Elsewhere.
Just as he was about to break through the Second Defensive Line, Roshi received word from the rear. His expression changed at once, and he had no choice but to halt his charge and fall back.
"What happened? You're saying Flame Demon Yechen is behind us? How did he get there?"
As soon as he returned to the rear, Roshi questioned an Iwagakure Jonin.
"Lord Roshi, we don't know either. We'll need to find someone to ask for details. Our formation is already in disarray, and neither our rear nor our flanks are secure. If Konoha surrounds us, we'll have no way to retreat."
"Where is he? I'll go meet Yechen myself."
Before setting out, Roshi had learned that Han had died at Yechen's hands, and Ōnoki had specifically warned him to be careful if he encountered Yechen.
Though the news made Roshi wary of Yechen, he was far from afraid. On the contrary, he was eager for a fight.
The Iwagakure Jonin had no choice but to lead Roshi to the scene. Perhaps they could pick up Yechen's trail there.
As they hurried back, more and more Rock Ninja headed their way. Judging by their expressions, they had encountered something terrifying.
Roshi decided to approach them and ask for an update.
But just as he was about to approach one squad, Roshi suddenly stopped, fixing a wary gaze on one of its members.
"Who are you?"
Everyone turned in unison toward the Iwagakure Chunin. He looked utterly ordinary, with nothing remarkable about him.
Yet the words he spoke made the hairs on his companions' bodies stand on end.
"Heh, you actually saw through my Thousand Faces Illusion Technique. As expected of a Jinchūriki. Tell me, how did you notice?"
The man was Yechen. He had taken on a