On the snowfields at the border of the Land of Iron, the frigid wind swept fine ice crystals through the air, slashing across their faces like blades.
Hyuga Xiao pulled his dark gray cloak tighter, and the white vapor from his breath froze along the edge of his hood. Beneath the skin around his left shoulder wound, the glowing patterns of the Caged Bird Seal and Covenant Stone Fragments flickered in and out of view. The two powers coiled around and tore at each other like venomous snakes, bringing an unceasing torment of burning pain and freezing cold.
"The entrance to Glacier Canyon is up ahead." Kurenai Yuhi lowered her voice. A strand of her red hair peeked out from beneath her cloak, especially striking against the pale snow. "According to the map, after passing through the canyon and traveling another ten li, we'll reach the mountains where the shrine is located."
Xiao did not answer immediately.
He slowly opened his eyes. A faint azure gleam surfaced deep within his pupils—the sign that the Tenseigan Prototype was in a partially activated state. His vision pierced through the blizzard, through the rock walls, through the thick ice covering the ground.
"Three," he said quietly. "One behind each rock wall on either side of the canyon. There's another in the ice cave at the entrance. Their chakra level... Elite Ninja."
Hong's breathing caught slightly. "Shrine guardians?"
"Doesn't look like it." Xiao's gaze continued to stretch outward, tracking the flow of chakra within the hidden figures. "Their chakra nature is cold and yin, with the viscous feel unique to Water Release. Samurai and shrine guardians from the Land of Iron tend more toward the sharpness of Lightning Release or Wind Release."
"Hidden Mist?"
"Most likely rogue ninja." Xiao withdrew his gaze, and the