"After launching the flare, we leave immediately and find a secure place to hide," Uchiha Jin said calmly.
"We'll fight guerrilla warfare — moving constantly through the Land of Whirlpools, never lingering in one spot. If we encounter a large unit, we hide. If it's a small squad, we eliminate them. That's the only way we can delay Kirigakure's forces."
His gaze sharpened. "I believe in Konoha's intelligence network. They'll realize something is wrong here soon enough. We only need to hold out until reinforcements arrive. That's our best chance at survival."
Nara Kazama, quick to grasp strategy, nodded before Jin even finished. "It's the only workable option."
Kudo Nobuyuki was slower, but not foolish. "I agree," he said at once, his tone decisive.
"Good." Jin's eyes narrowed slightly. "But listen carefully. Out here, I won't have time to explain myself during battle. Since you've chosen to trust me, I expect that trust to last until the end. Hesitation or doubt in the middle of combat will get all of us killed."
Kudo Nobuyuki's face stiffened. He straightened and gave a firm nod, offering apologies for his earlier doubts. He pledged to obey without question.
Kazama let out a breath of relief. Even if this was only a disposable squad, Jin had managed to forge trust in a single decision. It was enough to keep them alive a little longer.
Still, as he glanced at Jin, a strange thought passed through his mind. Is this really an Uchiha? He thinks more like one of my clan.
…
Moments later, the newly-formed Team 7, under Jin's lead, launched the flare.
Whoosh!
A burst of brilliant light cut through the night sky. Without waiting to watch it fade, Jin, Kazama, and Kudo slipped silently into the forest, already heading left.
As for Ishikawa Itsuki?
He was conveniently "forgotten." None of them said it aloud, but his absence made the team sharper, cleaner, less burdened.
…
Ten minutes later, over fifty Kirigakure shinobi surrounded the flare site. Their leader was none other than Tongcao Yebairen — wielder of the blunt sword Kabutowari, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
"Lord Jōnin," a sensor reported. "The flare originated here. We also found our 27th squad — all dead. Two killed by kunai, one clearly tortured. This confirms Konoha has learned of our operation. Additionally, there's a small Konoha outpost five hundred meters to the left."
Yebairen's eyes gleamed with murderous contempt. "Then we start there. Move!"
His squad responded instantly, storming toward the outpost.
Within minutes, they dragged out Ishikawa Itsuki, who had been sleeping like a fool, completely unaware. He blinked groggily — and then froze as he found himself face-to-face with fifty Kirigakure shinobi.
His face went pale. His voice broke. "Y-You, I—"
Fear crushed whatever arrogance he once had. In front of Jin and the others he had blustered, but these were Mist-nin — real killers. His legs shook so violently it seemed he'd collapse.
Yebairen strode forward with a look of disgust. "Pathetic." His hand lashed out, striking Itsuki across the face with brutal force. Blood sprayed, teeth flew.
"Speak. Who are your teammates? Where are they now? Tell me everything."
Itsuki's eyes filled with terror. Any thoughts of loyalty dissolved instantly. He spilled everything he knew about Jin, Kazama, and Kudo, rambling in desperation. Had the Mist-nin shown the slightest interest, he would likely have confessed even the most humiliating details of his life without hesitation.
When he finally fell silent, trembling, Yebairen didn't even bother replying. He simply waved his hand.
One of his men stepped forward, kunai in hand.
Itsuki's eyes widened with panic. "W-Wait! I told you everything! Why kill me? Please! Spare my life!"
The Mist-nin hesitated only a moment, glancing back at Yebairen.
The swordsman's expression remained hard as iron, his decision final.