Everyone split up and kept watch on their surroundings.
Kiyomi sat beside a cargo crate, looking at the wound on her arm.
It had stopped bleeding, but it still throbbed faintly.
"Does it hurt?" Kawaki came over and sat beside her.
"Not too bad."
"Next time something like that happens, remember to fall back first," Kawaki said. "Don't push yourself."
"I wasn't pushing myself," Kiyomi said. "I was just trying to help."
"Helping is good, but you have to know your limits," Kawaki said. "You're still a Genin. Taking on an enemy at Jonin level is too much for you."
"I know."
"Good." Kawaki stood up. "Get some rest. We may have another tough fight tomorrow."
Kiyomi nodded.
She watched Kawaki walk away and suddenly realized that, even though he was always scowling, he actually cared a lot about other people.
Night fell.
A few oil lamps were lit around the mine, their dim light illuminating the cargo crates nearby.
Sasuke stood at a high vantage point, watching the entrance.
"Teacher Sasuke, when will reinforcements from the Leaf arrive?" Boruto asked.
"Tomorrow at noon," Sasuke said. "Until then, we have to hold this place."
"What if Kabuto gets here early?"
"Then we fight," Sasuke said. "We have nowhere to retreat."
Boruto swallowed.
He knew how powerful Kabuto was. He was strong enough to fight Teacher Kakashi to a standstill.
"Don't worry." Sasuke glanced at him. "Kabuto is strong, but he isn't invincible."
"Can you beat him, Teacher Sasuke?"
"I don't know," Sasuke said. "But I'll do my best."
Boruto fell silent.
He suddenly realized that this mission was far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Around midnight.
Kiyomi was jolted awake by a sound.
She opened her eyes and saw Kawaki talking to Sasuke.
"Someone's coming," Kawaki said. "At least