Engaging the Enemy

Fuma Shuriken, Explosive Tags, Flash Bombs – so many items, all actually developed by the Uchiha clan. The proud Uchiha disdained engaging in low-end businesses like ordinary Kunai and Shuriken, instead creating a variety of strange items to sell.

Among these were deadly weapons like the Explosive Tag, which became famous throughout the Ninja World, and the Fuma Shuriken, an awkward product that could only be sold domestically. However, overall, the Uchiha were undeniably a prominent clan in the Ninja World, excelling in overall strength, top-tier experts, and economic power.

Their only flaw was their stubborn, proud temperament. This very temperament prevented their clan from fully integrating into Konoha, leaving them with a feeling of never truly belonging.

Of course, I'm rambling. Katsuki's six shadow clones, along with his main body, formed a concave arc. Shuriken pressed in from both the front left and right, creating a seemingly impenetrable net.

He had consulted with the Otoha and Otome siblings about shurikenjutsu. While he couldn't reach the abnormal level of the Uchiha clan, his own skill had greatly improved. His training in the Land of Rain had further enhanced his practical combat abilities, allowing him to hit moving targets.

"Clang!"

A very crisp sound, especially on this Senju Clan territory, which was very quiet. Thus, the extraneous noise became even more noticeable.

Katsuki's heart sank. Utterly unlucky, he'd run into someone who used Earth Release. In the moonlight, he could see the darkening color of the hand that easily deflected the incoming shuriken.

But then again, it wasn't surprising. The Anbu, that profession, was filled with Earth Release and Lightning Release ninjas. Earth Release's stealth was perfect for Anbu work, and Lightning Release's short-range dash was also a unique skill that could be extremely useful in many situations.

However, now, Katsuki began to ponder how to overturn this Anbu member and clear a path.

A rather arrogant thought. The power of the Anbu wasn't just talk; it was built upon countless lives. Those who entered the Anbu were all talents.

The shadow clones, kunai in hand, began a probing attack, rapidly approaching the dog-faced masked Anbu. The shuriken attack was too weak at this distance to break through the Hardening Technique's defense, so they decided to try close-quarters combat.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Like popping balloons, the Anbu destroyed Katsuki's shadow clones. The skill levels of both sides were vastly different. Unlike sparring with Sakumo, this opponent might have been holding back, but they clearly weren't planning on playing nice with Katsuki.

After destroying the shadow clones, the Anbu strode forward, approaching the three of them. While they dared not use excessive force, restraining the three youngsters temporarily was certainly within their capabilities.

"I'll help too."

The one who shouted was Minato. The gentle youth also showed a hint of ferocity.

He was smart. The appearance of an Anbu was enough to indicate that Kushina's situation was definitely related to Konoha's higher-ups. This wasn't something a student like him could interfere with. However, truly smart people never shied away from difficulties. He wouldn't back down, and this time, it was for Kushina.

Katsuki had spoken vaguely. Although he couldn't fully grasp what had happened, knowing that there was danger was enough.

"Together."

Otome pulled a kunai from Katsuki's Ninja Tool Bag. An unwavering determination was etched on her pretty little face as she took a stance.

"I must see Sister Kushina."

He wasn't the only smart one. Katsuki's mouth twitched. He didn't have time to chat anymore; the Anbu was already closing in.

Shadow Clone Technique.

Katsuki began to cast Shadow Clones with all his might, again and again. At this moment, he desperately missed the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Being able to create hundreds or thousands of clones at once, why would he need to be this troublesome now?

The battle from the start was overwhelming. Having trained in Earth Release, and with the Hardening Technique at that, their close-combat skills were imaginable. Shadow clones were continuously destroyed, their pale white chakra smoke dispersed by hands as hard as black iron.

Earth Release, Rock Rods.

Three shadow clones lunged forward, grabbing the Anbu's limbs. Then, the main body unleashed ninjutsu. Stone pillars erupted from the ground, piercing one clone, passing through the white smoke, and then striking the Anbu's lower abdomen.

A piercing, grating noise sounded. Katsuki's face darkened. The Hardening Technique was too difficult to deal with; even this couldn't injure them.

"Stop your futile efforts. Even if you are all geniuses, undeveloped sprouts are still just sprouts. Surrender obediently, and I won't harm you." The Anbu punched and shattered the stone pillar, staring at the three youngsters.

Shadow Clone Technique.

Earth Release, Rock Rods.

The main body and the clones simultaneously released Rock Rods. There was no choice; this was the only offensive ninjutsu he knew. Fortunately, when used in conjunction with shadow clones, the momentum was quite impressive. Stone pillars, like bamboo shoots after rain, emerged rapidly, thrusting towards the Anbu.

The narrow alley was densely packed with fractured stone pillars.

Minato and Otome stood to the side, feeling a bit awkward. They couldn't get involved!

The Anbu also hadn't expected Katsuki to be so resilient, using shadow clones to stall him, then destroying them along with his own. These stone pillars were indeed causing him quite a bit of trouble. Maintaining full-body hardening consumed a lot of chakra.

And how many shadow clones had this kid already had destroyed? Nearly a hundred. Coupled with Rock Rods, even though it was a C-rank ninjutsu, the chakra consumed wasn't insignificant. Yet, the red-haired boy showed no signs of fatigue, his expression unchanged.

Katsuki was also gritting his teeth and holding on. An Anbu who showed no killing intent and consistently held back was making him feel the pressure. If he hadn't experienced killing and bloodshed in the Land of Rain, he might not have been able to maintain his composure. Beside him, Otome's breathing was ragged with excitement.

"Katsuki, keep him busy. Otome and I will try something," Minato said in a low voice, then quickly walked over to Otome and began speaking quietly...

The time passed, not long, not short. Three to five minutes had gone by, but the Anbu still hadn't taken down the three youngsters.

Irritation began to grow.

He wasn't the only one guarding the surroundings, of course. It was just that the others didn't deem it necessary to reveal themselves. To deal with three kids, they'd have to team up? That Anbu might as well go home and sleep. What use would they be then?

The dog-faced masked Anbu had been very confident initially. Three little brats, how much could they possibly achieve?

However, reality was merciless. He was being held back by children. He hadn't been able to take down the three youngsters in five minutes. Even with the fact that he wasn't going all out, he still hadn't succeeded. He could fully anticipate becoming a laughingstock among his colleagues, and might even face disciplinary action for it.

The force in his hands unconsciously increased. He forcefully broke through the stone pillars protruding in front of him, like an enraged bull.

Fire Release, Great Fireball Technique.

Wind Release, Great Breakthrough.