Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 58: The Battle on the Wall, Flash-Step Samurai!

Terumi Mei's battle plan sounded complicated, requiring movement between five different locations, with two people coordinating to complete the final stage and reach the meeting point.

But Uchiha Ci summed it up into two key points:

1. Draw as much enemy attention as possible.

2. In five minutes, meet at the junction not far from the underground cave of the Jashin Cult's headquarters.

Thus, Uchiha Ci's task became simple:

He just needed to set the battlefield on this wall and face all the enemies head-on.

Hold out for five minutes!

The first wave consisted of thirty-six enemies: twenty-four ronin samurai, ten Genin, two Chūnin, and eight dogs.

But that wasn't all.

The Chūnin squad of the Jashin Cult stationed at the cave entrance would quickly come to support upon seeing the situation. At that point, Uchiha Ci would face an additional three to sixteen elite Chūnin arriving successively.

In the worst-case scenario, even more enemies might emerge from the underground cave.

Additionally, this battle required conserving chakra and avoiding bloodshed.

Uchiha Ci looked at the enemies in front of him and took a deep breath.

He swung his sword, reversed his grip, and assumed a stance of the Cloud-Style Sword Technique, positioning the blade against his arm, bending his knees, and adjusting his breathing.

His scarlet eyes looked intensely serious.

Honestly, he wasn't skilled in swordsmanship or close combat. Otherwise, he wouldn't have nearly been beaten to death by Kakuzu in close-quarters combat earlier.

Moreover, during the previous battle, he had thrown all his shuriken. The kunai he had just tossed was his last ninja tool.

His ninja tool pouch now contained only two explosive tags.

At this point, the only thing he could rely on was the sword in his hand.

So, he placed his trust in the sword!

Meanwhile, Hideki, who had been kicked flying by Uchiha Ci, slammed into the base of the wall with a loud thud.

With the help of a Genin subordinate, he struggled to stand up, his head buzzing, and stars spinning before his eyes. It took a moment for him to regain his senses.

Supporting himself against the wall, Hideki looked up at the boy in front of him.

The boy wore a slightly too-small, hooded black robe, his chest wrapped in bandages, his scarlet eyes glowing coldly. He gripped his ninja sword in reverse, poised and calm.

Upon seeing the two tomoe in Uchiha Ci's eyes, Hideki smirked.

"So, this is the big shot? Turns out it's just a little brat who still reeks of milk."

The young Genin supporting Hideki couldn't help but twitch his mouth at these words. Standing aside, he pointed at Uchiha Ci's eyes and whispered, "Captain, that's the Sharingan. This kid is likely from Hell Valley."

"I know." Hideki sneered. "Isn't he just an Uchiha?"

He shot a cold glance at Uchiha Ci and sneered, "See? He's all alone!"

"And we've got thirty-six people here!"

"Masato, what are you afraid of?"

"Have you forgotten the Bishop's promise?"

"The opportunity is right in front of us. If we take this kid down before the stewards guarding the cave entrance arrive, then…"

Hearing this, the young Genin's breath hitched, and his gaze toward Uchiha Ci instantly turned fervent, as if he were looking at a mountain of gold.

Hideki noticed his subordinate's expression and smiled.

However, as a middle-aged rogue ninja and traitor, Hideki didn't let his guard down. He might not be strong, but surviving for so long in the chaotic Land of Hot Water meant he was crafty.

Immediately, he ordered his subordinates:

"Gather the ronin into three groups, and attack in waves. Split into two ninja squads, one guarding the rear to block his escape route. If he gets close, use ninjutsu to hinder him. Then, I'll lead two squads to confront him head-on."

"Remember, the ninja squads should just surround him, not attack. Let the ronin fight him."

"Their purpose is exactly for moments like this."

"When the opportunity arises, I'll signal, and we'll strike from both sides, taking him down. Ideally, we'll capture him alive!"

After issuing orders, Hideki coldly turned to the young Genin and asked, "Masato, understood?"

The young Genin pulled out a kunai, his gaze turning sharp. He nodded fiercely and immediately conveyed the battle plan to the leaders of the ronin and the ninja squads.

Meanwhile, Hideki gathered a team and commanded seven or eight ronin to charge directly at Uchiha Ci.

[A ronin harbors killing intent toward you.]

[A wandering samurai thinks ninjas are nothing special and wants to take your head with a kesa-giri cut.]

[…]

[Jashin Cult Chūnin Captain Hideki harbors malice toward you.]

As soon as Uchiha Ci steadied himself, a slew of notifications appeared before his eyes.

Simultaneously, a group of ronin charged at him, with two wielding swords wrapped in chakra.

These ronin were a mixed bunch, ranging from newly displaced bandits to wandering samurai who had lost their lords. Some could even use chakra to enhance their weapons.

But overall, they weren't strong.

Uchiha Ci's gaze sharpened as he looked past the ronin at the Chūnin captain of the Jashin Cult, who had swiftly organized his forces after being kicked away. He was slightly surprised by Hideki's quick reaction.

However, he quickly figured it out.

This was the ninja world, not a game. The enemies weren't going to stand idly by, waiting to be attacked.

With that realization, Uchiha Ci showed no hesitation and charged straight toward the oncoming ronin.

Reversing his sword, he unleashed a Cloud-Style: Inner Slash, swiftly sidestepping a bulky ronin's attempted block and slicing down an unsuspecting foe behind him. Without pausing, he stabbed backward, effortlessly countering an attack before slashing upward to block a samurai sword.

Clang! Sparks flew!

Another samurai behind him seized the opportunity to thrust a chakra-infused blade toward Uchiha Ci's back.

But Uchiha Ci simply leapt up, using his ninja sword to press down the samurai's weapon, stepping on his chest, shoulder, and head to launch himself upward. Twisting in midair, he lashed out with a fierce kick, smashing into the attacking samurai's head, and brought his sword down in a circular slash, cutting down another foe.

In just a moment, both samurai who could use chakra had fallen.

Uchiha Ci frowned slightly, feeling that things were going too smoothly.

The two sides weren't even on the same level. In just one exchange, four out of the eight ronin were down.

Were they really just going to let their own men die like this?

"Damn it! Everyone, charge with me!"

A loud roar echoed.

The one-eyed leader of the ronin, wearing green armor, furrowed his brow upon seeing how fierce Uchiha Ci was.

Abandoning the plan to attack in waves, he led a reckless charge.

Raising his sword, he emitted a powerful surge of chakra. With a step that cracked the stone floor beneath him, he moved at a speed comparable to the Body Flicker Technique, swinging his sword in a reverse kesa-giri slash!

A pure chakra blade burst forth, slashing diagonally toward Uchiha Ci!

Uchiha Ci's eyes narrowed, instantly recognizing the technique.

It was the same Flash-Step and Sword Technique: Chakra Shockwave Slash used by Mifune, the leader of the Iron Country, in the original story!

Watching from the sidelines, Hideki couldn't help but smile.

He had let the ronin rush to their deaths precisely to force the rebellious Iron Country samurai leader into action.

With this guy engaging the boy, their four squads of twelve ninja would seize the chance to ambush.

Caught in such a perilous situation, Hideki couldn't imagine how this Uchiha boy could turn things around.

Seeing the timing was right, Hideki's face twisted into a grin, and he waved his hand.

"Attack!"