Chapter 29: Desperate Situation
"Akai!"
As time resumed its normal flow, Kitsuchi roared again, but this time, the red mark on his neck became even more pronounced. He finally realized what he was up against. Clutching his neck, he assessed the situation, his gaze toward Kai now filled with unprecedented wariness.
In that instant, Kai had exhibited an unbelievable speed, far surpassing his previous kills of Ishi and Aragi. Kitsuchi couldn't fathom how this brat could suddenly move so fast, nor why he waited until his teammates were nearly dead to use such power. If he had used this power earlier, his teammates might not have suffered so much.
Kitsuchi didn't waste time pondering these questions. He knew this brat had to die. If he hadn't been vigilant, taking precautions against Kai's tricks, he might have been another victim of this brat.
"You're impressive, Uchiha brat," Kitsuchi said, releasing his grip on his neck. "Your speed is truly astounding. Not even Minato could match it. But it's a pity you met me. Now, you have no strength left to resist. If you had used your power earlier..."
Kai ignored Kitsuchi. If Kakashi hadn't been near death, Aya hadn't been gravely injured, Kitsuchi hadn't avoided eye contact, and Kenta hadn't been preoccupied, Kai wouldn't have resorted to using the Mangekyō Sharingan so quickly. This power, though formidable, was somewhat 'non-renewable' at this stage. More importantly, he didn't want anyone to know he possessed it!
He knew all too well the troubles a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan could bring. Look at the current clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, who likely had the Mangekyō Sharingan but never used it openly. His fate was his choice, but compared to other reckless users, his life was relatively comfortable.
Uchiha Shisui lost an eye, Uchiha Itachi bore the burden of immense guilt, Uchiha Obito's life was a tragedy, and Uchiha Madara was manipulated like a pawn. Even Uchiha Sasuke, despite appearing fine, was only spared due to his ties with Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake, the Sixth and Seventh Hokage. His actions alone warranted execution multiple times over.
Kai had no such bonds. While the future was uncertain, he had none currently. Given the strained relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha, he couldn't risk attracting unwanted attention.
Taking a deep breath, Kai struggled to stand. His chakra reserves were nearly depleted, but Kitsuchi clearly had no intention of letting him go.
"Die, Uchiha brat!"
As expected, Kitsuchi wasted no words, his chakra surging wildly as he charged at Kai, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. Kai, watching the fearsome figure, could see the attack trajectory but couldn't muster the energy to dodge.
The consumption of the Mangekyō Sharingan was too great. Coupled with the prolonged battle, he was at his limit.
"Damn it, where is Minato?"
For the first time, Kai doubted if he had been deceived by Minato's gentle and honest demeanor. There was no time for such thoughts. He tried to make a simple move to avoid Kitsuchi's fist but found his collar grabbed and himself yanked away with considerable force.
"Boom!"
The massive impact made Kai's ears ring, and debris flew around him. The shock left him disoriented, and when he came to, he found himself on the ground, being dragged backward for several meters.
His neck and back ached from the rough treatment. Glancing back, Kai saw that it was Kenta who had saved him.
"You..." Kai was incredulous.
"Shut up. How much longer until Minato arrives? And can you still fight?" Kenta asked, eyes fixed ahead.
"I don't know when he'll get here, and I need time to recover."
"I can hold on for a minute. If you're not ready by then, I'm running."
"Then you might as well run now."
Kai was surprised but quickly understood. Like him, Kenta was hesitating to take the desperate step. But a minute was too little time for Kai to recover.
Ignoring Kai's sarcasm, Kenta gripped his short sword, his hands trembling slightly.
"He's coming!"
As Kenta spoke, Kitsuchi burst from the smoke, hands forming seals. As his jutsu completed, the ground beneath Kai and Kenta began to shake and split.
The tremors grew more violent, making it hard for Kenta to stand. Kai, just having stood up, was knocked down again. Sitting on the ground, he watched as Kitsuchi, with a deft move, bypassed Kenta and lunged at him, left hand drawing a kunai towards Kenta's chest and right hand, infused with terrifying chakra, aiming at Kai.
Despair filled Kai's heart. To survive, he tried to force his Mangekyō Sharingan to delay Kitsuchi, but his chakra was insufficient. He regretted not using it earlier and dealing with his teammates later.
As Kitsuchi approached, Kai drew his kunai, recalling his first battle—helpless and vulnerable. Gripping the kunai, he raised his trembling hand, eyes filled with fear.
But just as he felt the wind of Kitsuchi's punch, and Kenta braced for a fatal stab, Kitsuchi suddenly vanished.
(End of Chapter)