"Too smooth, it's been way too smooth!"
"Since we annihilated the first four Mist Village ANBU squads, our Sharp Blade Squad hasn't encountered any resistance from the Mist. We've completely wiped out every Mist ANBU and ninja we've faced!"
"Is it because our Sharp Blade Squad is too strong, or has the 'Bloody Mist' reformation made them weaker?"
"Or... is it all part of Madara's plan that we've been so successful?"
During the three days of rapid progress by the Sharp Blade Squad, Koshino had focused on following Fierce's orders, acting as a support-type ninja, and diligently assisting Shisui Uchiha, Kakashi, and Fierce. The rest of his time was spent either resting or training in the Uzumaki Clan's mental secret arts, without much thought given to the ongoing battle situation.
After all, the benefits of training in the Uzumaki Clan's mental techniques had already begun to show, with the Shadow Communication Technique being a prime example.
However, as the Sharp Blade Squad faced off against six Mist jonin, the previously optimistic Koshino, who thought they were on the verge of completing the Fourth Hokage's mission, suddenly had a seemingly unrealistic thought:
Could the Sharp Blade Squad's success all be part of Madara's scheme?
But the Mist jonin, as mentioned before, were not weaklings easily taken down!
Koshino shook his head forcefully, clearing his mind of these distracting thoughts.
Maintaining the battle formation of the Sharp Blade Squad, Koshino formed the hand seals for a Nara Clan secret technique, silently thinking to himself:
"Who cares if it's a scheme!"
"With such an elite lineup in the Sharp Blade Squad, do we really need to fear any plots?"
"Moreover, with Minato-sensei fighting fiercely against the Mist on the frontlines every day, all we need to do is continue showcasing Konoha's strength by cutting down any Mist ninja in our way!"
"One day—just one more day, and we'll rendezvous with the ANBU team hiding within the borders of the Land of Fire!"
"So instead of worrying about schemes, I should be focusing on rescuing Rin and disrupting Madara's plans! And before rescuing Rin, these six Mist jonin's blood will serve as a tribute to our fallen comrades from Konoha!"
With that thought, Koshino's eyes sharpened.
As the Sharp Blade Squad maintained their perfect formation, Koshino silently formed the seals for the squad's core technique:
"Shadow Communication Technique!"
Buzz!
Buzz!
Almost instantly, Koshino's shadow extended rapidly, connecting with the shadows of Fierce, Shisui Uchiha, and Kakashi.
The formation of the Sharp Blade Squad was simple yet maximized the unique strengths of each member.
In the rear, crouching on the ground, was Fierce, maintaining his hand seals.
Fierce could use long-range Earth Release techniques to protect the entire squad with a defensive earth barrier if anyone encountered danger.
A short distance in front of Fierce was Koshino, using the Nara Clan's secret techniques to support the frontline fighters, Shisui Uchiha and Kakashi fully!
Though Koshino was a support-type ninja, even the proud Kakashi had to admit that he was the core of the Sharp Blade Squad!
As the six Mist jonin appeared, Shisui and Kakashi immediately engaged them in close combat. However, without Fierce's protection, how could Shisui and Kakashi unleash their full offensive potential without worrying about defense?
And without Koshino's dedicated support, even with Fierce's protection, how could Shisui and Kakashi quickly and efficiently cut down their opponents as if they were slicing through vegetables?
As soon as the Shadow Communication Technique was activated, the entire Sharp Blade Squad instantly functioned as a cohesive unit!
This was just one reason why Koshino was considered the core of the squad!
The second reason would become evident in the battle against the six Mist jonin.
"Shadow Shuriken!"
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
First, Fierce used an Earth Release defensive jutsu, forming a single-hand seal and casting Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, shielding Shisui, Kakashi, and Koshino in the front.
Immediately after, Koshino, while using the Shadow Communication Technique, unleashed the Shadow Shuriken.
Three Shadow Shuriken traced graceful arcs in the air, swiftly targeting the six Mist jonin. At first, the Mist jonin didn't pay much attention.
However, when Koshino followed up with the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, causing an overwhelming number of shadow shuriken to rain down upon them, the eyes of the six Mist jonin began to twitch. Three of them, unable to evade in time, were struck by the shadow shuriken, their shadows pinned to the ground, immobilized by Koshino's binding technique!
Such an opportunity—would Shisui and Kakashi let it slip?
Of course not!
A black flash and a white flash suddenly streaked forward!
Under Shisui's Body Flicker Technique and Kakashi's Chidori, the three immobilized Mist jonin were instantly killed!
And the deaths of these three were just the beginning!
Taking advantage of the remaining three Mist jonin as they dodged the rain of shadow shuriken, Koshino's shadow suddenly disappeared—she had used the Shadow Clone Technique!
The shadow vanished silently, and while Shisui and Kakashi engaged the remaining Mist jonin, Koshino used the Shadow Stitching Technique!
The shadow tendrils, like vines, extended from the shadow clone in the midst of the three Mist jonin, binding their feet. As the Shadow Stitching Technique took effect, the black and white flashes of Shisui and Kakashi reappeared, swiftly ending the fight and leaving all six Mist jonin dead within three minutes!
"Shadow, our coordination is getting better and better!"
"It's hard to believe that the Mist jonin, who were once so difficult to defeat, are now so easily dealt with!"
"Shadow, it's all thanks to you!"
As the intense battle ended, Shisui returned to Koshino's side, patting his shoulder and praising his support abilities.
Even Kakashi, who was helping Fierce clean up the battlefield, gave Koshino a deep, approving look.
It was clear that Kakashi was increasingly acknowledging Koshino's role as the core of the team, no longer dismissing or underestimating his as he had before.
However, while Shisui, Kakashi, and Fierce were all celebrating their victory, Koshino's gaze fell upon the corpses of the six Mist jonin, and he couldn't help but frown slightly.
But in the face of victory, Koshino's negative emotions were overlooked.
After cleaning up the battlefield, even the usually cautious Shisui and Fierce didn't take the time to rest. They instead confidently prepared to move on, eager to reach the rendezvous point with the Konoha ANBU team and complete the next phase of their mission. As the youngest member of the Sharp Blade Squad, Koshino could only sigh deeply and follow them.
However, as the Sharp Blade Squad's figures disappeared into the distance, even the slightly suspicious Koshino couldn't have imagined what would happen next. Not long after they left the battlefield, the six "dead" Mist jonin suddenly revived, their forms becoming blurred before transforming into six different Mist jonin!
"The Sharp Blade Squad, huh? Interesting!"
"Just one more step... and your sharp blades will be shattered!"
"Hahahahaha!"