Chapter 37: Silent Coordination

Zabuza had retreated, and Kakashi chose not to pursue.

For now, having one less enemy to deal with was a welcome relief.

However, the two ninja before him presented an enormous challenge.

Even though they hadn't made any significant moves yet, Kakashi felt as if he were being watched by a venomous snake.

Not only had they captured Tazuna, but Sakura was also in their grasp and she was barely conscious.

With her abdomen deeply stabbed and blood pouring out at an alarming rate, it was clear she wouldn't survive for long if left untreated.

Kakashi's mind raced; he needed to rescue Sakura as quickly as possible.

But then

The ninja holding Tazuna turned without hesitation and leapt into the forest, carrying their captive with them.

Their intent was clear: they had no desire to linger or continue the fight.

Kakashi's face darkened. Tazuna, the person they were tasked to protect, was being taken away.

This essentially meant the mission had failed.

Yet at this point, it was no longer a simple B-rank mission.

Zabuza alone had already elevated the mission's difficulty to an A-rank.

Now, with these two powerful newcomers, the stakes were even higher.

One had already left with Tazuna, but the other remained, exuding an oppressive aura.

This ninja still held Sakura, and Kakashi wasn't sure how to rescue her without putting her in greater danger.

At that moment, Naruto staggered to his feet.

Despite being thrown around violently, his resilient constitution allowed him to recover quickly.

When he saw Sakura's injured state, his eyes widened sharply.

"Sakura…"

A surge of powerful chakra erupted from Naruto, radiating from his body like a shockwave.

The ninja holding Sakura shifted their focus from Kakashi to Naruto, their gaze locking onto him.

Sensing the opportunity, Kakashi moved instantly with a Body Flicker Technique, attempting to save Sakura with a burst of speed.

But just as he closed in

Whoosh!

A strange shuriken flew past his face with incredible velocity, embedding itself into the ground behind him.

The sheer force left a small crater in the earth, forcing Kakashi to halt his advance.

Meanwhile, the ninja holding Sakura seemed unfazed.

Noticing Naruto's eyes beginning to turn red and the chakra enveloping him taking on a crimson hue, the enemy abruptly tossed Sakura aside.

Naruto charged forward, only to be intercepted by a powerful kick that sent him flying backward.

Kakashi hesitated for a second, unsure of the next move.

It was then that Sasuke's voice rang out:

"Kakashi-sensei! Now's our chance!"

Sasuke darted past Kakashi without hesitation, heading straight for the enemy.

Kakashi froze for a moment, surprised by Sasuke's apparent recklessness.

What is he thinking? Charging in like this is suicide!

But a second later, Kakashi understood.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he moved to join in.

Darting ahead, Kakashi intercepted the enemy first.

Bang! Bang!

Two strikes from Kakashi landed on the enemy, but the force of the impact reverberated painfully through his wrist.

Their strength was incredible, and their body felt unnaturally rigid almost harder than steel.

It was as if Kakashi had struck metal.

Dodging the enemy's counterattack, Kakashi retreated slightly.

At that moment, Sasuke leapt from above, kunai in hand, aiming directly for the enemy's forehead.

The next moment

A cold glint flashed in the enemy's eyes as they raised their hand. A strange weapon shot out directly from their palm, piercing straight through Sasuke's body.

Naruto, who had just gotten to his feet, looked up only to see this horrifying sight.

His pupils constricted rapidly.

"Sa… Sasuke…"

Thud!

As Naruto stood frozen in shock, someone struck him sharply on the back of the head.

"Idiot, what are you standing there for? Go check on Sakura!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Naruto blinked in confusion and turned to see Sasuke standing right next to him.

He froze in disbelief.

"Sasuke, you"

Before he could finish, the sound of crackling electricity rang out.

The "Sasuke" who had been pierced through the chest exploded into a burst of lightning mid-air, striking the enemy directly.

The sudden jolt paralyzed the enemy completely, leaving them unable to move for a brief moment.

Though the effect lasted only an instant, it was enough.

Kakashi's Chidori was already prepared.

"Well done, Sasuke!" Kakashi praised as he charged forward, lightning enveloping his hand.

In a flash, he accelerated, driving the Chidori straight toward the enemy's chest with unrelenting force.

The enemy, still immobilized by the lightning shadow clone's burst, was unable to move.

They could only watch as the lightning blade approached, aiming for their heart.

But at the last possible moment, their body shifted ever so slightly.

Crack! Zzzt…

The thunderous sound of electricity filled the air.

Kakashi's expression darkened.

"Damn it!"

Boom!

In the next moment, a powerful blow slammed into Kakashi's chest as though he had been struck by a cannonball.

He was sent flying backward, spinning through the air several times before finally landing and steadying himself.

Looking up, he observed the enemy closely.

A hole was now visible in their chest.

Yet, no blood flowed from the wound.

Instead, a layer of white bone-like material covered the area, acting as a protective shell.

Moreover, the last-second movement had allowed the enemy to avoid a direct hit to the heart.

The injury they sustained was minor at best.

"Not bad!"

"As expected of someone chosen by the master!"

The enemy's voice sounded young, but their face remained obscured.

Kakashi frowned. "Who are you, exactly?"

Someone who could withstand his Chidori and come away with only a minor injury... It was baffling.

That strange defense at their chest left Kakashi puzzled. What kind of technique could block an attack as powerful as Chidori?

Meanwhile, Sasuke had moved to Sakura's side, bringing Naruto now fully conscious with him.

Sakura's breathing was shallow, and Sasuke's gaze quickly fell to the wound on her abdomen.

The kunai embedded in her flesh was causing blood to flow uncontrollably from the wound.

Naruto reached out, intent on pulling the kunai out, but Sasuke stopped him.

"Don't!"

"If you pull it out, she'll bleed out even faster!"

Naruto froze for a moment before nodding and deciding to trust Sasuke's judgment.

"Then what do we do?"

Sasuke raised his head, his gaze locking with Kakashi's.

"Take Sakura and go!"

"Find someone who can treat her!"

"I'll handle this guy!"

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