The setting sun's afterglow fell upon Yecang, making her entire demeanor even more extraordinary. Coupled with her well-proportioned figure and impressive height, Yecang looked like a goddess at this moment. It was not surprising that the young man from the Sand Village standing in front of her became nervous.
"Were you attacked by the shadow clone just now...?"
Glancing briefly at the injured person being carried on his companion's back, Yecang did not think much and casually inquired about the situation.
Their current opponent was extremely cunning, and during the escape, he continuously released shadow clones to disperse their forces and divert attention. Although this tactic was old, it was very effective; otherwise, they wouldn't have taken so long without capturing the enemy.
"We apologize! The attack was too sudden, we didn't even get a clear look at the opponent… But we were ambushed five kilometers to the northwest..."
"Is that so?"
The Sand Village Chunin felt a deep sense of shame over their poor performance when facing the enemy, especially since their disheveled state was witnessed by such a goddess, making him even more uneasy.
"How is the injured person?"
"Not seriously hurt, just affected by the opponent's genjutsu, making their movements temporarily inconvenient~"
Faced with her questions, he answered truthfully, especially since she was concerned about his companion's injuries.
"Genjutsu?"
Upon closer inspection of the figure on the companion's back, Yecang didn't say much, simply waving her hand, indicating that they could leave.
She had already learned that this unknown enemy was also a Bloodline Limit ninja. When she first caught up with the opponent's shadow clone, she noticed the eyes and immediately recognized it as the famous 'Uchiha' in the ninja world. The opponent's genjutsu was indeed formidable. If it weren't for her being a Jonin with considerable strength, she might have already been trapped.
But unexpectedly, the opponent was so cunning that even now, his main body had not shown up.
"You won't escape..."
So far, the opponent had already created about twenty shadow clones. She estimated that by now, he was likely at his limit. Judging by his appearance, he seemed quite young, likely only thirteen or fourteen years old. Using such ninjutsu so frequently was, in her opinion, akin to drinking poison to quench thirst.
"The opponent probably wants to drag this until nighttime, making it easier for him to hide..."
If the opponent wanted to stall until night, it wasn't good news for her search team. They had to hurry!
After simulating the opponent's intentions in her mind, Yecang did not linger and re-entered the forest, heading northwest. She didn't even bother exchanging pleasantries with the Chunin she had just spoken to. The primary reason for talking to him was to see if he had any useful information and to check on him.
Since she finished asking, she naturally needed to hurry and continue searching for the enemy, leaving only a graceful back for him...
"She's truly a rare beauty..."
"You're awake, Aida!"
"What beauty? Stop talking nonsense..."
The Chunin felt extremely embarrassed by his companion's blunt remark upon waking up. Given that the other had awakened, wouldn't her embarrassing state from earlier have been seen by him? He hurriedly denied it.
"Dare to do but not admit! Coward..."
"Aida! You..."
He felt his companion seemed different from before but couldn't pinpoint exactly what was different.
Indeed, the injured Sand ninja was actually Hitsugaya in disguise. As Yecang had guessed, Hitsugaya was at his limit. He was not only physically exhausted but also had severe chakra depletion. He had no choice but to take the risk of attacking this ninja squad and then disguising himself as a Sand ninja to blend in. This way, as an injured person, he could rest and catch his breath.
However, this increased the risk significantly. If discovered, he could end up in a fatal situation. For example, when Yecang approached earlier, it was a frightening moment for him. If she had suspected anything, he would have been in grave danger. He would face not just Yecang but also other Sand ninjas searching for him, ready to pounce like sharks smelling blood.
It was fortunate that the target he chose to disguise as was short, making it easier for him to remain undercover. When Yecang approached, it wasn't merely a simple inquiry; part of it was to check for any signs of trickery like transformation techniques.
After the attack, Hitsugaya used genjutsu to implant a suggestion into the Chunin carrying him, making the latter believe that the person on his back was his companion. Moreover, the injured figure he impersonated had a physique rather similar to his own, facilitating his successful deception with a bit of disguise.
He was betting that the opponent wasn't very familiar with the character he was playing. With the increasing gathering of Sand ninjas, many in different squads only had a vague impression of each other. His strategy banked on the idea that no anomalies would be detected by the Chunin.
That's why he chose subtle suggestions over direct control with the 'Sharingan,' which more perceptive ninjas might detect. Yet, even with all these measures, he was incredibly anxious when Yecang got close. If not for his long-term training in Sage Mode, enhancing his control, he might have revealed himself on the spot.
Thanks to Kishimoto and the future prince...
He thought, relieved that without their contributions, he would have been in serious danger today...