Shibi came to an abrupt stop ten meters away, the Aburame Clan's secret insects frantically sounding the alarm. He clenched his fists, then finally turned and leaped into the depths of the forest.
"Move."
Saitama casually swung ** and stood alone atop a branch. The pursuers' presence was drawing closer and closer as he slowly adjusted his breathing.
When the last of his companions vanished from sight, a self-mocking curve flickered across the boy's lips.
"Well, well, isn't this one from the Uchiha Clan..."
Jūzō Biwa landed on the treetop opposite him with the Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder, his crimson tongue licking across the serrated blade.
Saitama said nothing, but his gaze locked onto the strikingly colored-haired kunoichi beside him.
"You handle him. I'll go after the others!"
Terumi Mei noticed that Jūzō Biwa seemed to recognize this Konoha ninja and immediately decided to bypass Saitama and continue the pursuit. In her eyes, Jūzō Biwa, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, was more than enough to deal with this seemingly young opponent.
Saitama's eyes sharpened. Lightning coiled around his blade as he swung it toward Terumi Mei's path. The lightning-infused slash tore through the air, cleaving the massive tree blocking the way in two and forcibly stopping her in her tracks.
"Hm?" Terumi Mei frowned and retreated, landing beside Jūzō Biwa. "What do you mean?"
She and Jūzō Biwa had never gotten along, but letting an enemy go at a time like this was no trivial matter.
"Don't underestimate him. Kurosuki Raiga died at this brat's hands." Jūzō Biwa patted his not-yet-healed wound. "Leaving me to face him alone wouldn't be very wise."
Although the Mizukage and Ao were on their way, he knew that with Saitama's speed, he might not hold out until reinforcements arrived. The Kubikiribōchō rested on