At the moment danger appeared, Kakashi and his team arrived. Without hesitation, Kakashi launched his Chidori at one of the enemies.
Meanwhile, 'Inu' and 'Ryuu' engaged one of the Sand ninjas.
"Ignore the newcomers, kill him!"
Seeing the approaching figures, the three Sand ninjas realized that the real Konoha Anbu had arrived. The lightning-wielding Sand ninja gritted his teeth and shouted. Their mission was to kill the surrounded Iwa ninja, even at the cost of their own lives. Besides, they had reinforcements coming. Sand Village mobilized its remaining upper-tier forces to disrupt the peace talks between Iwa and Konoha.
"Hmph! Killing me won't be that easy!"
Seeing the real Konoha Anbu, Shenran's eyes flickered with joy. Hearing the enemy's words, he coldly snorted. As the three enemies were distracted by Kakashi's arrival, he quickly formed hand seals.
"Earth Style: Earthfall Cover!"
When Sheeran spoke, a massive rock slab formed above them, shaped like a giant lid and crashed down. This Jutsu, typically used for long-range attacks, was now used to crush the enemies and himself.
"What..."
"No way..."
"Move!"
The three Sand ninjas, who had been about to attack Sheeran, immediately leaped away in panic, not wanting to be crushed alongside him.
Swish, swish, swish!
The three Sand ninjas quickly retreated as the massive rock slab descended. Kakashi and his team also halted, not daring to advance.
"Earth Style: Light-Weight Rock Technique!"
Seeing his enemies retreat, Shenran smirked. He performed another earth jutsu, lightening the weight of the descending rock slab.
Swish!
With his hands altering the rock's weight, Shenran pushed the slab up a few centimeters and swiftly escaped from underneath.
Boom!
After Shenran escaped, the rock slab crashed to the ground, raising some dust but causing a slight tremor due to its altered weight.
"Damn it..."
"We were tricked..."
The three retreating Sand ninjas cursed under their breath, watching helplessly as Shenran evaded and was protected by the real Konoha Anbu.
"Iwa ninja! Are you alright? We're Konoha Anbu. The Hokage sent us to assist you, fearing you'd be ambushed on your way."
After securing Sheeran, 'Ryuu' quickly explained.
"I'm fine. It's good Konoha sent reinforcements."
Sheeran responded coldly. He had no fondness for Konoha and knew they were only assisting for the peace talks. Hence, he didn't bother with pleasantries.
As for doubting their identities, Shenran quickly dismissed his suspicions. If they were allied with the attackers, they would have already killed him with their superior numbers.
"Damn, Konoha Anbu!"
"Kill! Kill both the Konoha Anbu and the Iwa ninja!"
Seeing Kakashi and his team protecting Shenran, the lightning-wielding Sand ninja roared angrily to his comrades.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Bolt!"
He performed hand seals, summoning lightning from the sky aimed at Kakashi and his team. This Jutsu was a more advanced version of the previous lightning attack.
"Kill these intruders!"
Avoiding the lightning, 'Ryuu' shouted to Kakashi and the others, charging at one of the Sand ninjas.
'Hebi' and 'Inu' teamed against another Sand ninja, leaving the lightning-wielding Sand ninja to Kakashi. None specialized in wind jutsu to counter lightning, so Kakashi's lightning jutsu was deemed most suitable.
Sheeran watched from the sidelines, ready to step in if needed.
"Your opponent is me!"
Zzzt, zzzt!
With Chidori in hand, Kakashi stood before the lightning-wielding Sand ninja, taunting him.
"Hmph!"
Seeing the Chidori, the Sand ninja's eyes narrowed. He recognized its power but also noted its limitation to close-range attacks. As long as he kept his distance, he wouldn't be harmed.
"If you can't get close, your attack is useless!"
The Sand ninja sneered, retreating while launching another lightning jutsu at Kakashi.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!"
"Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!"
Boom, boom!
Two lightning bolts struck at Kakashi, who dodged them, but his momentum was disrupted.
"Damn it!"
Frustrated, Kakashi dispelled his Chidori. He knew he needed to reveal his Sharingan or use the true Hatake Three Blades, which would drain his chakra.
"Giving up? Then die!"
Seeing Kakashi stop and dispel his Chidori, the Sand ninja smirked.
"Lightning Style: Thunder Flash!"
Boom! A stronger lightning jutsu struck Kakashi, who dispersed into smoke.
"A shadow clone..."
"Behind me!"
The Sand ninja muttered, turning to find Kakashi ten meters away. His eyes widened as he noticed Kakashi's left eye.
"Is that..."
"The Sharingan?"