The setting sun cast a dim golden glow over the jagged rocks of Blackstone Mountain.
When the group reached the bandits' gathering place marked on the map, they found only a desolate valley and howling wind. Not a soul was in sight.
"What the heck!" Boruto kicked a pebble away in frustration. "There's nothing here! We came all this way for nothing! Catching wild boars in the hills behind Konoha would've been more fun!"
Kagura's brows drew tight. Alarm bells rang in his head.
It was too quiet, and the terrain was well concealed—a natural ambush site.
"Something's wrong. Everyone, stay alert! We shouldn't linger here. Let's—"
"Clap, clap, clap..."
Slow, deliberate applause came from deep within the mist-shrouded valley, cutting Kagura off.
The mist writhed as though alive, and two figures slowly emerged.
Myotismon—and Ao, walking half a step behind him!
A confident smile rested on Myotismon's pale, handsome face. His crimson eyes swept over the stunned group before settling on Jade.
"Elder Ao, you're a man of your word. And efficient, too." His voice had a cold, magnetic edge. "But I only want this little girl. As for the rest..."
He licked his lips, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "I don't need dead weight."
Ao remained expressionless, his one eye glinting coldly. He spoke as casually as if discussing the weather.
"Fine. Dispose of them all and save us the trouble. What's wrong? Can the famous Nine Nether not handle a few children without picking and choosing?"
"Heh. Trying to goad me?" Myotismon chuckled. Visible Dark Energy began to seep from his body, and the mist churned behind him as though something terrible were about to awaken.
"I simply dislike waste. But since you insist, they can all stay!"
The enemy was about to attack!
Boruto,