Otogakure's Three Genin

Sunlight streamed down through the trees, creating a beautiful spectacle with the Tyndall effect, marking another wonderful morning.

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

The three Otogakure ninja, who had been holding back all night, began to cause trouble.

"Heh heh, you stayed up all night watching them? Go wake up Uchiha Sasuke, we want to fight him."

Dosu of Otogakure said to Sakura, dangling his two arms loosely.

"What do you want? I know you were sent by Orochimaru!"

Sakura shouted in fear and anger, her hand trembling as she resolutely reached for a kunai in the ninja pouch on her thigh.

"What's that strange scar on Sasuke's neck? He's already this injured, and you still want to fight him!"

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

Another Otogakure ninja, Zaku, sneered emotionlessly, "Then kill her too. I'll do it!"

With that, the three Otogakure ninja leaped up simultaneously and attacked Sakura and Sasuke. Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes. Usually only saying "Sasuke" and "Naruto," in this moment, she felt utter despair.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

With a loud shout, Rock Lee suddenly appeared, unleashing a series of kicks in mid-air to send the three Otogakure ninja flying.

The Blue Beast of Konoha? Rock Lee has arrived!

Lee stood in front of Sakura, striking a starting pose with one hand forward.

"Why are you here?"

Sakura looked at the figure she used to dislike, never feeling so at ease!

Rock Lee didn't even look at the three Otogakure ninja, instead looking sideways while scratching the squirrel on his shoulder, speaking in a cool and determined tone.

"When you're in danger, I will always appear!"

This scene was just like a romantic drama where the heroine is in danger and the hero appears just in time to save the day!

"Remember? I once said I would protect you until I die!"

This scene was like Sophie's hat being crooked – overflowing with charisma!

This display of bravado even moved Lee to tears!

It's a pity that one's affection is not always returned. Especially when it comes to feelings, they can never be forced!

At this moment, Qinglong was riding slowly on the back of a large tiger.

The tiger, which could only roar in the past, had now cultivated to the point where it could speak human language, which was truly astonishing!

"I told you so! Bringing you to Konoha back then was definitely the right decision."

"I must thank you for your decision back then, my lord!"

The large tiger said foolishly, its ears twitching as it gazed in a certain direction.

"My lord, there's a fight happening over there!"

Qinglong sat on the tiger's back, leisurely closing his eyes to rest. He nodded.

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

The large tiger leaped up and ran towards the direction of the fight.

When Qinglong arrived, he saw Ino using the Mind Transfer Jutsu to control Kin of Otogakure. Zaku, disregarding his comrade's feelings, directly fired a Vacuum Wave!

Choji Akimichi charged forward with his Human Bullet Tank to block, but was immediately repelled. The Otogakure ninja Kin, controlled by Ino, hurriedly raised his hands to block in front of him, just as the sound wave was about to hit.

"Boom!"

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

"Nani!"

Zaku and Dosu's eyes widened. Someone had actually taken Zaku's ultimate move, [Vacuum Wave], head-on.

"Tsk tsk! How heartless can you be, to be so ruthless to such a cute girl."

Qinglong clicked his tongue and chuckled softly.

"She's your comrade, isn't she!"

Hearing the familiar voice in front of him, before the sound wave attack arrived, Kin, controlled by Ino, finally opened his eyes nervously. He looked at the imposing figure before him and excitedly exclaimed.

"Qinglong, are you here to save me!?"

Qinglong turned around and gave her a brilliant smile.

"Mm! I came specifically to rescue everyone! Everyone, is everyone okay!?"

Silence fell, and no one answered. Qinglong turned to look.

Lee lay on the ground, bleeding from his ear. Sakura knelt on the ground, her beautiful pink hair now a messy short style, beaten to a pulp.

Sasuke and Naruto lay neatly under the tree roots. Naruto was knocked out quite peacefully, while Sasuke gritted his teeth in pain, radiating a strange energy.

This is truly tragic, just like in the original story!

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

"Okay! Kiyotaki-kun."

Ino felt an inexplicable trust towards Kiyotaki. She formed hand seals, and her soul returned to her own body. The body of Kin, which she had possessed, swayed and fell to the ground.

Kiyotaki glanced at the fallen Kin, her beautiful face framed by long, black hair tied with a ribbon.

"Tsk! A beauty, but unfortunately forced to be an Otogakure ninja."

"Damn it!"

Beside them, the Otogakure ninja Zaku roared. This guy who had suddenly appeared not only disrupted his attack but also spoke disrespectfully, saying "unfortunately forced to be an Otogakure ninja." This was an insult to their Otogakure, an insult to Orochimaru!

How could this be tolerated!

"Bastard! Don't underestimate the Otogakure!"

Zaku's anger surged, and he charged forward, aiming his hands at Kiyotaki for another strike.

"Vacuum Wave!"

Two sonic waves shot out, blasting towards Kiyotaki.

"Just in time!"

Dosu seized the opportunity and sprinted towards Sasuke!