Nozuki suddenly felt a rush of realization. "They were planning their relationship without even telling me?" She chastised herself for not interpreting Shisui's earlier words correctly.
Just then, Reiki's voice cut through her thoughts. "Incoming!"
He crouched low, and the two quickly readied themselves, kunai and short blade in hand. Shadows flitted through the darkness, approaching their position.
"Get ready. As soon as they make a move, we counterattack," Reiki instructed, a long sword materializing in his grip.
As he prepared, Shisui felt an unsettling aura emanating from Reiki. The level of concealment was terrifying; without Reiki's presence, Shisui wouldn't have sensed it at all.
"Boom!"
Suddenly, a black shadow lunged towards the team. Reiki shot forward, the glint of his blade flashing as he eliminated an attacker with a single strike.
"It's a wandering ninja! Everyone, stay alert!" Reiki shouted, awakening the transporters from their daze.
"Strength is about that of a Chūnin—don't let your guard down!"
The transporters quickly encircled the carriage as Shisui and Nozuki joined the fray. Though still Genin, their strength rivaled that of Chūnin, and with Shisui's Sharingan and Nozuki's immense chakra, they quickly adapted to the battle.
The attacking ninjas were taken aback. The sudden appearance of three young Konoha ninjas, one of whom had just taken out a comrade, left them momentarily stunned.
"Kill everyone in our way!" commanded the leader, drawing his long sword.
Five black figures launched themselves toward Shisui and Nozuki, confidence radiating from their every movement. "Even if they're Konoha ninjas, they're just kids!"
"Water Release: Mire Technique!"
The lead ninja quickly formed seals, transforming the entire plain into a quagmire, causing the attacking ninjas to sink into the mud.
"Ninja of the Hidden Mist Village?" Reiki thought, surprised. "What are they doing here?"
"Ding!"
Reiki blocked a senbon that shot from the ground, immediately entering a heightened state of awareness. "Top Sword Skills: Sword Realm!"
He closed his eyes, attuning himself to the subtle shifts in his surroundings with the long knife in hand.
"Take these three Konoha ninjas down fast! They're tougher than they look!" the leader barked, unease creeping into his voice.
The other ninjas hesitated, sensing an unusual presence. "What is this feeling?"
Suddenly, Reiki's figure appeared behind the lead ninja, a smirk on his lips. "Still worried about the mire technique? Seems I overestimated you."
A swift strike pierced through the ninja's body.
"Captain!" came the shocked gasps from the remaining attackers.
"Damn it! When did he—"
"Shadow Clone?"
"Forget about that. Worry about yourself!"
Before the remaining ninja could react, Shisui's short sword was at his neck.
"Earth Release: Technique of Ascension!"
Nozuki unleashed her earth jutsu, propelling the four struggling ninjas out of the mire with a powerful push.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa..." They stumbled, trying to regain their footing as kunai rained down around them, forcing them to retreat.
"Water Release: Great Explosion Technique!"
In a desperate move, the four ninjas simultaneously unleashed their water techniques, creating a barrage meant to stall the Konoha trio.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Strike!"
"Lightning Release: Little White Worm!"
Reiki and Shisui responded with their own lightning techniques, paralyzing their foes and disrupting their attacks.
Realizing they were cornered, the remaining attackers charged forward, daggers drawn.
"Chichichi..." A shadow materialized behind them, slicing through three of their ranks.
Then, chaos erupted. The last remaining ninja lunged at Shisui, his dagger aiming for a killing blow.
In a blink, the ninja fell to the ground, life extinguished, while the other three crumpled soon after, casualties of the brutal skirmish.
The entire battle had lasted barely ten minutes, yet it felt like a lifetime.
Reiki stood, slightly breathing heavy, glancing over at Nozuki. Confusion mingled with awe in their expressions as they stared at Reiki, who had just dispatched the enemy with unsettling ease.
"Is he really that strong?" Nozuki mused, taking in the sight of Reiki's black sword glinting in the moonlight.
"This is Murasame," Reiki replied, noting their gaze. "I specialize as a medical ninja and... well, I prepared some poison myself. They were poisoned to death by me."
Nozuki and Shisui exchanged glances, unsure of how to process what had just unfolded.
"Do you want some?" Reiki offered, pulling out a small bottle. "But just a warning: I don't have an antidote. So if you injure yourselves, don't come looking for me!"
Hesitant, they watched as Reiki moved toward the fallen enemies.
"Gathering up the loot!" he declared, rifling through the bodies. "These are ninjas; let's see if there's anything useful here. If they're bountied renegades, we might even get a reward."
As he gathered daggers, short swords, and detonating tags, confusion loomed over the scene.
"Found it! This one is a traitorous ninja from Kirigakure, Tsunagawa Hita. He's on Konoha's wanted list," Reiki announced, holding up a bounty scroll with a stack of other papers.
Nozuki and Shisui exchanged dark glances. "How does he have everything prepared?"
The tension in the air was palpable as they began to comprehend the implications of their confrontation. They had stepped into a dangerous game, one that could cost them more than they had anticipated.
>>>>>
Gimme Power stones I'm Poor