Boom—!
A muffled crash exploded through the underground space.
The concrete dome was violently smashed through. Steel rebar as thick as an adult's thigh twisted and snapped, while massive chunks of rubble and dirt poured down, crashing heavily onto the metal floor of the second underground level.
Dust churned like thick fog.
The alarm's red lights flashed madly along the ceiling of the corridor, dyeing the drifting dust a glaring blood-red.
Twelve elite Root operatives wearing animal masks swiftly formed a semicircular battle formation. Kunai were drawn, ninja blades held across their chests, and every gaze locked tightly onto the rolling cloud of dust.
Tap.
The sound of leather boots stepping on gravel rang out clearly.
An invisible current of air brutally tore open the dust cloud. Hyuga Xiao emerged from the shadows, his dark-gray cloak utterly spotless. His brilliant blue Tenseigan glowed piercingly in the darkness, his icy gaze sweeping across the scene as though counting slabs of meat on a chopping block.
Kurenai Yuhi landed slightly behind him to one side, gripping a short blade in reverse. Her silver-gray eyes fixed on the blind spots to either side.
"Kill!"
The Root captain wasted no words, forcing out a single icy command from his throat.
Four Root ninja charged forward at once, their hands becoming blurs.
"Fire Release: Head Mincer!"
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"
A violent gale swept up the bursting flames, instantly swelling into a roaring fire dragon within the narrow corridor. The scorching heat baked the air, and even the metal pipes on the walls began to glow red.
Composite Ninjutsu. Root's proudest method of slaughter.
The roaring fire dragon swallowed Xiao and Kurenai whole.
A trace of cold cruelty flashed through the Root captain's eyes. Yet the next second, his pupils abruptly contracted.
At the heart