Prolonged pursuit isn't a strength for most shinobi. When facing fleeing targets, unless capture is mandatory or a sensor-type ninja is present in the squad, continuing the chase is often avoided. Halting the pursuit and waiting for the next opportunity is usually the preferred option.
Pouring all one's energy into travel leaves little room for error; distraction during high-speed movement is a major taboo. Crashing into a tree is considered lucky; falls from great heights resulting in broken legs are not uncommon in the ninja world, especially among Genin. Chūnin and Jōnin, however, can instantly adjust their balance mid-air, landing safely like cats.
After misstepping on a branch, Kakashi somersaulted through the air with Mei before landing. The increasingly loud sound of rushing water ahead indicated they were approaching the coast.
Time didn't permit hesitation. Within seconds, Kakashi made his decision: press forward. Although fighting near water would put them at a disadvantage against Mist shinobi, turning back now would make them easily trackable along the coastline.
The coastal region of the Land of Water was dotted with numerous islands. Most were occupied by Kirigakure, but the smaller ones were largely uninhabited. The roar of the sea would provide the best cover for him and Mei, potentially neutralizing some aspects of Kirigakure's Silent Killing techniques.
Passing through the last stretch of forest, they emerged onto a wide beach scattered with small islands in the distance, confirming Kakashi's guess. He deduced that once their pursuers reached the beach, they would inevitably follow the footprints towards the islands. The considerable distance between the islands meant searching each one would consume a vast amount of time. If they could just hold out for the next thirty hours, Kakashi was confident he could mount a counterattack.
Focusing chakra to the soles of his feet, Kakashi stepped onto the ocean surface. He immediately understood why shinobi, despite being able to walk on water, still preferred boats.
Waves crashed relentlessly against his feet and nearby rocks, roaring like the sky was falling and spraying white foam everywhere. The tide surged like charging troops, roaring and shouting as it desperately clawed its way up the sand. The crests of the waves towered several meters high as they rolled in. This frantic tide was filled with a chilling terror and profound mystery. Like rolling thunder, the sea surged forward like a massive army sweeping across the land, rushing onward with shouts and bellows, raging like a demon in a chaotic frenzy of foam.
Kakashi was nearly swept away multiple times. He fervently wished their next battle wouldn't be on water; he'd truly had enough of this place.
He approached one of the inconspicuous islands from the side, scaling its cliff face. The entire island was covered in vegetation. After confirming a freshwater source near the island's center and considering various factors, the silver-haired youth found a cave high up on the cliff, large enough to shelter dozens of people.
After helping Mei into the cave, Kakashi quickly went to fetch fresh water. His chakra sense told him their pursuers were still quite far away, likely just reaching the beach. Finding this specific island would take them considerable time.
He didn't dare start a fire in the cave, instead using a Fire Release technique just potent enough to warm the water.
Kakashi gently shook the girl lying on the ground, but she remained unresponsive, still unconscious.
Sighing, he resigned himself to waiting patiently in the cave for her to wake up on her own.
His internal energy reserves were still continuously draining due to the effects of his 'system upgrade.' The Lightning Clone he'd used earlier had consumed nearly half his chakra and hadn't achieved any significant results. Clearly, using a clone for diversionary tactics wouldn't work again; if it failed the first time, it wouldn't succeed the second.
In the shinobi world, underestimating an opponent was a fatal mistake, especially during wartime. Rushing into battle without knowing the enemy's secret techniques and unique abilities, like Kekkei Genkai, was an easy way to get injured or killed.
Information is life.
Kakashi's current advantage was knowing his pursuers' attack patterns and fighting styles. However, translating theoretical knowledge and data into practical combat experience was crucial.
"Hurts..."
Mei mumbled a few indistinct words from where she lay. She turned over with difficulty, took a heavy breath, and registered the surrounding stone walls and the sound of waves crashing outside. She roughly understood their current situation.
"Kakashi... where are they?"
"Still pursuing, but their chakra signatures are distant. We're safe for now."
"Are you injured?"
"Already healed," Kakashi replied dismissively. "You should worry about your own wounds instead of wasting time on me."
Hearing this, Mei looked down at the torn fabric on her chest. There was no alluring sight beneath, only the scar left by a burn.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"It's nothing."
Kakashi brought over the warm water and helped prop Mei up, assisting her in slowly drinking it.
After drinking ("Gulp, gulp"), some color returned to Mei's face. She stood up and walked to the cave entrance. Outside, a vast, mist-shrouded sea stretched before them. The mainland wasn't visible from this angle. As dusk began to settle, she felt an absurd sense of being utterly cut off from the world.
Fortunately, they had gathered enough food supplies in the city before fleeing, because it looked like fish was back on the menu for the foreseeable future.
"Have you figured out a way to deal with them?" Mei asked, biting her lip, her expression clearly showing her frustration. She knew she was being a burden. It had been the same during the deadly graduation exam, and it was the same now. If she weren't here... Kakashi could definitely have escaped alone.
"Not completely," Kakashi admitted. "But I know their abilities, while they know very little about mine, other than the fact I use Lightning Release."
"Maybe..." Mei hesitated. "If I'm alone... even if they capture me, they wouldn't kill me right away. They'd take me back to Kirigakure. I'd still have a chance to escape."
Kakashi stared at Mei as if looking at a complete idiot.
"Are you a pig?"
"You...!" Mei bristled.
"Calling you a pig is giving you too much credit," Kakashi continued ruthlessly. "Even pigs don't commit suicide."
"..."
Mei was struck speechless. She understood that despite his venomous tongue, this boy wouldn't abandon her.
A stinging sensation filled her nose, and tears threatened to fall. She quickly turned away, wiping her eyes and sniffling quietly. Without another word, she sat down inside the cave to wait for nightfall.
Kakashi continued to analyze tactics in his mind.
My performance in the previous fight might lead them to believe one person is enough to handle me. Based on shinobi efficiency principles, after discussing it, the four pursuers might split up to search the islands individually.
If that happens, Mei and I will definitely be discovered sooner. However, the islands are far apart. If I can kill the Swordsman who finds us quickly enough, the others won't realize anything is wrong until they search this island again much later.
Two opponents are known... but which two of the remaining Seven Swordsmen are the other two?
As the silver-haired boy pondered his strategy, he suddenly felt a weight settle on his shoulder.
"Let me lean on you for a bit," Mei murmured.
"Okay," Kakashi replied softly.
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