At the same time.
Under the cover of night.
Not far from the small town, a strange insect suddenly burrowed up out of the ground.
It was a full two meters long, with three pairs of sharp legs, its entire body covered in scales and armor. Its earthy-yellow eyes looked remarkably intelligent.
It looked around, then opened its mouth and actually spat out a human figure.
After the newcomer appeared, he first swept a wary glance around. Once he confirmed it was safe, he stroked the insect's head and said, "Good work, Chika!"
The insect rubbed against his palm in enjoyment, then lay down on the ground, quietly awaiting Hideji Kohara's orders.
That was right. This man was none other than Hideji Kohara.
And this peculiar insect named Chika was his Summoning Beast. Not only did it have the ability to conceal its aura, there was also a separate dimensional space inside its body.
Hideji Kohara had hidden inside that separate dimensional space, then relied on Chika's ability to conceal its aura. That was how he had been able to keep following Qian without being discovered.
That was right. Ever since the battle the day before yesterday ended, he had been following Qian, monitoring his every move from underground.
The occasional gaze Qian sensed watching him had come from him.
As for why, despite this, Iwagakure still had not encircled them?
The answer was simple. Hideji Kohara had not handed the corresponding intelligence over to those Rock Ninja at all.
It was not that Hideji Kohara intended to take Qian down single-handedly. Rather, he believed the Rock Ninja currently present were not enough to block Qian and the others' path.
In that case, handing the intelligence over to them would serve no purpose beyond increasing the risk of his own