"Don't move."
Sasuke raised his hand. Kakashi had already pressed the lightning back into his palm.
On the other side of the alley entrance, Yamada Naoto nearly rushed out, only for Fugaku to clamp a hand on his shoulder.
"Clan head, that box of explosive tags is about to enter the neighborhood."
"Choza is up ahead."
As soon as he finished speaking, two dumpling vendors on the street corner lifted their wooden cart. A heavy iron plate sprang out from beneath it, blocking the middle of the road. Ninjas from the Akimichi Clan squeezed out of the crowd, their bodies expanding as they blocked the box cart's path.
The Sand Ninja carrying the box frowned. "What is Konoha trying to do?"
Choza bit through a soldier pill and stood in the middle of the road. "Chunin Ninja Exams spot inspection. Open all large cargo."
The Sand Ninja reached toward his ninja tool pouch.
Up on the roof ridge, Neji's voice came through the communication talisman. "The explosive tags inside the box have been rewired. The trigger is in the second Sand Ninja's left sleeve."
Sasuke looked at Kakashi. "Get the sleeve."
Kakashi vanished from the alley entrance and appeared beside the Sand Ninja the next instant. Lightning sliced across the cuff, cutting away half a trigger talisman. Before the Sand Ninja could cry out, an Akimichi ninja pressed his palm onto the box lid, while a Yamanaka Ninja simultaneously locked down his consciousness.
The Konoha Military Police Force directed pedestrians onto another street. No commotion broke out.
The false Kazekage beneath the bamboo hat still stood at the entrance to the main tent, as though watching an impromptu show.
Sasuke did not look at him. He turned and walked toward Hokage Rock.
Kakashi hurried back to his side. "Not arresting