Not only did Ren and the others feel stifled, but the Cloud Ninja One line felt even more stifled than them.
Originally, they thought it was a simple rescue mission, so under the Raikage's leadership, several people directly broke through the Stone Ninja's Border Line and rushed into the Land of Earth. They didn't expect to run into the reinforcing Stone Ninja army as soon as they arrived in this mountain range.
Now it's good; with an army ahead and pursuers behind, everyone is surrounded. The only way out is to first enter the mountain range and then make plans. As for the other side, that's the direction of the Land of Earth's hinterlands; going there would be walking into a trap.
"Damn it, where did all these people come from!"
Noticing the Stone Ninja relentlessly pursuing them from behind, Ren couldn't help but curse under his breath.
Now, not only behind them, but even on the mountainsides on both flanks, a large amount of Chakra is appearing. The only path left is forward, deeper into the mountain range, where there might be a glimmer of hope.
As the group continued to delve deeper, a large number of hills began to appear ahead. The rugged terrain also created some distance between them and their pursuers, but the situation remained grim.
"Raikage-sama!"
A Cloud Ninja's expression suddenly changed. He was about to say something, but due to the Ren team not far away, he could only quicken his pace to reach the Raikage's side and whispered.
"We found the message Kasai left. Their location is about two kilometers ahead."
Upon hearing this, the Raikage's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of thought, he said in a deep voice.
"Accelerate forward. Let's meet up with them first."
"Yes!"
Their sudden acceleration also caught the attention of Ren and the others. Watching their retreating figures, Yao couldn't help but look at Ren, asking with some concern.
"Captain, what should we do next?"
Their abnormal actions must mean something. If they shake off the pursuers behind them, then only a few of them will be left to endure the Stone Ninja's pursuit, and the probability of survival is infinitely close to zero.
Ren pondered for a moment before making a decision, then sped up to chase after them.
"Go, hang behind them."
The terrain here was unfamiliar to them. It was better to follow behind those Cloud Ninja. If any problems arose, they could drag them in as a shield. Ren still remembered that Ninjutsu from before.
The Cloud Ninja ahead quickly noticed Ren and the others behind them.
"Raikage-sama, those brats are catching up!"
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing his subordinate's report, the Third Raikage instinctively turned his head, glanced at the approaching group, then withdrew his gaze, a low voice sounding.
"Don't mind them. What we should do now is rendezvous with Kasai and the others."
In the Third Raikage's opinion, while Ren's strength was decent, that was all it was. If he dared to provoke them, he wouldn't mind taking some time to kill this brat here.
Not long after, when Ren's team rushed out of the mountain path area, they saw a few more people inexplicably appear among the Cloud Ninja ahead. Noticing this, Ren led the three youngsters to stop, standing on a hill a good distance away to observe.
After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was vast. If they got too close and a conflict broke out, the three youngsters would be in danger. It was better to prioritize safety.
"Hmm? Strange."
Just then, Ren turned around, looking at the rugged mountain paths, his eyebrows furrowing instinctively.
Within his Perception range, the relentlessly pursuing Stone Ninja had split into two teams. One team continued to pursue them in this direction, while the other team moved west. It seemed that it wouldn't be long before they converged with the Stone Ninja to the west.
West...
Ren's pupils suddenly constricted. West, that was the direction of the Land of Earth's Border Line. This was clearly meant to trap them within the mountain range and wipe them out in one fell swoop!
Thinking of this, Ren no longer cared about anything else. He glanced at Shio behind him and then sped off into the distance, his voice carrying back.
"Wait for me here. Don't act on your own. Stay vigilant at all times."
"Yes!"
Although the three were puzzled, they still followed their captain's instructions, maintaining vigilance of their surroundings while also keeping an eye on Ren's movements.
"Raikage-sama, that brat is coming towards us."
"Hmm?"
Looking at Ren who had approached, there was no ripple in the old man's eyes. He spoke in a calm voice.
"Boy, are you trying to fight us?"
"Give it a rest, Cloud Ninja. Now is not the time to fight."
Ren rolled his eyes. What time was it? Still fighting? If they had met on the battlefield during normal times, Ren might have really exchanged blows with the other party. Now, he only wanted to break out with the three youngsters.
"You should have a Perception Ninja on your side, right?"
Ren suddenly asked such a perplexing question, causing the battle-ready Cloud Ninja to freeze. Although the Third Raikage felt somewhat confused, he still replied.
"Yes, why?"
"Then please have him perceive that direction."
Ren pointed to the west. Before the Third Raikage could speak, a man with light yellow hair closed his eyes, then his expression changed. When he opened his eyes again, a look of horror appeared on his face.
"What did you find, Kanai?"
Looking at the stunned man, the Third Raikage frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
"Yes, Raikage-sama!"
The man named Kanai came back to his senses. After first responding to the Raikage's inquiry, he continued.
"A large amount of Chakra has gathered in the direction we came from. Judging by the number, there are thousands of people, and they are constantly approaching us!"
"What?"
Hearing this, the Third Raikage's expression instantly darkened. His gaze turned towards the western slope, wondering what he was thinking. At this moment, Ren continued.
"Not only that, those Stone Ninja should have split their forces. Two thousand each have gone to the east and west, leaving five thousand for themselves. In total, over ten thousand Ninja are gathered here."
At this point, Ren's gaze fell on the Third Raikage, and his tone became solemn.
"It seems their target is most likely this Raikage-sama."
Killing the Raikage, Ōnoki, that cunning old fox, would not miss such a rare opportunity. A ten-thousand-strong army divided into three routes to completely surround them here. The target was very clear: this old man in front of them.
Everyone understood this, and the Third Raikage also understood. After a moment of thought, he turned his gaze to Ren and said in a deep voice.
"You didn't just come over to chat with us, did you?"
He didn't believe that the other party had specifically run over just to warn them. Although it wasn't exactly a favor, it was still helpful to them, so the Third Raikage didn't mind listening to what the young man had to say.
"My goal is very clear."
Ren's gaze did not waver. He looked directly at the other party and nodded.
"Let's form a temporary alliance and break out together!"