The Rearguard

Gazing at the girl beside him, Nanchuan You was first confused, then enlightened.

Based on their age and setting, Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi were all graduates from the same year.

As the intensity of the war continued to escalate, Konoha, let alone graduated ninjas, was now sending even students who hadn't officially graduated to the battlefield.

As far as Nanchuan You knew, even the Third Hokage's own son, the future Guardian of the Twelve Ninja, Asuma Sarutobi, had been dispatched to the front lines.

If even the Hokage's own son couldn't escape the fate of going to the battlefield, what hope was there for Kurenai Yuhi and the others?

"What are you looking at?"

The girl's voice suddenly rang out in front of him.

Sensing Nanchuan You's gaze, Kurenai Yuhi frowned, a little displeased.

"Ah, my apologies."

Hearing the voice, Nanchuan You smiled. "Miss Kurenai is too beautiful, I couldn't help but look a little longer."

"If I've caused you any trouble, I am truly sorry."

He apologized with sincere regret.

Looking at Nanchuan You before her, it was Kurenai Yuhi who became a little embarrassed this time.

Normally, no girl disliked being praised.

Especially when the one praising you was a child who looked so young.

In that instant, Kurenai Yuhi couldn't help but develop a good impression of Nanchuan You.

"For the upcoming mission, please take care of us."

Seeing that his two teammates weren't saying much, Nanchuan You spoke up proactively, his expression sincere. "I know some Medical Ninjutsu, but I'm really not proficient in combat. I just hope I don't hold you back."

"Don't worry."

Hyuga Fu, standing beside him, turned and spoke calmly. "When we encounter combat later, you just need to hide behind us and be responsible for healing us."

"As for everything else, I'm more than enough."

His face was filled with pride, and he seemed very confident in his own strength.

Kurenai Yuhi nodded beside him, her gaze towards Nanchuan You in front of her still quite calm.

"Alright."

Up ahead, the Jonin leading the team spoke faintly. "There's no need for further idle chatter."

"Let's begin our mission."

He spoke lightly, ending their conversation.

Following the Jonin leader in front of them, the group began to move quickly.

This time, their squad's mission was to infiltrate and capture an Iwagakure stronghold, clearing out the enemy's defenses under the cover of night.

The mission proceeded quite smoothly at first.

The members of the squad were all of excellent caliber. Aside from Nanchuan You, even Kurenai Yuhi, who was theoretically the weakest, possessed Chunin-level strength and was skilled in genjutsu.

On top of this member quality, they were supported by a Jonin, an elite Medical Ninja, and a member of the Hyuga clan with the Byakugan.

Such a configuration made it truly difficult to encounter any problems.

Unfortunately, if nothing unexpected happens, the unexpected will eventually happen.

During a surprise attack, they fell into an enemy trap.

Ninjas are a highly vigilant group.

While you are plotting to kill them, they are also plotting how to make you fall into a trap and what means to use to kill you.

The Iwagakure ninjas were just like that.

In some special locations, the Iwagakure ninjas had deliberately set traps, waiting for the Konoha ninjas to fall right into them.

Some people managed to narrowly dodge these traps, while others fell into them.

Nanchuan You's squad was among the unfortunate ones.

To better escape, they split into two groups.

The Jonin leader attracted most of the enemy's attention, breaking through in another direction.

Hyuga Fu and the other two headed in a different direction.

During the surprise attack, Hyuga Fu's chest was pierced.

The kunai struck with such accuracy that it narrowly missed his heart, almost causing him to die on the spot.

At this moment, he was still close.

Despite this, he was on the verge of losing consciousness, with only his last breath remaining.

"Put me down."

Struggling, Hyuga Fu spoke with difficulty. "If you keep carrying me, you'll all die."

"Put me down. I'll... cover your escape."

As a member of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Fu was proud.

He couldn't allow himself to be a burden, and struggled to get up at that moment.

Unfortunately, he was too severely injured. He didn't even have the strength to struggle to his feet.

"Your condition isn't very good."

Nanchuan You said softly, "It's better not to move around too much."

As he spoke, he placed one hand on Hyuga Fu's chest and gently stroked it.

A warm stream of Chakra flowed into Hyuga Fu's body, temporarily stabilizing his injuries and easing his pain.

"Thank you, You."

Hyuga Fu took a deep breath. "But given the current situation, it's impossible for all three of us to escape."

"You and Kurenai are still young. There's no need for you to die here."

"Let me stay behind."

As a member of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Fu had the greatest value among the three of them.

If he acted as bait, it would be enough to attract the attention of the Iwagakure, giving his two teammates time to escape.

This was the best method at the moment.

However, Nanchuan You merely smiled at his suggestion and exerted a slight force.

A wisp of Chakra was transmitted, entering Hyuga Fu's body and directly knocking him unconscious.

After doing all this, he turned his gaze to Kurenai Yuhi beside him.

"Kurenai, you two go first."

"You?"

Kurenai Yuhi's eyes widened. "What are you going to do?"

"Both you and Senior Kaede are outstanding Ninja."

Meeting Kurenai Yuhi's gaze, Nanchuan You said softly, "I'm different from you."

"I don't have outstanding Ninja talent. I'm just an ordinary person."

"Rather than live alone, I'd rather use my life to buy you some time."

As his voice fell, he handed Hyuga Fu, who was in his arms, to Kurenai Yuhi and ran off in the opposite direction.

"You!"

Kurenai Yuhi behind him widened her eyes, wanting to shout for him to stop.

But in the end, she didn't.

They were still being pursued, and enemy Ninja could appear from anywhere.

If she made too much noise, they would likely be discovered by the enemy immediately.

If that happened, it would be a waste of her comrade's intentions.

Standing still, she stared at Nanchuan You's retreating figure for a moment before quickly making a decision and leaving the area, carrying Hyuga Fu on her shoulder.

However, during this process, her eyes couldn't help but show a hint of tears, her mood inexplicably complicated.

Nanchuan You continued forward.

Since he was acting as bait, he naturally didn't hide anything, walking forward as if strolling through a garden.

In just a moment, he was discovered by Iwagakure Ninja.

Several Iwagakure Ninja appeared and surrounded Nanchuan You from all directions.

"Just a kid?"