Chapter 95: Preparation

As the boy, Uchiha Tetsu stood up and took on the task of 'killing,' he inquired:

"En! Do you still have any weapons on you?"

He had just thrown away his ninja tool pouch from his waist and the kunai bag tied to his leg. Even Uchiha En was no exception. On the other hand, Hitsugaya, who used shadow clones, had some of his equipment intact. 

Reaching into the ninja tool pouch at his waist, he casually took out two kunai. One for each, handing them to Uchiha En and Tetsu respectively. 

He then said, "En, you too. Each of you take one and finish them off!"

Hitsugaya had understood that the shortcut method he previously used, while making things exceedingly simple, could lead to even more severe consequences in critical moments. 

For instance, this time! Despite a perfect plan, various unexpected situations occurred during execution, making a complete mess in the end.

Since that was the case, he thought it was better to let them gain some experience, making them more 'suitable' for the ninja profession!

"But! Hitsugaya, your condition isn't great either! Let En stay and take care of you!"

However, Hitsugaya's 'good intentions' didn't gain the acceptance of those involved. Instead, they came up with another reason, hoping to convince the other party. In fact, Tetsu thought it would be better if he did the 'killing' alone.

"Tetsu! We are all ninjas! Sooner or later, we have to face all of this!"

"Moreover, why don't you ask En for her opinion?"

Hitsugaya knew that to change this stubborn guy's mind, he had to consider Uchiha En's stance. If she was unwilling, Hitsugaya wouldn't force it either.

"Tetsu! Listen to Hitsugaya!"

To Uchiha Tetsu's surprise, En rejected his suggestion! Instead, she took the lead, holding her kunai and walking towards the two bandits. 

Though she had been safely rescued from being a hostage used to threaten her companions, she felt immense guilt. Because of her, her companions were put in danger, something Uchiha En would never allow to happen a second time. Hence, she saw Hitsugaya's suggestion even more clearly than Tetsu did.

"Don't worry, Tetsu! I can take care of myself."

"You should go with En! This way, if any unexpected situations arise, you can take care of each other!"

Noticing Uchiha Tetsu standing by, distracted by En's back as she approached the bandits, Hitsugaya had to remind him, urging him to go along with En for mutual support. 

"It seems there's no way out of this!"

The bandits, silently observing the three ninjas' every move, exchanged glances. Then, tightening his grip on his weapon, one bandit charged towards Uchiha En. 

Given the current situation in the stronghold, it was obvious that the predicament was caused by the three ninja. Looking around, one could tell how brutal and perverse the enemy was, from the hellish scene. 

But they couldn't blame anyone else. 

Though Uchiha Tetsu was somewhat better, his clothes dirtied and scattered with bloodstains, Hitsugaya and En's appearances were quite unseemly. Especially Hitsugaya, who, after beheading the bandit chief holding En hostage, got drenched in blood. 

With no time to clean up due to avoiding a series of explosions, they looked like feral demons crawling out of hell. In an eerie setting, ordinary people would be terrified at a mere glance. 

Being shaken by the intense bloodshed, their emotions were in extreme bewilderment and confusion.

"They're just kids after all!"

Understanding more deeply the harshness of this so-called ninja world they were in. On the opposite side, another bandit named Dahe comprehended his companion's signal.

Seeing one advancing ahead while the other bandit circled around to attack Uchiha En from the side, Dahe knew well that, although both understood it was nearly impossible to kill the two ninjas with their limited strength, they had to try.

"En! Be careful!"

Uchiha Tetsu, a step behind, saw the bandits trying to surround En. Sprinting forward, he shouted a reminder. After the recent incidents, he worried about En, fearing she might face any surprises. 

Kicking off the ground, he surged past En, leaving behind the echo of "Be careful," and went head-on towards the enemy attempting a side attack.

"So fast!"

The ignored bandit was drenched in cold sweat, seeing Tetsu's speed. Fortunate that the swift ninja wasn't targeting him, or he'd be doomed. Nonetheless, his heart raced, knowing they would likely perish here. 

Even if his opponent held back slightly, it was hopeless against such formidable skills. No trick could change the inevitable end, especially with one more menacing leader yet to move. 

"Die!"

A scream mixed with terror and desperation came from the battlefield. Dahe abandoned all defense, opting for a suicidal charge at Tetsu with determined fierceness. Though inferior in all aspects, the savagery of exchanging life for life bewildered Tetsu, leaving him momentarily at a loss. 

Despite their all-round superiority in skill and strength, the small ninjas knew that even their dominance over the bandits couldn't change the deciding fact – battle was integral to their cruelly evolving world.