Hidden Mist Village, underground cave.
When those familiar spatial ripples appeared once more, Ao and the newly awakened Chojuro instantly sprang up from the ground and assumed guarded stances.
"It's that guy!"
Ao's single eye was filled with vigilance.
"This time, even if it costs me my life, I absolutely won't let him hurt Lady Mei again!"
Though Chojuro's face was pale, his gaze was exceptionally resolute. Both hands gripped the Hiramekarei that had returned to his grasp.
The dozen or so other ninja in the cave also drew their weapons, as though facing a formidable enemy.
Uchiha Yao and Mei Terumi reappeared before everyone.
"Lady Mei!"
Ao immediately looked toward Mei Terumi, only letting out a heavy sigh of relief when he saw that she was unharmed.
"Let go of Lady Mei!"
"Bastard! What did you do to Lady Mei?!"
The dozen rebel ninja had bloodshot eyes. No longer caring about the insurmountable gap in strength, they roared as they charged at Uchiha Yao!
Watching these fearless Hidden Mist ninja, Uchiha Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Your companions don't seem very obedient."
Uchiha Yao's voice was calm.
Yet Mei Terumi's body trembled violently.
As she watched her companions rushing forward, that apocalyptic scene from the illusion—mountains collapsing, earth splitting, flesh and blood flying everywhere—flashed through her mind!
I can't let them throw their lives away for nothing!
"Stop! All of you!"
Mei Terumi shouted with all her strength!
"Lady... Lady Mei?"
A young ninja looked at Mei Terumi blankly.
They didn't understand.
Why was their leader stopping them?
But there were always those whose blood ran too hot for reason.
A scar-faced Hidden Mist ninja not only failed to stop, but sped up instead.
"For the Hidden Mist Village! Die!"
"Fall back!"
Mei Terumi screamed herself hoarse.
"All of