A gentle wave of chakra blasted backward, slamming hard into the pursuing Sunagakure ninja.
Jonin Kazama raised a hand and condensed a Sand Shield, shouting in a low voice, "You think a mere Gentle Fist: Shockwave can delay me? Ridiculous!"
The Sand Shield blocked the shockwave. After only a brief pause, the group accelerated and resumed their pursuit.
Kawaki Aoba continued his report. "The delay was limited. They've closed in again and are less than fifty meters away! Three hundred meters ahead is the rogue ninja's hideout!"
Yuhi Shinku's gaze was firm. "Push a little harder. As long as we find the rogue ninja, our mission will be complete. We'll withdraw immediately afterward!"
Uchiha Shisui said, "I'll accelerate us again and help everyone close the distance to the target!"
Shisui poured chakra beneath everyone's feet, boosting their sprinting speed. The four of them suddenly accelerated once more, rapidly nearing the target area.
Seeing this, Jonin Kazama's killing intent intensified. "You dare move freely through Sunagakure territory? Even if I have to chase you to the ends of the earth, I'll capture you today!"
Ebizo shouted, "The area ahead is a desert depression. The terrain is complicated and perfect for an ambush. They won't escape!"
Kawaki Aoba immediately sensed the terrain and chakra ahead, then said, "Aside from the rogue ninja, there's hidden chakra within the depression! It's an unfamiliar presence, belonging neither to Sunagakure nor Konoha!"
Yuhi Shinku halted, asking gravely, "Unfamiliar chakra? How strong is it?"
Kawaki Aoba replied quickly, "The chakra is extremely well concealed, even fainter than the rogue ninja's presence. It's hidden deep within the depression. Their numbers are unknown, and their aura is cold and strange!"
Uchiha Shisui said solemnly, "A third-party force? This situation has become completely complicated."
Hyuga Neji said, "Unknown enemies ahead