A dull ache gradually crept into her arms, and the girl felt exhaustion spreading through her body.
The Mist Ninja across from her were cautious to an almost absurd degree. Even with numbers on their side, and even though their target was just a little girl, they hadn't let their guard down for a moment.
After all, the last guy who'd gotten cocky was currently lying in the grass, spitting blood.
"Damn it... This isn't working." Hyuga Rei furrowed her brow. A sense of helplessness welled up as she looked at the enemies surrounding her.
The veins around her eyes bulged. She was just about to activate her Byakugan to turn the situation around when she suddenly remembered what Uchiha Kai had once told her.
"Never reveal your trump cards lightly, no matter when. Shinobi rely on information gaps to fight."
The boy's words and the scene from that moment appeared before her eyes.
Hyuga Rei steadied her gaze, gritted her teeth, and decided to hold on a little longer.
At the same time, Uchiha Kai had just flung the Shuriken in his hand. The metal weapon traced an elegant arc through the air, taking an uncanny path toward several Mist Ninja.
Clang-clang-clang—
The Mist Ninja swiftly swung their Kunai. After a burst of clanging metal, the Shuriken, robbed of its momentum, scattered in every direction.
This was getting tough. There were so many Mist Ninja, and he had no idea what that guy in the distance was quietly preparing. He couldn't afford to let his guard down...
As Uchiha Kai maneuvered against the enemies, he kept an eye on Shikamaru nearby.
Ever since a moment ago, Shikamaru had been standing on high ground, fiddling with something. The boy could faintly sense a strange Chakra spreading through the area.
"Kei