The moment he sensed two cold, all-seeing Byakugan gazes pierce the woods and lock onto him, the figure shuddered as though struck by an invisible needle.
He did not even dare look back. With no time to check his injuries, he endured the searing pain and fled like a startled rabbit, stumbling as he turned and ran with every ounce of strength he had!
After a few frantic leaps through the woods, his figure vanished into the deeper shadows, leaving only flattened grass and a few drops of dark red blood on the leaves.
"Was that Kazero?"
Hinata's voice held a trace of uncertainty and unmistakable confusion. Her Byakugan remained active, her brows slightly furrowed.
Although he had fled in a sorry state, the Byakugan had clearly picked out his familiar silhouette and chakra signature.
The Hyuga Clan was a large clan with many members, and Hinata naturally could not recognize every face.
But she knew Kazero.
He was a member of the Main Family. More precisely, he was the grandson of the clan's Sixth Elder.
That identity only deepened Hinata's confusion.
Why would someone from the Main Family hide in the shadows to spy on their training here?
And when had he started lurking there?
What was he after?
Hanabi recognized him too. Her little face still bore some displeasure at having her dreams of delicious food interrupted, but childish irritation and confusion outweighed it. "Was that Kazero? What was he hiding there for? Sneaking around like that! He scared me!"
"You know him?"
At their words, Naruto stopped just as he was about to give chase.
He drew back the foot he had stepped forward with, shifting his blade-sharp gaze from the direction Kazero had disappeared in to Hinata and Hanabi.
His golden brows rose slightly in inquiry,