He continued using nimble footwork to evade the attacks of the other three puppets while constantly searching for opportunities to strike their joints.
Although he was hit several more times and suffered quite a few wounds, he showed no sign of backing down.
Just as Aoba was about to collapse, a familiar voice rang out from the distance. "Aoba! We're here!"
Aoba looked up and saw Asuma leading a group of Konoha ninja running toward them.
Relief washed over him, and his taut nerves instantly relaxed. His body could no longer hold on, and he collapsed.
Before losing consciousness, he seemed to see Teacher Shinku's smile and hear his teacher say to him, "You did well, Aoba."
When Aoba woke again, he found himself lying in the village's medical ward.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, warm and comforting.
He moved his fingers and found that the wounds on his body no longer hurt as much.
Aoba turned his head and saw Granny Tsunade sitting beside his bed, a gentle smile on her face.
"Granny Tsunade?"
Aoba looked surprised. "I... where am I?"
Tsunade stroked his head. "You've been unconscious for a full day and night.
Luckily, you're tough. It was only superficial injuries and a mild concussion to your internal organs. Your life isn't in danger."
Aoba let out a sigh of relief, then immediately thought of Teacher Shinku. He hurriedly asked, "Granny Tsunade, what about Teacher Shinku? How is he?"
Tsunade's gaze darkened. After a moment of silence, she slowly said, "Shinku... He died together with the enemy to cover your retreat."
"What?"
Aoba was struck dumb, frozen in an instant.
He could not believe his ears. Teacher Shinku had... died?
"No... That's impossible!"
Aoba abruptly sat up, ignoring the pain in his body as he shouted, "Teacher