Judging from the direction of the explosion, it was most likely Yohi Kurenai who had been discovered. However, what puzzled Senmei Asahi was that the target patrol team continued moving without any reaction. This could only mean one thing—Kurenai had been discovered not by the target group they were tracking, but by another Kirigakure patrol team.
This was the inherent risk of splitting up during reconnaissance. Each of them had been keeping their eyes fixed solely on the target group, neglecting the possibility of being discovered by other enemies lurking in the vicinity. In enemy territory, where patrol routes overlapped and reinforcements were never far, even the smallest oversight could turn fatal.
But now that they had been exposed, there was no point in holding back.
*Fwoosh!*
With a flash of chakra and a ripple in the air, Asahi instantly teleported using the Flying Thunder God Technique, reappearing beside Kurenai in a blink. The familiar surge of chakra from the space-time ninjutsu caused a chill to run down the spines of the four Kiri-nin who had surrounded her.
They hadn't attacked her immediately—likely due to her appearance. A petite kunoichi, seemingly alone and unarmed, might have looked like easy prey or useful bait. The Kiri-nin were probably hoping to draw out her comrades.
But the moment Asahi appeared, their expressions changed from arrogance to stunned alarm.
The Flying Thunder God Technique—a name whispered with both reverence and fear throughout the Shinobi World. Ever since the battle where Namikaze Minato and Senmei Asahi held back five thousand Iwagakure shinobi, tales of this fearsome technique had spread across all five nations. Not only had the two warriors managed to cripple an army, but they had also left the Third Tsuchikage grievously injured. It was a feat that none had forgotten.
While Minato had already earned his fame as the "Yellow Flash", Asahi, younger and newer to the battlefield, had quickly risen in notoriety. In fact, many villages had begun monitoring his actions more closely than Minato's, fearing what another prodigy of the same caliber could become. After all, Asahi was only twelve years old and already exhibiting power bordering on Kage-level.
"You... you're that Konoha ninja... Senmei Asahi, right?" one of the Kiri-nin asked, his voice tight with tension.
But Asahi had no intention of answering. These four had seen his face, witnessed his technique, and now knew he was in the Land of Water. If they escaped, the entire Kirigakure would be on alert. That could jeopardize not just his mission, but also any plans Konoha had in the region.
They had to die. Now.
With a quick gesture to Kurenai—who understood immediately and began weaving her genjutsu—Asahi sprang into action. He darted toward one of the Kiri-nin, chakra flaring in his legs. Just before reaching his opponent, he stopped abruptly and spun with full momentum, delivering a devastating roundhouse kick.
*Boom!*
The enemy was sent crashing into the earth, a crater forming beneath him as blood sprayed upward. Without missing a beat, Asahi shifted direction, targeting the next one.
Meanwhile, Kurenai's genjutsu activated— Demon Illusion ∙ Tree Binding Death —ensnaring another Kiri-nin in an illusionary world. He froze in place, and Asahi skewered him through the heart with a kunai from behind.
Only two remained.
Asahi threw a pair of Flying Thunder GodKunai at the remaining Kiri-nin, deliberately forcing them to react. Both of them had clearly been briefed about the technique—panic flickered in their eyes, and they immediately dodged rather than risk being teleported on.
This hesitation gave Kurenai enough time to finish preparing her next illusion.
One Kiri-nin, desperate to retaliate, formed hand seals and unleashed a simple Water Style ∙ Water Wave Technique, spitting a torrent of water toward Kurenai. It was a common but practical jutsu—quick to cast, low cost, and potentially disorienting in a dense forest environment like this.
Asahi moved to intercept, forming a single hand seal before tossing another special kunai.
*Krrk!*
With a flash, he appeared behind the genjutsu-bound Kiri-nin and drove his blade into the enemy's back, silencing him instantly.
Only one enemy remained, and upon seeing his comrades' fall in mere seconds, the last Kiri-nin turned and bolted. Panic overtook him.
He might've been fast, but nothing could outpace the Flying Thunder God.
Asahi considered letting the man go—if only to track him straight to the Kirigakure. But the risks were too high. Letting him live would mean the entire operation could be compromised.
Without hesitation, Asahi teleported again—flick!—and cut him down from behind.
Silence returned to the forest.
Within seconds, the battlefield was cleared. Asahi exhaled slowly, letting his chakra settle. Kurenai wiped a bit of blood from her cheek, steady but clearly impressed.
Moments later, Asahi placed his hand on her shoulder, and with another pulse of chakra, the two vanished.
*Fwoosh!*
They reappeared beside Sarutobi Asuma, who was hiding on a ridge overlooking a cliff.
"You're late!" Asuma said, half-irritated, half-relieved. "I was about to go looking for you two."
"We were forced into a skirmish." Asahi replied calmly. "The enemy knew my identity and my technique. We couldn't afford to let them live."
"Did they recognize you?" Kurenai asked.
Asahi nodded. "They did. The moment I appeared, their reactions gave it away."
"And the patrol team we were tracking?" Asuma raised an eyebrow.
"They heard the explosion." Asahi answered, "But they didn't come to investigate. Classic Blood Mist behavior. They don't care about their comrades unless it benefits them."
"Tch, what kind of trashy village leaves their own to die like that?" Asuma scoffed. "No wonder they'll never match Konoha."
"Don't get cocky." Asahi warned. "Their trust in each other might be nonexistent, but their individual combat ability is terrifying when they fight seriously. We can't underestimate them."
"Fine, fine." Asuma waved a hand. "Let's keep going, then."
Two hours later, the target team finally crossed the last hill and reached the outskirts of the Kirigakure. Nestled between jagged cliffs and surrounded by fog-laden swamps, the village was nearly invisible to the untrained eye.
Asahi made a quick hand seal and left behind a Flying Thunder God seal on a nearby tree.
With the tracking mission completed, Asahi teleported all three of them back to their cave hideout.
"We're back already?" Asuma blinked in confusion. "Weren't we supposed to scout out the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki next? I thought we were going to storm the village or something."
Asahi shook his head. "No. We've done enough for now. I'll handle the next part alone."
"What? Why?" Asuma frowned. "You don't think we can help?"
"There are too many variables. Kirigakure is crawling with elite shinobi. A smaller presence draws less attention. I move faster on my own."
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Kurenai asked.
Asahi paused, then smiled slightly. "Find Hatake Kakashi and his team. I trust him. If things go south, I'll need backup—and Kakashi's the best man for the job."
"Kakashi, huh?" Asuma rubbed his chin. "Fine by me. I've been meaning to compare notes with that guy anyway."
"We'll rendezvous once you find them. From here on, we split again."
The three of them looked at one another. The danger was only rising, but so was their determination.
*****
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