Escape

The captain tucked the scroll away. Captain Elephant wasted no time.

He quickly began assigning the dozen or so Uzumaki Clan children.

He considered each child's age and stamina, along with every ANBU squad's strengths and current condition.

The children were placed with different squads.

Every squad knew these children were more than extra charges to escort.

They were a heavy responsibility—and beacons that might draw an endless stream of pursuers.

Blue Bird Squad, Hyuga Tianyi's squad, was assigned an Uzumaki girl of about eight.

She had the clan's distinctive bright red hair, draped over both shoulders.

Tears and soot still streaked her face, and her wide eyes were full of fear.

She clutched Tianyi's clothes, her small body trembling.

Perhaps Tianyi was the closest to her in age.

"The situation is deteriorating faster than expected!"

Captain Elephant gathered everyone around a map spread out in haste.

His voice came through his mask, coldly stating the facts.

"The outskirts of Uzushiogakure are surrounded by ninja forces from the four great nations.

They're probing the barrier for weaknesses. An all-out assault could begin at any moment. Holding our ground means waiting to die."

His rough finger jabbed at a mark near the Land of Whirlpools border.

It marked a hidden valley in the direction of the Land of Fire.

"Breaking through is our only chance. Every squad, the Uzumaki Clan will launch an all-out attack shortly.

We'll use everything we have to tear open a gap and get out!

Once you're through, converge on these coordinates. This is our rendezvous point."

He looked around at them all.

"I've sent Konoha our most urgent request for aid, but reinforcements will need at least a day to reach this point.

That means after we break through, we'll have to survive and keep moving