The forest exploded.
Kunai whistled from every direction—sharp, fast, deadly. Ren threw himself behind a rock. Splinters showered his face.
Daichi moved first. His hands flashed through signs—Tiger → Ox → Tiger.
"Wind Style: Blade Barrier!"
A vortex of air spun around him, deflecting three kunai. Then two more. His face was calm. Almost bored.
"Is that all you've got?"
Sora's hands moved—Bird → Hare → Ram.
"Wind Style: Gust Push!"
A blast of wind knocked two missing-nin off their feet. She followed with three kunai, each coated in a faint green chakra—Chakra Flow. Each found flesh.
Kaito fought nearby. His claws tore through an enemy's arm. But his eyes kept drifting to the treeline.
Not at the enemies.
At something else.
---
Ren tried to move. To help. His legs wouldn't obey.
Same as the dream. Frozen.
The enemy leader stepped forward. His dead eyes swept the clearing. Then they stopped—on Ren.
He pointed.
"That's the one. Don't let him escape."
Daichi's eyes widened. "What do you mean? He's just a genin!"
The enemy smiled. It was not a kind smile.
"You Konoha fools have no idea… what he really is."
---
A flicker at the edge of Ren's vision.
0.4% → Threat Identified.
Condition: Survival.
The warmth in his chest flared. Hot. Angry. Alive.
But his legs still wouldn't move.
The enemy leader raised his blade. "After him. Kill him if you have to."
More enemies poured from the trees. Surrounding them.
Daichi stepped in front of Ren. His hands formed a single seal—Tiger.
"Earth Style: Wall!"
A slab of stone erupted from the ground, blocking the first wave of attackers.
"Ren. Stay behind me."
An enemy blade came out of nowhere—aimed at Ren's chest.
Daichi moved to block—
Too slow.
The blade sank into his side.
Warm blood splashed across Ren's face.
Daichi didn't scream.
He didn't fall.
He just... stopped moving.
---
END OF CHAPTER 2