Chapter 68: Kakashi, Fighting Against Seven People Alone!

"Guy, take these three and get out of here! Go back and bring reinforcements!"

Kakashi's voice was calm but resolute, his single eye narrowed with intensity.

He stood in front of the infamous Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, knowing well the danger they posed. These weren't ordinary enemies—together, they could bring down even a Kage-level shinobi. Against opponents like them, Guy, Lin, and the others would only be putting themselves at risk.

"Kakashi, I won't abandon you!"

"No! I'm staying with you!"

Guy and Lin responded in unison, their eyes filled with concern and determination.

But Kakashi shook his head. "Be good and listen. You know I can escape on my own if necessary."

He placed a hand gently on Lin's head, comforting her, then turned to Guy.

"Guy, this is not a battle you can help with. I'm entrusting Lin to you. Protect her, no matter what."

Guy clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding in frustration. He didn't want to leave his best friend behind—especially not in a battle as dangerous as this.

"But…"

"Article 36 of the Ninja Code!" Kakashi interrupted, his voice growing stern. "In an emergency, a Chūnin must unconditionally obey the orders of a Jōnin."

Kakashi's tone brooked no argument. He was no longer speaking as a friend—but as a superior officer.

"Guy, I'm giving you a direct order. As a Jōnin of the Hidden Leaf—obey!"

Guy's heart trembled. Kakashi's words struck him like a thunderclap.

"...Understood!" he finally forced out through clenched teeth. His voice was hoarse, heavy with emotion. "But you'd better come back alive!"

Kakashi smiled softly. "Don't worry. I will."

"Tch tch tch… what a touching little scene," a cold voice sneered from the enemy's side.

It was Biwa Juzō, one of the Seven Swordsmen, stepping forward with a grin on his face.

"But did you forget about us?"

With a chilling burst of killing intent, Juzō's presence flooded the area like a crushing tide.

Genma Shiranui and Ebisu froze in place, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Even Lin and Guy paled under the pressure. But thanks to her training as a medical ninja and Guy's willpower from intense physical conditioning, they remained mobile.

"Go!" Kakashi shouted, stepping in front of them, ready to shield them with his life.

"Third Gate—Gate of Life, open!"

Without hesitation, Guy activated the Eight Inner Gates. Green chakra surged around him as he scooped up the incapacitated Genma and Ebisu, one on each shoulder.

"Lin, let's go!"

"Kakashi, you have to come back safe!" Lin cried, her eyes filled with worry. But she knew her presence would only hinder Kakashi in the upcoming battle.

Without hesitation, she followed Guy as they disappeared into the forest.

"You think I'll let you escape?" Juzō roared, angered by their defiance.

He leapt forward, the massive Executioner's Blade gleaming in the misty light. The weapon came down with a violent swing, aiming directly for Lin!

Clang!

Just inches before it could hit her, a blade intercepted it—a long, silver sword wielded by none other than Kakashi.

"Oh? Impressive," Juzō muttered, surprised. "You've got good reflexes, kid."

He took a closer look at Kakashi's youthful face. Eleven, maybe twelve at most? Yet he moved like a seasoned warrior. Then he remembered—Kakashi had claimed earlier to be a Jōnin. A child prodigy?

Juzō's grin widened with bloodlust. He loved killing geniuses. Their blood made the Executioner's Blade sing.

Without warning, he raised his sword again and lunged at Kakashi. The silver-haired boy met him head-on. Sparks flew as the two blades clashed repeatedly.

After dozens of exchanges, Juzō's brow furrowed.

The boy was still standing.

"Hey, Juzō!" called Kuriarare Kushimaru, his sharp-toothed grin mocking. "What's taking so long? Can't handle a brat?"

"Shut up! I'm just getting warmed up!" Juzō growled.

But deep down, he was beginning to take this seriously. The kid wasn't just fast—he had technique, awareness, and precision.

"Stop playing around," the deep voice of Watermelon Mountain Fūgetsu, the group's leader, echoed. "We don't have time to waste. This mission is to hit Konoha's front lines. Kill the brat and move out."

"Tch. Fine."

Juzō gave Kakashi one final glance, then smirked darkly. "Your swordplay is good, I'll admit. But let's see how well you fight when you can't see anything."

He raised two fingers in front of his chest and shouted: "Hidden Mist Technique!"

Instantly, a thick mist rolled out from him, covering the battlefield in ghostly white. In this fog, only the Mist shinobi could sense their enemies.

"Tch. Juzō's using that already?" Kushimaru sneered.

"He doesn't underestimate his enemies. That's why he's survived this long," Fūgetsu replied calmly.

Inside the fog, visibility dropped to zero.

Kakashi's breathing slowed. He couldn't see a thing.

"Without Minato-sensei's training, I'd be dead in this mist," he whispered to himself.

He closed his eyes, tuning out all distractions. His ear twitched. The subtle sound of a blade cutting through air reached him—the Executioner's Blade again!

Now!

"Hatake Style: Thunder Seal Slash!"

A crack of lightning flashed from his blade. Using Lightning Release: Body Flicker, Kakashi vanished in an instant and reappeared behind Juzō.

"Not good!" Juzō realized too late. He began to dodge—

But Kakashi's blade suddenly lengthened by a few inches, its edge coated in searing lightning.

Slash!

The blade sliced across Juzō's waist, tearing flesh and armor alike.

Electricity surged into the wound, paralyzing his nerves. His body went stiff, completely numb.

"Perfect timing!" Kakashi took the opportunity to strike again, aiming for the heart.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions erupted in front of him. His blade was blocked—by another attacker!

Kakashi flipped backward, forced to retreat. As the fog dispersed from the blast, the battlefield became clear once more.

Standing before him was Munashi Jinpachi, wielding the Explosive Sword: Shibuki.

"You okay, Juzō?" Jinpachi asked without turning his head.

"...This kid's stronger than I expected," Juzō grunted, clutching his waist. "Don't hold back."

"Then let's end it now."

"Agreed," said Watermelon Mountain Fūgetsu. His tone was calm, but his body radiated killing intent. "Enough delays. We finish this—together."

With a silent signal, six members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen encircled Kakashi.

Only Juzō, still recovering from paralysis, remained on the sidelines.

Kakashi now stood alone in a circle of elite killers.

He didn't flinch.

His breathing was steady. His eye focused.

The real battle had only just begun.

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