The moment the ice wall shattered into countless shards, the three of them instinctively leaped back, their movements precise and honed from years of rigorous training.
Mizuki Ryosuke's sharp gaze locked onto the assailant.
The figure was shrouded in a black robe, its face obscured by the shadow of the hood. However, protruding from beneath the fabric was a massive claw, grotesquely disproportionate to the body it was attached to.
The jagged talons were covered in thick, orange fur, and even in the dimly lit cave, the razor-sharp tips gleamed ominously.
No one needed to guess the outcome of a direct hit from such a weapon.
The technique bore a striking resemblance to the Akimichi Clan's Multi-Size Technique—a rare ability outside of Konoha's bloodlines.
Yet, more unsettling was the inhuman nature of the claw.
As soon as the ice wall was reduced to rubble, the black-robed figure retracted its grotesque appendage, shrinking it back to a normal size.
"Chitter-chitter—!"
A sharp, unnatural chittering sound filled the cavern. The figure abruptly hunched over, its movements eerily unnatural, before curling into a tight ball. In the next instant, a hail of deadly spikes shot outward from the folds of the black robe, aimed directly at them.
Ryosuke's eyes narrowed.
He had seen the trajectory of the previous sneak attack, but this time, he had a clear view of the attack's source—hair.
The enemy had weaponized their own follicles into lethal projectiles.
Without hesitation, Ryosuke's fingers blurred through a sequence of hand seals.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
With a single palm strike to the ground, a thick wall of hardened earth erupted between them and the incoming barrage. The spikes embedded themselves into the defensive structure but failed to penetrate.
The instant his attack was neutralized, the black-robed figure didn't hesitate.
Rather than attempting another strike, it turned and bolted deeper into the cave.
Before their eyes, two additional legs sprouted from its lower body, shifting its gait into a bizarre, insect-like gallop. Utilizing all six limbs, the creature sprinted forward at unnatural speed, its form a blur in the darkness.
"Chase!"
Ryosuke issued the command without hesitation.
Even as he spoke, two kunai materialized in his grasp—each crafted entirely from ice, infused with a faint crimson hue.
"You two, keep these with you at all times," Ryosuke instructed firmly, tossing one to Mitsuhiko and the other to Terumi Mei. "Do not let go of them, no matter what."
With that warning, the trio took off at full speed.
Despite their best efforts, the enemy had the advantage in this environment. The cave was clearly familiar terrain to the black-robed figure, and with its unnatural speed, it quickly widened the distance between them.
Still, they continued their pursuit, following the trail left behind.
Finally, their chase led them to a dead end—three separate paths branched out in different directions, and the enemy's traces vanished.
A moment of tense silence followed.
A three-way split.
The logical approach would be to divide and search each path separately. However, that would also mean spreading their forces too thin. Given the unknown dangers lurking ahead, they couldn't afford to be picked off one by one.
So they wouldn't split up.
Ryosuke made a swift decision.
Bringing his hands together, he summoned two Ice Clones—identical replicas of himself, composed of crystalline frost.
Unlike conventional Water Clones, these were an advanced form of the technique, optimized through his personal refinements. Unlike their liquid counterparts, they were more durable and could withstand greater force before dissipating.
Each clone nodded wordlessly before sprinting into the left and right passages, while Ryosuke led Mitsuhiko and Terumi Mei through the central path.
The tunnel sloped downward before ending at a massive stone door.
Etched into the door's surface was a distinct mark—an "X."
Ryosuke's breath hitched slightly.
His mind instantly recalled the murals from earlier. The final depiction had featured the same ominous "X."
Could this be a connection?
His fingers instinctively curled into a fist.
There was no turning back now.
Just as he was about to reach out, a sudden shift in his senses sent a wave of unease through him.
The connection to his two Ice Clones had vanished.
Not shattered.
Not disrupted.
Vanished.
His eyes widened in alarm.
This isn't normal.
The fundamental principle of any Clone Technique dictated that upon dispersal—whether by destruction or deactivation—the user would immediately receive feedback from the clone's experiences.
Yet, at this moment, there was nothing.
As though the clones had never existed at all.
A rare flicker of apprehension crossed Ryosuke's face.
What kind of force could sever his connection so completely?
His gaze fell upon the stone door before him.
The answers were likely beyond that threshold.
Drawing a deep breath, Ryosuke pressed both palms against the cold stone and pushed.
The door groaned in protest before swinging open—
And an overwhelming force erupted from within.
A powerful suction yanked him forward, and before he could react, his body was dragged into the void.
"Ryosuke—!"
Terumi Mei barely had time to reach out before she, too, was caught in the pull, disappearing into the darkness alongside him.
At the last possible moment, Ryosuke clenched his fist, forming a single One-Handed Seal.
"Ice Style: Ice Wall Technique!"
A thick barrier of frost materialized, obstructing the entrance before Mizuki Mitsuhiko could be pulled in as well.
The obstruction held—just barely.
Mitsuhiko, though still affected by the gravitational force, managed to brace himself against the frozen barricade, halting his momentum before he could be dragged inside.
A second later, the massive stone door groaned again, slowly closing shut.
Sealing Ryosuke and Terumi Mei inside.
"Master—!"
Mitsuhiko's breath came out in short gasps, his body trembling from the sudden shock.
For a brief moment, panic threatened to take hold.
But then, as though Ryosuke's voice echoed in his mind, his instincts took over.
"If we're ever separated, you must remain calm."
"Ensure your safety first. Do not act recklessly. And above all—trust in my strength."
Mitsuhiko clenched his fists.
His master's words were absolute.
He wouldn't allow himself to be consumed by fear.
With a deep breath, Mizuki Mitsuhiko steadied himself.
Then, without hesitation, he positioned himself in front of the stone door.
And he waited.
No reckless actions.
No unnecessary risks.
He would protect this entrance—until Ryosuke returned.
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