Truly My Student!

"Shinku, Yuto, cover Aoba!"

Shinku suddenly appeared in the center of the battlefield, blood staining his short blade. He had clearly already dealt with the other enemy.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, locked firmly onto the leading Sunagakure Jonin.

"Yes!"

Kurenai and Yuto quickly moved closer, guarding Aoba at their side.

Aoba tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes carrying a hint of guilt. "Senior Sister, I'm sorry... I was too impulsive."

"Now isn't the time for that!"

Kurenai shot him a glare, reproach in her voice. "Focus on the fight, or we'll all die here!"

His gaze returned to the enemy, and he silently swore to himself: I can't let Senior Sister get hurt because of me again!

The battle grew fiercer in the desert. Sand and flames intertwined, while blades collided with chakra threads in ear-piercing screeches.

There was still a trace of hesitation in every swing of Aoba's sword, but he forced himself not to dwell on it and focused only on the enemies before him.

"Aoba, to your left!"

Yuto suddenly shouted.

Aoba spun around and saw a puppet lunging at him from the side.

He swiftly swung his sword and severed the puppet's head, but at the same moment, another Sunagakure Chunin took the chance to close in, thrusting a short blade straight at his waist.

"This is bad!"

Aoba's heart tightened, but his body had no time to react.

At that critical moment, a figure suddenly stepped in front of him.

It was Shinku! His short blade precisely blocked the enemy's strike before he sent the man flying with a kick.

"Master!"

Aoba cried out.

"Focus!"

Shinku gave him a cold glance, his tone stern. "Don't disappoint me!"

His gaze returned to the enemy. The hand gripping his blade trembled