Strike at Sunagakure

Clang!

Sparks flew.

"Quick reflexes."

Baki put more force into his wrist, trying to press down Yuhi Shinku's kunai, but Yuhi Shinku refused to yield. He poured chakra into his kunai and held firm against Baki's strength.

The two locked weapons. Seeing this, the Sunagakure ninja around them attacked Yuhi Shinku as well. Kunai and shuriken flew at him while others formed hand seals to prepare ninjutsu.

Yuhi Shinku had to fend off Baki while dodging attacks from every side. Gradually, he began to struggle.

His wound had reopened during the fight. Blood seeped through the bandages, and the constant pain slowed his movements.

Baki noticed the change and smiled smugly. "What's wrong? Can't keep up? I told you, you're old now. You're no match for me!"

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded in the distance, followed by a young voice. "Stop! You Sunagakure ninja dare attack a Konoha ninja this close to Konoha? You've got some nerve!"

Everyone turned toward the voice. A boy in a Konoha ninja uniform was running toward them. He had short black hair, sharp eyes, and anger on his face.

The boy was Kawaki Aoba.

Kawaki Aoba had been patrolling nearby when he sensed a powerful surge of chakra and signs of a fight. He had rushed over, only to find the Sunagakure ninja surrounding Yuhi Shinku.

Baki frowned when he saw Kawaki Aoba. "Another Konoha brat? Looks like Konoha's ninja are all showing up today."

Kawaki Aoba ran to Yuhi Shinku's side. "Lord Yuhi, are you all right?"

Yuhi Shinku shook his head and caught his breath. "I'm fine. Aoba, why are you here? It's dangerous. Get out of here."

"No, Lord Yuhi. I can't leave you to face them alone."

Kawaki Aoba's voice was firm. He turned a hostile gaze on Baki and