Chapter 28: Tokubetsu Jōnin
"It looks like you're the one pulling the strings behind these rogue attacks," Chiba muttered coldly, narrowing his eyes at the newcomer.
This ninja's chakra presence was strong clearly no mere thug. Judging by his composure and aura, he wasn't just a regular chūnin. Chiba estimated him to be at least a tokubetsu jōnin a special-class ninja and possibly even stronger. Definitely not someone to take lightly.
"And what if I am? Even if you've figured it out, you won't live long enough to do anything with that information," the enemy ninja replied, calm and full of confidence.
"You seriously think leading a bunch of low-level thugs is enough to take us out?" Chiba asked, his voice thick with disdain.
"Not just them..." The man smirked coldly. "But with these guys...?"
As he finished speaking, three more figures burst from the forest. Though dressed like common rogues, their chakra signatures told another story. Their killing intent was sharp, and their movements controlled. These weren't criminals they were trained shinobi.
"What village are you with? Hidden Grass? Hidden Rain? Who sent you?" Chiba demanded, scanning the four enemies.
"Does it really matter?" the leader replied icily. "You'll die either way. Don't waste your last moments asking questions."
"We'll see who dies," Chiba shot back, eyes flashing.
"Go. Take care of the other four genin," the leader ordered the newcomers.
The three enemy ninjas didn't hesitate. They darted toward the battlefield where Kakashi, Mina, Kuruma, and Neri were still engaged, intending to shift the tide in their favor.
Chiba immediately recognized the threat. The leader standing before him had the poise and chakra control of a tokubetsu jōnin. The three others judging by speed and aura were likely mid- to high-level chūnin. Together, they could pose a serious threat to his teammates.
If Kakashi's team had to face them all at once, they might hold out, but not indefinitely. Chiba knew what he had to do eliminate this leader swiftly, then reinforce his squad.
"If you think I'll just let you through... you'll have to get past me first," Chiba growled.
"Heh. You're strong, kid. But don't compare me to those small fry," the man sneered. "I'm a tokubetsu jōnin. You'll be nothing but a warm-up."
"Then come on," Chiba taunted. "Show me what makes you so 'special'."
Chiba didn't wait. Chakra surged through his limbs as he formed rapid hand signs. Two identical clones popped into existence Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.
All three Chibas immediately launched forward, using Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker) to close the distance and encircle their opponent.
After more than a year of training, Chiba's combat skill had improved drastically. With his innate ability tied to flame-style chakra and his unique elemental manipulation, he was no ordinary genin.
As the three Chibas closed in, they struck with coordinated taijutsu. Blindingly fast punches and kicks came from multiple directions. But the enemy wasn't fazed.
"Hmph. Trying taijutsu against me?" the tokubetsu jōnin scoffed. "You're in over your head."
He countered cleanly, fists wrapped in chakra-enhanced strength, parrying both clones with minimal effort. Sparks flew as steel clashed his kunai intercepting Chiba's strikes mid-motion.
Even with a numerical advantage, Chiba couldn't break through the man's defenses. His opponent's combat experience showed he never overextended, never lost balance.
"Give it up. You're fast, but not fast enough," the tokubetsu jōnin said coolly.
He shifted suddenly and feinted toward one of the clones. With a flick of his wrist, he stabbed forward dispelling the shadow clone in a puff of smoke.
"Tch." Chiba grunted, retreating briefly.
Then he leapt upward, using Geppo (Moon Step), a technique he'd adapted from wind-release chakra control, to remain suspended in the air.
From above, he struck.
"Katon: Hi no Kobushi!" (Fire Style: Flame Fist!)
Flames surged around his right hand as he descended like a meteor. The massive fist-shaped flame bore down on the enemy.
Sensing danger, the enemy ninja quickly formed seals.
"Doton: Doryūheki!" (Earth Style: Earth Wall!)
A thick barrier of stone rose just in time to meet the incoming attack.
Boom!
The fire punch exploded on contact, shattering the earthen wall into debris. The force blasted outward, singeing tree trunks and throwing up a shockwave.
When the flames cleared, Chiba narrowed his eyes—his target was gone.
"Substitution?" he muttered.
Just then, the enemy burst from underground behind him, kunai in hand, aiming for Chiba's back. Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu a hidden mole technique.
He was betting everything on taijutsu banking on Chiba's lesser physical prowess.
But Chiba had expected that.
"You fell for it," Chiba said with a grim smile.
At that moment, his body ignited. His entire form burst into flame he had elementalized.
The enemy had charged straight into it.
Flames enveloped him as Chiba twisted his body, turning mid-air, using the fire not just defensively, but offensively—wrapping around the attacker like a python.
"Argh!" the tokubetsu jōnin grunted, stumbling back, patting at the flames now clinging to his arm and chest.
"You're right," Chiba said from above, landing several feet away, "You're stronger in close quarters. That's why I let you come close."
He stared down his opponent calm, calculating, and dangerous.
"I'm not like the others you've faced. I burn differently."
---