Outside the laboratory lay a pitch-black tunnel, winding upward toward the surface.
His steps were not fast, but each one carried steady strength.
On the surface.
"Ha ha ha! See? Isn't this move amazing? It's a Wind Release ninjutsu I just learned!" A blond boy clapped excitedly as he stood in an open area filled with blowing sand.
Beside him stood a black-haired girl with her arms crossed, her expression tinged with helplessness.
"Naruto, what are you doing? This is Sunagakure, not some place where you can just mess around!"
"It's fine, Hinata! I'm just testing its power! Besides, we came to Sunagakure to help Temari. While she's busy, don't we have to wait anyway?"
Hinata let out a soft sigh. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly sensed a chilling killing intent coming from afar. Her body stiffened slightly, and she could not help turning toward its source.
Naruto sensed something as well. He froze for a moment and scratched his head. "Huh? What's going on? Why do I suddenly feel a chill down my back?"
As soon as he spoke, a red figure emerged from the dust.
"Who gave you permission to make such a racket here?"
A deep voice came from within the dust, seemingly carrying an invisible pressure.
Naruto frowned and looked toward the voice. "Who's that? What a scary voice."
The dust gradually dispersed, revealing Sasori.
He swept a cold glance over Naruto and Hinata, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt.
"You disturbed my research."
Sasori's words were cold and slow, each one seeming to carry a chill.
Naruto felt uncomfortable under that gaze, but he quickly flashed his trademark grin. "Huh? Disturbed you? We didn't do anything! Besides, this isn't your place!"
Sasori's gaze turned even colder. "Not my place? Brat,