Hinata's Byakugan suddenly caught something unusual. "Watch out! There's something under the floor—"
A mechanical whir cut off her warning.
Several hidden hatches sprang open in the corridor floor, and six killers leaped out. Dressed in black ninja uniforms and breathing masks, they moved in perfect unison—a squad that had clearly undergone rigorous training.
More alarming still, the weapons in their hands were not traditional kunai or swords, but strangely shaped Scientific Ninja Tools that glowed with energy.
"Target confirmed: Hinata Hyuga. Execute elimination order," the leader said coldly.
All six raised their weapons at once. The hum of gathering energy echoed through the corridor.
"Miss Yor, get Lady Hinata back!" Konohamaru stepped in front of her, holding the Golden Cudgel across his chest. "I'll handle them!"
"No." Yor moved to Konohamaru's side and drew her signature weapons from beneath her skirt. "They're after Lady Hinata. We have to take them all out and leave no threat behind."
She turned to Konohamaru, the understanding between fighters in her eyes. "You take the left, I'll take the right. Finish them quickly."
Konohamaru paused, then grinned. "Got it!"
The six killers opened fire. Energy beams wove into a net, sealing off almost every route.
But Konohamaru and Yor reacted faster than they had expected.
"Golden Cudgel: Long!"
The weapon in Konohamaru Sarutobi's hands instantly grew several times longer. It swept across the corridor, blocking most of the energy blasts and driving three killers into a corner.
Yor slipped through the gaps between the beams like a ghost. Not a single movement was wasted; every dodge missed by mere millimeters, and every advance targeted a vital point.
The first killer never even saw Yor move. He felt a chill at his neck, and his consciousness went dark.
The second tried to block with