The Sand Ninja began fighting as they retreated.
But Asuma's slaughter did not stop. Through his sensory abilities, he targeted whoever possessed the most Chakra first.
Although having more Chakra did not necessarily mean greater strength or Jōnin-level power, it was the quickest way to distinguish targets.
He killed those fighting Konoha's Jōnin first, then those with abundant Chakra.
One Shadow Clone after another vanished as their Chakra ran dry, while others collapsed under concentrated attacks.
Yet across the battlefield, where purple light flashed endlessly, there was never any shortage of Shadow Clones cutting down Sand Ninja.
Asuma now possessed the One-Tail's Chakra, constantly creating Shadow Clones to replenish his losses.
For him, this was not merely a way to strengthen his side. It was also a precaution.
If his main body encountered danger, he could use the Substitution Technique to switch places with a Shadow Clone.
That was the terrifying power of having immense Chakra.
If it had been Hatake Sakumo, even with his astonishing killing power, he could never have sustained such expenditure.
Yet Asuma seemed to possess inexhaustible Chakra. He had fought Shukaku and Bunpuku earlier, yet he still had so much Chakra left to squander. It left the many Sand Ninja chilled and terrified.
The battlefield shifted rapidly, soon moving from the plains into the forest.
This undoubtedly favored the Sand Ninja as they scattered and withdrew.
Asuma and his Shadow Clones moved at incredible speed, clinging tightly to the Sand Ninja and picking off squad after squad.
Behind them, Orochimaru led two elite squads closely behind Asuma's main body.
He could not allow Asuma to be surrounded.
Chiyo watched as Asuma and Orochimaru relentlessly pursued them. The former in particular was simply too destructive.
The ninja squads at the rear had little ability to resist