Shock

"Everyone, be careful, there's killing intent!"

The Iwa Jonin, Sheeran, suddenly halted and warned his two subordinates. His extensive battle experience had made him keenly aware of the danger in the air.

Swish, swish!

Hearing Shenran's words, the two Iwa Chunin immediately stopped and stood back to back, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

Swish, swish, swish!

As soon as the three halted, dozens of kunai were shot at them from three directions: front, left, and right. Realizing they'd been detected, the three Sand ninjas launched their attack.

"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"

With a sharp look, Shenran quickly performed hand seals, raising earthen walls in front of himself and his subordinates.

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!

The kunai struck the earth walls, the sound of them embedding into the barrier echoing continuously.

Swish, swish, swish!

With their kunai attack blocked, the three Sand ninjas, each wearing white dog-face masks and dressed like Konoha's Anbu, immediately appeared.

"Konoha Anbu?"

Seeing the three enemies, Shenran exclaimed in surprise. He quickly realized they were imposters from another village, likely aiming to disrupt the peace.

"Be careful, don't get killed!"

"Earth Style: Earth Spears!"

After instructing his subordinates, Shenran turned to face the attackers, launching his attack.

Boom!

A rock spear shot up from the ground, aiming at the enemy.

"Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!"

The disguised Sand ninja performed a lightning jutsu, summoning a lightning bolt from the sky.

Boom!

The lightning shattered Shenran's rock spear instantly. Earth style was naturally weak against lightning, so it was customary for his jutsu to be overpowered.

"A lightning-style ninja!"

Seeing his opponent using lightning jutsu, Shenran's eyes narrowed. Despite the disadvantage, he calmly prepared another attack.

"Earth Style: Rock Pillar Spears!"

Boom, boom, boom!

Under Shenran's control, sharp rock pillars shot up from the ground beneath the enemy. At such close range, the enemy couldn't counter with lightning jutsu in time.

"Damn it!"

The Sand ninja cursed, leaping away from the first rock pillar just in time. More pillars shot up where he'd stood moments before.

"Not good!"

Sheeran felt no relief from pushing back his attacker. Seeing his subordinates struggling against the other enemies, his heart sank. All three opponents were Jonin level.

Swish, swish!

Despite their efforts, Shenran's subordinates were quickly overpowered. One was stabbed through the heart, the other had his throat slit, both dying instantly.

"Shenran-sama... run..."

The dying Iwa ninja, with blood on his lips, gripped his attacker's blade, urging Shenran to flee.

"Fenggu! Taiichi!"

Seeing his subordinates fall, Shenran cried out in sorrow, rage filling his eyes. He wanted to fight to the death but knew he couldn't handle all three enemies alone.

Swish!

Though unwilling, Shenran didn't hesitate. He turned and fled towards Konoha.

"Chase him!"

The Sand ninja Shenran had pushed back and ordered his comrades to pursue.

Bang! The ninja whose blade was held kicked the dying Iwa Chunin away and joined the chase. Their mission wasn't complete until they killed the Jonin.

Swish, swish, swish!

Sheeran fled, but the three Sand Jonin, disguised as Konoha Anbu, were close behind.

"Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!"

While chasing, the Sand ninja used another lightning jutsu, striking Shenran from above.

Boom!

Sheeran dodged, narrowly avoiding the attack, and continued fleeing.

Boom, boom, boom!

"Ah!"

Under relentless pursuit and continuous lightning attacks, Sheeran was finally struck by a bolt, crying out in pain.

Swish, swish, swish!

Momentarily paralyzed by the lightning, Sheeran was surrounded by the three Sand ninjas.

"Kill him!"

Without wasting words, the Sand ninjas drew their blades and attacked.

"Earth Style: Petrification!"

Shenran's expression changed slightly as he quickly used a defensive earth jutsu, turning his body to stone.

Clang, clang, clang!

Their blades clashed against Shenran's stone body, rebounding without causing harm.

"Such strong earth style jutsu!"

Seeing their attacks fail, the Sand ninjas were taken aback, realizing Shenran's elite Jonin strength.

"Lightning Style: Chidori!"

An icy voice behind them made their eyes widen in shock.