Seeing the kunai blocked by his sword, electricity still crackling across it, Hyuga Shinichi felt a surge of relief. If he hadn't sensed the enemy's intentions in advance, that strike might have cost him his life.
What was more, this guy was actually coveting his Byakugan. That was absolutely unforgivable!
"Ao Qing!"
At the shout, Ao Qing poked its head out from inside his chest armor. It opened its mouth and rapidly spat out several sharp wooden spikes, which shot toward the man like arrows.
Seeing that things were going badly, the man immediately gave up trying to suppress Hyuga Shinichi and leaped backward to dodge the spikes. Though he moved swiftly, several spikes still struck his left shoulder.
"Tch. I hate brats who try to be clever."
After successfully putting some distance between himself and the enemy, Hyuga Shinichi took a deep breath and steadied his breathing. He quickly resumed his stance, ready to respond to any attack that might come.
He took the chance to glance toward Inuzuka Gai and Aburame Tomohiro. Seeing that they were both unharmed, though tied up with opponents, he felt a little relieved. Then he focused his attention on the enemy before him again.
The man had come down from the direction of the mountaintop. Hyuga Shinichi looked that way and saw that the attacking forces of all four groups were gradually making their way down. They hadn't captured anyone from the Uzumaki Clan, so it seemed the clan had evacuated safely.
Hyuga Shinichi's lips curled slightly into a half-smile, and he deliberately taunted the man.
"Oh, why did you come down the mountain so quickly? Couldn't you catch the Uzumaki Clan?"
The ambusher flew into a rage at those words. He snorted and snarled, "Hmph! It's all because you brats got in