Konoha: Who Says the Shinobi World Can't Play Hunter?

Chapter 36: Survival Exercise (Part 5)

Despite having only met yesterday, the three of them had managed to put together a rough plan. However, their teamwork was still lacking in true coordination. Even so, they had followed through with their intended steps. With Ichirō and Nobuko acting as the bait to draw Hayate's attention, the primary responsibility for dealing damage fell on Kazama.

Using Earth Release, Kazama burrowed at a 90-degree angle from Ichirō and Nobuko's position, positioning himself at a hidden vantage point.

"Ichirō, Nobuko—get ready. Aim and fire when you're prepared." Kazama's voice came through the earpiece.

"Understood." x2

Hayate had been waiting for some time. He had expected his students to attack sooner rather than later—most young genin were eager to prove themselves, often charging in recklessly. However, these three were different. They weren't acting like typical rookies at all.

Staying in one position for too long made it easy for one's mind to wander. That was exactly what happened to Hayate when, suddenly, he felt the unmistakable sensation of being locked onto.

A sharp whistle cut through the air.

An arrow shot out from the forest, closing the distance in an instant. The trees had hidden its approach, and by the time it entered his field of vision, it was already within ten meters of him.

Fast!

However, Hayate was an elite jōnin. Even with such little time to react, he still managed to dodge. His movements appeared casual, but they were executed with expert precision—he twisted his body just enough to avoid the arrow.

The projectile embedded itself into the ground behind him, quivering from the impact.

Hayate exhaled, feeling a rare sense of relief.

Whoever shot that arrow had no concept of suppressing their killing intent. That was what had warned him—otherwise, if the shot had come from within ten meters without a warning, dodging entirely would have been impossible. At best, he could have shifted enough to avoid a fatal hit, but not without injury.

That was a dangerous shot…

His excitement grew. Just when he had thought his students were out of tricks, they had surprised him.

However, attacking one's teacher with such ferocity demanded punishment.

He could tell exactly where the arrow had come from. The archer's position was completely exposed now. Time to give them a lesson.

With that thought, he launched forward—only to stop abruptly.

That locked-on feeling again… but the direction changed?!

Hayate's pupils contracted.

There's more than one archer?

The sensation of being targeted lingered, but no arrow was loosed. That meant the second shooter was intentionally holding their shot, trying to keep him in a state of caution. It was a simple but effective strategy—it forced him to focus on dodging potential attacks while buying time for their teammates to reposition.

Not bad… but still too obvious.

"Never assume your enemies will fight fairly. Ninja battles are never so simple." Hayate murmured to himself before forming a hand seal.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu."

A clone instantly materialized beside him.

As an elite jōnin, Shadow Clones were a trivial technique for him. He typically didn't use them against lower-ranked opponents, but these three were clearly trying to divide his attention. If that was their plan, he would force them into splitting up instead.

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Kazama's Perspective

"Damn it! Ichirō, Nobuko—move! Sensei sent a Shadow Clone after you!"

Kazama immediately knew he had to relocate as well. An elite jōnin's sensory abilities were sharp—if Hayate had been even slightly aware of Kazama's presence, he was already in danger.

Without hesitation, Kazama loosed two arrows in quick succession. "Twin Shot!"

He didn't wait to see if they hit. The moment the arrows left his bow, he activated Earth Release and burrowed underground.

This was his failsafe. Unless the enemy had tracking dogs, insects, or a specialized sensory ability, it was incredibly difficult to follow someone who used Earth Release for mobility.

Suddenly, his earpiece crackled with static before Hayate's voice came through.

"Kazama, your teammates are in my hands. Are you still planning to run?"

Through the transmission, he could also hear Nobuko's voice.

"Kazama, run—"

Kazama scoffed. Predictable.

The moment he heard Nobuko's voice, he knew they had been caught. However, his heartbeat remained steady. He had already factored this possibility into his plan.

The forest was filled with massive trees—each requiring multiple people to wrap their arms around the trunks. Kazama carefully emerged from the base of one such tree, his body still half-buried in soft, loosened soil. This made it easier for him to remain hidden.

"Check-in," he whispered into the earpiece.

"Chirp!" Yatarō was the first to respond.

Kazama sighed. Why does he always answer like that…?

"Howl!" x3 The wolf trio responded.

"Bzzz." Pawtarō's buzzing followed shortly.

"Can anyone confirm Hayate-sensei's position?"

"Chirp chirp!" The clone is standing guard over Nobuko and Ichirō.

"Howl!" We can smell his real body, but we don't know the exact position.

"Alright. Gray Wolf, Red Wolf, Sand Wolf—come to me. Yatarō and Pawtarō, keep watch."

After issuing commands, Kazama clasped his hands together, forming a hand seal.

"Rain Perception Jutsu."

This combined sensory technique allowed him to pinpoint Hayate's location. The jōnin was indeed moving toward him—slowly but surely.

"Sealing Technique: Release—Sniper Crossbow."

Kazama unsealed a concealed crossbow from his storage scroll. Due to the cramped space within the tree roots, he had to remain prone to use it properly. But that was fine—his position was already perfect.

He reactivated Rain Perception Jutsu, confirming Hayate's approach.

Now, all he had to do was wait.

From his perspective, the instant Hayate stepped into view, he would fire.

At this range—nearly 300 meters—the shot would be difficult to detect. His calculations accounted for wind direction, humidity, and trajectory.

There was just one concern.

Would attacking his own teacher like this be too much?

After a brief hesitation, he removed the arrowhead from his bolt.

If Sensei gets injured by a wooden shaft, that's his fault, not mine.

The moment of reckoning arrived.

Kazama could hear the sound of footsteps pressing against fallen leaves.

This was a forest—there was no avoiding the sound of stepping on dry leaves.

Hayate moved cautiously. He had sensed danger the moment he entered this area.

What kind of trap is waiting for me?

But the crunching of leaves masked another, far deadlier sound.

Click!

The moment Hayate stepped forward—

Kazama pulled the trigger.

A bolt streaked through the air, breaking the silence with a sharp whoosh!

Hayate had no time to react. He barely managed to raise his forearm in defense before the projectile slammed into him.

THUD!

The impact knocked him back, forcing him to stumble.

A sharp, stinging pain spread through his arm.

"Tch—!" He hissed.

He knew something was wrong.

His muscles screamed in protest—he could already tell his forearm was bruised, possibly even fractured. The sheer force had nearly snapped the bone.

But… why hadn't it pierced through?

Taking cover behind a tree, he glanced down.

The bolt lay nearby.

No arrowhead.

He exhaled, understanding immediately.

"He held back…"

Despite the pain, Hayate smirked.

"Alright, Kazama. I see you now."

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You can read advance chapters ahead on patreon.com/fishkiss69, I will upload 1 extra chapter every day there.

THANK YOU

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