Takigawa walked over. "None of that guy's dozen-plus Shadow Clones was the real one. Never mind. Let's go."
"As long as we hold Kannabi Bridge, those Stone shinobi are nothing but clowns."
The group set off again. Not long after they left, a figure appeared where they had fought: Mahirū of Iwagakure.
This time, it was the real Mahirū. Escaping death hadn't made him happy. His expression was grim.
The memories of his Shadow Clones had reached him. In a single instant, more than a dozen of them had vanished.
That kind of strength chilled him to the bone. Worse, the enemy possessed a Mangekyo Sharingan. He had to report it at once.
Mahirū turned and disappeared into the forest.
By afternoon, Takigawa and the others had slipped into the outskirts of Kannabi Bridge.
A large force of Stone shinobi guarded the bridge, and vehicles carrying supplies crossed it from time to time.
Takigawa stepped into view. "Busy, aren't you?"
A Stone shinobi spotted him and shouted, "Who are you?"
"Hmph. A Konoha shinobi showing up here alone? You must have a death wish."
"Kill him! He's dressed like an Uchiha shinobi. Avenge our comrades who died at Fugaku Uchiha's hands!"
"Heh. Remember my name. I'm Takigawa. Uchiha Takigawa."
The moment he finished speaking, Takigawa vanished and appeared behind the nearest Stone shinobi. His kunai swept across the man's throat.
Most of them never even saw Takigawa move before they died. In the blink of an eye, five or six Stone shinobi had fallen.
The survivors were terrified. They had never seen a technique like this. He moved freely through their ranks, his movements impossible to follow.
It was as though he were passing straight through space.
"Fall back! Use concealed weapons! Watch every side—he could appear at any moment!"