CHAPTER 109

The actions of Tomohisa Hangpei left Uchiha Kai stunned. It seemed Hangpei had underestimated Kai's strength—and that of the rest of their team.

While the number of enemies was overwhelming and several among them were skilled, the configuration of their own squad wasn't weak either. No one in their unit could truly be called a liability—not even Rin Nohara, whose healing abilities had repeatedly saved lives. And as for Kakashi, Aya Hyuga, and Kenta Imai, their strength had already been proven in battle.

Still, Tomohisa Hangpei, a seasoned Jōnin, had single-handedly held off several powerful Iwa-nin, including Loess—an elite Earth-style user. He had managed to make Loess cough up blood within half a minute of fighting. A feat that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Kai knew Hangpei's decision to position him away from the main confrontation was no accident. He might have been trying to protect Kai, perhaps having learned about Kai's earlier deadly encounter with Loess through Minato Namikaze.

Back then, Kai had eliminated all three of Loess's comrades. In his rage, Loess had nearly killed Kakashi and would have overwhelmed Kai and Kenta too—if Minato hadn't arrived just in time to save them.

Now, seeing Hangpei bleeding from the mouth and clutching his chest, Kai lowered his voice and asked, "Do you need medical attention?"

Hangpei shook his head. "No. The enemy's pressing too hard." He glanced toward the horizon. "And Loess is still out there. At least six or seven of them are Jōnin-level. Kakashi, have you contacted Captain Minato?"

"I have," Kakashi replied. "But there's been no response yet." He frowned at Hangpei. "Hangpei-san, you really should receive treatment. Your injuries look serious."

"If we had time, I would," Hangpei said hoarsely. "But we don't. Don't forget—we still have a mission. I'll draw them away. The rest of you, fall back."

Kai frowned. Is he planning a suicide move? It might be effective, but he was underestimating them too much.

To be fair, Kai, Aya, and Kenta had always kept a low profile under Hangpei's leadership. Their strength had never been on full display. Hangpei, for all his warmth and good nature, probably still viewed them as mid-level shinobi.

Kai didn't dislike Hangpei. In fact, if the man weren't so closely aligned with the Hokage faction, Kai might have even trusted him more.

He shook off the thought. This isn't the time. War had taught him not to dwell—especially not on partings.

"I understand," Kai said finally. "I'll look after your brother—"

"Captain Hangpei," Kakashi suddenly cut in. "You're injured. But we still have two Jōnin here—me and Kai. I suggest we transfer command to Kai. He's already led a high-level mission and supported Captain Minato during the Kannabi Bridge operation. He's the best candidate."

"No!" Aya Hyuga interrupted sharply. "Captain Hangpei is still alive and conscious. A sudden change in command seems rash. And if we do reassign the captaincy, Kakashi-san might be the more appropriate choice."

Aya didn't want Kai in command. Her relationship with him was... strained. Especially after he'd seen through one of her secrets. She didn't want to face him in a leadership role.

But her argument was rational—Hangpei was still standing. Barely.

Before Hangpei could respond, he suddenly doubled over and coughed up more blood. His face paled significantly.

"I'm not in any shape to lead," he admitted. "Kai is more suited to this now." He glanced at the approaching Iwa-nin and sighed. "They're closing in. There's no time."

"Understood." Kai gave a solemn nod, but his eyes flicked toward Kakashi. After a pause, he turned to the team.

"Rin, escort Captain Hangpei out and stabilize his condition. Kakashi, Aya, Kenta—we'll split up and draw the enemy in different directions. Once we regroup, we can assess next steps. Good luck, everyone."

"Yes, Captain," they echoed in unison.

Even Aya followed the order without protest. As a shinobi, personal disagreements came second to survival—and Hangpei had already chosen Kai.

Aya understood Kai well enough to be cautious. She didn't want to expose too much of herself to him. Especially not when she came from the Hyuga branch family—already shackled by status, secrecy, and limitations. Kai could be cold, calculating, and far too perceptive for her comfort. It was best to avoid being alone with him, especially now that he had command.

Still, she'd follow orders. That much she owed the team.

Hangpei gave Kai a lingering look before turning and moving out with Rin's support. Blood still trailed from the corner of his mouth.

Kai, Kakashi, Kenta, and Aya exchanged one last glance—and then vanished in opposite directions, leaving behind only the fading rustle of the leaves as the Iwa-nin closed in.