Qianyu and Abin tracked those two detestable chakra signatures underground. Within the Byakugan's field of vision, the movements of the two chakra sources were clear—they were heading straight for the mountainous area on Kirigakure's outskirts.
"Little Dried Fish, they've stopped." Abin's voice came through chakra vibrations. "They're in a cave up ahead. The surrounding terrain is well concealed."
Qianyu nodded to show he understood. The two quietly approached and lay in wait within the earth about fifty meters from the cave entrance. Qianyu's Byakugan penetrated the rock wall, giving him a clear view of the cave's interior:
The cave had been simply modified, with a stone table and wooden racks. It looked like a temporary contact point. Two ninjas dressed in Kirigakure ANBU uniforms were speaking in low voices. One of their chakra signatures felt faintly familiar to Qianyu—that dark, oppressive feeling was exactly like the Root ninjas he had encountered in Konoha back then.
"Now."
Qianyu swiftly formed hand seals underground, chakra surging. "Wood Release: Wood Cage Technique!"
The ground at the cave entrance exploded with a thunderous crash. Several thick wooden vines shot out like living snakes, instantly sealing off the entrance as they spread and coiled into the cave. The two inside reacted quickly, leaping backward almost the instant the Wood Release appeared, but the entrance had already been blocked.
"Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"
Qianyu leaped out from underground and spat out a condensed fireball of searing heat, shooting it straight at one of them. In his haste, the man used Water Wall to block it. Water and fire collided, erupting into a vast cloud of steam that obstructed their vision.
The instant the steam spread, Qianyu appeared behind the other ninja. The five fingers of his right hand were pressed together, chakra highly concentrated at his