After the bloodstains were secured, there was still no sign of the Former Informant near the tea stall.
Wind blew from the far end of the forest path, carrying the damp, earthy smell of soil.
Shisui stood at the entrance to the route meant to lure them in, his gaze resting on those few drops of blood.
In the past, he might already have given chase.
Not because he was reckless.
But because he knew all too well that if a distress caller was truly injured, a single instant could mean the difference between life and death.
Now, however, he didn't move.
Gen looked at the bloodstains. His first words weren't a question about whether to pursue.
"Check the amount of blood again."
The medical ninja immediately crouched to examine it.
Crow stood to one side without hurrying anyone.
The signs of manipulation along the way had already taught him that rushing after someone didn't necessarily mean saving them. It might mean completing the enemy's setup instead.
The medical ninja soon gave an assessment.
"There isn't much blood. Not enough to suggest someone fleeing with serious injuries."
Itachi looked at the ground.
"The direction of the drag marks is wrong, too."
The bloodstains extended about two feet from the edge of the path into the woods, but they didn't form a continuous trail of drops.
It looked more like someone had pressed a bloodied object against the ground, then deliberately dragged it a short distance.
Shisui said quietly, "This wasn't someone bleeding."
Gen nodded.
"At least, it wasn't blood left during a normal escape."
Crow had the Anbu members inspect the surrounding tree trunks.
Soon, the Anbu discovered that the blades of grass beside the bloodstains had been bent, but all the creases pointed neatly in the same direction.
Too