A Desperate Gamble!

"Aoba, are you still daydreaming? This is no time to lose focus!"

Yuhi Kurenai's voice came from beside him, tinged with reproach.

She stood to Aoba's left, gripping her Kunai tightly, her gaze tense and focused.

Aoba turned to her with a faint smile, looking perfectly at ease.

"Kurenai, don't worry. I was just studying their formation.

Temari is strong, but her teammates don't all look like elites. We still have a chance."

Aburame Shino stood on Aoba's other side. He pushed up his sunglasses and said in a low voice, "Aoba's right. There are a lot of Chakra signatures, but their strength varies.

Their main force is probably centered on Temari. The others may just be there to tie us down."

Yuhi Shinku nodded, his gaze still fixed on Temari.

"Shino, Kurenai, Aoba, remember: our mission is to patrol and gather intelligence. Avoid a fight if you can.

But if they attack first, we won't back down.

Have your jutsu ready. Be prepared for anything!"

"Yes!"

The three answered in unison, their voices firm with resolve.

Temari seemed to have heard them. The corners of her mouth lifted in a mocking smile.

"You Konoha Ninja really are cautious. But do you think that'll scare us off?"

She swung her iron fan. The three purple stars on it glimmered, and a fierce blast of wind swept up the sand into a small dust storm that surged toward Yuhi Shinku and the others.

"Spread out!"

Yuhi Shinku barked the order and sprang to the left.

Yuhi Kurenai and Aburame Shino darted away in opposite directions, swift and perfectly in sync.

Kawaki Aoba leaped back, tapped the ground with his toes, and flipped onto a jutting rock.

His hands flashed through Hand Seals. Lightning Release Chakra surged through him, and sparks flickered