Five sharks circled in the currents, their water-forged fangs gleaming with lethal intent.
Kakashi had no doubt—if they bit into his flesh, chunks would be torn away instantly.
On the water's surface, four jōnin watched coldly from above, while the five sharks below moved like predators waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
It was a dangerous situation.
With a calm breath, Kakashi tightened his grip on his White Fang short blade.
"Everyone, stay sharp. This guy isn't normal—don't let him close the gap," one of the Kirigakure Anbu warned.
The other three nodded grimly in agreement.
Kakashi sneered. You think I need to be close to hurt you? Naïve.
Elsewhere, Shisui fought off five chūnin, and even for someone of his prodigious talent, it was taxing.
At this point in time, Shisui had only recently earned his jōnin rank. His experience paled in comparison to these seasoned chūnin. He could parry, but finding openings to counterattack was nearly impossible.
The tomoe in his Sharingan spun rapidly, tracking every movement with deadly precision.
One-on-one, Shisui had no doubt he could eliminate each of them. But against five working in flawless sync, he had no margin for error.
Unless I trade my body for a kill… but that's reckless. Kakashi-senpai is already outnumbered by jōnin. If I fall, we both do.
He gritted his teeth. I have to find an opening and make it count.
"I can't fall behind. Kakashi-senpai already took out one. I have to keep up!"
Shisui steeled his resolve. His kodachi blazed with renewed chakra.
"Uchiha Style—Blade of Scorching Moon!"
A crimson flame surged along his blade, igniting the air around it with intense heat. The water beneath hissed and steamed, sending mist rising upward.
With blinding speed, Shisui moved toward one of the chūnin.
The enemy scattered quickly, forming a defensive perimeter, but Shisui was already in motion.
"Water Style: Water Bullet!"
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Two attackers launched their jutsu, but Shisui showed no hesitation. With precise swings, his kodachi shattered the incoming water attacks, the intense heat of his blade turning the remnants to steam.
He weaved through the streams like a phantom—then he was in range.
Their eyes met. Shisui's tomoe spun.
"Genjutsu: Mirage of Naraku!"
The enemy froze—caught in Shisui's illusion.
With a burst of speed, Shisui's kodachi swept through the enemy's head like a scythe through wheat.
Blood spattered across the mist.
But he didn't linger.
Shisui immediately vanished again, evading the others.
"The first one," he whispered.
"Damn you!"
A chūnin roared, forming rapid hand signs.
"Water Style: Thousand Needle Rain!"
Countless thin water needles formed in midair and hurled toward Shisui.
In response, he quickly sheathed his kodachi and formed hand signs of his own.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
A massive burst of flame erupted, incinerating the needles and boiling the water into steam. The resulting heat and vapor cloud even caught Kakashi's group's attention.
"That kid's no joke…" one of the Kirigakure jōnin muttered. "I'll deal with him myself. The three of you keep this one busy."
"Yes, sir!"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed in alarm. Shisui was already under pressure, and adding a jōnin would tip the scale dangerously.
He leapt to intercept, but three blades blocked his path.
"Tch—move!"
"You're staying right here."
Chakra surged through Kakashi's body. Lightning danced in his hand.
"White Fang Style: Thunder Moon!"
His blade lashed out, severing their swords in a single arc. The three jōnin were blasted back, stunned by his raw power.
But as Kakashi moved again, three water dragons surged toward him.
At the same time, the five chakra sharks burst upward, their fangs flashing under the moonlight.
"Damn it!"
Kakashi tossed his blade, formed seals midair, and shouted:
"Fire Style: Flame Wall!"
A ring of fire erupted, vaporizing both the dragons and the sharks instantly. Mist enveloped the battlefield again.
Then—
A glint of silver in the fog. One Anbu collapsed, his throat slit cleanly.
"Guh—!"
His hands grasped at his neck, but it was too late. The blood poured freely.
"What?!"
The remaining two Kirigakure jōnin stared in shock. How did he get through?
Kakashi emerged beside the fallen man, yanked his blade free, and vanished again.
"He passed us! Find him!"
Shisui was still locked in combat with the remaining four chūnin when the Anbu jōnin reached him.
A chill crept up his spine—danger was near.
He turned just in time to avoid a fatal blow, but not completely.
A gash opened across his back. Shisui winced. Too close.
"Oh? You're fast," the enemy said smugly.
"But you're slower than me."
A voice came from behind the jōnin.
"What—?"
Before he could turn, his head was already severed.
Why is there a body with no head? he wondered.
Then he saw the ground—his head rolled toward it.
"Senpai!" Shisui gasped in relief.
Kakashi appeared at his side, standing back-to-back with him.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine. These guys can't kill me."
"Good."
Kakashi assessed the battlefield. Only four enemies remained—two chūnin, two jōnin.
Their odds had improved.
"You bastards! You killed so many of our people! You'll never leave the Hidden Mist alive!"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. They were too exposed. If even one escaped with intel about their identities, it could lead to an international incident—or war.
He clenched his blade.
No choice. They all die here.
Murderous intent thickened the air.
"Shisui—no survivors."
"Understood!"
Their chakra surged as they charged their remaining foes.
But—
A new voice rang out.
"What arrogant fools… you dare rampage through Kirigakure like this?"
Kakashi turned sharply—dozens more shinobi emerged from the mist.
Damn. Reinforcements. Our cover's blown!
Without warning, the newcomers unleashed their jutsu.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Dozens of water dragons formed, surging toward Shisui, sealing off every escape route.
Shisui was in danger.
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