The group of four made their way back to the village under the fading afternoon sky. The air was calm, and a gentle breeze ruffled their clothes as they walked together, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Izumi broke the silence with a somewhat amused tone, "I can't believe a clichéd novel plot like this actually came true. It seems like anything is possible."
"Indeed," replied Yamamoto Kawa, nodding with a smile, sharing her light-hearted amusement.
Just as they chatted, Sarutobi Muraki's expression suddenly shifted. His eyes narrowed as he looked up toward the sky. The others noticed and followed his gaze.
A Ninja Eagle swooped down with impressive grace and landed on Sarutobi Muraki's outstretched arm without hesitation. With practiced ease, Muraki reached out and removed a small letter fastened to the bird's leg.
His face stiffened as he quickly scanned the contents. Without wasting a moment, he scribbled a message on a piece of parchment, attached it to the eagle, and flicked his arm upward. The bird immediately took off, disappearing into the clouds.
"What happened, Sarutobi-sensei?" Akido Jiro asked, worry evident in his voice.
Sarutobi Muraki's voice grew serious. "This is an urgent order from Konoha Ninja Village. Some of our comrades were caught in an unexpected situation during a mission nearby. We're to provide immediate support. We leave now. I'll explain everything on the way."
Without hesitation, the group mounted the giant bird summoned by Izumi. The wind rushed past them as they ascended swiftly into the sky.
During the flight, Akido Jiro couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Sarutobi-sensei, do we have any intel on the enemy? The three of us are Genin. If the enemy is numerous or particularly strong, our presence might be more of a liability than help."
Sarutobi Muraki glanced back briefly. "Don't worry. I'm the main force here and responsible for engaging the enemy directly. You three just need to handle distractions and weaker foes. Our people are already on-site, and reinforcements are en route. We just need to support our comrades until help arrives."
Yamamoto Kawa's curiosity got the better of her. "Who exactly is the enemy?"
Muraki's expression darkened. "The client concealed that information. The enemy consists of rogue Ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village. They are wanderers who've taken refuge here, turning to banditry and plunder. Our comrades encountered them and are currently engaged in battle."
Yamamoto Kawa clenched her fists in excitement. "Rogue Ninja from Kumogakure? This will be interesting!"
Muraki gave a small smile. "It's too early to be sure. Maybe I'll handle it alone, and you won't even need to get involved."
Yamamoto laughed, "That's the spirit."
Muraki's tone suddenly grew more serious. "But if we get separated during battle, and the enemy proves overwhelming, protect yourselves and wait for reinforcements."
"Understood!" they all responded in unison.
Izumi's mind raced. Kumogakure rogue Ninja, huh? This could get complicated.
Below them, the forest stretched out like a vast green sea. Soon they spotted movement near their destination.
A Konoha Jonin was fleeing desperately with two injured boys trailing behind him. Six Ninja pursued them relentlessly. The pursuers were closing in fast.
Genin Yoshidari watched helplessly as his sensei struggled, taking blows to shield his students. His heart sank as one of their comrades had already fallen in battle. The reality of being a Ninja struck him deeply — even Jonin could be defeated in a single move.
Jonin Sae's expression was fierce as he fought to protect his students. I've stalled them long enough, but they're too fast, he thought grimly. If only the boys weren't here, I could have escaped.
The enemies closed the gap quickly.
Suddenly, one of them formed hand signs and shouted, "Fire Release! Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
A massive dragon of flame shot toward the four desperately defending Konoha Ninja.
Jonin Sae prepared to counterattack, but before he could move, a familiar voice rang out: "Water Release! Water Wall!"
With a gust of force, Sarutobi Muraki appeared beside them, unleashing a towering wall of water that collided with the fire.
"Boom!"
The flames and water clashed violently, generating thick steam that obscured everyone's vision.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Sarutobi Muraki quickly ushered them onto the giant birds summoned by Izumi.
As the steam cleared, the group soared into the sky, hoping to escape.
But the Kumogakure rogue Ninja were relentless.
One of them performed a summoning technique, calling forth two enormous bald eagles.
Mounting the giant birds, the rogue Ninja gave chase.
"Those birds are fast!" Yamamoto gasped, gripping tightly.
The rogue Ninja formed hand signs and unleashed a Wind Release technique, sharp gusts slicing through the air like blades.
The flying birds summoned by Izumi were shredded, and all fell to the ground.
Sarutobi Muraki's face darkened with a grim realization. "There are more powerful Ninja here than we expected. Your intel was incomplete," he muttered to Sae.
The presence of multiple strong enemies and their flying summons complicated the battle.
Sae apologized, "I didn't expect so many powerful Ninja to be involved. Sorry."
Muraki's frustration grew. "If I weren't working with you, I'd be yelling already. Whose intel was so flawed?"
Meanwhile, the rogue Ninja leader Roger Yi scowled. "This place has been exposed. We must relocate."
The dark-skinned, muscular Asenyi sneered, "Because you're too slow. I'll go after them and retrieve the scroll."
He took two Chunin with him and pursued Izumi and her group.
"Is that safe?" Sae fretted. "The enemy is strong — that Jonin is outmatched."
Sarutobi and Sae faced their attackers, using Kunai to block short sword strikes.
"These enemies have so much power," Sae exclaimed. "But we set traps to buy time."
They narrowly dodged a sudden attack and continued fighting desperately.
Back with Izumi, Yamamoto, and Akido, the rogue Ninja pursuit was relentless.
"We need to lose them!" Izumi called out as they approached a prepared location.
She planted her hand firmly on the ground and shouted, "Fire Release! Exploding Flame Array!"
Suddenly, countless Exploding Tags surged up from the earth, attaching themselves to the pursuers' feet.
"Not good!" the Chunin shouted, realizing the trap.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The explosions rocked the area, shrouding everything in thick smoke.
As the smoke cleared, two figures emerged unscathed — one panting heavily, clearly shaken, the other glowing with lightning-infused chakra.
A third lay on the ground, severely injured.
"Unbelievable," Akido and Yamamoto gasped. "They survived that?"
Izumi's Sharingan analyzed them. High-level Nin-Taijutsu, incredible defense and speed. Only one can use such a technique. But why would such an expert be a rogue Ninja?
The Kumogakure Chunin wiped his brow. "That was close. Was that the little girl's doing?"
Asenyi looked at Izumi with newfound respect. The speed at which she deployed the Exploding Tags was astounding.
"But... she's so young," he thought.
Then, catching sight of her Sharingan, he nodded silently in understanding.
"The Uchiha Clan… they often produce prodigies. To be able to use Ninjutsu at such a young age, with such precision, is impressive."
---
The battle was far from over. Both sides were gearing up for a deadly confrontation — and Izumi's true strength was about to be tested.
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