In a secluded courtyard within the Hyuga Clan branch family compound, several dark figures clung to the walls like geckos, creeping forward without a sound.
The Kumogakure jonin at the lead, codenamed "Owl," had Byakugan that glimmered strangely in the darkness as he vigilantly scanned his surroundings.
Their target on this mission was a branch family boy marked as "high potential." Kumogakure never lacked such petty schemes—minimizing risk while still trying to profit.
"Clear." Owl gave a low hand signal.
One of the team members immediately stepped forward, gathered chakra at his fingertips, and lightly tapped the lock. With a faint [click], the door opened.
Inside, the boy slept soundly, his breathing even.
The team member took out a specially made [knockout drug] and was about to step forward.
"So late at night, and you gentlemen are breaking into private homes. Here to spread some warmth?"
A calm voice suddenly rang out in the silent courtyard.
Owl and his team stiffened sharply, every hair on their bodies standing on end.
They had not sensed anyone approaching at all!
A figure slowly emerged from the courtyard shadows. Under the moonlight, his outline was somewhat blurred, yet he carried a suffocating pressure.
Kamizuki Yu.
Owl's pupils abruptly contracted, his mind going blank. Was there someone like this in the Hidden Leaf intelligence reports?
"You are..."
Before Owl could finish, Kamizuki Yu vanished from where he stood.
Too fast!
Owl strained his Byakugan to track him, but all he saw was an afterimage.
[Thud! Thud! Thud!]
Several dull impacts sounded.
The three elite jonin beside Owl collapsed limply before they could even react, unconscious.
Horror surged through Owl's heart, icy cold shooting from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. He spun around, trying to counterattack.
What met him