Meanwhile, outside Konoha...
The Third Hokage, who was leading the team, glanced at Hyuga Hiashi among the others and gave him a meaningful look.
Hiashi understood at once. He quietly activated his Byakugan, then slowed down and slipped discreetly behind the group, watching the Root "lookout" who had been following them ever since they left the village.
Seemingly oblivious, the man kept his eyes cautiously fixed on the Third Hokage at the head of the group.
Then, at the next bend, everyone suddenly stopped in unison!
"Ugh!"
Before the pursuer could react, or even begin to suspect anything, a sharp pain struck his back, drawing an involuntary groan.
The sudden impact knocked him off balance, filling his vision with stars!
His Byakugan blazing, Hyuga Hiashi was already behind the man. Without pausing, he raised his hands and unleashed the Gentle Fist, a simplified Eight Trigrams Palm striking the chakra points with precision and halting the flow of chakra!
Unable to control his chakra, the man fell helplessly from the branch. The instant he hit the ground, another Jonin, Inoichi Yamanaka, had already formed hand seals and aimed at him.
"Mind Body Switch Technique!"
"Shadow Imitation Technique."
The instant their minds switched, Shikaku Nara, who was ready and waiting, simultaneously unleashed his clan's secret technique. Shadows coiled around the pursuer, binding the body now controlled by Inoichi Yamanaka.
It was a nearly flawless combination. Even Root's most elite scout had no room to resist!
Before he even realized what had happened, his body, mind, and chakra had all been brought completely under control.
"Keep him under control. Root should have a way to determine whether he's alive or dead, and they may be able to monitor his physical condition too. Whatever the case, don't give him any way to send a