Meanwhile, enemies swarmed out of the woods on both sides like sharks scenting blood! A dense barrage of Shuriken and Kunai, mixed with Water Guns and Small Water Dragon Bullets, rained down from every direction.
"Clear the left flank!" Shinji commanded in a low voice, already shooting toward the four Kirigakure shinobi on the left like an arrow loosed from a bow. His Sharingan spun rapidly, breaking down the trajectories of the incoming weapons with perfect clarity. He moved like a phantom through the deadly rain, penetrating the enemy formation in an instant.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson!"
Flaming Shuriken and solid blades wove a net of death, restricting the enemies' movements. Shinji followed like a shadow, his short blade trailing searing air as he thrust at the leading Kirigakure Chunin, who was forming Hand Seals. His opponent hastily raised a Water Formation Wall, but the Sharingan's extraordinary perception allowed Shinji to pinpoint the tiniest ripple of energy at the instant the wall took shape. He drove his blade forward!
Shhk! The blade pierced the water wall and plunged straight into the man's heart. Shock froze in the Chunin's eyes before he collapsed.
On the right flank, Miwako displayed astonishing efficiency against three Kirigakure shinobi attacking her together. Rather than unleash her spectacular Monster Strength, she compressed her power to its utmost and incorporated it into her Taijutsu.
Thud! A swift side kick sent a Kirigakure Genin flying just as he tried to throw an Explosive Tag at a wagon. The tag detonated while he was still hurtling backward, eliminating the threat.
A Water Dragon Bullet from another Kirigakure Chunin roared toward her. Miwako neither dodged nor retreated. Chakra condensed intensely around her right fist, and she punched straight into it!
Boom! The water dragon exploded from the center,