Maki spoke calmly. "I was not deliberately protecting you. I simply did not want Konoha to casually set foot in Sunagakure territory.
"Your grudge with Konoha has nothing to do with Sunagakure. Settle it yourselves."
A vicious look flashed through Morino's eyes as he turned to glare at Kawaki Aoba and Yuhi Shinku. "Since you found me, then today I can only fight to the death! You want to drag me back to Konoha and claim credit? Dream on!"
Kawaki Aoba's tone was icy. "You stole secrets and betrayed your country and village. Your fate was decided long ago. Resistance is useless."
"Useless? Then let's see!"
Morino rapidly formed hand seals. "Earth Release: Quicksand Binding!"
The yellow sand beneath their feet instantly churned and surged. Countless grains became viscous streams of sand that swiftly wrapped around Kawaki Aoba's legs, trying to bind him firmly in place.
Chakra suddenly erupted beneath Kawaki Aoba's feet, Lightning Release chakra covering his soles as he shouted, "Lightning Release: Explosion!"
Blue lightning exploded in an instant. The violent electrical force shattered every binding of quicksand, scorching the airborne grains into nothingness.
Morino's pupils contracted sharply. "A Lightning Release ninjutsu? Your chakra control far surpasses that of an ordinary Genin!"
"There is much more you do not know."
Kawaki Aoba charged forward, his speed suddenly surging as he closed in on Morino.
Morino's expression changed drastically. He immediately dodged to the side while rapidly forming hand seals. "Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"
A thick earthen wall instantly rose from the ground before him, trying to block Kawaki Aoba's assault.
"The Sharingan sees through it. Basic Earth Release like this cannot stop me."
Kawaki Aoba's gaze remained unchanged as Chidori lightning gathered in his palm. He slammed it fiercely into the earthen wall.
A piercing hiss rang out