The Three Sound Ninja

Sunlight streamed through the trees in shafts, creating a Tyndall effect that made the forest scenery breathtaking. It was another beautiful morning.

Sakura had brought Sasuke and Naruto into a hollow in a tree and kept watch all night.

The three ninjas from Otogakure, who had been holding back all night, began looking for trouble.

"Heh. You stayed up all night watching over them? Go wake up Sasuke Uchiha. We want to fight him."

The Sound Ninja Dosu let his arms hang loosely as he swayed in front of Sakura.

"What are you trying to do? I know Orochimaru sent you!"

Sakura cried out in fear and anger. Her hand trembled, but she stubbornly reached for the kunai in the ninja pouch on her thigh.

"What are those strange marks on Sasuke's neck? He's already hurt this badly, and you still want to fight him?"

Sakura demanded loudly. Sasuke was still unconscious, and she was filled with worry and fear.

The other Sound Ninja, Zaku, curled his lip without a trace of feeling. "Then let's kill her too. I'll handle it!"

With that, the three Sound Ninja leaped toward Sakura and Sasuke, intent on killing them. Tears welled in Sakura's eyes. Usually, all she could say was "Sasuke" or "Naruto," and at that moment, she felt utterly hopeless.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

With a loud shout, Rock Lee suddenly appeared, chaining together kicks in midair that sent the three Sound Ninja flying.

The Blue Beast of Konoha? Rock Lee had arrived!

Lee stood in front of Sakura, one hand raised in a ready stance.

"What are you doing here?"

Sakura looked at the figure she had once disliked. She had never felt so safe around him!

Rock Lee didn't even look at the three Sound Ninja. He touched the squirrel on his shoulder and spoke with cool, firm resolve.

"When you're in danger, I'll always be there!"

The scene was just like a romance drama, with the heroine in danger and the hero arriving in time to save her!

"Do you remember? I once said I'd protect you until the day I die!"

It was like Sophie had put on her hat crooked—the effect was downright overwhelming!

Lee's show of bravado was so moving, it even brought tears to his own eyes!

Unfortunately, one-sided love was no love at all. Feelings, especially, could never be forced.

At that moment, Kiyotaki was riding on the back of a huge tiger, strolling along at an easy pace.

The huge tiger, who had once only been able to roar, had now trained to the point where it could speak. It was truly astonishing!

"I told you! Bringing you to Konoha was definitely the right call."

"I still have to thank you for making that decision, my lord!"

The huge tiger spoke in a simple, earnest voice. Its ears twitched as it stared in a certain direction.

"My lord, there's a fight going on over there!"

Kiyotaki sat on the tiger's back, relaxing with his eyes closed. He nodded.

"Mm! I noticed it too. Let's go take a look!"

The huge tiger leaped forward and ran toward the fighting.

When Kiyotaki arrived, he saw Ino using the Mind Body Switch Technique to control the Sound Ninja Kin, while Zaku disregarded his comrade and fired a Vacuum Wave straight at her!

Choji came rushing in with his Human Bullet Tank to block the attack, but he was sent flying in an instant. Kin, controlled by Ino, hurriedly raised her hands in front of her. The sound wave was about to hit her.

"Boom!"

The Vacuum Wave exploded! A figure appeared in front of Kin.

"What?!"

Zaku and Dosu stared wide-eyed. Someone had actually taken Zaku's ultimate move, the Vacuum Wave, head-on.

"Heh. That's pretty heartless, isn't it? You'd even lay into such a cute girl."

Kiyotaki chuckled softly.

"She's your comrade, too. Am I right?"

Hearing the familiar voice in front of her, Kin—still under Ino's control—realized the sound wave hadn't hit her. She nervously opened her eyes and saw a tall figure before her. Overcome with emotion, she cried out.

"Kiyotaki, did you come to save me?!"

Kiyotaki turned around and flashed her a bright smile.

"Yeah! I came especially to help everyone! Minna-san, is everyone okay?"

For a moment, nobody answered. There was only silence. Kiyotaki turned to look.

Lee lay on the ground, blood coming from his ears. Sakura knelt nearby, her beautiful pink hair cut short and tousled. She looked utterly battered.

Sasuke and Naruto lay neatly beneath the tree roots. Naruto looked peaceful in his unconsciousness, while Sasuke clenched his teeth in pain, his whole body giving off a strange energy.

This was bad. It really was just like the original story!

"Ino, go back to your own body. Leave this to me!"

"Okay, Kiyotaki-kun."

Ino had an inexplicable trust in Kiyotaki. She formed Hand Seals, and her spirit returned to her own body. Kin's body, which she had been possessing, tilted and fell to the ground.

Kiyotaki glanced at Kin, who had fallen to the ground. She had a pretty face, long black hair tied with a bow.

"Heh! She's beautiful. What a shame she became a Sound Ninja."

"Damn it!"

Zaku roared angrily. This guy had appeared out of nowhere, ruined his attack, and insulted them by saying it was a shame Kin was a Sound Ninja. That was an insult to Otogakure—and to Orochimaru!

How could he let that go?

"Bastard! Don't underestimate the Sound Ninja!"

Zaku charged forward in a fit of rage, aiming both hands at Kiyotaki to fire again!

"Vacuum Wave!"

Two sound waves shot toward Kiyotaki.

"Just in time!"

Dosu seized the opening and dashed toward Sasuke, intent on killing him!