Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Ambush
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"Okay! Then this task will be entrusted to you. Do it well, the teacher is optimistic about you." Akira gave Kakashi a slight nod on the forehead as a form of encouragement.
"Well, let's act now!"
Kakashi grinned mischievously. His sensei had acknowledged him
Having such a strong person express confidence in him made Kakashi a little proud in an instant!
He immediately rushed toward the Kannabi Bridge with Obito and Rin, who were both full of anticipation.
At this time, the bridge was empty. After checking the surrounding environment, Kakashi slowly approached.
Akira randomly found an empty tree trunk and leaned against it, squinting.
"Kakashi, this place is empty, there's no one here, let's just go directly." Obito walked toward the bridge nonchalantly.
"Let's wait. Just because we don't see anyone doesn't mean there aren't any ninjas lurking."
"What are you afraid of? Even if someone does show up, I'll punch them! No one is going to hurt Rin."
"Heh, I'm afraid you'll be the first one to kneel when that happens. Don't blame me for not warning you. We're just here for a stealth operation, and it's said that there are Jōnin lurking in the Land of Earth this time."
"Hehe."
Seeing the two of them bickering, Rin couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.
"Rin, what do you think we should do? Continue lurking or go in now?" Seeing Rin speak, Obito immediately asked.
"I think it's better to go directly. Since this is a stealth mission, it's best to finish it early," Rin replied.
Kakashi sighed but, seeing that both of them had spoken in favor of moving forward, he had no choice but to go along with it.
Not long after they left, the once-deserted bushes suddenly trembled.
"Boss, they took the bait! Should we attack now?"
"Wait. Let them fall into the trap first. Then we'll strike. That way, we'll get twice the result with half the effort!"
"Understood, boss!"
The leaves in the bushes rustled, revealing figures disguised as vegetation!
Their green camouflage blended so well with the surroundings that they looked like chameleons!
"Kakashi-kun, let's place the explosive tags here. The bridge's structure is relatively weak—if we detonate them around the key support areas, the suspension bridge should collapse."
Rin suggested.
Although her combat ability wasn't strong, her theoretical knowledge was solid.
"Alright, we'll do as you say."
Kakashi agreed and immediately moved with Obito to set up the explosive tags.
However, just as they reached the designated spots, a barrage of shuriken suddenly rained down on them from above!
"No, it's a trap!"
Kakashi was the first to react, immediately swinging his kunai to deflect the incoming projectiles. As a Jōnin, dealing with a simple shuriken trap was easy for him.
But Rin was in danger!
"Rin! Be careful, stay behind me!"
Obito, always concerned for Rin's safety, rushed toward her without thinking, disregarding his own safety.
However, at this time, Obito was not strong enough to block the shuriken trap effectively. After a few deflections, he was left injured and battered.
"Damn it!"
"Earth Style—Earth-Style Wall!"
Kakashi immediately used Earth Release ninjutsu!
A towering earth wall rose from the ground, forming a solid barrier in front of them. Though Earth Release techniques consumed a lot of chakra, they were extremely effective against large-scale attacks. In an instant, the wall provided a secure bunker for the team.
"Is everyone alright?"
Kakashi quickly checked on the others.
"I'm fine! But Obito was seriously injured while trying to protect me!" Rin quickly took off Obito's shirt and began treating him with the Mystical Palm Technique.
She was the team's medical-nin.
Ever since the Second Shinobi War, Konoha had discovered that assigning medical-nin to teams significantly reduced casualties. This strategy had since become standard practice.
"It's too late to heal him now. If I'm not mistaken, the enemy is nearby. We need to retreat immediately."
"But Obito—"
Before Rin could protest, Kakashi lifted Obito onto his back.
"Move!"
The team immediately retreated.
But at that moment, four figures with yellow headbands appeared, blocking their path.
"So, you're Konoha's ninjas? I didn't expect Konoha to send kids to the battlefield. Are all the adults dead?"
"Haha, Dashi, your mouth gets worse every day. But this little girl is nice. I like her."
"Damn it! If you dare lay a hand on Rin, I'll beat you to death!" Obito roared furiously from Kakashi's back.
"Rin, take care of Obito. I'll handle them."
Kakashi handed Obito over to Rin and stepped forward.
The aura of these four enemies was strong—they were all likely Chūnin or higher. Rin and Obito were still just Genin. While they could put up a fight, dealing with these opponents was beyond them.
However, if Kakashi could just buy some time, they had a chance to escape.
In Kakashi's mind, their best option now was to signal Akira, who was patrolling nearby!
"Water Style—Water Dragon Bullet!"
A massive water dragon surged over the enemies' heads.
These opponents were likely from the Land of Earth, making Wind and Fire techniques ineffective against them. Water Style was the best choice for battle.
The enemies immediately leaped back to evade the attack.
"Hey, this kid knows advanced ninjutsu! He must be a Konoha genius. No wonder they had the confidence to send these brats here!"
"Hmph, they underestimated us too much! A genius is still just a kid! Dashi, go handle those two brats in the back. Leave this 'genius' to us!"
"Got it, boss!"
"Ninja Art—Camouflage Concealment!"
The ninja who had taunted Kakashi disappeared, his body blending seamlessly with the environment.
No wonder I didn't notice them earlier—they know this special camouflage technique!
"Obito! Rin! Be careful!" Kakashi warned, but before he could say more, the remaining enemies had already charged at him.
One of them drew a long sword from his back and slashed at Kakashi's head.
A kenjutsu expert!
"Earth Style—Earth Fissure Palm!"
The leader slammed his hands onto the ground, sending a wave of chakra through the terrain. The earth behind Kakashi crumbled, cutting off his connection to Obito and Rin.
"You've got nowhere to run, boy!"
Another enemy lunged at Kakashi from the side.
"Earth Style—Rock Collapse!"
The ground trembled as jagged rocks surged toward Kakashi from all directions.
Damn it! They're trying to trap me from all sides!
The situation had just become extremely dangerous!