A shadow leaped out from behind a crate, a kunai in his hand aimed straight for Kirishima's throat.
Kirishima dodged sideways and struck back at the man's chest with her palm.
The man staggered back a few steps, then steadied himself.
"Traitor of the Mist Village," the man sneered, his voice hoarse. "You dare chase me all the way here."
"Traitor?" Kirishima scoffed. "The one who stole the village's weapons is the real traitor."
"I merely took back what belongs to me," the man said. "I remember everything the village did to me back then."
"You brought it on yourself."
The two of them immediately began fighting.
Kiyomi and Chocho took a few steps back.
"Should we help?" Chocho asked quietly.
"Let's wait and see." Kiyomi watched the fight. "Kirishima should be able to handle him."
Kirishima moved quickly, gaining the upper hand after a few exchanges.
But the man in black suddenly formed hand seals.
"Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique!"
Thick mist instantly enveloped the entire area.
"Not good," Kirishima muttered.
Kiyomi's vision was blocked by the dense fog; she couldn't see a thing.
"Chocho?" Kiyomi called tentatively.
There was no answer.
Kiyomi tightened her grip on her kunai and warily scanned her surroundings.
Suddenly, killing intent came at her from behind.
Kiyomi turned, and her kunai collided with a short blade.
"Not bad, little girl. Quick reflexes."
It was a stranger's voice.
Kiyomi couldn't see the person's face, only a blurry silhouette.
"Who are you?"
"The dead don't need to know."
The person attacked again, the short blade slicing across Kiyomi's shoulder.
Kiyomi gritted her teeth and staggered back a few steps.
The wound was shallow, but the blade was poisoned.
She could feel her arm going numb.
"Poison?"
"That's right." The person laughed. "In three minutes, your