From what Dabai sensed, one of the four approaching chakra signatures was strong, while the other three were much weaker.
That could only mean one thing — the enemy squad had a typical formation: one Jōnin and three Genin.
Regardless of who they were, crossing this border made them enemies.
It was strange though — this was a remote location, deep within the borderlands. Yet a group of shinobi happened to pass through right now, on some so-called mission. That was too much of a coincidence.
It was safe to assume they were also here for the gold mine.
As for how the information leaked, there were too many possibilities — the Land of Rain, the surviving enemy ninja, or maybe even someone from Konoha.
But those details weren't Hayashi's concern.
They had already decided to abandon this mission, but the sudden arrival of another team forced them to adapt. Right now, survival was all that mattered.
"Hayashi, did you notify Orochimaru-sensei?" Nawaki asked, standing beside him.
"I already sent word to Orochimaru-sensei and Tsunade-sensei," Hayashi replied with a nod.
"What did they say?" Mikoto asked, glancing at him.
"Orochimaru-sensei hasn't responded yet," Hayashi said calmly, "but Tsunade-sensei is already on her way."
"Then should we move out to meet her?" Mikoto suggested.
Hayashi shook his head. "No. There's no need anymore."
He looked toward the forest. "The enemy's closing in fast. There's a sensory-type ninja among them — we've already been detected."
"Based on their chakra levels, I'm sure it's a Jōnin leading three Genin, one of whom specializes in sensory perception," he continued.
Kushina frowned. "Wait… you just said we have the advantage?"
Her voice carried disbelief. Four students against a Jōnin-led squad — that hardly sounded like an advantage.
Hayashi's expression remained composed. "If we try to run, their Jōnin will catch us easily. But this area is full of traps we've set up earlier. We use this terrain to our advantage — lure them in, delay them, and buy time until Tsunade-sensei arrives."
No one objected. They all knew he was right.
Still, someone had to face the enemy's Jōnin head-on — even if just to stall for time.
"Alright," Hayashi said, his tone calm but sharp, "let's go welcome our guests."
With a swift flicker of movement, the four vanished from their tent.
---
Moving rapidly through the trees, the enemy's sensor, Manase, suddenly stopped.
Their leader, Sakada, who was leading the squad, raised his hand. "What is it?"
"Enemies ahead," Manase whispered. "Four chakra signatures… closing in."
Sakada's eyes narrowed. "Everyone, be on guard. Our targets have appeared."
He quietly reached into his pouch and pulled out a signal flare. He'd said earlier that he could handle two Jōnin by himself, but when it came to protecting his subordinates, it was always better to have backup.
Right before he could launch the flare, four figures appeared before him.
They were just kids — ten years old, maybe a little older.
Sakada glanced at Manase, who shook her head slightly. "Only them," she confirmed.
Relaxing a little, Sakada put the flare away and chuckled. "Seems I was too cautious. Looks like it's my lucky day. I won't even need to lift a finger."
He examined the young shinobi standing before him. They weren't using any transformation techniques, nor were they concealing their chakra. They were undoubtedly Genin.
Hayashi and his team stood atop a thick tree branch, facing them across the clearing.
"Who are you?" Hayashi asked, his voice steady — his goal was to buy time.
"I'm Sakada," the man answered with a mocking smile. "And you are?"
Hayashi smirked. "So, Sunagakure is feeling bold enough to send Jōnin into the Land of Fire, huh?"
His words made the enemy Genin exchange nervous glances.
"With tensions this high between the Five Great Nations," Hayashi continued, "sending elite ninja from Suna into Fire Country… that's practically a declaration of war."
Sakada laughed. "Kid, you've got the wrong idea. We're not from Sunagakure — I can't stand those sand rats."
"Good," Hayashi replied coolly. "Because I hate those filthy Suna bastards too. Always so full of themselves, and they never seem to bathe."
"Watch your mouth!" Kimura barked angrily, ready to charge, but Watanabe held him back.
Beside Hayashi, Nawaki shifted, his muscles tensing as the air grew heavy. "So," he muttered, "are we taking care of these losers or what?"
Sakada blinked, caught off guard. "Lo…ser?" He frowned. "You've got some nerve, brat."
The irritation on his face turned sharp. He decided right then — the brown-haired kid would be the first to die.
Nawaki felt that killing intent sweep over him and shivered slightly. "Oh crap," he whispered, forcing a grin.
"Hey," Sakada said suddenly, narrowing his eyes, "you're not from the Land of Rain, are you?"
Hayashi tilted his head slightly. "Hmm? And how did you figure that out?"
Sakada chuckled. "I've heard that Konoha's Genin are dangerous — especially the ones trained by the Legendary Sannin. Guess it's true."
"But since you're here," his smirk widened, "I can assume the rumors about the gold mine are real. So tell me, where's your Jōnin leader hiding?"
Hayashi's lips curved slightly. "We only came to kill your people. Nothing more."
Sakada exhaled, feigning disappointment. "Oh well. Capturing you kids will be enough. Dead shinobi tend to keep secrets better than living ones."
He adjusted his glasses and stepped forward.
But before his foot touched the ground, a sharp snap echoed through the trees.
Sakada froze as a wave of killing intent exploded from the forest — cold and suffocating. His heartbeat quickened, every instinct screaming danger.
The late afternoon wind rustled the leaves. Sunlight flickered through the branches, painting the ground in gold and shadow.
Then —
A black kunai sliced through the air, whistling past like a ghost.
It pierced straight through Kimura's forehead.
Blood splattered the bark behind him as his body collapsed.
By the time Sakada turned, the black-haired boy — Hayashi — was already in front of him.
Sakada tried to retreat, but Hayashi's calm, deliberate movements were too fast, too precise.
Their kunai clashed. Sparks burst in the dim light.
Sakada swung upward, but Hayashi blocked with one smooth motion, his other hand
gripping Sakada's wrist and twisting sharply.
The man's body lifted off the ground and was thrown violently through the air.
---