Camp Under Attack

As the Explosive Tag detonated with a deafening roar,

the blast hurled all three of them away like a raging wave.

Hatake Sakumo flew into the air like a fragile leaf, then slammed heavily to the ground.

Each time he coughed up blood, it seemed as though life itself was being torn from him. Pain and frustration filled his eyes, and his body trembled.

At that critical moment, he had thrown himself in front of his teammates without hesitation, taking the potentially fatal blow like a shield.

The impact shook him violently. Blood kept spilling from the corner of his mouth, but there was no regret in his eyes.

"Sakumo!"

Uchiha Lan cried out in grief and despair, his voice carrying across the brutal battlefield.

Tears streamed down his face. As Sakumo fell, it felt as though his whole world had collapsed.

"Don't worry. I'm not dead."

Blood trickled from Hatake Sakumo's mouth. He managed a helpless look as he forced out the words.

Then he said urgently, "We need to go before they find us."

They supported one another along the way, alert for danger around them.

Blood kept seeping from Hatake Sakumo's wounds, leaving a stark print with every step. He gritted his teeth, refusing to become a burden.

"Sakumo, how are you? Hang on a little longer. We're almost at camp."

Uchiha Lan looked at him with concern.

"I'm fine. This isn't enough to kill me."

Sakumo gritted his teeth and managed a faint smile.

Yūhi Aburame said calmly, "Stay sharp. There may be more enemies lying in ambush."

Tears still clung to Uchiha Lan's eyes as he glanced between Sakumo and their surroundings, ready for anything.

Yūhi Aburame watched their surroundings with a cool head, while his Kikaichū kept guard from the shadows.

As they neared