I'll Carry Him, You Cover Our Retreat

The dust gradually settled, and the two figures came back into clear view of each other.

Aoba's gaze was cold and sharp, as though it could pierce through any disguise.

Shinku's eyes, meanwhile, held a trace of resolve, as if she had already made up her mind about something.

In the distance, the members of the Sunagakure squad had begun closing in on Aoba.

Baki's gaze swept across the battlefield, his brow deeply furrowed.

Thick smoke rapidly spread through the desert night wind, as though torn apart by an invisible hand. It filled the air, obscuring the moonlit view.

Kawaki Aoba narrowed his eyes slightly. At that moment, he pushed his Observation Haki to its limit, trying to pierce the dense fog and catch Yuhi Shinku's trail.

The air around them seemed to have solidified, carrying a suffocating pressure.

His heartbeat was still rapid, yet his movements showed no panic. He slightly raised the ninja blade in his hand, its edge reflecting a cold gleam beneath the moonlight.

"She's moving!"

Kawaki Aoba shouted in a low voice, his tone carrying unquestionable conviction.

His gaze swiftly swept the surroundings, searching the thick smoke for even the slightest abnormal disturbance.

Though his Observation Haki was sharp, Yuhi Shinku's ninjutsu had clearly been carefully concealed. She had deliberately suppressed the flow of her Chakra until it had nearly blended into the natural surroundings.

Kawaki Lan stood beside him, already gripping a Kunai tightly, anxiety in his eyes. "Aoba, are you sure she's still nearby? Smoke bombs are her usual trick. She may have already retreated!"

"No, she hasn't left."

Kawaki Aoba's voice was low and calm as his gaze locked onto a spot to the left, though there was nothing there but churning smoke.

His Observation Haki caught a faint trace of killing