Looking out over the Rainwood Forest, Hayashi turned his head slightly toward his comrade.
"Nawaki, are you scared?"
Nawaki shook his head, raising his right hand to show a faint scar on his palm.
"This," he said calmly, "is what I cut with a kunai—to remind myself never to abandon my comrades again."
His expression didn't waver. "Since that day, the feeling of fear has completely left me."
Hayashi arched a brow. "Oh? Then why are your legs shaking?"
Nawaki hesitated for a heartbeat before muttering, "…Just excited."
Hayashi smirked, turning his gaze back toward the rain-soaked forest. Even he had to admit, that line was rather stylish.
They had been waiting for half an hour now. The rain fell endlessly, the rhythmic sound of droplets and ripples echoing through the trees like quiet whispers. This kind of weather, Hayashi thought, was perfect for killing.
Their target was deep in the forest. Hayashi, Mikoto, and Nawaki were perched high in a tree, concealed within the dense canopy, waiting for their reconnaissance unit—the snake group—to return.
Moments later, the snakes slithered back, bringing the report. The information matched what Orochimaru-sensei had provided.
The Explosion Release user, Gari, and his reconnaissance team were indeed stationed inside. By sensing their chakra, it seemed there were only five Chunin left besides Gari himself.
The enemy had clearly lost several members recently, and the lack of replacements suggested that Iwagakure was stretched thin—most of their forces were still committed to the main battlefield.
Hayashi's lips curved slightly. Good. If there were too many of them, this ambush wouldn't even be worth attempting.
"Mikoto, Nawaki," Hayashi said, voice calm but commanding. "I'll take out a few Chunin first, then deal with Gari. You two handle the rest. Be cautious—no recklessness."
Mikoto nodded silently. Nawaki grinned. "Of course, we still have to make it back to the village together."
Hayashi's expression twitched. Why say something so unlucky? Lines like that always seemed to come from people who didn't survive their missions.
He then gestured sharply. "Move out."
Activating Lightning Release Chakra, Hayashi's speed surged instantly. He darted forward, the forest blurring past him. Mikoto and Nawaki followed close behind.
Thanks to the snake group's recon, Hayashi already knew the enemy's exact location. There was no need for stealth now—only precision and speed.
"Enemy attack!"
The shout came too late. Hayashi was already upon them. His speed rivaled that of a seasoned Jonin, the crackle of lightning enhancing his movement until he was little more than a flicker in the storm.
In an instant, his Sharingan flared scarlet, and a Genjutsu struck through eye contact. The first enemy froze mid-sentence, his consciousness collapsing into illusion.
Hayashi dropped from above, kunai slicing cleanly across the man's neck. Blood mingled with rainwater, darkening the muddy ground.
"Damn it!" another ninja shouted, unleashing a volley of shuriken toward Hayashi.
He slammed his palm into the ground. "Earth Release: Stone Wall!"
A slab of stone rose instantly, deflecting the attack.
Nawaki, arriving seconds later, gawked at the ferocity of Hayashi's fighting style. Is that really him? he thought, nearly blurting it out loud before a Stone Ninja lunged at him, forcing him to defend.
Nearby, two Chunin exchanged looks. "Let's go together! There's only one of him!"
Hayashi turned his gaze toward them, the red glow of his Sharingan burning through the rain.
"He's Uchiha! Don't look at his eyes!" one of them warned.
Too late, Hayashi thought coldly. He snapped his fingers. The subtle click echoed like thunder in the rain, carrying chakra with it. The sound-based Genjutsu instantly invaded his opponent's mind.
Before he could follow up, a voice roared through the storm.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
A massive dragon of swirling water burst forth, roaring as it lunged at him. The rain-fed terrain amplified its power.
Hayashi vanished in a flicker, reappearing several meters away as the dragon crashed into the ground. The impact shook the trees.
The enemy under Genjutsu had been pulled free by a teammate. Hayashi clicked his tongue. That's why Genjutsu isn't invincible. Against multiple opponents, it loses its edge.
But Hayashi wasn't relying on illusions alone.
A kunai flashed past his cheek. He ducked low, countering with a swift kick to one Chunin's stomach. Using the rebound, he twisted midair, slamming his elbow into the second ninja's chin.
The two were quickly overwhelmed by the combination of Taijutsu and speed.
"Where did this brat come from? His Genjutsu and Taijutsu are both—"
Before the man could finish, his voice cut off abruptly. His body went rigid as the Sharingan ensnared him once more.
Seeing his comrade frozen, the other ninja began weaving hand seals desperately.
Hayashi didn't give him the chance. He hurled his kunai with brutal precision. It whistled through the rain and found its mark—straight through the man's forehead.
The sound of tearing air was followed by silence.
The second ninja froze, staring at the body of his teammate. His breath came shallow and uneven, mixing with the downpour.
The crimson Sharingan glowed faintly through the rain, cold and merciless.
"It's your turn next," Hayashi said quietly.
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