Chapter 16: Ripples in the River

The forest felt unusually still as Shinji's team resumed their march at dawn. The skirmish with the Iwa shinobi from the previous day had left them wary, but their mission required they push forward. The tension was palpable, and every sound—the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig—seemed amplified.

Hiroshi called for a brief stop by a shallow river. The group drank and refilled their canteens while remaining alert.

"Shinji," Hiroshi said, stepping toward him. His voice was low enough to keep their conversation private. "You've been quiet since last night. More than usual."

Shinji shrugged, watching the sunlight glint off the water. "Just thinking."

Hiroshi crossed his arms. "Thinking won't keep us alive out here. You're sharper than most, but don't let your thoughts slow you down. You're a soldier now. Focus on what's in front of you."

The words stung more than Shinji cared to admit. He wanted to argue that he wasn't just a soldier, that there had to be more than surviving and killing. But the exhaustion in Hiroshi's eyes kept him silent.

---

As they resumed their journey, Shinji found himself walking alongside Rina. She glanced at him, her expression curious.

"What were you and Hiroshi talking about?"

"Nothing important," Shinji said, his voice neutral.

Rina didn't press him but let the silence linger before speaking again. "You don't seem like the others. Even in battle, it's like... you're holding something back."

Shinji's steps faltered for a moment. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Rina hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I don't know. You fight like someone who doesn't want to fight. Like you're trying to protect something, but you're not sure what it is."

Her observation cut deeper than Shinji expected. He forced a small laugh. "You're overthinking it."

Rina gave him a look that said she didn't believe him but didn't push further.

---

They reached a narrow canyon by mid-afternoon. The jagged rocks and steep cliffs made it an ideal place for an ambush, and Hiroshi immediately ordered caution.

"Kenji, take the rear. Shinji, stay at the front with me," Hiroshi instructed.

As they made their way through the canyon, Shinji's senses were on high alert. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them. His hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, ready for anything.

It happened in an instant. The ground beneath them erupted as explosive tags buried in the rocks detonated. Shinji barely had time to react, grabbing Hiroshi and pulling him back as a massive boulder crashed down where they had been standing.

"Ambush!" Hiroshi shouted, drawing his sword.

Iwa shinobi emerged from the cliffs above, raining down kunai and shuriken. The squad scattered, taking cover behind the rocks.

Shinji gritted his teeth, his mind racing. This isn't just another probing attack—they want us dead.

---

The battle was brutal. The Iwa shinobi had the high ground and were using it to their advantage, forcing Shinji's squad into a defensive position.

Shinji charged toward the base of the cliff, drawing the enemy's attention. His sword was a blur as he deflected projectiles, his body moving with precision honed by instinct and countless fights.

"Shinji, fall back!" Hiroshi yelled, but Shinji ignored him.

He leaped onto a narrow ledge, cutting down one of the Iwa shinobi. The others turned their focus on him, giving his squad a chance to regroup.

---

The tide began to turn as Hiroshi and the others coordinated their counterattack. Rina's quick thinking allowed her to set a trap, taking out two of the attackers, while Kenji covered her with precise shuriken throws.

Shinji, meanwhile, faced two shinobi at once. Their teamwork was impressive, but Shinji's relentless assault overwhelmed them. With a powerful strike, he disarmed one and sent the other tumbling down the cliff.

As the last of the Iwa shinobi fell, the squad regrouped, breathing heavily.

"Shinji," Hiroshi said, his tone sharp. "What the hell were you thinking, charging in like that?"

"I bought us time," Shinji said, sheathing his sword.

"You could've gotten yourself killed!" Hiroshi snapped.

Shinji's gaze hardened. "And if I hadn't done it, we'd all be dead. I did what I had to do."

The tension between them was thick, but Hiroshi eventually let out a frustrated sigh. "Just... don't take unnecessary risks. We need you alive."

Shinji didn't respond. He turned away, his eyes scanning the canyon. The fight was over, but the weight in his chest remained.

---

As night fell and they set up camp, Shinji sat alone, staring at the stars. He couldn't shake Rina's earlier words.

You fight like someone who doesn't want to fight.

She was right. He hated this life. But as much as he despised it, he couldn't deny the spark of something deeper—a desire to protect, to shield others from the horrors of this world.

For now, that would have to be enough.