Before they even entered the gorge, thanks to the warning from Inuzuka Hana's ninja dogs, The Three Haimaru Brothers, they were already aware that there were ninjas lying in ambush.
"Ninja dogs are really convenient!" Li Zhenwu couldn't help but exclaim, to which the nearby Shiranui Gensui nodded in agreement, feeling the urgency of the situation.
Just like in this scenario, their enemies were quietly trying to set up a trap, but from a distance, the ninja dogs detected their presence through their scent.
Although this was partly due to the enemy's lack of strong concealment skills, it also showcased the formidable abilities of the Inuzuka clan.
"Make sure you're protected; I'll go check on them," Li Zhenwu instructed with a mischievous smile as he moved forward.
He walked for a short distance and nearly reached the area where The Three Haimaru Brothers had picked up the scent of their enemies when he suddenly stopped.
Concerned there might be a trap ahead, he boldly declared, "Come out!"
His voice echoed in the gorge, but after he spoke, there was no response from either side.
Seeing this, Li Zhenwu didn't doubt the accuracy of Inuzuka Hana's ninja dogs; instead, he marveled at the patience of these ninjas, who remained unmoved even after their location was exposed.
Though they didn't respond immediately, he remained calm and collected.
He took off the backpack he was carrying and held it up in one hand while drawing out a kunai with the other.
He pointed the weapon at the backpack and said, "If you don't come out soon, I'll smash this item we're tasked with protecting!"
Inside that backpack was a box containing the very item they needed to escort on this mission, but they still didn't know exactly what it was. However, Li Zhenwu was sure that these ninja squads had come specifically for this item, so he was using it to force them out.
"Whoosh!"
Not long after Li Zhenwu finished speaking, a kunai silently flew toward him.
Li Zhenwu raised his eyes, quickly pivoted his arm, and with a flick of his wrist, deflected the kunai down to the ground with a sharp "clang!"
"One of them has revealed themselves," Li Zhenwu noted, spotting the source of the thrown kunai and immediately sending his own kunai, laced with faint golden chakra and tiny golden lightning bolts, flying in that direction!
The sound of rustling filled the air as a figure sprang out from the trees and bushes.
"Glad you've come out," Li Zhenwu said, taking a step forward and lowering his body, his hands positioned behind him as he executed the best stance learned in school, darting forward.
"Leaf Whirlwind." Just before reaching the figure, Li Zhenwu spun around and unleashed a powerful Leaf Whirlwind kick.
"Earth Style! Earth Wall Defense!"
The wall made of earth shook violently as Li Zhenwu's Leaf Whirlwind struck it hard.
"Ordinary Chaotic Fist!"
Faced with the earthen wall, Li Zhenwu had no desire to jump over it; instead, he switched tactics and unleashed a flurry of punches!
His heavy punches fell like raindrops, each hit delivering the force of a giant industrial hammer, and within just two breaths, he smashed through the wall of earth!
As the wall shattered, the concealed ninja was left exposed in front of Li Zhenwu.
"Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
With his right leg glowing with faint golden chakra, he struck the ninja, who hadn't yet managed to form any seals for his jutsu!
Boom!
The ninja was sent flying hard against a large tree, which trembled and shed countless green leaves!
Whoosh!
At that moment, another ninja, who had been hiding, appeared and threw a kunai while quickly forming seals.
"Glad you've come out!" Li Zhenwu's gaze shifted, and he drew out his own kunai from his waist, blocking the incoming weapon with a sharp clash. As his figure flickered, he created three afterimages.
"Afterimage Technique!"
After creating the afterimages, Li Zhenwu didn't pause; he crossed his hands to form seals.
"Afterimage Clone Technique!"
In an instant, several afterimages split again, creating more than enough Li Zhenwus to overwhelm his opponent.
"What... what kind of clone technique is this?" The opposing ninja stared in astonishment, caught off guard by this unheard-of jutsu.
Even a ninja with ample experience in dealing with clones couldn't help but feel disoriented at the moment! Because this move by Li Zhenwu wasn't merely an afterimage or a clone; it was an afterimage that concealed a clone!
The clones could turn into afterimages at any time, making it incredibly difficult to discern the real body!
Seizing the moment of confusion, Li Zhenwu hurled the kunai in his hand with force as his figure moved, sending six "Li Zhenwu" clones charging forward simultaneously!
"Li Zhenwu's strength... has actually increased again!"
In the back, Guy Sensei was astonished.
The last time he'd seen Li Zhenwu face two black-cloaked ninjas, he was somewhat flustered and even took some hits. However, today he seemed to handle things with ease, even looking somewhat relaxed!
"Li Zhenwu, who grows stronger the more he fights, makes me really look forward to what he'll become in the future!
This is truly the essence of Li Zhenwu's youth!" Guy Sensei exclaimed in admiration, unable to contain his excitement within.
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