Ladies~, want to team up to fight a boss?

A day passed quickly, and as dusk fell, the sky was covered by a huge black curtain, and a mysterious atmosphere enveloped the entire Forest of Death.

The woods were quiet, filled with an atmosphere of danger.

After setting up the Shisui, Zhishui stayed in a hidden spot to keep watch, a position he held for half a day.

We waited and waited, and time just passed by.

Suddenly! A series of rustling footsteps came from inside the Cave, Shisui immediately perked up.

Tōka emerged from the Cave, looking exhausted. The night chill on his face lessened his drowsiness.

Upon seeing this, Shisui immediately jumped out and asked in a low voice, "Where's Kakashi? Has he woken up yet?"

"He's awake, but he's still resting." Tōka stretched his back; as expected, medicine wasn't his forte.

"What's the next step?" Shisui breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Kakashi was awake, then started thinking about what to do next.

The Kumogakure team is really strong. Besides the Two-Tails Yugito, who is practically a human tank, the other dark-skinned boy is also very strong.

At least Shisui wasn't confident he could defeat Darui in a short time; neither side had gone all out in their previous encounters.

The two of them devoted about half of their energy to Yugito.

Therefore, Shisui and Darui noticed it the moment the Yugito released the Tailed Beast Bomb.

"Let's meet up with Kai and the others tomorrow. After a night's rest, Kakashi should be mostly recovered."

After Tōka finished speaking, he sat down against a Big Tree, closed his eyes, and began to rest.

Shisui nodded slightly and found a quiet place to rest.

Genjutsu Trap have been set up nearby, so there's no need to leave anyone on guard. Besides, tomorrow will be an unknown battle, so the three of them must be in top condition tonight.

Nothing was said that night; the night grew deeper and quieter.

Somewhere in the southeastern part of the Forest of Death, three dark figures darted swiftly through the dense woods.

"Red, do you think the information about those three guys is reliable?" Asuma, the squad leader, asked in a low voice.

"Although they are from Root, they are still ninjas of Konoha, so they should be trustworthy." Of the three, apart from Guy, Asuma and Kurenai had some knowledge of Root due to their fathers' connections.

"In that case, let's hurry and meet up with Kakashi and the others!" Asuma nodded, quickening his pace.

Kai remained silent, worried about Kakashi's condition.

"He was slapped away by Yugito, who had Tailed Beast Transformation," these were the exact words of Root Squad.

Kakashi, wait for me! Guy clenched his fist and stomped heavily on a tree branch as thick as a waist, leaving a deep footprint.

The terrifying force seemed to press the entire tree down slightly, and Kai used the powerful rebound to leap forward, rushing to the front with a whoosh.

"Guy, slow down!" Kurenai whispered. Asuma might be able to keep up with Guy's pace, but she wasn't Taijutsu- type ninja!

Meanwhile, led by the Ninja Dog Pakkun, Team Kakashi was also moving rapidly towards Asuma's team in the southeast.

However...

In a low-lying canyon, in a forest filled with damp air, Tōka and his two companions were stopped by a group of people.

To be precise, a large group of people surrounded Team Kakashi.

Almost instantly, Pakkun vanished in a puff of White Smoke with a bang, returning to his starting position.

"When did the people from Kirigakure and Sunagakure get mixed up together?" Tōka squinted, his ambiguous gaze sweeping back and forth between the two groups.

"Heh... you guys got a real beating from the Two-Tails of Kumogakure yesterday!" Zabuza sneered, holding a large sword in his hand, standing on a tree trunk and looking down at the three of them.

"Oh..." Tōka responded indifferently, not Zabuza at Zabuza. His gaze fell on Yashamaru.

Yashamaru, Karura's younger brother, is a character full of love yet tragically endearing.

And he's Gaara's uncle...

Tōka's thoughts drifted far away, and her calm demeanor appeared to Zabuza as utter indifference!

In an instant, this enraged Zabuza, who Zabuza had a bad temper!

"Damn it, where are you looking!" Zabuza, leaping down with his greatsword in hand, gripping the hilt and raising the entire sword high behind him.

Then, two powerful arms swung down with the broadsword.

Buzz!!

The blade tore through the air, producing a deafening hum.

"Tōka, watch out!" Kakashi drew his White Fang Short Sword, ready to rush to the rescue, but was stopped by Kisame, who had acted first.

Standing in front of Shisui was a pretty young woman with brown hair— Mei Terumī.

Boom!!

The broadsword fell, shaking the earth and sending dust billowing everywhere. A whirlwind swept up fallen leaves.

"Were they taken down?" Everyone was surprised and uncertain, craning their necks like ducks to look at the scene.

Zabuza's heart skipped a beat as a terrifying aura suddenly swept over him, and a bead of cold sweat rolled down his forehead.

The slash just now should have hit the opponent, but why didn't I feel the blade striking my flesh?

Is it a visual illusion?

Zabuza... you're pretty arrogant, aren't you!

Tōka's figure emerged eerily from among the swirling leaves.

Is this... Genjutsu? Zabuza's pupils Zabuza sharply as he stared at Tōka in shock. He hadn't seen the other party Hand Seals at all.

When was the Genjutsu cast?

Tōka stared at Zabuza expressionlessly, thinking to himself, "What a muscle-bound guy."

Meanwhile, Tōka had almost figured out the Kirigakure's plan.

Kirigakure is extremely xenophobic, and they take advantage of this, as other villages are unaware of the strength of Kirigakure squads.

The one with the greatest reputation is Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist single-handedly killed all the students in the Genin graduation exam!

Kirigakure assigned Kisame and Mei Terumī Akira, who were equally powerful and in no way inferior Zabuza, to the team, but they were treated like mere followers.

The purpose is obvious!

Even Konoha ranked Zabuza at the top of its Genius Hunt Plan, while ignoring Kisame and Mei Terumī.

This shows that Kirigakure's plan was very successful, and Kisame and Mei Terumī were the biggest weapons in Kirigakure's operation!

"I've heard that your Kirigakure has a technique called the Hidden Mist Technique?" The thought One Flash his mind, and Tōka came back to his senses, squinting his eyes and smiling.

"Hmph, you're quite knowledgeable!" Zabuza chuckled smugly; his specialty was Silent Killing Technique!

Tōka curled the corners of her lips into a strange and enigmatic smile.

Genjutsu Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!

Darkness, endless darkness spread out, as if the sky were covered by a huge black curtain, and a mysterious aura enveloped the earth.

In an instant, everyone was deprived of their sight, and the world was plunged into complete darkness, so dark that one could not see their own hand in front of their face.

The three from Sunagakure immediately stood back to back in defense, demonstrating the true meaning of a three-person team by entrusting their backs to their companions.

Meanwhile, the three from Kirigakure fought individually, with Zabuza using the Hidden Mist Technique.

As the thick fog dissipated, the damp air in the low-lying Valley, rich in moisture, amplified the power of the Hidden Mist Technique several times over.

Two completely different worlds, one black and one white, separated the two sides.

Although the two Jutsu Formulas have similar effects, the Hidden Mist Technique simply uses fog to obscure the enemy's vision.

The Bringer-of-Darkness Technique is Forbidden Jutsu sealed within a sealing technique, an S-rank Genjutsu!

With a snap!

Tōka clasped his hands together and activated his Chakra Sensing Technique!

"Since we can't see with our eyes, let's close them!"

As a relatively basic perceptual ability, it is a very useful skill in this situation.

Tōka was truly grateful to Hong, as the technique Hong taught him had played a crucial role on many occasions.

Zabuza's aura was violent, bloody, and cold, and Tōka locked onto him almost instantly.

Chakra Sensing Technique have a limited range, unlike the Byakugan's kilometer-based Dojutsu detection.

Its accuracy isn't great either, not as terrifying as Mind's Eye of the Kagura, which can pinpoint a person's exact location.

However, Chakra Sensing Technique can determine the general area, and that's enough!

Puff!!

"All-Killing Ash Bones - Earth Spear!" A chilling voice rang out, like the low murmur of Shinigami.

With Zabuza's foot, and a piece of Ash Bones as thick as an arm burst forth from the earth!

The aura of death instantly enveloped Zabuza and death, his potential was unleashed to its fullest extent.

Zabuza's mind went almost blank, but his body, honed through years of assassination training, reacted instantly.

He shifted to the side, then quickly turned around, using the massive blade to separate his Original Body from the Ash Bones.

Clang!!

A piercing crash rang out, Zabuza, along with Ash Bones, was sent flying.

"Tsk... what a pity." A hint of regret flashed in Tōka's eyes. He was just about to take advantage of everyone being under the influence of the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique to launch another attack.

Sudden!

"Boil Release: Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!" A clear, cold voice rang out, as alluring yet deadly as a poppy.

"Not this trick again?!" Tōka's expression changed, and he quickly broke the Genjutsu.

The Bringer-of-Darkness Technique had no effect on Tōka, but it might not have affected Kakashi and Shisui who were standing nearby.

Although Kakashi's Sharingan has awakened to the two- Tomoe, he is not yet proficient in its use.

Tōka didn't know if Shisui could break the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.

However, Tōka dared not risk their lives.

Just how powerful is the corrosive force of Terumi Akira's Boil Release: Mei Terumī Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique? Susanoo's bones have already tested it!

"Scatter!" Tōka in a low voice, and quickly retreated.

Kakashi and Shisui knew the power of Mei Terumī's Kekkei Genkai, so they immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to disappear from their spot.

The Sunagakure squad, not far away, were slightly taken aback when they saw the Genjutsu broken, and then sensed the change in the air.

Their expressions changed instantly, and the three of them turned and ran without a second thought.

"Scorch Release: Over-Steam Kill!" Pakura turned around and spat out three scorching fireballs, slowing down the corrosive effect of the Acid Mist and buying the team some time.

The other two teams from Sunagakure were not so lucky.

In less than a quarter of an hour, before even a few teams could make a move, they had already turned into a puddle of acid.

"Mei Terumī! What do you mean?!" Pakura, standing in a safe spot, roared furiously, her eyes blazing with rage.

There were five Team Kakashi lying in ambush at this location: three squads from Sunagakure and two small groups from Kirigakure.

Now, apart from Pakura's squad, the other two squads in Sunagakure, totaling six people, have all been wiped out!

Apart from Tōka being nearly killed Zabuza, the Kirigakure suffered absolutely no losses!

"Hmph, just a slip of the tongue!" Mei Terumī licked her sexy, alluring lips and said indifferently.

"They're just cannon fodder anyway, why bother caring so much?"

"You..." Pakura's face turned pale and then red as he choked on his words.

She really wanted to retort, "Since they're all just cannon fodder anyway, why don't you just kill off your Kirigakure squad as well?"

However, Baki wisely stepped forward to stop Pakura. The two sides were not evenly matched, and there were also people from Konoha who were eyeing them covetously.

Even if revenge is desired, now is not the time; at the very least, Sunagakure still needs Kirigakure as a temporary "ally"!

"Miss Pakura is very angry!~"

Just as tensions were running high, Tōka's voice, tinged with a hint of mockery, rang out leisurely.

Everyone's hearts skipped a beat, and they looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Tōka appear right in the cannon fodder squad of Kirigakure.

Upon Mei Terumī, Terumi frowned, a sense of foreboding rising within her.

"If that's the case, perhaps it's a bit fairer."

As Tōka finished speaking, a thick aura of decay emanated from his body, and gray bones burst forth from his robes.

All-Killing Ash Bones - Hedgehog Style!

Puff puff puff!!

In an instant, the three-man cannon fodder squad from Kirigakure were pierced through by the Ash Bones that emerged from Tōka's body.

A gentle breeze blew by, and the three corpses turned into scraps of Waste Paper, which swirled in the air and drifted away into the distance.

Glug...

Everyone subconsciously swallowed.

Despite having heard of Tōka's abilities, which possess the characteristic of being able to kill with a single blow.

But when everyone actually saw it with their own eyes, they clearly felt that chilling aura.

Zabuza felt it the most deeply. He looked down at the ninja shoes on his feet, noticing the broken mark between his big toe and index toe.

It was so close...

He'll end up like those three unfortunate guys.

Thinking of this, Zabuza suddenly felt a chill run down his spine...

He then realized that his overcoat was soaked with cold sweat.

With two swishes, Kakashi and Shisui landed beside Tōka.

At this point, Konoha, Kirigakure, Sunagakure... were at least equal in number.

"How is it? Are you satisfied?" Tōka's lips curled into a smile, seemingly a smile, but without any real joy.

As expected of the guy at the top of the list, he is indeed very dangerous.

Zabuza, the troublemaker, chose to remain silent, and the others also kept quiet.

"Tōka..." Kakashi gave Tōka a look, signaling him not to provoke either group.

After all, dealing with the Two-Tails Jinchūriki from Kumogakure requires the assistance of two Elite Squad from Kirigakure and Sunagakure.

The same meaning applies to Shisui; this was originally the plan he and Tōka devised.

"You should have gathered some of the intelligence from yesterday. I believe that no single team could defeat the Two-Tails Jinchūriki of Kumogakure." Kakashi stepped forward at the right moment, easing the tense atmosphere.

"What do you want to say?" Baki asked.

"Perhaps we can cooperate..." Kakashi paused, observing the expressions on the six people's faces.

After a moment of silence, Kakashi added.

Let's work together to take down the Kumogakure's Jinchūriki squad!

"Ha! Isn't your Konoha supposed to be the leader of the Five Great Nations? You actually need to cooperate with us?" Zabuza sneered, his arrogant gaze filled with disdain.

The other five people remained silent, but they also did not refuse.

Clearly, they intended to hear what Kakashi would say next, or rather, what benefits Konoha could offer.

"Hmph, you think the Kumogakure won't attack you? Don't be so naive!" Kakashi said coldly, his face darkening.

"Even if we face the Two-Tails Jinchūriki from Kumogakure, we from Kirigakure are not afraid!" Zabuza spoke again, seemingly deliberately undermining Kakashi.

In reality, his eyes gleamed with a sharp light, as if he were intentionally playing the role of the stern judge.

"That's right, our Sunagakure is not afraid of the Kumogakure either." Baki nodded in agreement.

However, no one would believe him if he said that.

Kakashi remained silent, his face tense, cursing inwardly at these guys who wouldn't act until they Rabbit in return, actually trying to take advantage of the situation.

"Compared to the Four Great Nations wind, earth, water, and fire, the Land of Lightning suffered the least losses in the Third Shinobi World War, one could even say it suffered no losses," Tōka chimed in, speaking in a nonchalant tone.

"You mean..." Baki glanced at Zabuza, who had suddenly fallen silent, Zabuza spoke up.

"This Chunin Ninja Exams is related to the division of interests among the Great Nations, and the fact that Kumogakure has sent the Two-Tails Jinchūriki makes them our common enemy!"

Tōka changed the subject and looked at Pakura and Mei Terumī.

"Hey ladies, wanna team up and take down the boss?"

Whether it's the Sunagakure team or the Kirigakure team, the real leaders are the two cute girls standing in the middle of the group.

Therefore, Tōka didn't care about other people's opinions at all. As long as Pakura and Mei Terumī agreed, the joint plan would be a success!