Chapter 19 – Team Kazuki's First Battle: Mist Ninja
The air suddenly turned cold. The puddle that had exploded earlier left a thin mist, slowly covering the narrow path. Two masked ninjas stood blocking, their spiked chains gleaming under the sunlight.
Kazuki stepped forward. His black eyes shone with determination, though his lips carried a confident smile.
"At last… real opponents. This is no longer a game mission."
Shikamaru stood beside him, his hands already ready to form seals.
"Hhh… so troublesome. We just left the village of Konoha, and already something like this happens."
Hinata stepped a little forward, the veins of her Byakugan appearing at her temples.
"Ka-Kazuki-kun… those chains are layered with chakra… be careful…"
Tazuna trembled behind them, clinging to his sake bottle.
"I… I already told you! I am an important man! Of course they're targeting me! Quickly, protect me!!"
---
The First Attack
The two Mist Ninjas leapt simultaneously. Their spiked chains shot forward, spinning toward Kazuki.
CLANG!
Kazuki blocked with a kunai, sparks flying.
"So noisy! Do you think chains can stop my resolve?!"
But the other ninja had already lunged from behind. His chain wrapped around Kazuki's arm, pulling his body into the air.
"You arrogant brat!"
Kazuki grimaced.
Mist Ninja: "Uh… he's… heavier than I thought!"
"Ka-Kazuki-kun!!" Hinata shouted, instantly jumping with Jūken. Her palm struck the chain, knocking away the chakra inside and weakening the bind.
Kazuki fell to the ground, rolled, then stood again. He quickly glanced at Hinata, a smile appearing on his face.
"Thank you, Hinata! You really are my lifesaver!"
Hinata's face turned beet red.
"I-I… I only… did my duty…"
---
Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, analyzing the enemy's movements.
"They fight in pairs. One binds, the other attacks. If we let this continue, we'll always be forced on the defensive."
Kazuki nodded quickly.
"In that case, we'll also use team formation! I'll go forward, Hinata supports from the side, Shikamaru—you set up your trap."
Shikamaru sighed.
"As usual, you're always in front. But… fine."
---
Kazuki dashed ahead, his body ducking low, kunai in hand.
"Come at me, Mist Ninja!"
One of the ninjas swung his chain.
SWISH!
But just before the chain struck Kazuki, a black shadow crawled quickly across the ground.
CLICK! Shikamaru's shadow captured the ninja's foot, freezing him.
"Caught," Shikamaru muttered.
Kazuki leapt, kicking the ninja's chest hard.
BAM! The enemy's body was hurled, crashing into a tree trunk.
But the second ninja immediately attacked Hinata with his chain.
Hinata shifted her steps, her pale hands moving gracefully.
PALM!
She struck the chakra point on the chain, breaking part of it.
The ninja was shocked.
"Byakugan?! This girl… she's from the Hyuuga clan!!"
Hinata drew a deep breath, her face tense but her eyes sharp.
"Don't… underestimate me…"
---
But the enemies did not give up. The first ninja who had been thrown away stood up again, this time more aggressive. They exchanged short signals, then changed strategy: their chains crossed, creating a deadly snare.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes.
"If this keeps up… I won't be able to hold them off much longer."
Kazuki formed hand seals.
"Kagebunshin no Jutsu!"
POOF!
Four shadow clones of Kazuki appeared, all rushing toward the enemies' chains.
The Mist Ninjas were surprised, but quickly spun their chains, striking three clones into smoke.
But the last clone leapt from above, holding a kunai wrapped with an explosive tag.
BOOM! A small explosion shattered their chains apart.
---
"Now, Hinata!" Kazuki shouted.
Hinata jumped swiftly, her Jūken striking the chest of one ninja.
BAM! The enemy was thrown back, his chakra disrupted.
Kazuki immediately rushed at the other ninja, his right hand glowing with a small swirling sphere. The Rasengan, still imperfect, spun wildly.
"Rasengan… unstable, but enough for you!!"
WHOOOSH!
The Rasengan slammed into the ground right beside the ninja, the chakra explosion blasting him hard. His body was thrown, the chain slipping from his hands.
Kazuki stood panting, his right hand trembling from the wild chakra swirl.
"Hah… hah… I still can't control it… but it worked."
---
Both Mist Ninjas lay unconscious. Shikamaru released his shadow jutsu, his face a little pale from the chakra drain.
"Hhh… such a hassle. But at least… we won."
Hinata looked at Kazuki, her face full of concern.
"Ka-Kazuki-kun… your hand… are you alright?"
Kazuki gave a small smile, though his hand was still shaking.
"Don't worry. To protect my friends and the mission… a little pain like this means nothing."
Hinata lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red.
"Ka… Kazuki-kun…"
Tazuna, who had been hiding behind a tree the whole time, finally came out with a pale face.
"Y-You kids… you're truly strange. But… amazing too… you saved me."
Kazuki turned to him with a confident smile.
"This is just the beginning, old man. We'll make sure you reach the Land of Waves safely. No matter who stands in our way."
The wind blew strongly, carrying the mist that slowly faded. But in the distance… sharp eyes were watching them in silence.
...
TO BE CONTINUED…