"You three, find a chance to get out of here. I'll hold them off."
"Once you're back, report to Lord Hokage immediately!"
Uchiha Fugaku took another Kunai from his weapon pouch and gripped it tightly. His expression grave, he spoke to the three behind him. Their opponents were the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and all seven had gathered. Even Uchiha Fugaku wasn't confident he could win. He spoke to the children behind him as if giving his final instructions.
"Fugaku, we can't leave you behind!" Might Guy grabbed the hem of Fugaku's jacket, his voice anxious.
Gekko Hayate, however, quickly regained his composure. He slapped Guy's hand away and chided him sternly. "Without us, Fugaku has a chance of surviving. Right now, the best thing we can do for the team is leave quickly and stop getting in his way!"
"How can we do that? They're all Jonin—seven of them—and they're the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! Even Fugaku can't beat them!"
"Leaving our captain behind—"
"I'll never do that!"
Might Guy clenched his fists and lowered his head, tears welling in his eyes.
"Oh my! It's only a little, but my blade's gotten a bit rusty!"
"I'll just have to let it drink some blood and replenish its iron!"
Biwa Juzo took up a fighting stance, resting Kubikiribōchō across his back as he smiled and prepared to attack. Seeing this, Fugaku gave a low shout. "Go!"
Then he rapidly formed Hand Seals.
"Fire Style: Great Flame Bullet!"
The next moment, a huge fireball burst from Fugaku's mouth and swept toward the seven ahead. The powerful Fire Style sent the temperature throughout the area soaring and completely blocked the enemy's view.
"Now!" Seeing this, Gekko Hayate grabbed Guy's hand and tried to pull him away, but even