Night gradually fell.
The forest grew more grim and murderous.
Shimura Danzō drew his ninja blade and led the remaining shinobi to spread out, facing off against Kakashi and Naruto of Team Seven.
After checking the Root shinobi lying on the ground, Yamanaka Fu leaped to Danzo's side. "Sir, our losses are severe. One jonin, three Special Jonin, and four chunin... none survived..."
"Even though they were caught in an ambush, that brat only used two jutsu and killed so many people..."
Shimura Danzō's fingers trembled slightly. Things had gone beyond his control. "Naruto Uzumaki already possesses such strength without even drawing on the Tailed Beast's power?"
"Last time, he only escaped by using the Nine-Tails' power..."
Yamanaka Fu took half a step back, concealing his emotions behind his mask. "Naruto Uzumaki has become stronger than he was then."
"To reach this level after only a few months of training..."
Shimura Danzō's lone eye opened as he stared at the wary blond boy. "If Sarutobi had handed him over to me for training from a young age, he would have long since become a pillar of Konoha."
"Sir, the Sealing Squad has arrived!"
Yamanaka Fu saw shinobi carrying scrolls join their ranks and felt slightly relieved. At least they still held an overwhelming advantage against Team Seven.
With the Sealing Squad present, they could not contend with the Nine-Tails itself, but they could still play a major role against the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, who could only wield a portion of its power.
Team Seven's situation was even more difficult than during the last ambush. Of the three, only Naruto Uzumaki still retained his full fighting strength.
Sasuke Uchiha glanced at Kakashi's wounds, especially the shoulder injury that would not stop bleeding. "Sensei Kakashi, you can't keep fighting. Let's switch. I'll fight..."