Ahead lay a stretch of grassland, dotted with a few scattered boulders.
After Naruto flew out, he saw a man in a light gray robe standing there with his hands behind his back, waiting.
A breeze swept past, gently stirring the hem of his robe.
Naruto hurriedly jumped down and stood in front of Sasuke.
"Sasuke, are you sure you want to leave the village like this?"
Sasuke snorted coldly, shoved him aside, and shouted directly at the person ahead.
"You up there, you're Kimimaro, right?"
"Come welcome the descendant of the Uchiha Clan's genius!"
The man slightly turned his head, his delicate features almost feminine.
"You're Sasuke?" Kimimaro said expressionlessly, then casually waved his hand.
"Go. Lord Orochimaru is waiting for you. Leave things here to me!"
"Fine." Sasuke leaped away and dashed into the distance.
Naruto had just tried to grab Sasuke when he discovered that Kimimaro had already appeared before him, raising a bone blade and slashing down.
He retreated two steps, watching Sasuke limp farther and farther away, a trace of unwillingness rising in his heart.
Just then, Rock Lee arrived as well. Looking at the two facing off, he said,
"Naruto, hurry after Sasuke. I'll handle this guy!"
"Thanks, Watermelon rind!" Naruto grinned and recalled his broom before riding away.
Rock Lee let out a long breath and carefully studied Kimimaro with his thick brows and wide eyes.
Meanwhile, in the forest, Shikamaru weighed the Mechanical Rat in his hand and smiled bitterly.
The nearby trees were riddled with holes, all bearing traces left by the Mechanical Rat.
As for Tayuya, she had already been decapitated without even activating her Cursed Seal state.
"Why are all my opponents so weak?" Shikamaru sighed and shook his head.
He glanced sideways at the blue kunai by Tayuya's