Yizhe used his old trick again, creating two Shadow Clones and using the Transformation Technique to give everyone the impression that he and Daidao were about to force their way through the checkpoint, drawing all attention toward them.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, he and Tsunade's group quietly led Daidao toward the east gate.
The east gate was the nearest exit. The two Shadow Clones would not be able to hold out for long and would be exposed sooner or later, so they could only choose the closest gate.
"You've got a sharp head, kid, coming up with something like this! Shizune wouldn't have managed it!" Tsunade glanced back at Shizune as they hurried toward the east gate, teasing her.
"Lady Tsunade..." Shizune called weakly, her face red.
It was unclear whether she was embarrassed because Tsunade had hit the mark, or because the freezing wind had made it hard for her to open her mouth.
"Enough nonsense. Keep moving! If we're late, we won't get out!" Yizhe barked sternly at the two women, who still had the mood to joke around.
Tsunade knew this was no time for play, so she shut her mouth and quickened her pace.
Meanwhile, the deputy, who was also heading for the east gate, asked Rikaku curiously, "Sir, how were you so sure that Daidao was a Shadow Clone?"
"Didn't you notice that Daidao never drew his sword?" Rikaku turned and shot him a fierce glare. "That kid has already used the Shadow Clone and Transformation Technique trick once. Why are you all still falling for it like pigs with mush for brains?"
"Th-this..." The deputy smiled awkwardly and did not dare respond.
"I hope we're not too late!"
With that, Rikaku sped up again.
Though it was already deep into the night, the