It was not a probing Great Fireball, but a B-rank fire release technique with greater range and power!
Towering flames surged like crimson waves, sweeping across a vast stretch of ground near the mine entrance with the force to destroy everything in their path!
Hidden traps were triggered and burned away by the intense heat. Two Kirigakure ninja concealed behind cover as sentries were engulfed and reduced to charcoal before they could even scream.
"Enemy attack! It's the Uchiha brat! Follow the plan!" A shrill shout rang out from deep within the mine, carrying a trace of tension despite the anticipated attack.
In an instant, the remaining ten Kirigakure ninja rushed out from various shelters and mine tunnels. They formed standard combat formations in groups of three, attempting to suppress Shinji with overlapping fields of fire and coordinated ninjutsu.
Combined Wind Release and Water Release techniques sought to extinguish the flames and restrict Shinji's movements.
"Pointless," Shinji murmured. The Two-Tomoe slowly rotated, clearly capturing everyone's movements, chakra flow, and even their tactical intentions for the next moment.
He moved!
Chakra erupted beneath his feet, and his figure blurred into a black streak as he charged straight toward the nearest group of enemies.
"Stop him!" a Kirigakure chunin roared, swinging his blade.
Shinji neither dodged nor retreated. Dark red fire release chakra instantly compressed and gathered along the ninja blade in his right hand, forming a searing, concentrated "fire release chakra blade"!
"Uchiha Style: Flame Cutter!"
His blade flashed! There was no violent clash. The Kirigakure chunin's sword and half his body were silently sliced apart like butter beneath a hot knife!
The severed edges were charred black, even the blood evaporating in an instant!
Without pausing, Shinji formed hand seals with his left hand alone.
**"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Claw