Chapter 6 - Fight Before Death
We all tried to escape, but it was clear we were outmatched.
Four Chunin, eight Genin, and two Jōnin had us cornered. Being Mist shinobi, they had a significant advantage over us in this waterlogged terrain.
"Water Style: Water Bullet!"
An enemy shouted, releasing a stream of water towards us. I dodged it using the Body Flicker Technique, but soon we were surrounded by Mist ninjas from all sides.
Nami-sensei and her insects immediately sprang into action, creating a defensive barrier with their swarm. Despite their efforts, we were still at a severe disadvantage.
"Water Style: Water Wave Jutsu!"
another enemy declared, launching a powerful wave of water. A stray bullet hit Juri from behind, causing her to cry out as blood gushed from her shoulder.
Seeing Juri injured, I made a decision. "We can't defeat them. You all should escape; I'll hold them off," I shouted to my teammates.
As they hesitated, more enemies arrived, reinforcing the Mist ninjas. Despite their reluctance, Kara, Nami-sensei, and Juri stayed behind to fight alongside me.
I charged into the fray with everything I had. My first target was the nearest enemy. I struck him in the stomach, but he tried to grab my hand and twist it. Quick on my feet, I drove a kunai into his head, and his body crumpled to the ground.
Another enemy approached from the left, wielding a small sword. I tilted my body, blocking his strike with my kunai. I then kicked his knee, forcing him to fall to one knee. I took advantage of his momentary weakness, driving my kunai into his neck.
Just as I finished off the second enemy, I heard the whistling of another kunai. Turning around, I saw it coming straight for my head. I barely managed to grab the next enemy's neck, using him as a shield.
Suddenly, I noticed a Mist shinobi girl approaching, wielding a small hidden weapon. I lifted the body in front of me and used it to shield myself from her attack.
Breathing heavily, I readied an Earth Style jutsu. "Earth Style: Rock Throw!" I shouted, hurling a massive boulder towards her. She dodged by rolling to the side, but I quickly followed with a Wind Style jutsu. "Wind Style: Hurricane!" A powerful gust of wind shot towards her.
The girl countered with Earth Style: Earthen Wall, blocking my attack. As she prepared her next move, I threw a kunai at her hand, causing her to flinch and roll out of the way.
Meanwhile, a Genin-level shinobi attempted a sneak attack, but I managed to react just in time. I threw a shuriken at him, which he blocked. We exchanged blows rapidly; despite being equally matched, I managed to gain the upper hand. I jumped back and threw a kunai at him, catching him off guard. The kunai pierced his chest, ending his threat.
Just as I thought I might catch a breath, I noticed the heat waves from a Fire Style jutsu. A small fireball struck my back, scorching my jacket and causing some burns on my skin. I stumbled, but quickly gathered my resolve and charged towards the girl who had attacked me.
She was visibly shaken, clearly not expecting me to close the distance so quickly. I struck her with my knife, aiming for her hand. She tried to block, but I cut through, making her cry out in pain. She attempted to back away, but I threw my knife at her. Another Genin intervened, blocking my throw.
We continued to exchange blows for what felt like an eternity, dodging jutsus and hidden weapons. I was severely injured, pain radiating through my body. Despite my exhaustion, I managed to find an opening and took down my opponent.
Finally, I turned back to the girl. I raised my uninjured hand, and she looked at me in terror. She was just a little older than me, and the sight of a ninja defeating so many enemies on their own was clearly overwhelming for her.
With a final, determined expression, I advanced towards her. My hand moved steadily forward, and then I...
To be continued