Outside Konoha...
A round moon like a silver platter hung in the ink-blue night sky. White light poured down like flowing water, passing through layers of treetops and scattering mottled, shifting shadows through the forest.
The branches and trunks of the towering trees were covered in dark green moss, with the occasional dead branch jutting sideways, tracing sinister silhouettes in the moonlight.
The damp earth mingled with the scent of rotting leaves and fresh vegetation. The air was slightly cool, carrying a faint moisture.
Whoosh!
Two black figures flickered past.
The thick carpet of fallen leaves gave off a faint rustling.
Cold sweat beaded on the foreheads of the two Kumogakure ninja as they fled for their lives across the forest floor.
"Second brother, how did big brother suddenly get killed?"
"How should I know? Maybe that brat's an expert. We can't go wrong by running!"
Whoosh!
A kunai flew to their side.
A dark figure flashed into view.
With his left arm around Kushina Uzumaki and his right hand gripping the Flying Thunder God Kunai, Uchiha Lei appeared beside them in an instant.
"You two came all this way. Why leave in such a hurry?"
The Kumogakure ninja on the left narrowed his eyes, glanced at Uchiha Lei, and said jokingly:
"Kid, my wife's about to give birth back home. I'll be leaving now."
The Kumogakure ninja on the right had a sudden idea and also said with a chuckle:
"My mom's calling me for dinner. I've got to go home. No need to see me off."
"That won't do. I've got to send you off myself."
The corners of Uchiha Lei's mouth rose into a wicked grin. His gaze was sharp as lightning as he gathered chakra into the Flying Thunder God Kunai.
The two Kumogakure ninja exchanged