Overwhelming Force

At the border of the Land of Earth.

The wind carried the dry scent of dust and sand.

Qian Ye landed atop a heavily weathered stone pillar.

Ahead lay a narrow canyon.

Steep rock walls rose on both sides, jagged stones scattered everywhere.

This was the only route into the border region between the Land of Grass and the Land of Earth.

It was also an ideal location for Iwagakure to establish a frontline defense.

Minato Namikaze landed beside Qian Ye.

Kakashi and the other two followed close behind.

Qian Ye raised his right hand.

He clenched it into a fist.

It was a tactical signal to halt.

Minato immediately lowered his center of gravity.

Kakashi gripped the White Fang Short Blade on his back in reverse, taking up a defensive stance.

Nohara Rin tightened her grip on her Kunai and ducked behind cover.

Only Obito continued rushing forward.

He had not understood the tactical gesture at all and slammed straight into Kakashi's back.

"Why did you stop?"

Obito complained in a low voice.

Without even turning around, Kakashi drove an elbow into him.

"Shut up."

Obito clutched his chest, still wanting to argue.

Qian Ye tilted his head and glanced at him.

Obito immediately swallowed his words.

He still vividly remembered the oppressive killing intent outside the village.

He had no desire to provoke Qian Ye here.

Qian Ye ignored Obito's awkward state.

His gaze swept across the canyon ahead.

On the surface, there was nothing but piles of rubble and withered grass.

But after Garp's special training, his five senses had far surpassed those of ordinary people.

The echo of the wind against the rock walls was wrong.

Behind the pile of stones, faint breathing could be heard.

Three people.

Their heartbeats were rapid, indicating that they were