We should be safe now

"Are you an idiot?"

With his purple hair flowing and an imposing aura, Kamikazutani sneered at 'Ryuu.' His eyes were filled with disdain, and he made no effort to explain.

'Ryuu' trembled slightly upon hearing Kamikazutani's words. As a Konoha Anbu squad leader, he had never been called an idiot. Though furious, he remained calm, carefully observing Kamikazutani. There must be a reason for his taunt.

"What..."

"A rogue ninja..."

When 'Ryuu' noticed the slashed forehead protector on Kamikazutani's head, he exclaimed in surprise, quickly understanding the situation.

Kamikazutani had likely arrived to assassinate the Iwa ninjas on their way to sign a peace treaty with Konoha. Knowing his presence would reveal his identity, Kamikazutani had slashed his forehead protector to appear as a rogue ninja. This way, even if caught, Konoha and Iwa couldn't formally accuse Sand Village.

Of course, if Kamikazutani could kill them all, he could simply replace his forehead protector.

"Damn..."

Though 'Ryuu' quickly grasped Kamikazutani's strategy, it didn't quell his anger. Without concrete evidence, they couldn't hold Sand Village accountable. Moreover, he now had to find a way to protect the Iwa ninja, Shenran.

"'Wolf,' take the Iwa ninja and leave. We'll hold them off!"

'Ryuu,' ordered Kakashi decisively. Keeping Sheeran here would put him in grave danger. To complete the Hokage's mission, Kakashi had to escort Shenran to safety while the rest stayed behind to cover their retreat.

'Ryuu' had already severely injured the Sand ninja he fought. He would handle Kamikazutani, while 'Hebi' and 'Inu' dealt with the remaining Sand ninjas and the injured one. They only needed to hold out for a while to escape.

'Ryuu' knew the risks. With Kamikazutani present, their chances of survival were slim. But for the mission and Konoha, it was worth the sacrifice.

Kakashi hesitated momentarily, feeling the resolve in 'Ryuu's' tone. It was the first time since his rebirth that he felt Konoha ninjas's deep loyalty to their village, even to the point of sacrificing their lives.

"This is the Will of Fire... it will continue through generations."

Kakashi murmured to himself.

"Yes!"

Moved by 'Ryuu's' devotion, Kakashi felt his blood boil with determination. He couldn't let 'Ryuu' down or fail the Third Hokage's mission. He nodded firmly.

"'Wolf'! The Iwa ninja is in your hands!"

"'Wolf'! Go quickly!"

'Inu' and 'Hebi' urged Kakashi, fully supporting 'Ryuu's' decision without hesitation or question. Their previous animosity from testing Kakashi vanished instantly.

"Are you the leader? If you're smart, take your men and leave."

Kamikazutani taunted 'Ryuu' coldly as he watched Kakashi and his team converse.

"Hmph! Konoha ninjas never abandon their missions!"

'Ryuu' retorted, coldly ordering Kakashi again.

"Quick, take the Iwa ninja and go!"

"Understood!"

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, turning to Shenran.

Aware of Kamikazutani's prowess, Sheeran was secretly pleased Konoha Anbu were staying behind. Outwardly, he kept a serious expression, but inside, he hoped for a fight to see both Sand and Konoha suffer casualties.

"Let's go!"

Feigning urgency, Shenran sped away, with Kakashi following.

"Leaving? Not so fast!"

Kamikazutani's face darkened as Sheeran and Kakashi fled. He shouted angrily and gave chase.

The three remaining Sand ninjas followed suit without delay.

"You want to pass? You'll have to get through us first!"

Seeing Kamikazutani and the others pursue, 'Ryuu' intercepted Kamikazutani.

"Move aside!"

Kamikazutani roared, quickly forming hand seals.

"Wind Style: Wind Cutter!"

Swish!

A sharp wind blade slashed towards 'Ryuu.'

"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"

Calmly, 'Ryuu' countered with an Earth-Style Wall, protecting himself from the wind blade.

Boom!

'Hebi' and 'Inu' also intercepted the remaining Sand ninjas.

Kakashi glanced back at 'Ryuu' and his team, which had successfully held off Kamikazutani and the others and then focused on retreating with Shenran.

"I hope the captain and the others survive. I can't believe Sand Village sent Kamikazutani."

Kakashi prayed silently, following Shenran swiftly. He worried that 'Ryuu' and the others might not hold off Kamikazutani, leading to further danger.

As a shinobi, Kakashi knew not to stay in difficult situations. Escaping was the best option.

Kakashi and Shenran fled for an hour before stopping on a tree branch, drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

"Huff, huff..."

"We should be safe now; they didn't catch up."

Kakashi sighed, while Shenran smiled, relieved to escape the danger.

"Safe? Are you joking?"

Suddenly, a mocking voice rang out in front of them.