Hayashi glanced at the others around him and could only let out a faint sigh.
Kakashi-sensei's little performance had certainly made an impact, but the aftereffects were a bit much-look at them. The three kids had practically been scared out of their souls.
If he didn't step in soon, this extracurricular lesson on "the dangers outside the village" might leave them traumatized for life.
The next instant, his white-handled Tachi slipped free of its black sheath with a clear, ringing hum.
Hayashi pushed off with his toes and darted diagonally forward, slashing at the older brother before either chain could complete its swing!
The older Demon Brother was dragging his chain forward when a blur flashed before his eyes.
Where did this redheaded brat-
Before he could finish the thought, the blade was upon him.
He hurriedly stretched his chain across his body.
Clang!
The blade struck the iron chain, sending sparks flying high.
A tremendous force surged through the chain into his wrists. The blow lifted the older brother off his feet and sent him skidding backward, his soles carving two deep furrows in the dirt road.
Even his younger brother's forward lunge was forcibly stopped by that single slash.
One strike had broken their encirclement.
Dead silence fell.
The bottle in Tazuna's hand dropped to the ground with a clack. Liquor seeped into the dry soil, but no one spared it a glance.
Hayashi drew back his blade, glanced over his shoulder at the three youngsters still frozen in place, and called out:
"I'll leave the other one to you!"
Up in the tree, Kakashi's dangling hand lay perfectly still.
Naruto stared at that tree, his lips moving.
Just a few days ago, this man had been squatting on a field ridge supervising their work, smiling as