Analysis

Asuma's eyes were full of confusion.

Based on the vague human shape in the smoke, he was certain his Fire Release Ninjutsu, Great Ash Pile Burning, had hit the target.

Then, to cover a wider area, several Jonin had combined their Water Style with Kakashi's Lightning Release—and those attacks had hit, too.

He couldn't imagine how the enemy could have launched a counterattack so quickly after taking both his Great Ash Pile Burning and Kakashi's Lightning Blade!

Swish.

The bloodied arm that had pierced Asuma's chest was pulled free.

Under Shadow Release's optical camouflage, the blood on the arm flickered in and out of sight, giving it an eerily unnatural appearance!

Then the attacker swung their arm, flinging off all the blood. As soon as the blood was gone, the enemy vanished without a trace once more.

"Damn it!"

Asuma slumped to his knees.

"Asuma!"

Kurenai froze for a moment, then rushed forward without a second thought.

Kakashi's heart leaped. "Look out!"

Sure enough, before Kakashi could finish speaking, Kurenai was lifted into the air as if something had seized her by the throat.

"Got you!"

Struggling to speak, Kurenai formed Hand Seals and cast the genjutsu Tree Binding Death!

She clearly knew that if she went straight to Asuma, the enemy would attack her. But this was the only way she might be able to reach the enemy and cast her genjutsu!

As the genjutsu took effect, a great tree appeared behind the attacker, sending out several branches that wrapped around them and outlined a vague, transparent human shape.

Kurenai drew a Kunai, her face murderous. "I want to see what you really look like!"

But just as she brought it down hard on the enemy trapped by Tree Binding Death, a hand suddenly reached out and caught the