Just as the Masked Man was about to dispose of the troublesome ANBU and take Chōjūrō away, Mei Terumi arrived in the nick of time.
"Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"
After dodging a glob of thick yellow liquid, the Masked Man looked gravely at the newcomer.
There was the familiar blue dress, the familiar long auburn hair, and those green eyes fixed fiercely on the Masked Man.
For this enemy to have beaten Chōjūrō so badly, he had to be powerful.
"Xiao Qiao, take Chōjūrō and run. Leave this to me."
The ANBU beside Chōjūrō answered, hoisted him onto their shoulder, and fled.
Mei Terumi stood in front of them, blocking the way.
"Hey, you there, the fellow in the mask. Could you take it off and let me have a look at you?"
Despite her playful words, Mei Terumi's hands never slowed as she formed hand seals.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique!"
Mei Terumi spat out a great cloud of white mist, blurring the surroundings and obstructing visibility. She infused this Hidden Mist Technique with Water Release chakra and had even achieved the impressive feat of successfully blocking the Rinnegan's vision.
The Masked Man surveyed the increasingly indistinct surroundings in irritation and was about to use Wind Release ninjutsu to blow the mist away.
Then Mei Terumi added something even nastier to the mix.
"Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!"
Within the white mist, Mei Terumi added another layer of equally white Boil Release mist. Only its temperature was different, but the Masked Man still sensed the threat.
Mei Terumi's Boil Release kekkei genkai was formidable. Not only could she freely adjust the mist's acidity, she could also gradually vaporize objects. It was no weaker than her other kekkei genkai, Lava Release, and could even corrode and melt Susanoo's bones.