The air crackled with tension as Ito Shu's grim expression confirmed their worst fears. Inside the dimly lit tree hollow, the scene was brutal. Three Konoha ninjas lay still, their lives violently extinguished, the surrounding earth stained crimson. Kifune's gaze swept over the fallen, noting the tell-tale signs of a swift and merciless attack.
Jonin and Chunin… they must have been skilled to infiltrate so deep, Kifune mused, his eyes lingering on the Uchiha crest adorning one of the uniforms.
Before he could examine the bodies further, Shu's urgent warning sliced through the quiet.
"Someone's coming!"
Adrenaline surged through Kifune. He swiftly unfurled a sealing scroll and with practiced movements, secured the three bodies within. Stepping cautiously out of the hollow, he found Kakashi and the others poised for battle.
"Did you get them?" Kakashi's voice was tight with urgency.
Kifune nodded curtly.
"Move!"
They didn't hesitate. Their mission was retrieval, not engagement. The border was their sanctuary, and they sprinted towards it with every ounce of their being.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A volley of shuriken rained down, forcing them into a defensive circle, backs pressed together, weapons at the ready. Four figures materialized from the shadows of the trees, their eyes glinting with cold intent.
In the silent language of the shinobi, the encounter was already decided. Survival was the only objective.
"Fight!" Kakashi's command was a raw burst of sound as he exploded forward, a silver streak aimed at the nearest Mist Ninja.
Shu and Kuriyama moved in tandem, their movements fluid and practiced, attempting to create an opening, a chance for Kifune to slip away.
"Heh, a bunch of Konoha brats," sneered Kurisan Yamato, one of the Mist Ninjas, his hand gripping the hilt of his longsword. But Kakashi's sudden surge of speed wiped the smirk from his face. The White Fang flashed under the moonlight, a lethal arc aimed true.
Michigusa Shinno, the Mist Ninja captain, was ready. His own blade met Kakashi's with a sharp clang. "So, you're White Fang's son, huh? Konoha's so-called genius?" A dangerous excitement lit his eyes.
The clash of steel echoed through the forest as Shu and Kuriyama engaged the remaining Mist Ninjas.
Then there was Kifune. The Mist Ninja Kakashi had initially targeted shifted his attention, a predatory grin stretching across his face.
"Didn't expect a bunch of Konoha brats to be this tough," the Mist Ninja taunted.
"You're not bad either," Kifune replied evenly, adopting a defensive stance.
The Mist Ninja's chuckle was cut short. In a sudden burst of speed, Kifune whirled around and sprinted away, leaving the Mist Ninja momentarily stunned.
"Damn it!" the Mist Ninja roared, giving chase.
This is what Kakashi meant by 'containment,' Kifune thought, a wry smile playing on his lips. No need to fight, just keep him busy.
Kakashi's lone eye narrowed as he watched Kifune's retreat.
"Stop them! He's got the intel!" he yelled, desperately trying to break free from Michigusa's relentless assault.
But Michigusa was a whirlwind of motion, his blade a constant threat. "Kill him! He's got the intel!" he repeated, a vicious edge to his voice as he pressed his attack, effectively pinning Kakashi.
Meanwhile, Shu was holding his ground, his perception skills allowing him to anticipate the Mist Ninjas' movements. But Kuriyama was struggling. Her medical ninjutsu was invaluable, but her combat prowess was no match for the seasoned Mist assassins.