"Come out!"
The lead Jonin's voice was icy and tinged with impatience. "I know you're in there, Sunagakure ninja. Stop hiding. You can't escape. Hand over the classified files obediently, and I can give you a quick death!"
Aoba said nothing. He merely hid quietly in the sand pit, observing the movements outside. He was waiting for the best opportunity. Once he made his move, he had to hold the enemy back at once and buy Kazeno Takuya time to escape.
Kazeno Takuya held his breath as well, staring fixedly at the exit of the sand pit, ready to flee at any moment.
Seeing no movement from within, the lead Jonin's gaze grew even colder. He waved at the two Chunin beside him. "You two, go in and take a look. Drag him out for me!"
"Yes!" The two Chunin answered in unison, then cautiously approached the sand pit's entrance and bent over, preparing to enter.
The instant they bent down, Aoba moved. Like a cheetah, he shot out of the sand pit. The Kunai in his hand cut through the air with a fierce gust as it stabbed toward one Chunin's throat. He moved like lightning, giving his target no chance to react.
That Chunin had never expected someone to suddenly rush out of the sand pit, much less at such speed. His expression changed as he tried to dodge, but it was already too late.
With a wet pfft, the Kunai pierced his throat precisely. Blood erupted instantly. The Chunin let out a muffled groan and collapsed onto the sand, dead in an instant.
The other Chunin was startled by the sudden turn of events and instinctively took a step back. Then he swiftly drew a Kunai and thrust it at Aoba, his eyes full of anger and