Chapter 73: A Twist of Fate (Part 1)
After all, Hozuki Mangetsu was also a genius from the Mist Village, and a Jonin-level ninja, easily surpassing Koshino in every aspect.
However, when Koshino faced off alone against four Mist Anbu, his progress was evident! Suddenly bursting with chakra, Koshino became akin to a weakened version of the Leaf's Yellow Flash, instantly taking down one Mist Anbu.
Don't underestimate that Mist Anbu; even though he was just a regular Chunin, having undergone Mist Anbu training, even a regular Chunin could crush other ordinary Chunin.
Moreover, Koshino managed to instantly eliminate that Chunin-level Mist Anbu the moment he struck, showcasing his progress after breaking through in battle.
Before his breakthrough, Koshino's strength was merely around the level of a Chunin.
Furthermore, when Koshino appeared, he didn't just easily take down one Mist Anbu. In the blink of an eye, he quickly formed seals and immobilized the remaining three Mist Anbu.
In such a situation, even though it was a sneak attack, managing to eliminate four Chunin-level Mist Anbu in just a few seconds demonstrated that Koshino's strength was indeed at the level of a half-step Jonin.
But just as Koshino was about to change his hand seals to use the Shadow Neck Bind Technique to finish off the immobilized Mist Anbu, a flash of lightning suddenly caught his eye.
In that instant, Koshino saw a ghost-like figure appear and swiftly advance towards him, causing his pupils to contract slightly.
However, as Koshino was secretly alarmed at why he hadn't sensed this person's presence earlier, he detected a familiar aura from the sudden figure.
Koshino's eyes twitched involuntarily! Especially when he saw the familiar Leaf Anbu attire, Koshino gritted his teeth and couldn't help but think to himself:
"It's him again!"
"He's like a haunting ghost!"
Who could this "he" be? Who else could make Koshino grit his teeth in hatred?
It was none other than Koshino's former Anbu captain, Kakashi Hatake, who had never left a good impression on him since their first meeting!
It was only when Koshino recognized Kakashi's familiar figure that he truly understood that the Mist Anbu's real target was Kakashi Hatake, who was out on a secret mission.
After understanding the situation, Koshino sighed deeply, realizing he had unwittingly gotten involved in another unexpected incident.
He was about to greet Kakashi, intending to first deal with the surrounding Mist Anbu and then have a proper conversation with Kakashi, at least to get him to take him back to the Leaf camp.
But just as Koshino was about to greet him, something completely unexpected happened! With his hand controlling the Lightning Cutter and one eye tinged with a blood-red glow!
Kakashi suddenly appeared, using the S-rank jutsu, Lightning Cutter, to charge forward. And in the face of Koshino, Kakashi showed no sign of slowing down! The next second, a sharp pain made Koshino involuntarily let out a soft cry.
Then, Koshino saw Kakashi's hand, wielding the Lightning Cutter, piercing into his injured shoulder!
"Kakashi, are you trying to kill me?"
"Look at my Anbu attire!"
"I'm Shadow, from the Leaf Village!"
"What?"
Koshino's angry voice rang out, and Kakashi was visibly taken aback.
Then, recognizing the familiar voice and Anbu attire, realizing Koshino was indeed a comrade from the same village, a hint of embarrassment appeared in Kakashi's eyes.
He quickly changed the subject, saying:
"Let's deal with these guys first!"
"Lightning Cutter!"
"Zzzzt!"
"Zzzzt!"
Koshino glared at Kakashi with resentment. Even though Kakashi tried to change the subject, Koshino was not one to forget grudges easily!
The last time they sparred in the Leaf Village, Kakashi nearly killed him with the Chidori.
Now, facing the Mist Anbu, Kakashi couldn't tell friend from foe and used the Lightning Cutter, aggravating Koshino's injuries.
With both incidents combined, Koshino didn't even have the heart to kill Kakashi anymore.
Unfortunately, his shoulder was severely injured again. Even if he wanted to teach Kakashi a lesson, he didn't have the strength to do so.
Watching Kakashi's right hand flash with the light of the Lightning Cutter, instantly killing two Mist Anbu trapped by the Shadow Imitation Technique, Koshino sneered and said coldly:
"Hmph, is that all you've got?"
"If I hadn't immobilized them, would you still be chasing them all over the place?"
"As for that Mist Anbu captain, you don't need to bother. I'll handle it!"
"Shadow Neck Binding Technique!"
"Snap!"
Not only did Kakashi injure him, but he also wanted to claim the victory. How could the world be so convenient?
So, just as Kakashi was about to finish off the Mist Anbu captain, Koshino, enduring the pain in his shoulder, changed his hand seals and used the Shadow Neck Binding Technique to take down the captain.
Then, he saw Kakashi's cold gaze and heard him say in an icy tone:
"Shadow, why did you kill him? Do you know how long I've been chasing them? Now that you've killed them, it's like all of this pursuit was for nothing!"
"pointless pursuit? Better that than you injuring your own comrades, right?"
Before his breakthrough, Koshino wouldn't have dared to confront Kakashi like this. It was all because of that Chidori from Kakashi that left such a shadow on him.
But after his breakthrough, Koshino defeated Hozuki Mangetsu, boosting his confidence immensely.
And since Koshino was clearly in the right, he wasn't about to show Kakashi any kindness.
With a huff, he retorted to Kakashi and then sat down on the ground, starting to unwrap the bandages on his shoulder.
As he did, the smell of burnt flesh wafted through the air, and Koshino's shoulder was so badly injured that if he didn't get surgery soon, he might lose an arm because of Kakashi.
Seeing how badly Koshino was hurt, Kakashi's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Especially after the battle, when Kakashi saw Koshino wrapped in so many bandages, his curiosity got the better of him, and he asked directly, "Shadow, aren't you in the medical unit? How did you get hurt?"
"Hurt? Oh right, I have something important to discuss with you."
Hearing Kakashi's question, Koshino chose to ignore his injuries and replied seriously, "Our medical unit is surrounded by the Mist ninja and needs reinforcements urgently.
Otherwise, our entire medical team might be wiped out by the Mist. I led a breakout successfully, but because I stayed behind to cover the retreat, I got separated from my team."
"My dear captain, if possible, I hope you can take me back to report to our teacher as soon as possible."