Storing Stamina is Important

He let out a soft breath and silently threw the kunai in his hand. It sliced through the air, heading straight for the first ninja's nape.

"Who's there?!"

The ninja reacted with remarkable speed, abruptly twisting aside. The kunai grazed his cheek and flew past, embedding itself in the tree trunk behind him with a soft "clang."

"Damn it!"

The second ninja immediately drew his sword, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. "We're under attack!"

Aoba gave them no more time to react. His figure flashed out from behind the bushes like a ghost, a short blade already in his hand. Its gleam carved a chilling arc beneath the moonlight as it went straight for the first ninja's throat.

"Fall back!"

The first ninja shouted and raised his longsword horizontally, barely blocking Aoba's attack.

The blades collided, sparks flying as a piercing metallic clang rang out.

The second ninja swiftly formed hand seals and muttered, "Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

A violent torrent of air burst from his palm and rushed straight at Aoba.

A cold smile flickered in Aoba's eyes. He shifted to the side and easily evaded the Wind Style attack.

His movements were unbelievably fast, as though he had anticipated the technique all along.

The next instant, he swung his blade in reverse. The short sword traced a bizarre arc, forcing the first ninja to retreat.

"Your intelligence seems to have been rather inaccurate."

Aoba's voice was calm and cold, carrying a trace of mockery. "I'm not some nobody with 'no reputation.'"

The two ninjas exchanged glances, a flash of horror passing through both their eyes.

They clearly had not expected this seemingly young ninja to possess such terrifying speed and reflexes.

"Don't just stand there!"

The first ninja gritted his teeth. "Attack together!"

The two drew their swords