"So strong!"
Looking at the smooth cuts through their weapons, the Root squad felt a surge of lingering fear.
The members of the Akatsuki were not to be underestimated. Even a member who had never shown his face before possessed the strength of an elite jonin.
Quickly putting some distance between them, the Root squad scanned their surroundings, wary of Orochimaru and Sasori.
Only after the mist dispersed did the Root squad notice that Orochimaru and Sasori were already standing on a tree some distance away, with no intention of intervening directly.
Fighting alone was the Akatsuki's custom. Having joined as missing-nin, they could hardly entrust their backs to anyone else.
They looked at Orochimaru and Sasori watching from the sidelines, their expressions those of spectators enjoying a performance.
The Root squad members felt humiliated, but this was also an opportunity-an opportunity to survive and send the intelligence back to the village.
Looking at the rather ornate short sword in his hand, Zou Hyuga silently marveled, It really is "the best sword in the village"!
Then Zou Hyuga turned his attention to the Root squad before him.
Their earlier exchange had confirmed his suspicions. These were not Rock Ninja, but an ANBU squad from his village, out on a mission.
Rock Ninja would never forgo Earth Release when they held the advantage of mountainous terrain.
But if they were an ANBU squad, what mission could the village have that required them to enter the Land of Earth?
Vanishing from his position, Zou Hyuga charged into the group of four and engaged them at close range.
However, having already suffered because of their inferior weapons, the Root squad abandoned close combat. Once they had pulled back, they no longer worried about exposing their identities and unleashed Konoha's ninjutsu and secret techniques.