The temptation of the Four Souls Jewel

"Clap, clap, clap..."

Slow, distinct applause came from the shadows of the woods nearby.

Uzuki Yugao instantly snapped out of her daze. She spun around, held her long sword across her body, and demanded, "Who's there?!"

A figure shrouded in an ominous aura, seemingly made of shadows, slowly emerged from beneath the trees. His voice had an unsettling magnetism:

"What a splendid little performance."

Recognizing his silhouette, Yugao's expression changed beneath her mask. She cried out, "You! Naraka!"

The moment Naraka drew her attention, her hold on the two Genin loosened slightly.

Though young, the two Genin seized that fleeting opportunity with a ninja's instincts! They struggled free of the remaining restraints and crashed to the ground. Without even sparing Yugao and Naraka another glance, they scrambled away in the same direction as Yuna, fleeing for their lives.

This time, however, Uzuki Yugao did not pursue them.

Her attention was firmly fixed on Naraka's sudden appearance, as though drawn by a magnet. Her body tensed as she braced herself for a formidable enemy.

Naraka gave a low, inscrutable chuckle. "Heh, heh. You can still catch them if you go now, Miss Uzuki."

"Letting too much information leak out might not be good for your plans, would it?"

Uzuki Yugao forced herself to calm down and sneered. "Whether one escapes or three, what difference does it make to me now?"

"I've already achieved my goal anyway."

Her tone shifted, becoming sharp as a blade. "But you, Naraka! If I remember correctly, you had a hand in the attack on Konoha during the Chunin Ninja Exams! Why are you here?"

Before she finished speaking, she secretly activated the Rooster Talisman. Invisible psychokinesis reached for Naraka like a giant hand, attempting to restrain him.

To her alarm, however, when her power touched Naraka,