Akira caught the wariness flickering in the eyes of the enemy ninjas and responded with a cold, disdainful smile. He didn't bother commenting on what the Sand shinobi had just said. Their words were hollow bravado, masking the fear that had already taken root in their hearts.
To avoid looking into your opponent's eyes during battle was a double-edged sword. It meant sacrificing precision—without eye contact, you couldn't accurately judge your opponent's movements or intentions. What did that Sand Chunin think he was, Might Guy? Only someone of Guy's caliber could reliably read an opponent by focusing on their feet alone.
But truth be told, Akira didn't need his Sharingan to take down a couple of Chunin. There were two clear reasons why he had activated it anyway.
First, efficiency. He had observed in previous battles that some Sand ninjas would falter at the mere mention of his name—"Leaf Flash." While it wasn't quite the fear that Iwa shinobi felt at the sound of Minato Namikaze's name, the psychological effect was significant. Their fighting spirit dropped sharply. Revealing his Sharingan and his identity was a psychological attack as much as a tactical move. The pressure it created would sow chaos in their ranks, causing hesitation, fear, and fatal mistakes.
Second, time. The Sand Village had deployed numerous ninja to lurk near the Leaf's forward camp. Based on their composition, the majority were likely Chunin or lower, with only a few Jonin mixed in. The Jonin in this squad didn't seem too formidable—Kosuke could handle him. But things were less certain on the Genin front. Anko and Hayate were still inexperienced despite their recent growth. Akira needed to wrap things up quickly so he could assist them if needed.
However, when he turned to watch their fight, Akira was pleasantly surprised. Anko and Hayate were holding their ground. Despite being Genin, they were exchanging blows with two seasoned Chunin—and not being overwhelmed.
Up to this point, their previous missions had provided little opportunity to shine. Akira and Kosuke had often steamrolled enemies, giving their younger teammates little more than backup roles. But now, Akira could clearly see the difference.
If this had been a kill mission, Akira or Kosuke alone could have taken down this entire group of enemies. But because they needed to capture the opponents alive, they were restricted from using more lethal techniques. That gave Anko and Hayate the opening to truly test their skills.
Hayate had grown particularly fast. With his talent in kenjutsu and regular sparring under Kosuke's watchful eye, his swordsmanship had matured remarkably. Every idle moment, Hayate had spent training. Every mission, he learned. That steady accumulation was bearing fruit now.
Anko, too, had evolved. As a fellow disciple of Orochimaru, Akira knew firsthand the breadth of her training. Though she had begun learning those techniques earlier, Akira's faster progress had often pushed her to catch up, turning their rivalry into fuel. They had pushed each other, and now she was displaying power that rivaled most Chunin.
It wouldn't be long before both passed the Chunin Exams, Akira thought.
Still, experience mattered. Their opponents were no slouches. Even if they didn't lose outright, victory wouldn't be easy.
Akira's eyes scanned Hayate's duel. His opponent looked visibly shaken—Akira's presence had unnerved him.
With precise timing, Akira called out, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "If you're going to help someone, help the girl. Why save the guy first? Got a problem with him?"
The Chunin's head jerked toward Anko instinctively, the distraction all Akira needed. He subtly slowed his movement, drawing the enemy's gaze for just a split second.
Hayate didn't waste it. His blade gleamed and sliced cleanly across the Chunin's flank.
The enemy cried out, stumbling back. Though the strike wasn't fatal, blood seeped from the wound rapidly. His stamina and coordination were already beginning to falter.
Akira closed the distance in an instant, a shadow trailing with lethal purpose.
The Chunin tried to avoid Akira's gaze, remembering the warnings. But it didn't matter.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Akira's voice rang out like a battle bell. The air shimmered with heat as multiple fireballs surged forward.
The Sand ninja reacted quickly, perhaps too quickly. Hands blurred into seals.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A gust of wind roared from his mouth, colliding with the fire and dispersing the flames. For a moment, he believed he had defended himself successfully.
Until the hidden shuriken emerged.
Phoenix Sage Fire Flower—one of the Uchiha Clan's most deceptive techniques. Dozens of tiny, gleaming stars shot forth from the remnants of the flames.
The Chunin's eyes widened, too late. He threw his arms up to guard his head, but several blades found their mark, digging into exposed limbs.
He howled in agony.
Hayate surged forward, sword in both hands, and drove the blade through the enemy's chest. The Chunin's cry died in his throat. He collapsed, lifeless.
Akira allowed himself a breath of satisfaction. Then his gaze snapped toward Anko.
She was struggling.
Her opponent, more aggressive and perhaps more experienced, was pressing her relentlessly. Anko backpedaled, nearly stumbling, her stance uneven.
The Sand ninja saw an opportunity and lunged. He knocked her back, ready to seize her and turn the tide.
But just as he stepped forward—his foot stopped.
He looked down, confusion morphing into panic.
"Earth Style: Headhunter Technique."
Akira rose from the ground like a specter, hands locking onto the enemy's leg, dragging him under.
The Chunin vanished waist-deep into the earth, leaving only his head visible.
Anko's eyes narrowed. A snake slithered from her sleeve, flicking its tongue.
The pinned enemy's eyes filled with terror. He squirmed and shouted, but he was helpless.
With a hiss and a blur of movement, the snake bit down.
Blood sprayed, and the cries ceased.
Anko exhaled, her face spattered. Then she looked at Akira and smiled sweetly. The dissonance between her innocent smile and the blood-soaked scene sent a chill through him.
There was no mistaking Orochimaru's mark on her.
Three Chunin down.
Only the Jonin remained.
Kosuke still held his own, calm and composed. But the Jonin's eyes darted in every direction now, calculating, desperate.
His team was gone. Escape was all he had left.
And Akira had no intention of letting him go.