Ambush and Counter-Ambush

Xing Ran had tested it; Super vision and X-ray vision could only perceive physical phenomena, while ninjutsu was a power akin to magic. Xing Ran had once used his X-ray vision to examine someone's Transformation Jutsu but couldn't see through it. Therefore, if an enemy had any hidden ninjutsu techniques, one had to get close and use the Yamanaka Clan's innate sensing abilities to have a chance at identifying them.

It was strange, perhaps due to the rules of this world.

"Quietly pass by the enemy's side." Yamaki Atsushi's order was concise, but Xing Ran knew that as a captain, regardless of his combat strength, he was experienced and competent.

By stealthily approaching the target's flank, Xing Ran could sense from a closer distance whether it was a trap. Even if Xing Ran still couldn't confirm if there was an ambush, by having his group move past the target's side, they could force the enemy to reveal themselves. If there was an ambush, the enemy would immediately appear and intercept them, preventing Xing Ran's group from falling into their trap and keeping them in an advantageous position. If there was no ambush, the enemy wouldn't notice them, allowing them to calmly circle around and increase the chances of a successful surprise attack.

Xing Ran was surprised to find that even with his two lives and the broad perspective gained from the age of information explosion, he didn't have much of an advantage in terms of combat experience as a ninja. What he could think of, Captain Yamaki Atsushi could also make the correct judgment based on his experience.

After the experience of encountering enemies twice, Xing Ran's inflated ego, brought about by the awakening of his Superman abilities, was quickly deflated. The ninja world required learning more than just ninjutsu; the experience of their predecessors was also incredibly valuable knowledge.

Xing Ran had originally planned to go into seclusion and cultivate immortality after solving his financial problems, but now that plan was wavering. Secluded training was likely not feasible in the ninja world.

Xing Ran's thoughts underwent a certain change in an instant. He recalled his feelings when watching Naruto in his previous life. It was precisely these thrilling scenes where low-level ninjas could outwit and defeat high-level ninjas with their brains that had attracted him to the anime.

He wasn't yet at the level where his strength could crush everything. He still had much to learn in terms of practical combat experience and the experience of handling situations as a competent ninja.

The three of them quietly maneuvered to the "Rogue Stone Ninja's" 11 o'clock position according to Yamaki Atsushi's orders. Just as they had anticipated, the two targets sitting by the tree resting had not noticed them. This indicated that there was likely no ambush here; the enemies were unaware that anyone had approached them.

Xing Ran frantically scanned the surroundings with his X-ray vision. For some reason, even though both his sensing and X-ray vision were active, he still had a bad feeling.

Xing Ran was not a hesitant person. His goal wasn't to kill the enemies. He had traveled across worlds, and his bright future had yet to be enjoyed. When one was weak, one had to be cunning. He immediately spoke up to alert his companions.

"Something feels wrong," Xing Ran suddenly said before Yamaki Atsushi could give the order to attack.

Yamaki Atsushi was no ordinary Chunin. Although his personal strength wasn't great, he had participated in the Third Shinobi World War from beginning to end. Often, even without spotting the enemy, intuition, though seemingly vague, could save lives.

"Retreat immediately!" Yamaki Atsushi didn't make the other two wait for orders, nor did he ask Xing Ran for more details. The moment Xing Ran gave his warning, he issued the retreat order.

It had to be said that there was a reason why veteran generals should not be underestimated. Unfortunately, Xing Ran's warning this time was still a bit late. Yamaki Atsushi's retreat order was correct, but in the next instant, a palm suddenly rose from the ground beneath Junpei. Before anyone could react, Junpei was dragged underground.

It was as if the enemies had conspired beforehand. They knew that Yamaki Atsushi was in charge here, and the person in charge was usually the strongest fighter in the squad. The surprise attack didn't target Yamaki Atsushi but simultaneously attacked the other two. Junpei had already fallen victim, and Xing Ran's crisis was also imminent.

It was another strong palm – Earth Style: Headhunter Technique!

After awakening his Superman abilities, even though his various powers were underdeveloped, Xing Ran far surpassed ordinary humans. This was most evident in combat through his neural reaction speed, an added benefit of his Super Brainpower.

Xing Ran and Junpei were attacked almost simultaneously, but Xing Ran reacted faster. He quickly lifted his leg, evading the enemy's emerging palm, and then, without hesitation, grabbed the emerging hand.

Having gone through his internal struggles, Xing Ran's strength surged again after his awakening. Without exerting much force, he crushed the bones of the enemy's palm. Seizing the moment the enemy underground cried out in pain, he suddenly exerted force and performed a "uprooting a willow" maneuver, pulling the enemy directly out of the ground amidst a cloud of dust.

The "Rogue Stone Ninja" pulled out by Xing Ran was clearly not one to be trifled with. The failed sneak attack and subsequent counter had cost him the initiative, but after the pain and momentary distraction, he quickly counterattacked. The instant Xing Ran pulled him out of the ground, a kunai was already thrusting towards Xing Ran's body, concealed by the flying dust.

The shift in offense and defense in this instant was incredibly fast. An ordinary person might have been deceived by the visual chaos and fallen victim, but Xing Ran dared not be careless. He had kept his X-ray vision active since discovering the enemy, maintaining a clear view of the enemy's movements.

"Clang."

"Crack."

Two sounds rang out in succession. The first was Xing Ran swiftly drawing his own kunai and blocking the incoming attack.

The second sound came from Xing Ran using his captured hand to suddenly execute a Konoha-style Grappling Technique. Before the enemy could move either of his hands further, Xing Ran twisted his arm and mercilessly broke it.

The enemy was surprisingly tough, not uttering a sound even with a broken arm. However, toughness couldn't get him out of his predicament; a sharp kunai was now held at the "Rogue Stone Ninja's" neck.

After being ambushed by the enemy, the situation quickly turned into a 1:1 exchange due to Xing Ran's counterattack.

Both sides had one person captured.

"Take the person and let's go," Yamaki Atsushi demonstrated his decisiveness at this moment.

Junpei was not only his teammate on this mission but also his subordinate in the Anbu squad for many years. However, now that their side had been ambushed first, and the location they were in likely had other ambushes, regardless of whether they abandoned Junpei, they had to leave this place and change maps first.

Xing Ran hesitated. This was due to his inexperience. After all, he had only been reincarnated for a little over a year and lacked practical combat experience. His first reaction upon capturing an enemy was to exchange hostages.

However, his rational mind quickly made him realize that Yamaki Atsushi's reasoning was sound.

The two acted very quickly and soon retreated along the route they had come.

"...Follow us, encircle them." A faint command came from an unseen location in the dark forest.

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