The leader was a tall sand ninja with fierce eyes, sweeping his gaze over everyone in the restaurant.
Asuma and Kakashi exchanged a glance, both seeing the wariness in each other's eyes.
They set down their chopsticks and quietly gripped the weapons at their sides.
The sand ninja soon noticed Aoba's group.
Killing intent flashed through the leader's eyes as he slowly walked toward them.
"Kawaki Aoba. I didn't expect to run into you here."
The leader said coldly, "Looks like our luck is pretty good today."
Aoba put down his chopsticks, raised his head, and frowned at the leader. "Why are you here?"
"We're here to capture you, of course."
The leader sneered. "You got lucky and escaped last time. This time, you won't be so fortunate."
Naruto set down his bowl, stood up, and stepped in front of Aoba. "You annoying sand ninja again! Big Brother Aoba isn't going with you!"
"Brat, this has nothing to do with you. Get lost!"
Impatience flashed through the leader's eyes as he raised a hand to shove Naruto aside.
"Don't touch him!"
Aoba shouted lowly, instantly stepping in front of Naruto and catching the leader's hand.
"Oh? Looks like you've recovered well from your injuries."
Surprise flashed through the leader's eyes before he sneered. "But even if you've recovered, you're still no match for me."
As he spoke, the leader suddenly exerted force, trying to push Aoba away.
Aoba gritted his teeth and pushed back with all his strength.
Their arms locked together, and the air around them seemed to freeze.
With a bang, they both staggered back several steps.
Aoba's face turned slightly pale. He could feel that the other man was incredibly strong—far more formidable than the Elite Jonin among the sand ninja from before.
"Looks like Sunagakure has