Breaking Through Shinku's Defense Line!

"Who?!"

Aoba abruptly looked up, his gaze locking onto the dark figure.

The newcomer wore Sunagakure ninja attire, his face covered by a black cloth that revealed only a pair of sharp eyes.

He held a massive fan in his hand, its surface engraved with intricate runes. It was clearly a powerful ninja tool.

"Sunagakure reinforcements?"

Shinku's voice held a trace of surprise. He swiftly dispelled the swirling petal storm, retreating to Aoba's side as he watched the newcomer warily.

"Konoha ninja, you're getting far too arrogant."

The newly arrived Sunagakure ninja spoke in a low, hoarse voice. "This is Sunagakure territory. It's not your place to run wild."

Aoba narrowed his eyes slightly. He could sense that the newcomer's Chakra fluctuations far surpassed those of an ordinary Sunagakure Jonin, even faintly approaching the level of a Kage-level powerhouse.

His fingers tightened around his short blade as he said quietly to Shinku, "Be careful. This one isn't simple."

The Sunagakure Jonin took the chance to catch his breath and quickly retreated to the newcomer's side, relief showing on his face. "Lady Chiyo, you came at just the right time!"

"Chiyo?!"

Shinku and Aoba both froze, a trace of gravity flashing through their eyes.

Sunagakure's legendary ninja, Granny Chiyo—the foremost master of puppet techniques and one of Sunagakure's strongest fighters.

Her appearance undoubtedly made the battle even more complicated.

"You two Konoha brats have some nerve."

Chiyo's voice carried the rasp of age, yet it radiated unquestionable authority.

Her gaze swept over Aoba and Shinku, a scrutinizing gleam flashing in her eyes. "But if you dare cause trouble on Sunagakure soil, you'll have to pay the price."

Against an opponent like Chiyo, any underestimation could lead to fatal consequences.

His gaze swept across the battlefield, and he noticed what seemed to