In the midst of Jinpachi Munashi and Kushimaru Kuriarare's surprise, a golden flash burst out from the smoke, directly striking Akebino.
"Whoosh!"
"Sshhh!"
Blood gushed from Akebino's chest as his knees weakened, barely keeping himself upright with the support of his explosive blade.
In a final effort, he managed to shift his body half a step aside, narrowly avoiding a dagger aimed at his heart.
However, it still sliced through his chest muscles, causing heavy blood loss.
Seeing this, Jinpachi Munashi and Kushimaru Kuriarare used their Body Flicker Technique, moving instantly in front of Akebino to shield him.
As the smoke cleared, Thena's figure reappeared.
Aside from a few scorched marks from the explosions, she bore no severe injuries. Thena looked at the trio with a cold, emotionless expression and declared, "Everyone... must die."
Jinpachi and Kushimaru took fighting stances, but their faces were grim. Their combined attack had failed to inflict any real damage on Thena, even though they'd used one of their stronger techniques.
In that moment, the image of the man who had once killed them with taijutsu—Might Duy—flashed through their minds.
Meanwhile, Akebino had begun to use healing palm techniques on himself, focused on stopping his bleeding and preventing further deterioration of his injuries.
…
Elsewhere-
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-
"Director, chakra fluctuations detected," an agent reported.
Nick Fury, watching the video feed, responded with a cold tone, "I see it."
"Zoom in on the ninjas. I need to know which village they're from."
"Yes, sir!"
As the footage zoomed in, Fury observed their headbands and immediately recognized them as Kirigakure (Hidden Mist) ninjas. Fury's face darkened as he murmured, "Kirigakure…"
He pondered the situation, wondering whether these Kirigakure ninjas were coming through an established portal or if the village had found another stable path to Earth.
The number of ninjas arriving was steadily increasing.
Assessing the situation, Fury realized that without backup, these three Mist ninjas would likely die in battle.
After a moment's consideration, Fury weighed the potential benefit to S.H.I.E.L.D. if they were to fall. Deciding it held no real advantage, he pulled out his phone and dialed Mei Terumi of the Hidden Mist.
At that moment, Mei was on her way to Charles's base, persuaded by Ao to visit.
She was enjoying the breeze on her face as she rode in a convertible, Mei felt increasingly fond of this peaceful world.
When her phone rang, she frowned, wondering who would call at such a time.
Seeing the name "Cyclops" on the caller ID, Mei muttered to herself, 'Is he calling about the body enhancement serums? I have no shares to sell… or is it about some other commission?'
After a quick thought, she answered, "Hello?"
"This is Nick Fury."
Mei responded, "What's the matter?"
Watching the video feed of the three struggling Mist ninjas, Fury said, "I'm on Narcissus Street, where I see three Kirigakure ninjas locked in battle with an enemy. It doesn't look like they can hold out much longer."
Hearing Nick Fury's words, Mei Terumi was taken aback. Three Hidden Mist ninjas?
With her and Ao together and Haku left behind, where could these Mist ninjas have come from? Could Lord Charles have brought in three Hidden Mist ninjas?
Mei quickly asked, "Who are they?"
"I don't know their names, but I can send you their photos," Nick replied.
"I've also dispatched a team for support, though I worry they might not hold out until my people arrive."
Mei's expression grew serious, "Thank you for the update. I understand."
After ending the call and glancing at the photos sent, Mei murmured to herself, "The Seven Ninja Swordsmen…"
"Ao, stop the car. We're heading to Narcissus Street."
Ao, who had overheard the conversation from the driver's seat, immediately braked sharply and parked the car by the roadside.
The two stepped out, and Mei instructed, "Activate your Byakugan, and head to Narcissus Street with me at full speed."
"Three of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are here. Their lives must not be lost!"
"Yes, Lady Mizukage!" Ao responded, activating his Byakugan, which allowed him to see up to a kilometer away and even through nearby buildings.
Both immediately gathered their chakra and used the Body Flicker Technique to move swiftly towards Narcissus Street.
…
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-
"Director, the chakra detectors have picked up two large chakra sources moving toward Narcissus Street," an agent reported.
Nodding, Fury acknowledged, "That should be the two from Kirigakure."
He hoped they would arrive in time to rescue their people, enhancing the debt owed to him.
Fury also messaged Natasha, instructing the support team to hold back and hover above, delaying their approach to the battlefield.
Given the enemy's demonstrated strength, Fury suspected his "Vulcan" squad wouldn't stand a chance, and launching high-yield bombs in the city was out of the question. Thus, holding back seemed the safest option.
Receiving Fury's instructions, Natasha obeyed, holding the team in a high-altitude orbit around the battlefield.
…
Narcissus Street-
The three ninja—Jinin Akebino, Jinpachi Munashi, and Kushimaru Kuriarare—lay scattered across the ruins, injured and bleeding, their chakra almost completely drained.
Thena, too, was in poor condition, with several injuries on her body.
Moments earlier, all three ninjas had used their ultimate techniques:
- Explosive Blade Technique: Explosive Rupture!
- First Axe: Certain Victory!
- Sewing Needle: Piercing Stab!
However, despite the strength of their ultimate techniques, they had only managed to breach Thena's defenses, causing her minor injuries, while Akebino's numerous explosive tags had destroyed Narcissus Street, turning it into rubble.
At that moment, Gilgamesh was doing everything he could to hold Thena back.
Initially, he thought these ninjas would be closer in strength to Charles, but they fell far short, barely stalling Thena's attacks, leaving Gilgamesh without a chance to ambush her.