Task to Join Sunagakure

The masked man spoke in a sinister tone as his hands formed seals once more. Chakra surged like a tide, and a massive fireball burst from his mouth. The blazing flames lit up the dim forest, seeming to set even the air ablaze with a hissing sound.

The fireball shot straight at Yuhi Shinku, the heat wave crashing into his face.

Yuhi Shinku did not dare let his guard down. His hands swiftly formed seals, cold air gathering between his palms. "Ice Release: Ice Mirror Technique!"

A series of crystal-clear ice mirrors appeared before him. The fireball slammed into them with a violent explosion, and steam billowed out, obscuring their vision.

"Hmph, a cheap trick!"

The masked figure flashed forward, his Kunai gleaming coldly. Using the steam as cover, he employed the Body Flicker Technique and rushed straight at Yuhi Shinku.

"Not good!"

Yuhi Shinku's heart tightened as he keenly sensed the approaching danger.

He quickly twisted aside, his short blade drawing a cold arc as it collided with the masked man's Kunai, sending sparks flying.

"Not bad reflexes. Too bad—you're too late!"

The masked man sneered. His Kunai suddenly twisted, while his other hand hurled a shuriken straight at Yuhi Shinku's throat.

Just then, a clear voice rang out from the woods. "Yuhi-senpai, watch out!"

A green-clad figure swept past like a gale, swinging a longsword and knocking the shuriken away with perfect precision.

The newcomer was Kawaki Aoba, Konoha's newly promoted Jonin. There was a hint of determination between his brows, and his coldly gleaming longsword stood guard before Yuhi Shinku.

Yuhi Shinku froze, surprise flashing through his eyes.

"Yuhi-senpai, I was ordered to come support you. The moment I arrived, I saw this guy launching a sneak attack!"

Kawaki Aoba stared at the masked man with a