Those Sunagakure ninja whose whereabouts were unknown were very likely lying in ambush nearby, waiting for an opportunity to attack the secret base. He had to be especially careful.
After scouting for about half an hour, Kawaki Aoba found nothing unusual. The chakra fluctuations around him were calm, with no trace of sand-nature chakra.
He let out a slight breath of relief, but he did not lower his guard and continued surveying the surroundings.
Just then, a faint set of footsteps suddenly reached his ears. He immediately became alert and turned toward the sound, only to see a figure stealthily approaching the secret base. A faint sand-nature chakra emanated from the person.
Kawaki Aoba's heart stirred. He knew this was one of the missing Sunagakure ninja.
He slowly shifted his footing and concealed himself behind the trunk of a large tree, carefully observing the figure.
The Sunagakure ninja was tall and wore the standard Sunagakure uniform. A mask covered his face, leaving only a pair of cold eyes exposed. He was cautiously approaching the entrance to the secret base, clearly intending to launch a surprise attack.
Kawaki Aoba took a deep breath, then his figure flashed as he charged at the Sunagakure ninja.
He was incredibly fast, like the wind, arriving before the Sunagakure ninja in an instant.
"A Sunagakure ninja sneaking around to launch an attack? You're seriously overestimating yourself!" The Sunagakure ninja's expression changed dramatically. He clearly had not expected to be discovered.
He immediately turned around and, upon seeing Kawaki Aoba, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes before icy killing intent emerged. "You little brat from Konoha, you dare ruin my plans? Today, I'll make sure you die without a grave!"
"Just you?"
Kawaki Aoba raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone laced with mockery. "You think