Keep Moving

The wind howled through the forest as Konoha's six-person squad raced between thick tree trunks, heading deep into the woods to the southwest.

They kept their formation. Tsukimi led from the front, Kakashi and Asuma guarded the flanks, Kurenai and Rin held the center, and Obito brought up the rear.

Staying low, they closed in fast along the route the Shadowkhan had pinpointed.

Asuma and Obito were still smarting over Tsukimi stealing their kills earlier. Neither looked pleased.

Before they even reached the battlefield, Obito called out a warning.

"Tsukimi, when we fight Cloud Hidden, don't steal our kills again! You cheated us out of Kirigakure. This time, Asuma and I get to lead the attack and finish them off!"

Asuma nodded at once, his expression earnest.

"That's right. We agreed. Leave the whole fight to us. Just back us up, and don't sneak in another attack."

After two days of Tsukimi stealing their kills, the two of them had had enough.

They did the fighting every time, only for the Shadowkhan to appear out of nowhere and snatch the final blow. All that work, and they got nothing.

Today had been better, at least. Tsukimi had waited until they finished fighting before taking the kills. Yesterday, he had wiped out six squads before Asuma and Obito could even finish their fights.

It was downright outrageous!

Tsukimi heard their complaints and let the corners of his mouth rise, but said nothing.

How did that count as stealing kills?

He was precisely finishing off weakened targets and managing the kills as a whole!

The group pressed on, drawing ever closer to the two squads locked in a chase ahead.

Just then, Tsukimi faltered. Without warning, an inexplicable chill gripped his heart.

He could not put it into words. Something felt wrong