CHAPTER 59

Upon receiving the distress signal from Sarutobi Shuo, Uchiha Kiyo pushed his body to its limits, sprinting toward his comrade's last known location. His Sharingan spun rapidly as he analyzed the situation.

"Sarutobi Shuo's position hasn't changed for a while… That's not like him. I told them before—don't get caught up in prolonged fights. He's not the type to fight recklessly. Which means… is he surrounded?"

A cold glint flashed in Kiyo's eyes as his mind processed the possibilities.

"Did the enemy set this up as bait? Trying to lure us in? Hah, they must be planning to wipe us all out!"

His fists clenched in frustration. He had no interest in getting entangled in unnecessary fights at this stage, but now that Sarutobi Shuo had been targeted, he had no choice.

"They want to fish for us? Hmph! If they push me too far, I'll go all out and slaughter even a Jōnin if I have to!"

Uchiha Kiyo wasn't making empty threats—his confidence was earned through battle. He had long since surpassed the level of an average elite Chūnin, capable of taking down a Special Jōnin alone with only minor injuries. However, avoiding exposure was still his priority.

"Damn it… Rope Tree might not even realize what's happening yet. I'd better warn him before he rushes in blindly."

Without slowing his pace, Kiyo formed a quick seal and summoned a small serpent. He whispered instructions to the creature before sending it off to deliver the message via psychic communication.

His gaze sharpened as he neared the battlefield, already formulating strategies.

"Running isn't an option anymore. We'll have to fight."

But he lacked critical intel. How many enemies? How strong were they?

"If I can, I'll intervene without fully exposing myself. Just a few decisive strikes to tip the battle in our favor. But if there's a Jōnin among them… then I'll have no choice but to go all out and prioritize survival."

He exhaled, calming himself. Over the past two years, his rigorous physical training had elevated his strength to a level beyond most Jōnin. He covered ground at incredible speed, arriving near the ambush site within half an hour.

Stopping roughly a kilometer away, he concealed his chakra signature and assessed the battlefield.

Sarutobi Shuo had been fighting for over thirty minutes and was badly injured. The terrain bore the scars of intense battle, confirming the enemy's numbers.

"Six enemies… judging from the battlefield damage, even the weakest among them is at least Chūnin level. The strongest could be a veteran elite Chūnin."

Then, his senses detected something else—a hidden presence.

"There's another one lurking nearby. Hasn't acted yet… meaning they're either waiting for an opening or gauging the situation. Could be a Special Jōnin. Or worse… a full Jōnin."

His expression darkened.

"If it's a Jōnin, this is going to be a problem. Even at full power, I'd have to pay a heavy price to take them down."

But he had no choice. If they didn't eliminate their enemies quickly, reinforcements could arrive.

"No time to waste. I'll have to strike hard and fast."

He suppressed his chakra to the absolute minimum, vanishing into the shadows as he carefully approached the battlefield.

Sarutobi Shuo was barely holding on. He couldn't afford to wait any longer.

Forming a single seal, Kiyo merged with the earth using his self-developed technique. A small mound of soil shifted stealthily across the battlefield, unnoticed amidst the destruction.

This was Kiyo's own method—an advanced stealth technique designed for ambush and escape. Though still incomplete, it was enough to slip past enemy perception.

In a mere two seconds, he crossed over twenty meters and emerged right beside one of the Rain Shinobi.

The enemy barely had time to register his presence before Kiyo struck.

A glint of steel—two kunai, one in each hand.

The smaller kunai in his left hand shot toward another enemy, forcing them to react. Meanwhile, his right hand slashed forward in a deadly arc.

The target in front of him barely had time to widen his eyes before his throat was slit. He collapsed, blood gushing from the wound.

The second Rain Shinobi managed to react just in time, shifting slightly. Kiyo's kunai missed his heart but still plunged deep into his side. He staggered, mortally wounded.

"Even if that one doesn't die immediately, he's finished without medical treatment."

Sarutobi Shuo, though weakened, didn't miss the opening.

Kiyo's hand flickered through a single seal.

The ground beneath another enemy's feet shifted, dragging him into the earth.

Sarutobi Shuo didn't hesitate. His blade flashed, and another head rolled to the ground.

Three enemies neutralized in under two seconds.

For the first time since the battle began, Sarutobi Shuo felt the pressure ease.

"Three down. With Rope Tree joining soon, we might actually stand a chance."

But before he could relax, Kiyo's voice cut through the moment.

"Don't be stupid. We're in the Land of Rain. If we waste time, their reinforcements will arrive, and we'll be trapped."

Sarutobi Shuo's expression tightened. He had been so focused on survival that he'd forgotten their situation.

"Damn it, he's right. We have to retreat."

Guilt flashed across his face.

"Sorry, I got you involved in this."

Kiyo shook his head.

"Doesn't matter. This was a trap from the start. Even if you hadn't called for backup, they probably had other ways to track us. If anything, calling us here kept us from getting picked off one by one."

There was no time for further discussion. The remaining Rain Shinobi regrouped, their leader stepping forward.

Kiyo's Sharingan locked onto him instantly.

"So, he's their captain. And… damn, he's a Jōnin."

Ryo, the Rain Shinobi leader, was livid. Three of his men were down in seconds. His team—his carefully assembled unit—was crumbling before his eyes.

His killing intent surged.

"You little brat… I'll make you regret that."

Kiyo's muscles tensed.

"No more holding back. Either we kill him, or we won't make it out of here alive."

His voice was steady as he addressed Sarutobi Shuo.

"I'll handle the Jōnin. You keep the others busy."

Ryo laughed, his rage twisting into amusement.

"Hah! A mere brat thinks he can take on a Jōnin? You're either foolish or suicidal."

Kiyo remained unfazed.

"Talk all you want. You'll be dead before you know it."

The tension snapped like a taut wire.

Ryo lunged forward.

And the death battle began.