Chapter 28: Old faces

Two months had passed since Hinata had joined Naruto's team, and their successes had continued to bolster Konoha's efforts in the ongoing war. Naruto's growth had been instrumental in turning the tide, and now, they found themselves tasked with a crucial mission.

That afternoon, Konoha's 4th light brigade had just seized a critical Kumo stronghold on the high ground, a position that had previously allowed the enemy to shell them relentlessly. The shinobi present were consolidating their gains, securing the area, and preparing for the next phase of the offensive.

Naruto, Shisui, Sasuke, and Hinata were approached by a higher-ranking Jonin, his expression grave. "We've taken the hill, but there's an underground bunker that needs to be cleared. Intelligence suggests there might be personnel guarding valuable information down there. Your team is the best suited for the job. Secure the bunker and bring back any intel you can find."

Hinata's Byakugan activated, veins around her eyes bulging as she scanned the area. "I see the entrance. There are multiple tunnels, but there's a larger chamber about 100 meters in. That's where they are."

"Good," Shisui nodded. "Hinata, you take the lead. Sasuke, cover her. Naruto, stay close. We'll need to be careful; we don't know what's down there."

They moved quickly and silently through the bunker's dark, narrow passages. Hinata's Byakugan guided them with precision, her voice calm and steady as she relayed information.

"We're close," she whispered. "There are five people in the chamber. They seem to be engineers, not shinobi. Only one of them is armed—a bowman."

Naruto stepped forward, determination etched on his face. "Let's capture them alive. We need any information they have about the artillery."

Hinata nodded, her expression serious. "Understood. I'll try to get them to surrender."

As they approached the metal door, Hinata called out, her voice firm but gentle. "We know you're in there. Surrender peacefully, and you won't be harmed."

There was a moment of tense silence, then a muffled voice from inside, filled with fear. "We're just engineers! Please, don't hurt us!"

Hinata carefully opened the door, stepping inside. "Lay down your weapons and come out slowly. We—"

Before she could finish, an arrow flew from the shadows, striking her in the stomach. She gasped, collapsing in pain as blood soaked her uniform.

"Hinata!" Sasuke shouted, dragging her to safety. He applied pressure to her wound, his eyes wide with worry. "Stay with me, Hinata. Just hold on."

Naruto's vision went red with rage. Ignoring the Jonin's call to fall back, he stormed the room. Another arrow flew at him, but he caught it mid-air, snapping it in his hand.

He kicked the half-open door wide, shattering it as he entered. Inside, four men and a woman stood trembling, eyes wide with terror.

"Please, we surrender!" one of the engineers begged, dropping his tools. The others followed suit, including the bowman who had shot Hinata.

But Naruto wasn't listening. In a blur of motion, he seized the bowman, his expression twisted with fury. He seized the man by the neck in an iron grip, lifting his feet off the ground as he struggled in his grasp. The bowman gasped, blood pouring from his mouth as he fell to the ground, lifeless.

The remaining engineers cowered, pleading for their lives. "We're just civilians! Please, we're not soldiers!"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his anger warring with his sense of duty. But the image of Hinata, bleeding and in pain, fueled his rage. With a cold, detached expression, he methodically killed each one, their pleas turning into gurgling cries as they fell.

The Jonin commander burst into the room, his eyes widening at the carnage. "Naruto, what have you done?" he shouted. "These were prisoners of war! You can't just execute them!"

Naruto turned to face the commander, his expression blank. "They attacked us." he said simply, as if that justified everything. He stepped past the bodies, walking out of the room without another word.

Outside, Sasuke and Shisui were tending to Hinata, who was pale but conscious. Naruto approached, his face softening as he knelt beside her. "Hinata, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

Hinata managed a weak smile, her hand reaching for his. "I'll be fine, Naruto. Thank you for saving us."

Naruto squeezed her hand, his heart heavy with guilt and rage. "I'll protect you, Hinata. No matter what."

The team gathered around their fallen comrade, watching her as they applied first aid. When the medics arrived to tend to Hinata, Naruto looked back at the bunker, his mind replaying the events. The realization of what he had done began to sink in, but the war demanded their focus. There would be time for regret later.

For now, they had to survive.

Killer Bee stood on the edge of Kaminosato, his hometown, now a rapidly transforming war zone. The once peaceful farming village, with its expansive fields of rice and vegetables, was now lined with hastily constructed fortifications and trenches. The familiar landscape of his childhood had become an alien terrain of sandbags and barbed wire.

Bee's heart ached as he looked over the village. Memories of running through these fields as a child with his friends, of festivals, and the quiet, serene nights under the stars, all seemed like a distant dream now. He had moved away to Kumo when he was younger to train as a shinobi, but Kaminosato had always remained dear to his heart. He was grateful that his relatives had all moved to Kumo before the Raikage's harsh evacuation ban came into effect. Still, he knew many villagers who had not been as fortunate. Their lives were now in his hands.

Determined to defend the village with all his might, Bee took a deep breath and closed his eyes, entering his mind plane to communicate with Yugito.

"Yo, Yugito, can you hear me?" Bee's voice echoed in the mindscape.

Yugito's figure appeared, her expression serious but softening at the sight of him. "Bee, I hear you. How are things in Kaminosato?"

"Tense," Bee replied, his tone uncharacteristically somber. "The village is getting fortified, but it ain't the same, y'know? It's hard seeing it like this."

Yugito nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I wish I could be there to support you, Bee. Knowing you're in danger... it makes me anxious."

"Don't sweat it, Yugito," Bee said, trying to lighten the mood with a reassuring smile. "I got this. I'm gonna defend this place with everything I got. You focus on your mission and stay safe too."

"I will," she said, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and resolve. "Just promise me you'll make it back."

"Promise," Bee said, his voice firm. "I'll make it back to you. Count on it."

As they exchanged their farewells, Yugito's figure faded, leaving Bee alone with his thoughts. He opened his eyes to the reality of the war-torn village. The people of Kaminosato, those who had not evacuated, were counting on him. They watched him with a mix of fear and hope, their lives hanging in the balance.

Bee knew that the advancing Konoha forces would soon be upon them. He had heard tales of Naruto's combat prowess, his fierce determination, and the impact he had already made on the battlefield. Despite being on opposite sides, Bee couldn't bring himself to hate Naruto. There was a mutual respect between them, born from their shared experiences as jinchuriki.

"Naruto..." Bee muttered to himself, looking out over the fortifications. "I hope we don't have to face each other. But if it comes to that, I gotta do what I gotta do."

As the sun began to set, casting a crimson hue over the village, the tension in the air thickened. Bee walked among the trenches, offering words of encouragement to the nervous villagers turned soldiers. Each step he took was a reminder of the responsibility he bore, and the lives that depended on him.

One of the villagers, an elderly man who had known Bee since he was a child, approached him. "Bee my child, knowing you're here... it gives us hope. Hope that we just might make it out of this impending hell."

Bee placed a hand on the man's shoulder, his voice steady and reassuring. "We're gonna get through this. Stick together, watch each other's backs, and we'll make it. Believe in that."

The man's eyes welled with gratitude, and he nodded, returning to his post. Bee's heart swelled with determination. He couldn't afford to falter now.

As he prepared himself for the imminent battle, Bee's thoughts drifted back to Yugito. Her voice, her concern, her presence... all served as a beacon of strength for him. He had promised her he would return, and he intended to keep that promise.

Standing at the front lines, Bee looked over the fields one last time. The place that had once been his sanctuary was now a battlefield, and he would fight to protect it with every ounce of strength he had. The people of Kaminosato were counting on him, and he would not let them down.

"Alright, Kaminosato," Bee whispered to the village he loved.

"Let's show 'em what we're made of."

Naruto and his group marched steadily towards Kaminosato alongside Konoha's 1st Shinobi Corps. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation, each step bringing them closer to the next battlefront. Hinata, now recovered from her injuries, walked beside Naruto, her mind troubled by the recent events she had heard about. She hadn't yet found the courage to confront Naruto about his actions in the bunker, but her worry gnawed at her with every passing moment.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the landscape, the corps made camp for the night. The flickering light of the campfires did little to dispel the darkness that seemed to hang over them. Hinata looked over at Naruto, who was unusually quiet and withdrawn. Her heart ached to reach out to him, but she hesitated, unsure of how to begin.

Later that night, as she lay in her bedroll, her unease grew. She turned to her side to speak with Naruto, but found his bed empty. Her eyes scanned the camp until she spotted him sitting alone outside, his silhouette outlined by the moonlight. Gathering her resolve, Hinata rose and made her way towards him.

Naruto sat on a fallen log, staring out into the night, lost in thought. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets were the only sounds that accompanied his solitude. As Hinata approached, he sensed her presence and tried to put on a cheerful facade.

"Hey, Hinata," he said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Couldn't sleep?"

Hinata shook her head, sitting down beside him. "I was worried about you, Naruto. You've seemed so distant lately."

Naruto's smile faltered, and he sighed, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. "It's nothing, really. Just... a lot on my mind."

Hinata reached out, gently placing her hand on his. "You don't have to pretend with me, Naruto. I can see that something is bothering you."

Naruto looked into her eyes, seeing the concern and love she held for him. His facade crumbled, and he finally allowed himself to be vulnerable. "Hinata, I... I've been feeling like I'm losing myself. Ever since that day in the bunker...no, since before that, I've been struggling with what I did. What I've been doing for some time now."

He paused, taking his head in his hands. "Killing those prisoners... it felt wrong, but at the same time, I thought it was necessary. I couldn't risk them attacking us again."

Hinata squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with understanding. "Naruto, you've been through so much. This war has changed all of us. But you need to remember that you're not alone. We're here to share this burden with you. You don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Naruto's shoulders slumped as he continued, "I'm supposed to be strong for everyone—for the team, for the village. But every time I see you in danger, I feel like I'm failing you, like I failed Jiraiya. I can't bear the thought of losing anyone else."

Hinata's heart ached for him. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "Naruto, you're not failing me. You've protected us time and time again. But you don't have to do it all alone. We're in this together. I love you, and I'll always be here to support you."

Naruto felt a warmth spread through him at her words, her embrace grounding him in a way nothing else could. He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Thank you, Hinata. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hinata smiled softly, leaning in closer to him. "You'll never have to find out, because I'm not going anywhere."

They sat together, leaning against a tree, finding comfort in each other's presence. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a serene glow around them. Despite the turmoil in Naruto's mind, he found solace in the quiet moment they shared.

Hinata's expression softened as she reached out to touch his cheek. "You're not alone in this, Naruto. We all carry the weight of our responsibilities, but we don't have to do it alone. You've always been there for us, and we'll always be there for you."

Naruto leaned into her touch, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "Thank you, Hinata. Your words mean a lot to me."

Hinata's eyes sparkled with determination. "We'll get through this together, Naruto. No matter what happens, we'll face it side by side."

Naruto's heart swelled with gratitude and love. He pulled her closer, resting her head against his shoulder. "I promise, I'll do my best to protect you. But I'll also try to remember that I don't have to do it all alone."

Hinata's smile was radiant, and she kissed him softly. "That's all I ask."

They sat in silence for a while, drawing strength from each other. The night was calm, the stars twinkling above them like silent guardians. Despite the uncertainty of the future, Naruto felt a renewed sense of determination. He would fight to protect those he loved, and he would strive for a better world—a world where peace was not just a fleeting dream, but a lasting reality.

As they sat there, the warmth of Hinata's embrace and the promise of her unwavering support gave him hope. No matter what lay ahead, he knew they would face it together. And that made all the difference.

Naruto's mind drifted to the impending battle at Kaminosato. They were getting closer and closer to Kumo itself. The end of the war was looming nearer, and while a part of him couldn't help but look further into the future, he was determined to focus on the present. The questions of whether defeating and subjugating their enemies would truly bring peace, or whether another conflict would simply arise, weighed heavily on him. But for now, he would take it one step at a time.

As the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, Naruto and Hinata reluctantly rose to join their comrades. The day promised to be long and arduous, but with Hinata by his side, Naruto felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Gaara sat in the commander's dugout, the air thick with tension and the scent of damp earth. The dim light of lanterns flickered over the maps and documents spread across the wooden table. Surrounding him were his trusted commanders, including his brother, Kankuro, and a few seasoned strategists.

Gaara's ascension to Kazekage after his father's death had been swift. The elders had recognized his potential, both for his battlefield experience and the way the people looked up to him as a hero and defender. Despite his youth, he carried the weight of his new role with a sense of solemn duty. He had sworn not to let the people of Suna down.

"Gaara," Kankuro began, pointing to a section of the map, "Kiri's forces are advancing from the southeast. They're trying to cut off our supply lines and encircle us."

Gaara nodded, his expression serious. "We need to fortify our defenses here and here," he said, pointing to key positions on the map. "If we can hold these points, we can prevent their encirclement and maintain our supply routes."

The other commanders murmured in agreement, their respect for Gaara evident. He had earned their trust not just through his leadership, but also by fighting alongside them on the frontlines.

But deep down, Gaara still clung to a hope he had harbored since his youth—a hope for lasting peace. The war had been brutal, with massacres on both sides, deepening the animosity between nations. Yet, Gaara believed that peace was possible. He just didn't know how to achieve it amidst the ongoing carnage.

Surrendering to Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, was out of the question. Rumors of war crimes committed in conquered villages under her watch made Gaara wary. He didn't want to find out if those rumors were true. The idea of fighting her to a ceasefire seemed more realistic, but he knew that even if Suna managed to push Kiri out of their lands, an invasion of Kiri was out of reach. The Water Country's formidable navy made it nearly impossible.

For now, his focus had to be on regaining lost territory and holding off Mei's forces. The Mizukage was determined to conquer Suna and free Fuu. If Mei had Fuu's power on her side, the war might have already been lost. But luckily for Gaara, Fuu, despite her captivity, was kind-hearted and reluctant to fight in the war.

There were times when Gaara considered trying to convince Fuu to defect to Suna. Her strength could turn the tide. But he feared the repercussions such a move might bring. For now, he had to hold on, hoping that Konoha's successes against Kumo and Iwa would eventually lead to a broader peace.

Gaara's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of distant explosions, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. He looked up at his commanders, his gaze steely. "Prepare the troops," he ordered. "We must be ready for whatever comes next."

As the commanders dispersed to carry out his orders, Kankuro remained behind, his expression pensive. "Gaara," he said quietly, "do you really think there's a chance for peace?"

Gaara looked at his brother, his eyes filled with determination. "I have to believe there is," he replied. "If we give up on that hope, then all we're fighting for is survival. We need to fight for something more."

Kankuro nodded, understanding the weight of Gaara's words. "Then we'll fight for our future," he said, placing a hand on Gaara's shoulder. "For Suna, and for the memory of our father."

Gaara felt a surge of resolve. He would hold on, for the memory of his father and the hope of a nation. The path to peace was fraught with peril, but as long as he drew breath, he would continue to fight for a better future. The fate of Suna depended on it, and Gaara was determined not to let his people down.

The village of Kaminosato was ablaze with the fury of battle. Killer Bee, with his immense power and skill, stood as the last bastion of hope for his hometown. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the metallic tang of blood, the constant roar of artillery fire echoing through the landscape. Despite the chaos, Bee's resolve never wavered. This village held his childhood memories, and he was determined to protect it with his life.

Bee had just finished repulsing another squad of Konoha shinobi, their bodies strewn across the battlefield. His breath came in heavy pants, but his spirit remained unbroken. Around him, the villagers and remaining defenders looked to him with a mixture of awe and desperation. So far, they had managed to hold the line, but the relentless pressure from Konoha's forces was beginning to take its toll.

As he wiped the sweat and blood from his brow, a crackling sound came through his earpiece, breaking the brief moment of respite. The voice on the other end was frantic, filled with urgency and fear.

"Bee! We need you at the southwest farmland! We're being overwhelmed! The artillery isn't enough to stop them!"

Bee's eyes narrowed, his focus sharpening. The farmland was a critical position, not just for the village's food supply but as a strategic point in their defenses. If it fell, the enemy would have a direct path into the heart of Kaminosato.

"I'm on my way," Bee replied, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

As he turned to leave, another message came through, one that made his heart drop.

"Bee... it's a Jinchuriki. We've spotted the Nine-Tails' host."

Naruto. The name lingered in Bee's mind, bringing with it a flood of memories. The boy who had once been his friend, his comrade. Now, they stood on opposite sides of this devastating war. It was against orders to face an enemy Jinchuriki alone, especially without the support of Yugito, who was deployed elsewhere. But there was no time to wait for reinforcements.

Bee paused, his mind racing. The weight of his decision bore down on him heavily. He could fall back, regroup, and risk the farmland—and potentially the village—falling to the enemy. Or he could face Naruto, a battle that could very well be his last.

With a deep breath, Bee made up his mind. His heart heavy, he steeled himself for the fight ahead.

"I'm coming, Naruto," he whispered to himself, his voice a mix of sorrow and determination. "I'll defend my home, no matter what."

With a final glance at the village he cherished, Bee sprinted towards the farmland, ready to face the formidable foe that awaited him. The sound of battle grew louder, the cries of the wounded and the clash of steel against steel filling the air. Bee's heart pounded in his chest, not from fear, but from the anticipation of the fight to come.

The farmland outside Kaminosato was a battleground, the once peaceful fields now scarred by the chaos of war. Naruto stood at the forefront, his eyes scanning the horizon. His team was with him—Sasuke, Shisui, and Hinata—along with a contingent of Konoha shinobi. They had fought fiercely to push back the Kumo forces, and now they were on the brink of securing this critical position.

Suddenly, a surge of chakra filled the air, and Naruto turned to see Killer Bee arriving to support the small group of Kumo defenders still holding the line. The sight of his old friend, now an enemy, sent a pang of sadness through Naruto's heart. The months had changed them both, but the bond they once shared lingered in his mind.

Bee's presence was electrifying. The Kumo shinobi who remained rallied behind him, their morale visibly lifting. Bee's eyes locked onto Naruto's, and for a moment, the battlefield seemed to fade away.

"Naruto," Bee called out, his voice carrying a mixture of determination and regret. "We meet again, but not as friends this time."

"Bee," Naruto replied, stepping forward. "How often are we going to do this? It's getting tiring."

Bee smiled, his expression softening slightly. "Naruto. This village is my home. I have to defend it, just like you're defending yours. But we both know there's no turning back now."

Naruto clenched his fists, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I won't hold back, Bee. I can't afford to."

Bee smiled sadly. "Neither can I."

Hinata stepped forward, tightly holding onto her bow. "We'll have to be careful with this guy, he's pretty formidable."

"We're not going to fight him head-on," Shisui stated, drawing his sword. "We focus on supporting Naruto indirectly, avoid drawn out confrontations with the jinchuriki."

Bee watched them carefully, lightning chakra beginning to spark on his skin as Naruto and his team spread out, slowly circling him.

Oi, fox, Gyūki sneered from inside Killer Bee. Ready for another round of punishment?

Watch your mouth beefcake, came Kurama's voice in response.

Without warning, the two Jinchuriki clashed, their initial blows sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The ground trembled as their blows collided, each strike a testament to their immense power. Naruto's tailed beast bomb met Bee's in a dazzling display of energy, the resulting explosion throwing debris in every direction.

Hinata, Sasuke, and Shisui moved to support Naruto, their combined efforts focused on bringing down Bee. The Kumo shinobi engaged the Konoha forces, but most began to retreat, unwilling to be caught in the crossfire of such powerful beings.

Bee fought with incredible skill and ferocity, his movements a blur as he dodged and countered. Despite the combined efforts of Naruto's team, he held his ground, his Seven Swords style proving difficult to overcome. Each swing of his blades created arcs of energy that forced his opponents to stay on their toes.

Sasuke rushed forward, clashing his sword with one of Bee's. As steel met steel, Shisui suddenly appeared in front of Bee, aiming a sword at his chest. But Bee was up to it, leaping into the air in a whirlwind of steel and electricity. Down below, Hinata infused an arrow with her chakra, firing the enhanced weapon at him but Bee cut it in mid air with a sword, right before landing to the ground to duck under a fleeting attack from Shisui.

[Rasengan]

Naruto rushed towards Bee with his jutsu, and at his torso. However he found himself stopped by a tentacle that shot out of his hand, slamming him into a wall. Immediately Hinata rushed behind Bee, trying unsuccessfully to hit him with an air palm; he was too fast.

[Fire style: Fire ball jutsu]

Bee evaded her attack and rushed towards her, only to find himself intercepted by Sasuke's fireball. He dodged the blast, the heat singeing his clothes. Quickly reacting to movement behind him, Bee blocked Naruto's kick from behind, slamming his fist into him with sufficient force and sending him flying away.

"Is that all you've got?" Bee taunted, his voice filled with determination. "I thought you'd be stronger by now, Naruto!"

Naruto gritted his teeth, his motivation only strengthening. "We're just getting started, Bee!"

The battle intensified, the air crackling with energy. Bee's partial transformation into the Eight-Tails added a new level of danger, his chakra tentacles lashing out and creating craters in the ground. Naruto evaded his attacks with impressive speed, his eyes glowing with determination.

"Keep up the pressure!" Sasuke shouted, his Sharingan spinning as he unleashed a barrage of shuriken. "We can't let up now!"

Hinata used her Byakugan to pinpoint Bee's movements, coordinating their attacks to exploit any openings. Shisui's agility and speed allowed him to weave in and out, striking with precision. Despite their efforts, Bee's power was overwhelming, his lightning infused Tailed Beast Bombs creating massive explosions that threatened to engulf them all.

Naruto pushed himself to the limit, keeping up with Bee's attacks and pressing when he got the chance. The battle carried on into the village proper, their clashes destroying houses and tearing through streets. Each blow was a testament to their resolve, neither willing to give an inch.

As they fought, Naruto could see the toll it was taking on Bee. Despite his strength, the combined efforts of his team were wearing him down. But just as they began to turn the tide, a blur of motion knocked Naruto away from Bee, sending him crashing into the ground.

Dazed, Naruto looked up to see a new figure standing beside Bee. Yugito had arrived, her presence both surprising and foreboding. Her eyes met Bee's, and for a moment, there was a silent understanding between them.

"Yugito," Bee said, a mixture of relief and determination in his voice. "You made it."

She nodded, a warm expression on her face. "Sorry it took so long. The Raikage has sent reinforcements, and I came as soon as I could. I'm here to back you up, just like always."

Bee's spirits lifted, a new surge of motivation coursing through him. "Thank you, Yugito. Let's show them what we're made of."

Naruto and his team braced themselves, the tension in the air palpable. They were now facing two Jinchuriki, each a formidable opponent in their own right. The battle was far from over, and the stakes had just been raised even higher.

Yugito was the first to break the silence, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, well, if it isn't Naruto Uzumaki. What happened? Did you leave your sand gerbil boyfriend behind?" She smirked, glancing at Naruto's team. "And who do we have here? Some fodder to keep you company?"

Bee chimed in, his tone confident. "You're up against the ultimate duo, it's true. We'll send you packing, like we always do."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "The stray cat swoops in to save her second-rate rapper. It still baffles me, Bee, this is the best you could find? Your taste in women is worse than your rhymes."

Bee's expression hardened, but Naruto pressed on, his voice laced with mockery. "It truly must hurt, all that experience under your belts just to be number two and three. But you should consider yourselves lucky to have this chance to challenge number one..." Naruto raised his thumb to indicate himself with a grin as an orange hue highlighted his eyes.

"Me."

Bee's surprise at Naruto's arrogance was palpable, but he quickly regained his composure. "You think you're number one, Naruto? Let's see you back it up."

Naruto's grin widened. "Gladly."

With a roar, Bee lunged at Naruto, crashing through a nearby fence and sending debris flying. The two Jinchuriki clashed in a whirlwind of power, their blows sending shockwaves through the air.

Meanwhile, Yugito faced Naruto's team, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Shisui stepped forward, his voice firm. "We've got you cornered. We will show no mercy."

Yugito laughed, her tone mocking. "Three of Konoha's best to stand a chance against a single Kumo shinobi? How pathetic."

Hinata interjected, her voice steady. "Haven't you heard? The mighty Raikage has been advancing rapidly these days... backwards," she prepared an arrow, infusing it with her chakra.

"Nobody likes getting jumped. But war is never fair."

"I agree," Yugito's smile turned cheeky as she extended her claws. "Issuing correction to your previous statement, Uchiha," she addressed Shisui, preparing to attack.

"You and your group never successfully cornered me...I'm the one that has cornered you."