Just as Kakashi and Might Guy drove back several Sound Ninja and anxiously looked toward the rooftop sealed off by the Four Violet Flames Formation, preparing to find a way through to support the Third, four figures appeared like phantoms and blocked their path.
Their leader wore the standard uniform of Konoha's ANBU, complete with an animal mask.
It was Kabuto Yakushi, who had infiltrated Konoha in disguise years ago and was finally baring his fangs!
The three Sound Ninja behind him made no attempt to conceal their hostility. Their chakra surged as they assumed fighting stances.
"Trying to help the Third?"
"Unfortunately, you won't be getting through."
He raised a hand, and the three Sound Ninja behind him immediately spread out, forming a loose encirclement around Kakashi and Guy alongside Kabuto.
Kakashi's Sharingan slowly spun as he surveyed the four before him, finally settling on Kabuto.
"You're not ANBU. Who are you?"
Kabuto chuckled without answering directly.
"Rather than worrying about who I am, you two should worry about yourselves.
After all, getting past us won't be easy."
Might Guy's thick eyebrows bristled, his blood boiling. "Whoever you are, if you threaten Konoha or Lord Hokage, you're our enemies! Kakashi, let's go!"
"Right."
Kakashi pushed up his forehead protector, his gaze sharpening.
The enemies before them had clearly come prepared, and their strength could not be underestimated. They had to be dealt with quickly.
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga Estate.
Compared with the raging battle and chaos outside, the Hyuga Clan Compound was relatively quiet, though tension still hung in the air.
Hyuga Hiashi's expression was grim as he had the people behind him casually toss several corpses, hastily wrapped in straw mats, into the courtyard.
They were the thoroughly corrupt Hyuga elders who had colluded with outsiders and driven