What Would Chiba Do?

Just his killing intent... made me...

The hand held across his chest trembled once, then again. Every hair on his body stood on end, a faint chill prickling his nerves. Hirohiko took a slight breath, raised his eyelids a fraction, and looked at the burly figure slowly approaching him step by step.

No! Stay calm, Hirohiko! From here on, you can only rely on yourself. There will be no reinforcements, and no one is coming back to save you!

As he drew that breath, this thought flashed through Hirohiko's mind. Yet as it did, his foot unconsciously retreated half a step. His stance sank lower, his whole body settling into a crouched posture, with a faint trace of stiffness still lingering in it.

Judging from that Flame Dragon Fire Technique just now, the enemy I'm facing may be a powerful ninja I've never encountered before. He might even be stronger than Lord Jiraiya.

And judging from the memories flowing back from the Shadow Clone whose chest was pierced, as well as Chiba's injuries, this Kumogakure ninja's strength... may be on the same level as Chiba's Monster Strength.

That means I can't take even one hit. If he hits me once, I may not be able to keep fighting.

And his speed is no worse than that older Kumogakure ninja's from before. Even my Sharingan can barely keep up with him.

In this battle, the slightest mistake could cost me my ability to fight. And it could happen in an instant.

If he weren't that kind of opponent, how could Chiba have taken that punch simply because he pulled me away?

I have to be cautious. Cautious beyond cautious!

Thinking this, Hirohiko took another deep breath. At the same time, his Sharingan spun as he swept his gaze over both sides