Amid the endless forest of towering trees, Naruto swiftly caught up with Pakkun, Hinata, Sakura, and the others after warning Snake Aunt.
"Yo, Naruto, that was quick!" Pakkun raced from tree to tree, glancing back as Naruto rejoined the group. "Everyone, I smell nine people closing in fast from three and four o'clock."
Seeing their expressions shift, Pakkun continued, "If I'm right, they're enemy ninja sent to intercept us."
At those words, veins bulged at the corners of Hinata's eyes as she activated her Byakugan.
She looked back and, sure enough, spotted nine pursuing ninja wearing Sound Ninja forehead protectors and patterned clothing.
"Older Brother Naruto, I see them. They're all Jonin."
Sakura, Shikamaru, Tenten, and Rock Lee's hearts tightened at Hinata's words. Nine Jonin?
"Hinata, check ahead too. See where Sasuke is now."
Hinata turned her piercing gaze forward. Everyone hoped she would spot Sasuke up ahead, but she shook her head. "Sasuke isn't within my Byakugan's range."
"Hey, you lot, the people behind us are getting closer. We need a plan, or they'll probably cut us off," Pakkun said after sniffing the air.
"Naruto, what do you want to do?" Shikamaru already had an idea, but he still asked Naruto first.
"Naruto-kun, just tell us what you need. I might not be much help, but I'll do my best," Rock Lee said, turning toward Naruto too.
Tenten and Sakura also looked at Naruto's grim face.
With everyone watching him, Naruto said bluntly, "Leave a team behind to intercept the pursuers so the advance team can keep up its pace."
Everyone's expression darkened. Staying behind meant facing nine foreign Jonin at once. It was as good as leaving their lives here.
One by one, their faces grew solemn at Naruto's words.
Seeing Naruto struggle with the decision, Shikamaru finally