Unexpected (Continued)

These things had not been used for who knew how long, and perhaps rainwater had gotten inside.

It was somewhat damp inside, and the dampness carried the scent of moss.

But thankfully, there were no other strange odors. Hinata felt she could make do with it.

Meanwhile, Shinnō and Sakura were searching around for something.

Sakura seemingly had not noticed that Shinnō had begun to act strangely.

Walking ahead, Sakura seemed to be talking to herself about something. Before long, she turned around in confusion, intending to ask Shinnō why he had stopped talking.

But the instant she turned around, she saw an enormous hand coming straight for the back of her neck.

Sakura had no time to dodge. With a sharp smack, she collapsed to the ground, disbelief still on her face.

At that moment, Shinnō no longer wore his usual gentle expression.

Instead, his face seemed crazed and excited.

He paid Sakura no further attention. He took out a strange object and blew into the little flute-like device.

Then he turned and left.

Not long afterward, several fully armed Sky Ninjas arrived. After checking the surroundings, several Sky Ninjas picked Sakura up and carried her away.

They headed in one direction and entered a cave.

Inside the cave, Sky Ninjas were clearly standing guard.

After the Sky Ninjas carrying Sakura exchanged a password with the guards, they headed deeper inside.

But at that very moment, Sakura, who had seemed unconscious, suddenly snapped her eyes open.

One of the Sky Ninjas supporting her met Sakura's gaze.

Both sides seemed a little awkward. Then, without hesitation, Sakura exerted herself sharply and flung the two Sky Ninjas holding her away.

Before the other two Sky Ninjas could react,

Sakura had already raised her fist, as large as a sandbag, and smashed