It was because his ability allowed him, to a certain extent, to understand the cries of birds and other animals.
That birdcall was telling him that someone had arrived.
Not long after, unhurried footsteps that seemed to make no attempt at concealment rang out.
They drew closer and closer, sounding exceptionally clear in the silent mountain forest.
Everyone frowned.
Soon, they saw clearly who the newcomer was.
Hinata slowly emerged from where their gazes converged, her long dark-blue hair loose, dressed simply in a casual purple hooded jacket, black pants, and purple-and-white sneakers.
Seeing that it was Hinata, Sasuke did not warmly greet this former companion as one might have expected. Instead, he watched her warily and said, "What are you doing here?"
Hinata paused, then smiled and replied in her crisp voice, "What's wrong? You're a Rogue Ninja, and so am I. Can't I come catch up with you and talk about our lives as Rogue Ninjas?"
Sasuke did not buy Hinata's act. He said directly, "Tell me what you're really here for. You wouldn't come here without a reason."
Hinata curled her lips and still did not answer Sasuke, looking as though she could not be bothered with him at all. She continued, "Oh? Sasuke, are these the subordinates you found? They all seem pretty good."
Apparently unable to tolerate Hinata any longer, Karin jumped out and shouted, "Hey, who are you?! How dare you ignore Sasuke like that?"
Hinata seemed a little surprised. "Oh?"
She carefully sized Karin up for a while, making Karin increasingly uncomfortable. "Let me see... This vitality brimming from your entire body, this kind of physique... only the Uzumaki Clan could possess it, right?"
Perhaps because of Hinata's arrogance, even Hozuki Suigetsu, who had been idly hanging around, could not stand it anymore.