After explaining the plan, Shikaku began assigning tasks to the other two. "Let's split up. Same as always: Chōza, you attack; Inoichi, you scout; I'll restrain them."
Inoichi stopped the two of them. "No need to go to all that trouble. Help is here."
"Help?" A trace of delight flashed through Shikaku's eyes. No matter how perfect a plan was, there were always risks, after all. Having support was naturally ideal. He hurriedly asked, "How many people?"
Inoichi answered truthfully, "Uh, one."
The delight immediately vanished from Shikaku's face. Anxiously, he said, "Then hurry and tell him to leave. We haven't coordinated with him..."
Before he could finish, the sounds of several bodies hitting the ground came from around them.
Disbelief filled Shikaku's eyes. The three ran out of hiding and saw the last Iwagakure Ninja clutching his throat tightly with one hand, his other hand grasping at something in the empty air. After one last unwilling look at the world, he collapsed.
Eight Jonin, all dead beyond any doubt in less than a few seconds. Who was this person?
"Captain, it really is you." Inoichi came over with a smile to greet him, but he could clearly sense that something was off about his captain today.
Anyo wasted no words and quickly asked, "Why are you the only squad member here? Where are the other two?"
Inoichi sighed. "They were reassigned to the Kumogakure Battlefield. Kirigakure and Kumogakure have officially formed an alliance. The pressure on that front suddenly increased, and they urgently needed support."
Anyo snapped in anger, "Who dared reassign my people without permission?"
At those words, Inoichi tensed all over and dared not speak. Something was clearly very wrong with his captain today. A chilling killing intent radiated from him, and even his blade seemed to