Chapter 51: Kakashi’s Resolve – Am I Too Late?

Across the wilderness, a lone figure dashed through the landscape at breakneck speed. The force of his movement whipped up a fierce wind around him. His speed far surpassed that of ordinary shinobi.

Dressed in his Anbu uniform, Kazuya raced forward.

In the distance, a dense forest lay ahead.

"The Fourth Raikage… he is a war maniac, isn't he?" Kazuya murmured to himself, but there was a smirk on his face.

Still, this was a good thing for him.

After all, Kazuya's biggest fear was that the ninja world would become too peaceful. War? Bring it on! Let them fight until their brains spill out!

By now, Kazuya was just a step away from reaching Super Kage level. With this kind of power, he could start planning for bigger things.

Moments later, he entered the thick forest.

Kazuya sharpened his focus, staying alert. According to the intelligence report, he was getting close to where Kurenai and Kakashi had been ambushed. Any moment now, he might cross paths with the elite Cloud ninjas.

As for Kurenai, he wasn't overly concerned. With the "plot armor" on her side, as long as she didn't push her luck, she should be right.

30 Kilometers Away

In the hollow of a large tree, a sudden series of explosions rocked the forest.

BOOM! BOOM!

The explosive tags Konoha's Anbu had set as traps were going off, sending several Cloud ninjas flying through the air. One ninja even lost an arm, his breathing stopping as he fell.

"Explosive tags!"

"Damn those Konoha Anbu!"

"They're so sneaky!"

"Kill them all! Don't let a single one escape!"

The surviving Cloud ninjas wore expressions twisted with rage. The noise from the explosion quickly drew nearby Cloud units over.

"Tracks heading east! The footprints look rushed—whoever made them was in a hurry!"

"They're close! Don't let them escape!"

"Kill those Konoha Anbu!"

Their leader roared, his anger boiling over. Despite their advantage in numbers, the first casualties had been their own. It was unacceptable.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Angry Cloud ninjas, seething with bloodlust, surged forward to pursue their targets.

Meanwhile, not far ahead...

A group of Konoha Anbu was making a desperate retreat. At the back of the group, Kurenai's expression was grim.

They had only a small team to begin with, and now one member had to stay behind to care for the critically injured. That left only four capable of fighting, and they were being pursued by relentless Cloud ninjas.

"Kurenai," Kakashi said seriously. "They're closing in fast. I'll go and draw them away, buy you some time."

"If anyone's going, it should be me—" Kurenai started, only for Kakashi to cut her off.

"No, Kurenai," Kakashi said firmly, "My captain taught me the value of life. I won't abandon my comrades ever again."

"And… well, I have my reasons too." His voice was laced with a hint of sorrow. "Our captain already lost his sister. I can't let him lose you too. Consider this my way of making things right."

Kurenai and Kazuya's bond was well known in the Anbu. Without waiting for an answer, Kakashi broke away from the group, sprinting in the opposite direction.

The silence that followed was thick with emotion. Kurenai, along with the remaining Anbu, felt a renewed weight on their shoulders. Facing death changed how people viewed life. Only those who grasped the value of life yet were still willing to risk it could be called true heroes.

In that moment, Kakashi became their hero.

After a long, silent pause, Kurenai spoke, her voice tight with emotion. "We can't let Kakashi's sacrifice go to waste. Let's go—we have to at least get our injured comrades to safety!"

"If they catch up again…" She took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "Yugao, you'll take the injured and retreat. The rest of us will hold them off."

"Yes, Captain!"

This time, Kurenai's voice carried the same resolve Kazuya had once shown in his battle with the Nine-Tails—an unwavering willingness to give everything.

But soon enough, the Cloud ninjas caught up again.

Their numbers had been halved to just ten, but the leader's eyes burned with fury.

In the previous skirmish, that lone Konoha Anbu had taken down two of his men before they'd managed to separate. The elite Konoha shinobi were annoyingly adept in single combat. They might not have lost anyone if he had kept his squad together. He was fuming at his own mistake and knew his superiors would, too, once this mission was over.

Up ahead, realizing that escape was no longer possible, Kurenai's squad stopped and prepared for the fight. She and the three remaining Anbu stood ready, while the two critically injured comrades covered themselves in explosive tags, ready to sacrifice themselves if it came down to it.

Watching the advancing enemy ninjas, Kurenai's thoughts drifted, and a complex look crossed her eyes. She hadn't even told Kazuya how she felt…

It was only now, at death's door, that she saw her feelings.

"Forgive me, Kazuya… Father…"

"But," she thought, her eyes hardening with newfound resolve, "I am a shinobi of Konoha."

Kurenai's gaze sharpened, her resolve unshakable. She was ready.

800 meters.

500 meters.

200 meters.

The two groups closed in, the air charged with deadly tension.

But just as they were about to clash, a unique kunai landed with a metallic clang in the ground right before Kurenai.

"What is…?"

She gasped, her eyes widening as recognition dawned.

In an instant, there was a flash of white light. A figure in a white cloak, wearing an Anbu mask, appeared right before her.

"Am I late?" Kazuya asked with a warm smile.

Kurenai's heart skipped. It's him… Kazuya!

Hearing that familiar voice, a wave of relief washed over her, followed by an overwhelming sense of safety.

Kazuya was here.

He'd come.

"Kazuya!"

"It's Captain Kazuya!"

The Konoha Anbu, bracing themselves for a fight to the death, was suddenly overtaken with pure relief and joy.

Captain Kazuya is here!These Cloud ninjas are doomed now!

Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 60 at patreon.com/MythicForge11