The words fell lightly, without the slightest hint of pressure, sounding more like an offhand tease.
Uchiha Hikari, who had been seething with rage and murderous intent just moments ago, had now regained much of her composure.
With the seal freshly broken, most of her jumbled thoughts had settled, but the hatred, obsession, and defiance accumulated deep within her had not diminished at all.
She knew perfectly well that she could not hit the Mysterious Man lurking in the shadows, nor could she fathom his true capabilities.
If she could not force him out head-on, she would have to use a hostage!
Uchiha Hikari's gaze turned cold and instantly landed on the Uzumaki Third Elder, who still lay unconscious on the ground. Her voice was chilling to the bone.
"You're going to keep hiding and refuse to come out, are you?"
As soon as she finished speaking, her eyes shifted slightly. She stepped forward and gently placed her hand on the Third Elder's neck, leaving a mark.
From the empty air above, the Mysterious Man's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Is that special mark another ability of your dōjutsu?"
"Hmph."
Uchiha Hikari snorted coldly, not bothering to waste words on an explanation.
The next moment, something both wondrous and terrifying happened!
The Third Elder, who had been foaming at the mouth, his eyes rolled back as he lay unconscious and convulsing, suddenly shuddered!
His stiff limbs slowly rose, and he climbed to his feet against his will. His eyes were vacant and his face expressionless, like a puppet being manipulated.
Faint strands of chakra visibly flowed from within his body along the invisible pathways of the mark, slowly circulating and drifting, firmly guided and controlled the entire time.
The Mysterious Man outside the cave finally sounded