Based on Shikaku's understanding of Uchiha Tatsumi, he had always believed him to be a genjutsu-type ninja.
However, the lightning nature transformation just now, coupled with speed far exceeding that of a chunin, undoubtedly indicated that Uchiha Tatsumi was a ninjutsu-type ninja leaning towards taijutsu.
Could it be that chunin these days were so versatile? Shikaku was somewhat speechless.
Uchiha Tatsumi's true strength was, of course, far beyond the chunin level. Putting aside everything else, if his strength had been only at the level of a chunin, he would have been killed right after graduation.
Just as Shikaku was deep in thought, Uchiha Tatsumi emerged from the smoke and slowly walked over.
The shoes on his feet had absorbed a large amount of rainwater through the seams, becoming wet and heavy, producing an unpleasant squishing sound that echoed loudly in the forest.
However, to the few remaining Iwa ninjas, that sound was like an indescribable melody.
A moment of both joy and pain, like ice and snow thawing, awakening something deep within their hearts. For a brief moment, their eyes were dull and unfocused.
Immediately, Uchiha Tatsumi pulled out four kunai from his ninja pouch. Without any unnecessary movements, the kunai flew straight for the vital points of the four ninjas.
Puff, puff, puff, puff.
Four precise strikes. Four bodies collapsed into the puddles.
Like a perfectly executed performance, the enemy squad was wiped out cleanly and efficiently.
Mikoto and Nawaki showed no surprise at this outcome. They were already accustomed to Uchiha Tatsumi's strength.
However, Shikaku, Choza, and Inoichi were visibly shocked.
After all, witnessing a ten-year-old chunin displaying such prowess was astonishing. Given how they had struggled against these same enemies for so long, the gap in strength was glaringly evident.
Without a doubt, Uchiha Tatsumi was the so-called "ninja from next door"—an enigma wrapped in talent.
Noticing Shikaku's gaze, Uchiha Tatsumi touched his face and smirked. "What's wrong, Shikaku? Something on my face? Or have I become even more handsome?"
"No... nothing. I'm just surprised by your strength. By the way, why didn't you notify us before engaging the enemy?" Shikaku asked.
Uchiha Tatsumi raised an eyebrow. Could he really say that he thought they were too much of a burden?
Of course not. That would surely get him killed by kunai.
So instead, he casually replied, "Well, the situation was urgent at the time."
Shikaku nodded, letting the matter drop.
"So, what do we do next?" Nawaki, who had finished collecting the corpses, asked while holding a scroll.
"Everyone saw the signal flares just now. Not just ours, but the enemy's as well.
I obtained some intel from Orochimaru-sensei. This is likely a large-scale offensive organized by Iwa ninjas in conjunction with other villages."
Uchiha Tatsumi kept Shiro on alert while recovering his chakra.
"If that's the case, this kind of joint offensive can only be organized once. That means this is the final decisive battle on the Amegakure battlefield!" Shikaku immediately realized the implications of Uchiha Tatsumi's words.
"That's right. Let's assume Iwagakure has allied with Amegakure and Sunagakure. That means Konoha is now facing a three-against-one battle."
Uchiha Tatsumi's gaze was serious.
"The battlefield is undoubtedly a meat grinder now. This is no place for genin to be involved in." He looked around at the others, all of whom had solemn expressions.
"So, what do you think?"
His meaning was clear: if they entered the battlefield, they would be nothing more than cannon fodder.
Leaving now meant survival. Entering meant a high probability of death.
It was a simple multiple-choice question, and the decision was theirs to make.
Of course, no one would blame them for leaving. After all, they had just taken down an enemy squad.
Hesitation.
Struggle.
Survival.
Or death.
It was a difficult choice.
For a long moment, the group remained silent. They were all just ten-year-old children.
Though they had once longed for the battlefield, this was a massacre involving thousands of shinobi. No one would be there to protect them. In such a situation, hesitation was only natural.
After a minute of silence, Uchiha Tatsumi stood up. Since no one could decide, he would decide for them.
"Wait... wait a moment, Tatsumi!"
Just as he was about to leave, Nawaki called out.
Uchiha Tatsumi turned back. "What is it?"
Nawaki hesitated before speaking.
"Let's go to the battlefield."
"Are you sure? Have you really thought this through?"
"Yes." Nawaki's voice trembled slightly as he traced the scar on his hand. "My grandfather, my father, and my mother all died on the battlefield.
My sister is also fighting on the battlefield now. Yura gave his life covering our escape."
"I can't back down, and I don't want to back down." His voice was firm despite his fear.
Nawaki clenched his trembling hand into a fist. "I know I'm not the smartest, and my strength isn't the best. But even so, I want to do something for the village. Even if it costs my life, it doesn't matter."
"This is my ninja way!"
"What about you guys?" Uchiha Tatsumi turned to Shikaku.
"War is such a pain in the ass. But abandoning comrades? We don't have people like that in our team. Including me." Despite his usual lazy demeanor, Shikaku's eyes held a determined glint.
Choza and Inoichi nodded in agreement and stepped forward.
As for Mikoto, there was no need to ask. She would always stand by Uchiha Tatsumi's side, no matter what.
"Alright. Since you've decided, keep up with my speed. Let's cut into the battlefield and return to Konoha's camp as quickly as possible." Uchiha Tatsumi took out a kunai.
"If we survive this, I'll treat you all to barbecue when we get back to Konoha!"
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