I Have a Plan

Including the two ninja who had previously disguised themselves as resting under a tree, a total of six dark figures rapidly pursued the direction where Xing Ran and the other had retreated.

The group now held an absolute numerical advantage. The previous capture of one of their comrades had made them hesitant, but the Jonin leading them was no fool. After a brief hesitation of less than five seconds, the remaining five, along with the unconscious Junpei, quickly chased after Xing Ran and the other.

"Sorry, I didn't detect any enemy traces earlier," Xing Ran said from the other side, having escaped a few seconds earlier. He carried the captive while walking beside Yamaki Atsushi, offering an apology.

"It's not your fault; I'm responsible too. They were prepared. I should have warned you about Earth Style ninjutsu. This is the Rock Concealment Technique and the Fish in Mud Technique. Without specific preparations, even a Jonin can't easily sense them," Yamaki Atsushi understood the situation clearly. With one member already lost, scolding Xing Ran would be useless. The key was to escape. Now that Xing Ran had captured an enemy alive, the opposing force would be hesitant to act rashly, giving them a chance.

The enemy's trap this time was highly targeted. Perhaps due to Xing Ran's successful team escape previously, several "Rogue Stone Ninja" active in this area had made prior arrangements.

They hid underground, using the Fish in Mud Technique to observe movements within the soil.

Then, using the Rock Concealment Technique, they followed or ambushed at designated spots within the earth. Once Xing Ran's group fell into their trap, they could directly use the Headhunter Technique to emerge and attack. It was foreseeable that if Xing Ran hadn't suddenly captured someone, the two Konoha ninja dragged underground would never have returned to the surface, enjoying a complete "burial service" after being killed.

Xing Ran felt helpless. After understanding the trap, he had nothing to say. Stealth ninjutsu inherently blends with nature. Affected by supernatural phenomena like Chakra, Xing Ran's Superman abilities were sometimes less effective. His powers were most potent against physical phenomena. If the enemy had been careless, he could have detected them from a distance. But with their preparations, relying solely on his sensory abilities, which were at the bottom tier within his clan, being outmatched was easy.

He was being suppressed technically. This world wasn't DC or Marvel; the path of combining Superman abilities with ninjutsu was the true way. A one-legged giant could easily fall.

"They're catching up," Xing Ran said, having no time for excessive thought as he quickly noticed the enemies behind them beginning to pursue in a semi-encircling formation.

"Damn it, I'll cover the rear. You escape first. Leave this captive behind; I can use him to stall for more time, and you can increase your chances of survival without burden," Yamaki Atsushi commanded with the responsibility of a captain.

Since the White Fang incident, the choice between comrades and missions had shifted from absolute mission priority to a situation where missions and comrades had to be weighed against each other. Many Konoha ninja now prioritized preserving their comrades, though more ninja still adhered to the old ways.

Clearly, Yamaki Atsushi belonged to the faction that valued comrades, earning Xing Ran's respect once again. If not for his strength limiting him, this guy would undoubtedly be a character who would leave his mark in the original story.

"I'm not running. Let's fight. I have a plan..." Xing Ran knew that regardless of whether Yamaki Atsushi covered the rear, he had a way to escape alone. His Superman speed combined with Chakra had increased significantly since his last mental breakthrough. His pure physical speed could now reach 150 kilometers per hour, nearly doubling his previous speed. Combined with Chakra amplification, it easily surpassed 300 kilometers per hour, equivalent to a maximum of 80 meters per second.

This was still a significant gap from the 340 meters per second of the fifth gate of the Eight Gates, but for pure escape, combined with his super vision for maneuvering, he could still make it back to the previous outpost before being captured.

Xing Ran claimed to have a plan, appearing to consult with Yamaki Atsushi, but his hands didn't stop. Time was of the essence. As long as he acted, Yamaki Atsushi would surely cooperate.

With a light "click," the "Rogue Stone Ninja" Xing Ran had knocked unconscious and held in his hand died silently and miserably. Yamaki Atsushi's eyes widened at this sight. He... he had just destroyed their trump card!

"Captain, can your Earth Style bury this guy?" This was Xing Ran's first kill. Even though he had been a ninja for over a year, he had only fought in actual ninja battles once or twice. This was the first opportunity he had to kill someone.

However, Xing Ran seemed to have completely inherited the worldview of the original owner of this body. He felt a moment of nausea but quickly recovered.

"What do you want to do?" Yamaki Atsushi didn't waste time with unnecessary chatter. The situation had come to this. The first thing he thought of was that Xing Ran had cut off his own retreat to face death alongside him.

Bang.

With a puff of smoke, Xing Ran used the Transformation Technique.

Not long after Xing Ran used this basic Three Body Technique taught at the Ninja Academy, the area they were in was surrounded by the rapidly pursuing "Rogue Stone Ninja" in a semi-circle.

The five enemies were either standing on tree trunks or hidden in the shadows of the leaves. Three of them stood closest to Xing Ran and Yamaki Atsushi, holding Junpei in their hands.

This was going to be a negotiation.

"Release him, and I'll return your comrade. It's a fair trade," a voice devoid of emotion came from the leading ninja who stepped forward to negotiate.

However, the content was far from calm. In Xing Ran's opinion, a simple prisoner exchange would be useless. They would be in a passive three-against-six situation, and escaping unscathed would not be easy.

The ninja had a long scar across his mouth, likely from a sharp weapon. This scar made his mouth appear unusually wide, creating a strange contrast.

"A prisoner exchange is acceptable. You all stand together. I'm worried you might try something during the exchange," Yamaki Atsushi said, tightening his grip on his kunai to emphasize his threat.

According to Xing Ran's plan, the success rate of the next action would be highest if the enemies gathered together. A counter-attack was their only way to escape. A prisoner exchange would only make them more passive, especially since they no longer had a prisoner.

At this moment, Yamaki Atsushi was alone, escorting the captive. Xing Ran's figure had vanished. The "Rogue Stone Ninja" Xing Ran had just killed was now kneeling on the ground, subdued by Yamaki Atsushi. One of its hands had been crushed and its arm broken by Xing Ran earlier. It was now holding its injured hand with the other, as if only doing so could suppress the pain. It kept its head down, its expression unreadable.

"Boss, look down," the dark-skinned ninja behind the scarred-mouthed leader whispered to his superior while the leader was contemplating Yamaki Atsushi's demand.

Monday, seeking recommendations. These are available daily, don't waste them.