Nawaki Saves the Day

"Huff! Huff..."

In the dim forest, Kakashi stopped on a thick tree branch, gasping for breath. Rin, seated behind him, looked at his hunched back with concern written all over her face.

Although Kakashi had undergone rigorous taijutsu training and possessed stamina far beyond that of others his age, he had fought battle after battle today without rest. On top of that, he had needed to protect Rin while fleeing. His strength had now reached its limit, and his chakra was completely depleted. He could collapse at any moment; only faith and willpower were keeping him going.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..." The pursuing Rock Ninjas stood on the surrounding trees using an adhesion technique. They did not attack immediately, instead watching the pair with the teasing gaze of cats toying with mice.

They had clearly seen that Kakashi could not hold on much longer and intended to slowly wear down his strength before capturing him alive.

"Damn it!" Kakashi glanced sideways at the relentlessly pursuing Rock Ninjas. Knowing that neither of them would escape if this continued, he decisively squeezed out the energy within his body and rapidly formed hand seals. In less than a second, the cry of Chidori rang out once more, blue lightning illuminating the surroundings. Obito, this is the technique you helped me perfect, Kakashi thought silently.

"As expected of someone who infiltrated behind enemy lines. You still have the will to fight at a time like this!" said the leading Rock Ninja with a smile. He knew that this was nothing more than a final burst of strength. Victory was already in his grasp.

Kakashi held Chidori in his right hand and drew the Flying Thunder God kunai Minato had given him with his left. Staring at the enemy in front of him, he said without