As numerous suna ninjas encircled them, the trio began to experience brief emotional fluctuations. However, they quickly suppressed these emotions.
With the situation at hand, panicking would only worsen their predicament.
"Ayane, how many enemies are there in total?" Shiraishi inquired, tilting his head.
"Counting the Suna ninjas who haven't engaged, there are 176 of them. Presently, 103 Suna ninjas are attacking us."
This Suna base wasn't expansive, allowing Ayane to easily assess the numbers and positions of their adversaries.
"One hundred and three, meaning each of us has to face around thirty-four opponents on average. This is a significant challenge."
Moreover, Ruri had nearly depleted her chakra during her earlier uproar, and currently, she had only about half left.
Against ordinary adversaries, her remaining chakra would suffice. However, facing this many Suna ninjas, including several Jonin, it appeared an insurmountable odds.
"In the upcoming battle, let's conserve our chakra as much as possible and rely on natural energy for combat," Shiraishi suggested to Ruri.
Ruri nodded, having the same thought.
In comparison to the finite chakra, natural energy seemed a more inexhaustible resource to use in this dire situation, reserving the chakra for crucial moments.
"Now, we'll change our tactics. Ayane, you'll focus on scouting a way out using your eyes, while Ruri and I will handle the combat. We'll pinpoint the weakest point and break through."
Initially, Ruri's fire release technique had served to protect her and prevent distractions during their prior commotion. However, now, they would rely on Ayane's Byakugan for scouting, while Shiraishi and Ruri concentrated on defense.
"I'll do my best" Ayane affirmed, her expression serious.
This multitude of ninjas posed a considerable challenge for Ayane's
eyes.
"Let's discuss our strategy later; escaping is our immediate priority. If there are no objections, let's proceed!"
The intelligence lapse, the anger, and the bad mood; these feelings afflicted not only Ruri and Ayane but also Shiraishi.
Yet, rationality should prevail over fury during this situation; they must plan logically to ensure a successful escape.
Whether the village intentionally baited them or there was a glitch within Root's actions, they had fallen into a trap.
"Follow me!"
Ayane wasted no time. Their lives were at stake, and they had to find the best escape route.
Shiraishi and Ruri trailed her.
Simultaneously, they suppressed the chakra movement within them, instead, focusing on absorbing natural energy from the surroundings.
Since natural energy varied in different locations, affecting its absorption rate, they had to take advantage of the abundant natural energy in the forest.
Within seconds, Shiraishi and Ruri were replenished with natural energy.
This influx brought an extraordinary lightness to their bodies, making them capable of feats like punching the ground.
However, now was not the time to relish newfound strength. Faced with elite ninjas they had to remain cautious.
Their gratitude extended to Ayane's Byakugan. Thanks to her early detection of the fake supply point, they could thwart a potential trap and escape.
Before the Suna ninjas could seal the encirclement, Ayane had pinpointed the weakest escape route. Only twenty-nine Suna ninjas guarded this section, a lesser number than the rest.
Clang! Clang!
Shiraishi deflected incoming kunai with his kunai, engaging two Suna ninjas in battle.
In the darkness of the forest, only rapid movements were visible, accompanied by sparks as kunai clashed.
Realizing Shiraishi's strength, the two Suna ninjas were pained after just a brief clash, struggling to maintain their hold on their kunai due to the pain.
Taking advantage of their vulnerable state, Ruri, who was positioned at the rear, swiftly approached and executed precise strikes, dispatching the Suna ninjas.
Due to their quick maneuvers and aversion to prolonged combat, they dealt with the obstacles efficiently.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"
A powerful gust swept from behind, carrying a flurry of kunai and shuriken.
The storm's influence heightened the projectiles' speed and penetration.
Ruri, fortified by natural energy, deflected the oncoming projectiles with ease.
Kaboom!
However, some kunai carried detonating tags. The explosion sent Ruri hurtling through the air, her landing on a branch requiring considerable effort as her face turned pale.
"Don't let them escape!"
"Eliminate these Konoha ninjas!"
All around, the air was filled with the sounds of movement and shouts of battle, coming from every direction. Among this group of Suna ninjas, there were skilled sensory ninjas.
No matter which direction Shiraishi and the others tried to break free in, there were always Suna ninjas hot on their trail.
Moreover, the number of ninjas was growing, and the ones blocking their path were all elite warriors. They were determined to delay Shiraishi and his companions, buying time for reinforcements to arrive.
"Let's avoid unnecessary combat!" Shiraishi noted, seeing the frustrated expression on Ruri's face. He understood her desire to fight back against this group of Suna ninjas, considering the provocation they had endured.
However, this wasn't the moment for recklessness. Even with their enhanced natural energy, they weren't invincible. Trapped in the midst of numerous Suna ninjas, fighting them all was a losing battle.
"Understood. Don't give me orders," Ruri retorted, her irritation fueled by the detonating tag's recent explosion. The blast had rattled her and kindled her determination to fight.
"..."
'I don't want to do this either' Shiraishi sighed inwardly.
This pack of ninjas was like rabid dogs, chasing and biting. Was it really worth the effort for these non-essential supply points?
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath them. Shiraishi, Ayane, and Ruri felt a chill run through their bodies, struggling to maintain their balance as the earth shook.
The pursuing ninjas were also taken aback. They hadn't anticipated the sudden earthquake, which left them unsteady on their feet.
"Wait, that's—"
"Damn it, is that monster going berserk?"
These Suna ninjas seemed to possess some knowledge about the situation, their voices laced with fear and confusion. It was a reaction driven by sheer terror. Rumble! The intense tremors continued to shake the ground. Everyone was left bewildered by the unfolding events.
"What's happening?"
Shiraishi sensed the unnaturally violent vibrations, which seemed to exceed the limits of human capabilities.
Simultaneously, a monstrous roar resonated, followed by a chilling and malevolent chakra presence in the air. It sent shivers down their spines, a weight pressing on their chests, making it difficult to breathe.
Shiraishi was awestruck by the immense chakra. Despite the apparent distance, its origins seemed far away, yet it managed to permeate the atmospheric barrier and reach them. This extraordinary chakra exceeded the realm of comprehension for normal individuals.
As the earth continued to tremble, deep cracks started to snake across the ground. Trees in the forest swayed, and a violent hurricane churned in the distance. Escaping was nearly impossible in these conditions.
Shiraishi clung to a nearby tree, employing chakra to maintain his balance. Ruri and Ayane followed suit, grabbing onto solid objects to stabilize themselves. Cold sweat streamed down the faces of the pursuing ninjas. They too were caught off guard by the overwhelming chakra.
After the tremors subsided, just as everyone began to heave a sigh of relief, an enormous black shape emerged from the distant forest. It loomed like an insurmountable mountain, sending panic through the crowd.
With its appearance, the sound of screams filled the air. The storm intensified, heavy chakra blanketing the atmosphere. This chakra felt distinct from ordinary chakra, emanating an icy chill and an aura of danger.
"One Tail!!!! The One Tail has emerged!"
"Is that monster completely uncontrollable?"
"Damn it, I thought it was safe!"
"Did the ninja from Konoha do something? Curse it!"
Though Shiraishi didn't fully understand what One Tail was, he could sense the panicked responses from the Suna ninjas. It was clear that this unexpected turn of events had thrown them into chaos. Tonight, their actions were limited to starting a fire—how could they have released this enigmatic monster?
In truth, the origin of this huge monster itself was highly suspicious. For the first time, Shiraishi's understanding of the ninja profession wavered.
While Ruri's fire release ninjutsu was already an impressive high-level technique, capable of igniting entire forests, it paled in comparison to the potential destruction wrought by this unidentified giant creature.
"Hahahaha, I'm back!"
The monster bellowed with laughter, a mix of elation and a desire to obliterate everything. Standing like a huge fortress amidst the forest, its presence dwarfed that of any human. The creature exuded an aura of violence and devastation.
A casual flick of its Sandy-yellow tail resulted in the decimation of a forest. Its movements stirred up violent storms, toppling trees and causing the earth to quake. Over a dozen Suna ninjas were caught in the chaos, their screams adding to the terror.
A stunned silence fell over the scene.