"Uchiha Renji, don't worry. This pass is a vital strategic point for the Land of Fire. Though we follow orders, we won't surrender easily. If the Kumogakure forces break through, it will be a direct threat to Konoha itself," said Kamizuki Daigo, his voice low and steady.
"Let's prepare," Renji said, turning to the group of shinobi.
In the world of Naruto, strength determines survival. The power Uchiha Renji had just demonstrated had left everyone speechless.
If he abandoned his comrades, even under orders, he'd be scorned upon returning to Konoha.
And once the Cloud Ninjas passed through this barrier, there'd be nothing stopping them from invading Konoha directly.
"Renji, we're ready..." the others responded, taking their positions.
Then, Renji suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, does anyone have a ninjutsu scroll with them?"
With his one-click max-level system, any ninjutsu he acquired could be instantly mastered. With three days remaining before the next battle, now was the time to grow stronger.
Especially with the infamous A-B Combo from Kumogakure ahead.
"A scroll?"
Around twenty shinobi exchanged confused looks.
"No one?" Renji asked, though not surprised.
In times of war, few carried training scrolls. Most were taught techniques through instructors or clan teachings. Carrying scrolls into battle risked losing them to the enemy.
Suddenly, Kamizuki Daigo stepped forward.
"Renji, I don't know why you need a scroll, but this is an A-rank Lightning Release technique I prepared for my daughter—Raiton: Kaminari Rakka. I was saving it as a gift when she becomes a Chūnin."
"Rather than let it fall into enemy hands, I'd rather entrust it to you."
"Your daughter?" Renji raised an eyebrow, recognizing a resemblance.
"Don't tell me... Kamizuki Sayaka?"
A large shinobi nearby, Tanaka Goro, burst into laughter.
"Haha! Even Uchiha Renji knows your daughter, Daigo! She really is famous."
Daigo scowled.
"Shut it, Goro. You've been trying to match your son with my Sayaka for months. But I swear, the man she chooses will be at least a special jōnin!"
"Tch, my son Hayate is already close to being promoted. He'll make jōnin in no time!" Goro shot back.
"Sayaka has taste. What do you think of Renji? The kid's genjutsu puts even us veterans to shame."
Another shinobi, Inoue Katsuro, chimed in.
All eyes turned to Shizune, who froze.
"Stop teasing. Give Renji the scroll already—he might actually put it to use," she said quickly.
"Oh? Shizune-chan, why are you blushing? Don't tell me you like him?"
Their teasing lifted the heavy mood in the cavern.
Kamizuki Daigo stepped forward and placed a hand on Renji's shoulder.
"Good kid. Your illusion techniques are easily at the level of a special jōnin. This scroll is yours."
"If you make it back alive, I have a letter. Please give it to my daughter."
"Renji, I have something too. Please give it to my son."
"And me!"
"Sorry to trouble you!"
They all handed him letters and small keepsakes.
Renji had become their best hope of someone returning to Konoha alive.
"Renji… can you give this kunai to Lady Tsunade?"
Shizune clenched her fists.
"She gave it to me when I became her apprentice…"
Though smiles lingered on their faces, there was bitterness beneath them.
"So, you think we're all going to die?" Renji asked calmly.
"Then why didn't you retreat with Yamanaka Fū and the others?"
Everyone fell silent.
They knew Renji's power was real—he had the skill of a special jōnin. But against hundreds of enemies and the elite A-B Combo… could one man really change everything?
Kamizuki Daigo stepped forward again.
"You're wrong, Renji. We're not afraid of death. The moment we became shinobi, we accepted that fate."
"This pass is Konoha's frontline. If the enemy breaches it, our families and children are in danger."
"We'd rather fall here than let that happen."
Takeshi Arata nodded.
"Renji, we underestimated you. We didn't expect such strength. We're ready to die here. All we ask is that you carry our words home."
"Please, Renji," Shizune added softly. "Do it for us. For me."
Everyone stared at him, their eyes filled with hope.
Then—
"No."
Renji's voice was calm, firm.
"Take these things back. Deliver them yourselves."
"We're all going home. Together. That includes this scroll."
Though soft, his words swept through them like a storm.
Kamizuki Daigo clenched his fists, eyes burning.
"Alright… you're right, Renji. We'll survive this. We'll go back together."
"And when we do, I'm introducing you to my daughter!"
"Haha! Daigo, you old dog!"
"I bet you all wish you had daughters to match with Renji!"
Daigo rolled his eyes and turned back to him.
"So tell me, Renji—what do you want the scroll for? This Lightning Release: Thunderfall isn't something you learn in a day."
Everyone turned to him with curiosity.
Facing such a battle, studying a new jutsu now seemed pointless.
"No big reason," Renji replied.
"I just want to learn a few more jutsu."
Thanks to his system, quantity meant more power.
"It took me over a month to master that technique," Daigo warned.
"You've only got three days."
"Don't worry. I'll learn it quickly," Renji said with a quiet smile.
He couldn't explain the truth. No one would believe him anyway.
"Well… if you're serious, I can help guide you," Daigo offered.
"Thanks, Uncle Daigo. But I'll handle it myself."
Scroll in hand, Renji stepped forward and walked away.
As they watched him disappear into the light of the cave entrance, the others exchanged quiet glances.
He was no longer just a young prodigy.
He was Uchiha Renji—
The shinobi who might just bring them all back alive