"Prepare to protect Yū."
Under the Byakugan, nothing could remain hidden. Hizashi Hyuga surveyed the surroundings and sensed several powerful chakra signatures in the eastern area.
"Enemies are approaching. Their timing couldn't be worse."
Following the direction Hizashi pointed, the Sarutobi jonin could not make out the enemies' true appearances through the surrounding trees, but he trusted the Hyuga Byakugan's abilities.
"In the coming battle, we need to protect Yū. Hizashi, find somewhere to hide. This isn't a fight you can handle."
Hizashi knew his own strength well. Not only would he be unable to help, he would only cause trouble.
"Yes, sir."
Up in the treetops, Gekkō Qinghe pressed himself against a nearby tree, then slowly vanished into the darkness.
Lacking powerful ninjutsu attacks, all his abilities leaned toward assassination.
"Explosion Release: Landmine Fist!"
Before Kari of Iwagakure even arrived, surging chakra energy had already gathered in his hand. He punched the tree before him, and a terrifying explosion converged, tearing apart everything visible in its path.
"Fire Release! Ash Pile Burning!"
The dust met the explosion, and instead of being extinguished, the two fused together. In the end, the blast erupted into the sky, and the flaming mushroom cloud it formed ravaged the battlefield without restraint.
The gale unleashed by the explosion sent Hizashi, who had only just hidden himself, flying.
The battlefield was filled with jonin, all restraining one another. No one dared kill Hizashi Hyuga, lest the enemy seize an opening.
Hizashi Hyuga was not frightened out of his wits by the explosion. He shouted toward the front:
"Yū! Enemies are charging in!"
Yū did not need Hizashi's warning. Still releasing radiant energy, Uchiha Yū had already changed his movements when he heard the explosion. The green fluorescence around him slowly faded away.
If he used