"Trying to run? Did I give you permission?"
Seeing the enemies try to flee, Sasuke spun the three tomoe in his eyes and rapidly formed hand seals. Thunderclouds instantly gathered overhead.
"Lightning Release..."
But before Sasuke could act, a furious shout suddenly rang out from the woods.
"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"
A mass of brown roots surged forward like a swarm of snakes, binding the two fleeing Root ninja tightly. Even their heads were wrapped up, leaving them unable to make a sound.
Tenzo emerged from the bushes with several ninja wearing animal masks and surrounded the three of them.
"Animal masks, gray flak jackets. They're Konoha's ANBU."
Haku recognized them at a glance. Their outfits were simply too distinctive to mistake.
Sasuke's expression was grave. Although he dispersed the chakra he had just gathered, he kept one hand on his sword and the other poised to form hand seals at any moment.
"Everyone, be careful."
Karin adjusted her glasses, tightly gripping her Adamantine Sealing Chains.
"These people are no weaker than those guys we just fought. The one using Wood Release is much stronger than the others.
"And someone even stronger is approaching. He's here."
As she spoke, the ANBU ninja parted to make way for an old man dressed in white robes and wearing the Hokage Hat.
"Are you three all right?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked after them with concern, a kindly smile on his face.
"The Third!"
Yet the instant Sasuke saw Hiruzen Sarutobi, fierce killing intent flared in his eyes, though he quickly forced it back down.
Don't act rashly. Don't act rashly. The Daimyo said I had to keep my mind clear, and, more importantly, calm.
Compared with others his age, Sasuke's control over his emotions probably surpassed that of many people. Before Hiruzen Sarutobi,