Enough Confidence!

Uchiha Shisui came over as well. His eyes had returned to normal, and a weary smile touched his face. "Aoba, the speed of your growth is astonishing.

"Looks like Konoha has gained another dependable ninja."

Neji stood nearby and nodded. "Your sensing was crucial to this mission's success."

Warmth spread through Aoba's chest. He looked at his teammates, resolve filling his eyes.

This battle was only the beginning. More challenges awaited them on the road ahead.

But as long as they worked together, nothing could stop the ninja of Konoha.

Yuhi Shinku looked at the captured fugitive and Ebizo. "Take them back," he said coldly. "Konoha will see that they face justice."

The squad nodded and began clearing the battlefield.

Shinku's knife-sharp gaze swept slowly across the dense forest on Sunagakure's border. A faint smell of blood lingered in the air. The brief but fierce battle had ended.

Ebizo stood a short distance away, his face dark. A flicker of apprehension crossed his eyes.

His fingers trembled slightly. He had clearly not recovered from Shinku's uncanny footwork and decisive killing moves.

Shinku made no move to pursue him. He stood where he was as blood dripped from his kunai and struck the ground with a soft "drip."

The sound seemed to remind everyone who held the upper hand.

Yuhi Kurenai, Aburame Shino, and Kawaki Aoba stood farther away, each remaining on guard.

Kurenai's gaze was troubled. She admired her father's strength, but the brutality of the battle left her uneasy.

Shino's face betrayed nothing. His insects hummed at his feet, ready to swarm the enemy at any moment.

Aoba stood with his head slightly lowered, that faint, elusive smile still on his lips.

His gaze seemed to wander, but he caught every detail: Ebizo's tense muscles, Shinku's gently rising chest,