At this moment, Jinpachi Munashi, Fuguki Suikazan, and Kushimaru Kuriarare—
Had all their attention focused on Uchiha Akira, hidden within the darkness.
As for Hyuga Koji, Uzuki Sena—
And the heavily injured, dying Sarutobi Shun—
They were completely ignored.
This gave the two a chance to breathe… and survive.
Uzuki Sena and Hyuga Koji regrouped, both still shaken.
Their eyes instinctively followed the enemy's gaze into the darkness ahead.
"Is it really him?" Uzuki Sena asked softly.
"I can't see him."
Hyuga Koji's Byakugan was active, yet no matter how he scanned the area—
He saw nothing.
For a moment, he even wondered if something was wrong with his eyes.
"…Shun… he might not make it."
Koji's voice was low.
Uzuki Sena immediately rushed over to check his condition.
"You think you can ignore us?"
"If he won't show himself… we'll kill you first!"
Kushimaru Kuriarare suddenly turned and attacked.
Nuibari shot forward like a spear, aiming straight for Uzuki Sena's back.
"Watch out!"
Hyuga Koji rushed to intervene—
But he was too slow.
And at that instant—
A kunai shot out from the darkness.
Fast.
Almost invisible.
Clang!
It struck Nuibari perfectly, knocking it aside.
"There!!"
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Jinpachi Munashi immediately launched a jutsu toward the direction the kunai had come from.
The water dragon surged forward—
Only to hit nothing.
Aside from toppling a few trees, it struck empty space.
"This guy's fast… could he be—"
Fuguki Suikazan's expression shifted.
Kushimaru's pupils shrank slightly.
He quickly reeled back his blade, scanning the surroundings with heightened vigilance.
"Uchiha Shisui…"
"The one known as the Body Flicker…"
Even Jinpachi showed signs of caution.
The Hidden Mist had clashed with the Uchiha many times.
The name "Shisui the Body Flicker" inspired fear rivaling—even surpassing—the Yellow Flash.
And now, with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen already injured—
They had to consider whether continuing this fight was worth the risk.
At that moment—
A cold voice echoed from the darkness.
"If this continues… my comrades might die."
"But none of you will leave either."
The intent was clear.
The hidden opponent had no interest in prolonging the fight.
Fuguki responded immediately:
"You can leave. We won't stop you."
"But release those four first."
"Take the injured and go."
The voice spoke again—
This time directed at Hyuga Koji and Uzuki Sena.
They understood instantly.
Without hesitation, they lifted the gravely wounded Sarutobi Shun and retreated.
The forest fell silent.
An eerie stillness spread.
Then—
Crack!
The water prisons binding the four Swordsmen shattered.
They dropped to the ground, gasping for air.
"That was close… almost suffocated…"
Fuguki, Jinpachi, and Kushimaru visibly relaxed.
"Was that really Shisui?"
"Not sure. But whoever it was… he's no weakling."
"Let's withdraw."
They had earned their reputation.
But risking their lives here wasn't worth it.
Having narrowly escaped danger—
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen chose to retreat.
Hidden in the darkness, using advanced camouflage, Uchiha Akira watched them leave.
Only after confirming they were truly gone—
Did he let out a quiet breath.
Truth be told—
If it had come to a one-versus-seven battle, he wasn't confident he could win.
If pushed too far, both sides might have suffered.
But he could just as easily have been the one to die.
For now…
Letting them go was the wiser choice.
After sensing the positions of Hyuga Koji and the others, Akira turned and followed.
Hyuga Koji gently lowered Sarutobi Shun, propping him against a tree.
Uzuki Sena hurried over, channeling chakra into medical ninjutsu.
But no matter what she did—
The wound continued to bleed.
Blood poured out relentlessly, the torn flesh a horrifying sight.
Her hands trembled.
"Wake up… Shun!"
She called desperately.
But his body only grew colder.
Hyuga Koji watched in silence.
He already knew—
There was no saving him.
His eyes dimmed.
At that moment—
A figure landed beside them.
Uchiha Akira.
"…Sorry. I'm late."
He glanced at Sarutobi Shun's lifeless body, then at the other two.
"You were the one who saved us just now?"
Hyuga Koji asked, stunned.
"Yes."
"But… how did you do it?"
"My Byakugan didn't detect you at all."
"Maybe your eyes… haven't fully developed yet."
Akira didn't elaborate.
Instead, he shifted the topic.
"We need to leave immediately."
"If those people return, I may not be able to protect you again."
"But Shun…"
Uzuki Sena looked at the pale body, her expression conflicted.
"The retrieval unit will take care of him," Akira said.
Hyuga Koji added, his voice heavy:
"We're still in the middle of a war."
"If we don't survive, there won't even be a chance for revenge."
Uzuki Sena finally broke down.
She poured her chakra into healing—
But it was futile.
After struggling for a while…
She stopped.
Wiping her tears, she slowly stood.
Her gaze hardened as she looked at Akira.
Before she could speak—
Akira spoke first.
"Our strength is far below theirs."
"If you want revenge…"
"Then follow me."