The squad on the other side waited impatiently for the signal to attack.
After exchanging glances, the four decided they couldn't let this opportunity slip by. They sprang from the trees, closing in on the convoy.
"Die!"
Dozens of shuriken rained down on the top of the carriage.
Kakashi was the quickest to react—his short sword became a blur as he deflected many of the incoming projectiles, forming a barrier of steel between them and their targets.
"Mr. Honda, hide!"
"Obito!"
He signaled to Obito, who was already preparing to counterattack.
"No need to remind me, Kakashi!"
"Fire Release! Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
Obito's hands blurred through the seals, and in an instant, a dozen fireballs shot from his mouth. As he spun, the flames scattered in all directions, creating a chaotic, unpredictable assault.
It looked powerful.
"It's just a feint! Obito, be careful!"
Kakashi's warning had barely left his lips when four figures surged toward the carriage.
Kakashi reacted instantly, his short sword slicing through the air to knock one enemy back before he lunged at another.
"Damn brat!"
The Iwa ninja who had been repelled winced at the pain in his chest, his eyes flicking down to the fresh cut left by Kakashi's blade. Fury twisted his expression as he drew his samurai sword and charged.
"Fire Release! Blazing Fire Technique!"
From a distance, Kazuyama narrowed his eyes as he watched Obito form the seals.
This wasn't the usual Uchiha Fire Release—it was Pakura's technique.
As the flames ignited around Obito, Kazuyama scoffed in disdain.
"So, the brat really did train with Pakura… He even learned her technique."
Obito's Blazing Fire Technique was a weaker version of Pakura's Scorch Release. When she had fought against Obito and Guy before, she conjured four powerful fireballs. But in Obito's hands, the flames dispersed into a flurry of embers, blocking the path of the remaining three Iwa ninja.
It had to be said—Obito's execution of the technique was impressive. By controlling the flames to cut off enemy movement, he bought valuable time for his side to regroup.
Even Kazuyama found himself nodding in reluctant approval.
But in the next second, his expression changed.
What did he just see?
A hint of red?
Impossible.
Not only was Kazuyama Gekkō stunned, but the three Iwa ninja froze in place as well.
Those blood-red pupils—Sharingan!
Even though they were only single-tomoe, there was no mistaking it.
His Sharingan had awakened.
"When did this kid awaken his eyes…?"
"Damn, how old is he? He's already unlocked the Sharingan?!"
Kazuyama's mouth dropped open in shock.
"Wow, Kazuyama, your disciple is something else… Sharingan…"
"He's kind of a genius."
Chōmei's voice suddenly echoed in Kazuyama's mind. Whatever Kazuyama could see, Chōmei could see as well.
You have to understand, this is the Sharingan—one of the three great Dōjutsu. Some Uchiha go their entire lives without ever awakening it.
To unlock it, one must experience intense emotional turmoil.
But what kind of trauma could this kid have possibly gone through in the village?
My god… when did he awaken his eyes?
"Damn it! It's an Uchiha!"
"Attack together! Kill him!"
The Uchiha represented absolute power in the ninja world. Even if Obito was just a kid, unlocking his Sharingan at this age—what else could he be but a monster?
"Heh, you wish!"
"Fire Release! Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball erupted from Obito's mouth, forcing the three Iwa ninja to retreat from the intense heat.
Meanwhile, Kakashi was already in position, his short blade flashing with blue chakra.
Swish!
The chakra-infused short blade slashed out, catching two of the Iwa ninja on their backs. Blood sprayed instantly.
"Damn it! They're just kids!"
"Earth Release! Rock Pillar Spear!"
The remaining Iwa ninja, now enraged, slammed his hands into the ground. The earth bulged, and a sharp stone spike shot up at Kakashi's feet.
Kakashi had just finished his attack. Caught off guard, he instinctively leaped back to evade—but the spike extended rapidly. At the same time, one of the injured Iwa ninja lunged from behind, ninja sword raised for a fatal strike.
"Kakashi!"
"Be careful!"
Both Obito and Rin, hiding nearby, cried out in alarm.
Kakashi was surrounded, under attack from both the front and back. There was no way to dodge.
His expression turned grim. If he couldn't escape, he would have to take one of them down with him.
The Iwa ninja's eyes gleamed with murderous intent. To them, Kakashi was already dead.
But the next second—
Kazuyama appeared behind Kakashi in a blur.
With a powerful leg whip, he kicked Kakashi out of harm's way. Twisting his body, he narrowly dodged the incoming sword and drove his fist straight into the enemy's gut, sending him flying.
Then, just as the ground spike was about to pierce him, Kazuyama vanished again.
When he reappeared, he was already standing in front of the carriage—carrying Kakashi.
"Damn… that was fast…"
"And that movement…"
"Yellow Flash?"
"No, that's not right… he's not yellow…"
Kazuyama's mouth twitched at the remark, and he couldn't help but think: Yellow Flash? Just how much fear has Minato instilled in these Iwa shinobi?
"Kazuyama-sensei…"
"I…"
Kakashi, still being held by the back of the neck, dangled in the air. The pressure on his collar was cutting into his throat, making his face turn red.
"Oh, oh, sorry, Kakashi."
"Forget it, forget it."
Noticing Kakashi's flushed face, Kazuyama quickly let him down.
The moment he landed, Kakashi gasped for air, shooting his teacher a look full of exasperation.
Obito and Rin rushed to his side. Now that Kazuyama had arrived, these Iwa ninja were no longer a threat.
"Damn it! Are there reinforcements…?"
"And the way he moved just now… we're no match for him. Retreat!"
They had witnessed Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique firsthand on the battlefield of the Land of Grass. In fact, they were the ones who had dubbed him the Yellow Flash.
More importantly, the Tsuchikage had given strict orders—if they encountered the Yellow Flash, they were to retreat immediately.
The man in front of them wasn't blond… but who was to say the damn Yellow Flash hadn't dyed his hair just to deceive them?
They weren't sticking around to find out.
Minato: I…
The Iwa ninja ignored their wounds and bolted for the trees.
"Oh? You bullied my students, and now you want to run?"
"That might not be possible."
"After all… a family should stay together. Your teammates from the other squad are waiting for you down there."
Kazuyama smiled—but it was the smile of death.
Before the three kids could even process what was happening, he vanished.
When he reappeared, he was already in front of the fleeing Iwa ninja.
And in a chilling voice, he spoke:
"Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands…"
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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