Ayane, running through the forest, remained at the back of the group, ready to intercept the Konoha ninja in pursuit.
Having lived in the village for nearly twenty years, Ayane knew all too well the village's operational and organizational capabilities, and how troublesome they could be in times of crisis.
This mission had two difficulties: extracting personnel from inside Konoha, and intercepting the pursuers sent by Konoha.
The first was already accomplished. Next was to intercept the Konoha pursuers, lead the non-combat personnel to a safe stronghold, and then conduct a secret transfer without any issues.
The routes, personnel configuration during the operation, and secret temporary hideouts had long been prepared.
The manpower and resources involved were a substantial expenditure.
However, these costs would only be considered after stopping the Konoha pursuers.
While Ayane was contemplating this, her Byakugan spotted Konoha ninja approximately ten kilometers behind, totaling twenty-seven in number.
Her enhanced Byakugan now allowed her to observe everything within a ten-kilometer radius, but among the Konoha ninja pursuing them were perception ninjas, accurately tracking their direction.
Just as Ayane was about to turn back and intercept this ninja squad, another ninja squad appeared in her vision.
There were four of them.
Dressed in Anbu attire, their masks had a diverse color scheme, exuding a cold, dark aura.
Root!
"Leave handling the Root guys to us."
As Ayane paused her thoughts, a voice came from behind her.
In the dark forest, five people stood upside down on tree branches, their eyes glowing ominously.
It was Insect Man and his team of five.
"Is it okay? Those four are Jonin, after all."
And Jonin who had mastered secret techniques, with possibly ninja possessing Kekkeigenkai among them.
"No problem, we won't leave a single one alive."
The five utilized the Instantaneous Body Jutsu to depart.
"There's no other choice."
Ayane muttered, heading towards the other Konoha pursuit team.
Though they had more people here, the strength varied, and they were definitely less troublesome than the four-man Root squad.
"The target is heading our way."
The makeshift pursuit team of twenty-seven people was led by two Jonin, with the rest being capable Chunin.
The Chunin in charge of perception immediately detected Ayane's movement and reported to the leading Jonin.
"Setting a trap is meaningless in front of a Byakugan ninja."
One of the Jonin calmly stated.
A Byakugan Ninja was an excellent strategic weapon if they were allies, but once they became enemies, it was the worst-case scenario.
He finally understood the frustration and dismay experienced by other villages' ninja who had fought against Konoha Byakugan Ninja in the past.
Any elaborate traps were pointless, and every small movement would be detected. The only option was a frontal assault.
"They're here!"
After a while, the Konoha Chunin responsible for perception shouted.
The others sprang into action, since traps and small tricks were insignificant, the only choice was to defeat the enemy head-on.
Kunai and shuriken were launched simultaneously.
One of the Jonin formed seals with his hands, spitting out a sharp, elongated lightning bolt, illuminating the dark forest.
However, a cannon blast formed of air surged from the depths of the dark woods, accompanied by an alarming screech.
The lightning was obliterated, the kunai and shuriken caught within, turning into a heap of shredded scrap iron, drifting to the ground like snowflakes.
A figure swiftly charged into the crowd, as they barely had time to react, chakra gathering in both hands, black hair flying, and the body spinning rapidly.
"Revolving Heaven!"
"Retreat quickly!"
The Jonin shouted.
It was already too late.
A massive chakra ball and whirlwind formed, instantly engulfing everything within its range. The stones and trees caught inside were mangled and flung outward.
There were also ninja caught in it, causing the giant chakra ball to diffuse a terrifying crimson mist, expanding around.
"The time for playing ninja games with you is over. Now, it's a real battle."
Ayane stood in the crater of the half-sphere, smiling at the surviving Konoha ninja around her.
"Damn it!"
The Konoha ninja who narrowly escaped the attack range glared at Ayane with eyes full of rage.
The other Jonin was equally furious, fiercely swinging a chakra-infused hand.
Ayane caught the wrist of this arm with greater speed, halting the attack.
"Toma-senpai, shouldn't you be by the future clan leader's side at times like this? Why come out to meddle in these murky waters?"
Ayane said cheerfully to the Konoha Jonin.
It was none other than her colleague from the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Toma.
"Ayane, you've committed an unforgivable mistake. Don't make it any worse! Do you think you can escape the village's pursuit like this?"
Toma hoped Ayane would calm down and not make such an irreparable mistake out of a momentary impulse.
The strength of the Hyuga clan and Konoha was unimaginable.
"Sorry, my body and soul are now completely aligned with that person's thoughts."