Get Up, the Enemy's Here!

After they had traveled for about half an incense stick's time, Kazama Ryosuke's voice suddenly came from the left, low and urgent. "Teacher Shinku! Chakra signatures fifty meters ahead on the left. I can't tell how many, but they... don't feel like ordinary ninja."

Almost at the same time, Tsukino Saori called from the right, "Movement over here too! At least three people. Their Chakra is strong—probably Chunin level!"

Yuhi Shinku stopped and swept his razor-sharp gaze around them. "Form up. Prepare to engage."

"Aoba, watch our rear. Ryosuke, Saori, take the flanks."

"Don't make a move until I give the signal."

"Yes!"

The three quickly took their positions, forming a defensive formation.

Kawaki Aoba stood at the rear with his back to Yuhi Shinku, his eyes fixed on the woods behind them.

His heart beat a little faster, but years of training kept him calm.

The fight ahead would likely be a hard one.

"Here they come!"

Yuhi Shinku's warning had barely left his lips when several dark figures leaped out of the forest. They moved so fast their motions were almost impossible to follow.

Cold glints flashed in the moonlight as blades cut through the air.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

Kawaki Aoba rapidly formed Hand Seals. The ground surged up into a solid wall, blocking the darts flying in from behind.

"Three at our rear," he called. "They specialize in ranged attacks!"

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

Kazama Ryosuke refused to be outdone. He clapped his hands, sending a fierce gust from his palms that drove the two figures charging from the left back several meters.

Tsukino Saori darted about like a ghost. Her Kunai traced cold arcs through the air, knocking down the Shuriken flying in from the right with perfect precision.

"Four on the right," she called