The Beast Lurking in the Dark

Footsteps drew nearer from afar, slow and steady, as though the newcomer was in no hurry to reveal his presence.

Kawaki Aoba quietly gripped a Kunai in his right hand, his fingertips lightly brushing the handle as he felt the coldness of the metal.

His gaze pierced through the dim light and fixed on the entrance.

A moment later, a figure appeared in the doorway. He was tall, clad in a Sunagakure ninja uniform, with his face covered by a mask that revealed only a pair of sharp eyes.

"It's him."

Kawaki Aoba's heart jolted as he recognized the man—the Jonin leading the caravan.

The man's gaze swept across the secret chamber, as though he had sensed something.

His hand slowly moved toward the ninja tool pouch at his waist, his movements cautious and deliberate.

"Who's there?"

The leading Jonin's voice was low and icy, carrying an unquestionable pressure.

His eyes moved between the bookshelves and wooden crates, seemingly searching for any trace of something unusual.

Kawaki Aoba and Asuma exchanged a glance. Both immediately understood.

Revealing their identities now would be far from wise.

Kawaki Aoba lightly traced a simple symbol on the ground with his finger, signaling Asuma.

He intended to use genjutsu to create an illusion and conceal their presence.

He closed his eyes and rapidly formed hand seals, Chakra silently flowing through his body.

The next moment, a thin mist spread from his hands and swiftly filled the secret chamber.

The mist was not thick, but it was enough to blur their vision and turn the chamber's interior hazy.

The leading Jonin frowned, his gaze growing more wary. Yet he did not act at once, instead standing still as if sensing the Chakra fluctuations in the air.

Kawaki Aoba held his breath and felt out the