"Who?"

Kurenai looked at the figures not far away and called out sharply.

She activated her chakra, staying alert and ready for whatever those figures might do. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Hinata and Shino immediately stood up as well, adopting defensive postures while watching the approaching group.

"Gentlemen, we meet again!"

As the fight was about to begin, a figure stepped forward first.

He clapped his hands lightly, wearing a calm and carefree expression, though there was a teasing glint in his eyes.

Behind him were a white-haired man and a somewhat casually dressed, chubby fellow.

At the front was Hideki, followed by Killer B and Darui.

Compared to the others, Genya was familiar with these members of the Kumogakure.

"Hideki, we escorted you back to the Land of Lightning, and now you’re so eager to start a fight?"

Genya slowly stood up, tossing a bone aside but keeping his eyes fixed on Hideki.

Actually, he had predicted this situation long ago.

But he hadn’t expected such a big move from the Land of Lightning this time—sending Killer B himself.

Killer B, the Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails.

His strength was almost on par with the Fourth Raikage.

He was considered one of the strongest in the Land of Lightning, and Genya even suspected that if Killer B and the Eight-Tails went all out together, they might be stronger than the Raikage.

Behind these three, there were more than a dozen Jonin-level ninja, all quite powerful.

It was clear that this mission was critical and they were determined to succeed.

"Uchiha Genya, we have no other demands this time—only this girl!"

Hideki pointed at Hinata standing beside Genya, his tone serious.

He didn’t want to start a conflict with the Uchiha clan.

"If I say no? Hinata is my teammate. As a Uchiha, I don’t abandon my comrades."

Genya said with a teasing tone, "If that’s your only demand, then you can leave!"

"Uchiha Genya, do you really want to go against our Land of Lightning?" Hideki stared at Genya, his expression turning serious.

"I advise you—your Uchiha clan cannot stand against the entire Kumogakure. If you leave now, I won’t target you. Otherwise, all of you stay!"

When these words were spoken, Shino Aburame’s eyes grew serious. He watched the Land of Lightning ninjas warily as the insects on his body began crawling out, spreading.

If they really intended to attack, then they would have to fight to the death.

Kurenai Yuhi was just as alert, watching carefully. If those people dared to make a move, she would be the first to stand in their way.

She was the teacher of Genya and his companions. Even if it meant death, she would charge forward first to buy time for her students to escape.

"Genya," Hinata listened to Hideki’s words, her face slightly downcast but resigned. "Genya-kun, I’m glad to be your teammate. Let me stay here. You must all get back to Konoha safely."

For the sake of Genya and the others’ safety, Hinata was ready to sacrifice herself.

"Uchiha Genya, what is your choice?" Hideki looked at Genya. "Will you all die together, or will only Hyuga Hinata be left behind?"

"You’d better think carefully—this is a matter of life and death for all of you!"

"Pah! Hinata is my teammate. If you want to touch her, you’ll have to step over my dead body first!" Shino Aburame was the first to speak, his gaze burning with hatred at Hideki’s hypocritical face.

But Hideki ignored Shino, his eyes fixed on Genya. "Uchiha brat, what’s your decision?"

In Hideki’s eyes, the only one who could change the tide of battle now was Uchiha Genya—or rather, the Uchiha clan members following behind him.

If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, he did not want to conflict with the Uchiha clan.

"Heh. Didn’t you hear my teammate?" Genya wiped the grease from his mouth and looked at the people in front of him.

His voice was low but made it clear—there was no chance for negotiation.

If the Kumogakure insisted on taking Hinata, then there would be only one thing, fight.

"Uchiha Genya, you insist on going through with this?" Hideki stared at Genya. "You need to think carefully. Your Uchiha clan is no match for Kumogakure!"

"Whether we’re a match or not isn’t for you to decide!" Genya narrowed his eyes at Hideki. Then his gaze swept over the Kirigakure shinobi behind him — Killer B and Darui. "Besides, dealing with you doesn’t require the rest of the Uchiha clan."

The disdain in his voice was unmistakable. When looking at Killer B and Darui, it was as if they were mere lackeys.

"Killer B, I feel insulted!" The Eight-Tails beast inside him was watching the situation closely and couldn’t help but voice his anger in the mental realm.

He was the Eight-Tails — never had he been so disrespected. Genya’s words were nothing short of provocation.

"Calm down. A kid who hasn’t endured hardship can be arrogant — that’s normal." Killer B comforted the Eight-Tails in his mind, then said, "I’ll teach this brat a lesson soon."

"Hmph, that’s better." The Eight-Tails lifted his head seriously. "I just checked — no one is within three km around here. We can make a move."

Huh? No one at all? Killer B was momentarily stunned. His thoughts raced — if no one was around, why was this Uchiha brat so calm?

"In that case, I’ll kill you all!" Darui had been listening nearby and could no longer hold back. He drew his large sword and charged at Genya.

Darui’s naturally fiery temper couldn’t withstand Genya’s provocation.

"Darui!" Hideki was shocked and quickly tried to call him back.

The Uchiha clan’s hidden operatives hadn’t made a move yet. If Darui acted rashly, it could lead to a loss.

"Let him go. The Eight-Tails already scouted the area — no ninja within three km." Killer B understood Hideki’s intention and stopped him from speaking further. "Let him test the waters."

"What? No guards protecting Uchiha Genya nearby?" Hideki was stunned. How could this be?

When Genya left Konoha, he had already seen through Sarutobi Hiruzen’s scheme and even knew Hideki’s true identity.

He wore an expression of careful planning.

There was no way he’d let himself fall into danger.

Besides, from what he knew about the Uchiha clan, Genya was their precious treasure — they wouldn’t send him alone on such a dangerous mission.

He couldn’t understand.

What was he missing? What oversight had he made?

And why was Genya still so confident?

****

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