Chapter 4: Three Scheming Shinobi

People tend to dislike those who are similar to themselves, and Uchiha Kei, Hyūga Aya, and Imai Kenta were no exception.

Throughout their journey, they hardly communicated. Kei could even sense that the other two probably wanted to tear him apart.

But Kei wasn't easily intimidated. If these two dared to attack, Kei might even be pleased.

It would save him a lot of trouble. Kei wasn't the best at many things, but he had mastered the Body Flicker Technique.

If a fight broke out, Kei could activate his Sharingan and use the Body Flicker Technique to kill one of them before escaping.

This way, he wouldn't have to worry about the mission, and he could accuse them of betraying the village.

With the Yamanaka clan's mind-reading abilities, Kei could ensure that his version of events would be accepted.

However, it seemed the other two understood this as well and had no such intentions.

As they moved forward, Kenta suddenly stopped and signaled that there was a situation.

Kenta's perception was quite good. As a taijutsu ninja, especially one skilled in kenjutsu, his instincts were sharp.

Aya immediately activated her Byakugan, her veins bulging around her eyes, giving her a more menacing appearance than in the manga.

"Six," Aya mouthed to Kei and Kenta.

Six meant at least two teams. In wartime, it was common for teams not to be at full strength due to various reasons.

But this was good news, at least. They wouldn't be facing two full teams. The only unknown was whether there were any Jōnin among them.

Kei, Aya, and Kenta were not Jōnin. They weren't like Kakashi, who became a Jōnin at twelve. They were just Chūnin, not the "strongest combat force" of Konoha.

Kei thought for a moment. Six was a manageable number, and their headbands would be valuable spoils.

With this in mind, Kei signaled to the other two, and they each disappeared from the treetops to take up their positions.

Kei hid in a low bush, activating his Sharingan. The three black tomoe spun slowly in his crimson eyes.

Aya and Kenta were too busy to notice Kei using his abilities. Soon, Kei spotted the chakra flows of the six enemies.

There was no time to set traps due to the sudden encounter, but it would have made things easier.

Taking a deep breath, Kei assessed the situation.

There was only one Jōnin, which was good news. However, there were also two Chūnin and three Genin, not foes to be taken lightly.

The Naruto world was peculiar; even someone as powerful as Uchiha Madara could be taken down through cunning means.

Think of Black Zetsu, who deceived Madara, or Naruto, who used the Sexy Technique to disorient Kaguya.

Taking another deep breath, Kei pulled out a kunai but didn't dare to act rashly.

Who knew if his teammates would turn tail and run once he engaged? Interestingly, they seemed to be wary of this possibility as well.

They remained perfectly still, watching as the six Iwa-nin walked past them.

"Damn it," Kei cursed silently. Without their Jōnin instructor Fujihiro Kōhei, their mutual distrust was at its peak.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

With this thought, Kei formed hand seals and unleashed a fire jutsu on the six Iwa-nin, conveniently covering Kenta's hiding spot.

After this, Kei immediately created a shadow clone and used the Body Replacement Technique, positioning himself on a treetop to observe and decide his next move.

Kenta couldn't hide any longer. Cursing Kei in his mind, he jumped out.

Drawing his sword, he slashed at an Iwa-nin who reacted too slowly, killing him instantly.

What's more, Kei noticed that Kenta wasn't a saint either.

Kenta dodged towards Aya's hiding spot. Although the Iwa-nin were momentarily panicked by the ambush, they quickly regained their composure.

With a volley of kunai and Kenta running towards Aya, she had no choice but to jump out, gritting her teeth in frustration.

"Two brats?" The Iwa-nin Jōnin sneered. "Bold move, kill them!"

The Iwa-nin Chūnin and Genin didn't need the Jōnin's order; they already had their weapons drawn, charging at Kenta and Aya.

The Jōnin, however, was cautious. There were supposed to be four in a team, and only two had appeared. Considering potential losses, at least one was unaccounted for.

He couldn't act rashly until he identified the final member.

Suddenly, a sense of danger washed over him, making his hair stand on end.

So fast, unbelievably fast!

He felt his clothes being cut, even his back being grazed by a kunai.

In an instant, the Iwa-nin Jōnin formed hand seals and used the Body Replacement Technique.

In moments of extreme danger, the simplest jutsu was often the most effective, and a Jōnin would know this!

During the replacement, he caught a glimpse of his previous position. A boy with crimson eyes stood there.

Sharingan!

An Uchiha? The Jōnin wasn't stupid. He immediately realized what he was facing.

But he knew facing an Uchiha alone, even a child, was unwise. Two people were better.

His comrades were all engaged in battle. He was a Jōnin, but just a few days ago, he had only been a Special Jōnin.

Suddenly, his eyes widened again as the crimson-eyed Uchiha disappeared once more, and this time, he felt a chill on his neck.

"So fast..."

(Chapter end)