Chapter 28: Time Rewind

Kai was truly at his wit's end. This damned mission, combined with this damned Kitsuchi, left him with no good options.

He even wondered if it might have been better to remain as one of those 'decoys' he had rescued. But that was an unanswerable question since he didn't know if those decoys were still alive. If they were dead, especially if Minato reported it, Kai's situation wouldn't look good either.

This mission was critical to Konoha. The high command was waiting for its completion to negotiate with the Iwa-nin, hoping to end the stalemate before the Kumo-nin and Iwa-nin clashed. Achieving that would ensure greater benefits for Konoha at the negotiation table.

If Kai failed this mission, he might have no choice but to mark his forehead protector and flee to the Land of Rain. He had no intention of joining the Akatsuki or contributing to world peace. He was just an ordinary person with simple, realistic desires.

But now, Kai had to consider an escape plan. He didn't want to die here. Waiting for Minato's support was uncertain, and Kai was growing increasingly frustrated with Kitsuchi's relentless pursuit.

"You're mad because I killed one of your teammates? Fine! I'll kill your last teammate and see how crazy you get!" Kai decided, remembering a trump card he had recently acquired.

Dodging another Earth Release attack, Kai retreated towards the last remaining Iwa-nin. Kitsuchi, wary due to Kai killing his friend, followed closely. Kai cleverly feigned retreat whenever he got too close to the other Iwa-nin, playing up his own fear of ambush.

This desperate act, combined with Kitsuchi's assessment of Kai's abilities after their prolonged fight, put Kitsuchi slightly at ease. He hadn't seen Kai use genjutsu, and he had been avoiding eye contact to prevent it. He wasn't concerned about taijutsu or powerful ninjutsu, noting Kai's dwindling chakra reserves.

At this moment, Kai took a deep breath and lowered his head. Kitsuchi thought he was giving up but remained cautious, aware of Uchiha tricks. Yet, in the face of absolute strength, he believed trickery would be futile.

Suddenly, the three tomoe in Kai's Sharingan spun rapidly, merging into a single triangular shape. As he raised his head, his eyes now bore a rotating triangular design.

In that instant, Kai felt his chakra surge out like a flood, channeling into his eyes. The consumption was overwhelming, far beyond what he could normally sustain. Despite his limited chakra, he poured everything into this moment.

"Time Rewind!"

Without hesitation, Kai activated his right eye's ability. He didn't dare use the more powerful "Time Stop," fearing its immense chakra cost. Even "Time Rewind" left him nearly immobile, but he knew he couldn't fall here.

Grasping Minato's kunai, Kai stumbled to dodge Kitsuchi's attacks and slashed at his neck. The kunai struck with a clang as if hitting metal, but a small red line appeared on Kitsuchi's neck. Ignoring this, Kai leaped towards the last Iwa-nin.

Channeling the remaining power of his eyes, Kai felt a throbbing pain. His mastery and stamina were lacking, but his determination drove him forward. The Iwa-nin, sensing danger, turned swiftly, but his movements seemed snail-like to Kai.

Seizing the moment, Kai's kunai cut into the Iwa-nin's neck with a familiar slicing sensation. The Iwa-nin's eyes reflected shock and a touch of fear as he fell.

(End of Chapter)