"Sensei, it seems there really are enemy ninjas, but they don't appear to want to fight," Kurenai Yuhi said, puzzled.
The enemy ninjas seemed to have no intention of engaging with Konoha. As Team 7 advanced, the enemy retreated step by step, seemingly avoiding direct confrontation.
"Take these kunai and the intel scroll."
Kyoichi handed a Flying Thunder God kunai to Asuma. "This bears Minato-senpai's Flying Thunder God Technique. You three head to Minato-senpai and deliver the intel scroll. I'll go ahead and scout."
"Sensei, why don't you keep it? At least Minato-sensei can use it to assist you if needed..."
Asuma looked worried. If Kyoichi went alone, what if he encountered danger?
"Don't worry. I'm just gathering intel. If I can't win, I can still escape."
Kyoichi patted Asuma's shoulder reassuringly and then used the Body Flicker Technique to dash ahead.
---
Ahead, Minato Namikaze had already sensed the presence of these enemy ninjas. If it had been just him and Kakashi, he would've gone to investigate directly. However, besides himself and Kakashi, his team also included Obito and Rin—new recruits inexperienced in complex combat scenarios. Weighing the risks, Minato decided against probing the situation himself.
"Sensei, let me go check things out," Kakashi suggested quietly.
As a chunin, Kakashi was the second strongest on the team, after Minato himself.
"Our mission is to clear out bandits for the village. These ninjas are unrelated to that. Let's not create unnecessary complications."
Minato shook his head.
At that moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
This is... my Flying Thunder God Technique.
He crouched down and used his sensory skills to analyze the situation. After a moment, a smile broke out on his face.
"Sensei, what's going on?"
Rin noticed something unusual.
"Another team is approaching us. If I'm correct, it should be Team One. They're carrying my specialized kunai and seem to be here to provide support."
Minato let out a small sigh of relief.
Kyoichi is here!
Moreover, judging by the movements of Kyoichi's team, they'd divided their forces—one member was scouting the enemy, while the rest came to report and coordinate. That meant he didn't need to personally investigate the unknown ninjas.
"Huh? Why would they come to support us? Is our mission that dangerous?"
Obito looked confused.
"We'll know once they arrive," Minato said simply. He didn't explain further because he himself wasn't fully clear on the enemy's origins. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so cautious.
Shortly after, Asuma and the others arrived.
"Minato-sensei, we were ordered by the village to provide reinforcements and to update you on the situation in the Land of Rivers. Here's the intel scroll."
Asuma handed over a sealed scroll.
Minato said nothing, recognizing the importance of the seal. This intel likely held crucial details that could impact Konoha's strategy. He quickly used a release technique to open it. After just one glance, his expression grew grim.
"Hidden Rain!"
During the Battle of Kikyo Pass, the Land of Wind had suffered heavy losses and was now bound by numerous treaties, making it unlikely for them to act in the Land of Rivers. The current enemy was most likely from the Land of Rain.
Although the Hidden Rain Village suffered greatly during the Second Shinobi World War, its leader, Hanzo of the Salamander, maintained its position as the most formidable village outside the Five Great Nations. Such was the weight of a "demigod."
Minato analyzed the intel and deduced much of the current situation in the ninja world. After some thought, he asked, "Kyoichi went ahead to scout?"
"Yes. Sensei wanted to gather intel and instructed us to stay with you and follow your commands," Kurenai replied.
"Understood. Given the circumstances, let's head to the mission site first. We'll assess the bandits' strength and determine the next steps from there."
The mission in the Land of Rivers had previously been under the jurisdiction of the Land of Wind. After the recent war, it was reassigned to Konoha. Minato was determined to see it through unless absolutely necessary.
As for the enemy ninjas up ahead, for now, he chose to trust Kyoichi's ability.
---
Without a team of genin slowing him down, Kyoichi moved quickly and soon caught up with the group of ninjas. These enemies bore the unmistakable characteristics of Hidden Rain shinobi, leaving no doubt about their identity.
Kyoichi pursued them, but they retreated just as quickly, clearly aware of his presence.
Looks like I'm dealing with experts.
He grew more cautious, extending his chakra senses as he ran to ensure he didn't walk into a trap. Noticing two figures staying behind, he furrowed his brows.
Are they planning to hold the rear?
As he approached, he realized the two were hiding in a seemingly ordinary tree. Upon closer inspection, it became clear the tree was a cleverly crafted ninjutsu.
Konan!
Kyoichi instantly recognized the situation. Narrowing his eyes, he pretended not to notice and moved forward.
Suddenly, countless paper sheets swirled around him, surging in from all directions like a tidal wave.
Kyoichi quickly discerned that, while the paper was sharp and overwhelming in number, none of it contained explosive tags. Konan was holding back.
Even so, it wouldn't stop him from retaliating. Forming seals rapidly, Kyoichi summoned walls of water around him.
"Retreat! Use explosive tags for cover!"
Yahiko immediately called out, recognizing that something was off. He grabbed Konan and began retreating.
The opponent was clearly a Konoha jonin, and judging by the powerful water release jutsu just displayed, likely an elite jonin. Although Yahiko wasn't easily intimidated, he had no interest in provoking an unnecessary fight.
Yet, before the explosive tags could fully deploy, a water dragon roared to life, crashing through the defenses and scattering the tags. It surged toward Yahiko and Konan.
"That was fast!"
Yahiko's expression darkened. He specialized in water release himself and knew just how complex the seals for Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu were. Kyoichi had completed it in a flash—an unmistakable sign of mastery.
"I'll handle it," Konan said calmly.
The tree she had been hiding in disintegrated, transforming into countless sheets of paper that formed a massive shield. The water dragon crashed into the layers of paper, its force steadily dissipating.
However, the next moment, a flash of lightning illuminated the scene.
The paper shield was instantly sliced apart, and a figure landed in front of them, wielding a sword crackling with lightning. His silver hair glinted under the light, making him a striking sight.
"Minato Namikaze? No, he's blond. Who are you?" Yahiko asked, his face grim.
So fast!
The first time he was shocked was by Kyoichi's seal speed. This time, it was his sheer agility. Yahiko hadn't expected Konoha to have another jonin with such incredible speed apart from Minato.
"I'm Kanda Kyoichi, a jonin from Konoha. Who are you, and why have you entered the Land of Rivers?"
Kyoichi's tone was sharp and formal, though he already knew their identities. However, protocol demanded that he go through the motions.
Yahiko's palms grew sweaty. Their speed was no match for this opponent, and Kyoichi had revealed only a fraction of his power. Even if he and Konan fought together, he wasn't confident in their chances—unless Nagato joined them.
But if they truly escalated this into a life-or-death battle, it would be disastrous for both sides.
After a long silence, Yahiko finally said, "We are shinobi from the Hidden Rain Village. Our mission is to clear out the bandits plaguing the Land of Rivers. We mean no offense to Konoha."
****************************
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