke, but she could hardly see through the layers of obstacles.
"So the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan is nothing special after all." Uchiha Yan's voice held a trace of disdain, and his eyes gleamed with the Sharingan. "If it can't solve the problem, then we'll just destroy everything."
"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" With a low shout, Uchiha Yan spat out countless tiny fireballs.
Like a flock of unleashed phoenixes, the fireballs flew toward the trees in every direction under his precise control. The moment they touched the trees, the flames spread rapidly, turning the entire forest into a sea of fire.
The flames soared into the sky, lighting up the surrounding darkness while making it difficult for the enemy to stay hidden. Heat and smoke churned through the air, adding even more uncertainty to the chaotic battlefield.
Hatake Sakumo watched Uchiha Yan's audacious move, a