Into the Trap

"Huff!"

"That was close!"

As Koshino's kunai cut off the Mist Chunin's head, he breathed heavily. The exhaustion from their fight and the tension of flirting with death both took their toll.

Without a doubt, Koshino's true strength was nearly equal to the Mist Chunin's. Had Koshino fully unleashed his abilities, he could have quickly dealt with the Chunin, especially since the Mist ninja was unaware of Koshino's various secret techniques.

Utilizing these techniques, Koshino could have possibly executed the Mist Chunin swiftly.

However, Koshino lacked the combat experience the Mist Chunin possessed. This led to what could have been a perfect execution turning into a barely passing effort.

Yet, the confrontation with the Mist Chunin gave Koshino a stark understanding of the battlefield's harshness.

On the battlefield, regardless of exhaustion or injury, as long as one kills their enemy and survives, it's a victory. Quick, decisive kills before the enemy can unleash their trump cards are the most effective strategy.

For Koshino, using shuriken to probe and following up with Leaf Whirlwind proved futile against the Chunin's ruthlessness, leaving him nearly dead.

With his shadow clone as a last resort, Koshino barely won. After taking the Chunin's head, he closed his eyes, reflecting on the battle.

Analyzing every detail of the fight, Koshino felt more robust, even without any significant increase in raw power, thanks to his newly gained combat experience.

Ready to return and check on Kakashi and the others, Koshino sensed something amiss. He quickly formed hand seals and coldly said, "Just a kid and Mist Village is this cautious?"

"Was the Chunin I killed your leader?"

"With him dead, what can three mere Genin do?"

"Die!"

"Shadow Sewing Jutsu!"

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!"

As Koshino's shadows shot towards the water pits, the hidden Mist Genin realized something was wrong.

Had these three been Chunin, they might have evaded Koshino's attack. But as mere Genin, they were no match for his rapid Shadow Sewing Jutsu.

In moments, Koshino's shadows connected with the Genin's, immobilizing them. Without interrogation, Koshino swiftly changed his seals.

"Shadow Strangle Jutsu!"

"Crack!"

"Crack!"

"Crack!"

The shadows constricted, snapping the Genin's necks instantly.

Koshino used his Shadow Hand to search the bodies, finding a strange scroll in the Chunin's pouch, which he placed in an empty pouch.

With no time to clear the battlefield, Koshino dashed towards Kakashi and the others, fearing the worst.

"If they sent a team for me, what are Kakashi and the others facing?"

"Damn!"

"Did they know our plans as soon as we left the village?"

"Stronghold of bandits? More like Mist Village spies!"

Pushing his chakra, Koshino raced faster, piecing together the Mist's infiltration.

The Land of Fire's borders were heavily guarded, especially during wartime. If the Leaf had not secured their borders, they would not have won the Third War.

Now, a Mist team had penetrated deep, indicating something very wrong. Koshino deduced there must be a spy or traitor within the Leaf.

How else could the Mist ambush them so precisely?

As Koshino uncovered the Mist's plot, he faced two choices:

1. Return to the village and report to the Fourth Hokage.

2. Rush to aid Kakashi and the others, who were likely in mortal danger.

The safe option was clear, but Koshino dismissed it quickly.

He couldn't abandon Kakashi, Guy, and his new friends—Lightning, Sense, and Flame. Determined, Koshino pushed on, praying he wasn't too late.

Upon reaching the battlefield, he found a grim scene. Hidden among the trees, he saw Kakashi's team decimated, only Kakashi still standing.

"Kakashi, what happened?"

"How could even Guy be down?"