Chapter 15: Chidori!
"What kind of Anbu is this? It's like sneaking around like a thief!"
Following 'Ryuu' out of the Anbu headquarters and towards the village outskirts, Kakashi couldn't help but inwardly disdain the covert operations of the Anbu. Moving through the village, they had to remain hidden, avoiding detection by villagers and other ninjas, much like stealthily committing a crime.
"Being out in the open is much better. At least then, you get admiring looks from the villagers below as you rush across the rooftops."
Despite his disdain, Kakashi quickly followed 'Ryuu' out of the village.
As they approached a crossroads, two figures silently appeared from the side.
"Who goes there?"
Alert to the movement, Kakashi immediately drew his sword before the figures even reached him. But upon recognizing their Anbu attire, he relaxed slightly.
"Captain!"
"Captain!"
The two figures addressed 'Ryuu,' and Kakashi realized these must be his new squad members, 'Snake' and 'Dog.' One had long black hair, and the other had short brown hair, but Kakashi couldn't tell which.
Confirming their identities, Kakashi sheathed his sword, not noticing the exchanged glances between 'Snake' and 'Dog.'
In a sudden, unprovoked attack, both Anbu members lunged at Kakashi, one aiming a kunai at his chest and the other attacking from behind, cutting off his retreat.
"Damn it!"
Kakashi's right eye widened as he sensed the cold killing intent of the attackers. He didn't know if these were enemies or if his squad members were testing him, but he realized too late that 'Ryuu' had yet to respond.
"No time to think!"
Reacting quickly, Kakashi formed hand seals even as the attackers closed in.
"Substitution Jutsu!"
With a puff of smoke, Kakashi's form was replaced by a log, narrowly avoiding the attacks.
"A substitution..."
"So fast..."
The two attackers were momentarily surprised.
"Draw Blade: Thunder Slash!"
Kakashi's voice echoed as he drew his sword and swiftly slashed towards one of the Anbu members. The technique, derived from the Hatake clan's swordsmanship, was executed with grace and power, though without using the clan's secret chakra methods.
"Not bad."
The targeted Anbu member blocked the attack with his kunai, praising Kakashi's skill.
Clang!
The clash of metal created sparks as their weapons collided.
The Anbu member then aimed a powerful kick at Kakashi, who had to block with his sword.
Bam!
The force of the kick sent Kakashi flying back, his hands numb from the impact and his sword vibrating.
"Damn, what strength!"
Kakashi was shocked by the Anbu member's power. He realized this was likely a test, as 'Ryuu' hadn't intervened, and the attackers weren't trying to kill him.
But the disdain in the Anbu member's voice angered Kakashi.
"Weak, my ass!"
Kakashi shouted in frustration, deciding to show his true power. He released his grip on his sword and formed hand seals rapidly.
"Lightning Style: Chidori!"
A thousand birds chirping filled the air as Kakashi's right hand crackled with concentrated lightning chakra.
"What the..."
"He's forming tangible lightning in his hand..."
"How is that possible..."
The sight of Kakashi's Chidori shocked the two Anbu members and even 'Ryuu.' The disdain disappeared from the eyes of the Anbu member who had looked down on Kakashi.