The instant they heard that sound, everyone instinctively sensed something was wrong. With no time to think, they turned and ran back. A series of explosions erupted behind them, and the narrow secret passage quickly began to collapse. Those at the front failed to escape and were buried beneath rock and earth.
The four survivors stared at the completely buried passage, still shaken. Those who had not escaped were undoubtedly dead. The explosions they had heard earlier had caused the collapse, and they soon understood what had happened.
"How... how did they know about the passage?" someone asked in shock.
"Could there be a spy among us?" another asked, like a bird startled by a bowstring. Though this was hardly the time for infighting, he could not help blurting it out.
"Impossible! There must be some other explanation."
"Enough! This isn't the time to argue about that. If they've already blocked the passage, that means they'll soon..." Before he could finish, the ventilation opening leading outside their hideout exploded. A cold gust laden with rain blew in. To the four people present, it was nothing less than the breath of death.
The nearest man cried out in pain and stumbled back. Countless fine cuts had appeared across his body, blood seeping from them. The wind blowing in really did carry Wind Release Ninjutsu. Just as he retreated, several figures rushed inside.
All of them were members of the Amegakure Anbu. They drew their long blades without a word and fought fiercely in the dark, cramped room, where only the sparks from clashing weapons could be seen. A short while later, two men burst out of the room and ran desperately toward the exit.
The two who had been lucky enough to escape naturally knew that more Amegakure Anbu might be