Chapter 39: The Viper

The Akimichi clan's medicine was indeed remarkable. After resting for less than ten minutes, Kai's chakra had almost fully recovered.

Glancing at Minato and Kenta, Kai nodded, and the three of them silently moved towards the Kannabi Bridge. Although it was a few kilometers away, for them, it was merely a matter of minutes. Soon, they arrived at their destination.

Hiding in the forest, Kai examined the impressive bridge before them. Despite its grandeur, its fate was to be destroyed.

"Kenta-kun, you hide first," Minato whispered. "When Kai and I start fighting, find an opportunity to move in."

"Yes, Minato-sensei," Kenta replied softly, looking somewhat nervous.

Without further words, Minato turned to Kai, who activated his Sharingan in response. This was a perfect signal of readiness on the battlefield.

Minato nodded and gestured to Kai, and the two of them dashed forward in tandem.

The terrain of the Land of Grass was flat, and the forest where they were provided ample cover with its dense foliage. However, this also meant they had to be even more cautious. Who knew what traps might be hidden in these woods? Their enemies might not be numerous, but among them was a member of the Iwa Explosion Corps.

Sure enough, as they sprinted, Kai keenly sensed some unusual chakra signatures.

Ninjas were a group of warriors who would use any means necessary. There were no distinctions between Kage, Jonin, or Genin when it came to ambushes and traps. Kai himself was an expert in such tactics.

"Be careful, there's an ambush," Kai quickly threw several kunai towards the sources of the strange chakra. His kunai didn't cause any explosions but did make the chakra signatures disappear.

He didn't want to attract too much attention. While he suspected the enemy knew they were coming, it was always better to be cautious.

As expected, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Kai. Moving at high speed, the figure's fist glowed with chakra. A bloodline limit, Kai immediately recognized. The chakra felt extremely dangerous.

Even while sprinting, Kai, whose chakra had fully recovered, stopped abruptly without any stiffness or discomfort. His movements were fluid and precise, aided by his Sharingan, which, although it appeared to be a three-tomoe, operated at the level of a Mangekyo.

This level of Sharingan greatly enhanced Kai's coordination. He clearly saw the assailant's attack trajectory. Taking advantage of the attacker's brief moment of rigidity after missing his strike, Kai swiftly drew his sword.

In a blink, his blade traced an arc and struck down, decapitating the assailant. But Kai felt no satisfaction; he knew the real attacker had already fled.

Being an adept at ambushes himself, Kai understood the necessity of holding back during an ambush, unless prepared for a suicidal one-for-one exchange. Clearly, this attacker hadn't intended to die.

"Are you alright?" Minato stopped and looked back at Kai.

"You go on ahead," Kai scanned the surroundings, knowing the attacker had gone underground. "Was that Gari?"

"Yes," Minato nodded. "Will you be alright?"

"I should be," Kai nodded. "Besides, even if you stay, Han might come over, so you should continue forward."

Kai understood that if they fought two-on-two, he and Minato wouldn't have good coordination, unlike their enemies. The enemy wouldn't be foolish enough to split up and give them an advantage.

Minato, knowing this, nodded and ran ahead.

"Quite cautious, aren't you?" Kai mocked after Minato left. "Worried Minato-sensei might still be around to deal with you, but I have to admit, your survival tactics are impressive."

When he received no response, Kai realized Gari was likely still cautious, fearing Minato's possible return. Though unable to see through Gari's earth hiding technique, Kai remained vigilant.

"Your ambush failed. First, you used an earth clone, then the headhunter jutsu," Kai continued. "You're certainly more interesting than Kitsuchi. At least you like to hide. That's good, since I haven't had a proper rest in a while. Meeting you is quite fortunate."

He kept talking while scanning for Gari, but there was no response. This opponent was indeed patient. Kai needed to up his game to draw him out.

"Fine then," Kai sheathed his sword and started walking towards Minato's direction. "If you want to watch, go ahead. I bet you hate Jinchuriki too. Maybe your parents were killed while subduing a Tailed Beast? You want to use us to kill Han, don't you? Just say so."

As he spoke, Kai suddenly leaped, seemingly to catch up with Minato. But his mind was on high alert. Back turned and airborne, it was the perfect moment for an ambush.

Sure enough, as Kai's feet were about to touch the tree trunk, Gari lunged out, his chakra-infused hand aiming to strike.

But Kai smiled.

"Finally lured out the viper!"

(Chapter End)