Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Rasa was meticulous about his combat strategy. Even when facing the ninja team led by "Konoha's White Fang," Hatake Sakumo, he remained confident. For Konoha's team, the Sand Village deployed three Bloodline Limit ninjas and one of their most promising puppet masters. 

The objective was clear: to ensure that "Konoha's White Fang" would never leave this battlefield. They had spent several days meticulously preparing for this moment and only launched their ambush when they were 70% certain of success. The location they had chosen was one where both Rasa and Karura could maximize their combat potential.

"Captain Hatake, what should we do?" 

Inoichi Yamanaka, with his sensory abilities, could feel the intense chakra radiating from Rasa and Karura. Behind their team was Pakura, the user of Scorch Release, following closely. The young Inoichi, panicking slightly, turned to Hatake Sakumo for guidance.

"Retreat. I'll cover you with Raiden while we hold them off," Sakumo ordered. "You four staying here won't help. Go now, quickly!" 

Hatake Sakumo's expression was stern. He had already gauged the opponent's formidable strength in their brief skirmish. He knew that Inoichi and the others would only hinder him in battle. Decisively, he abandoned the mission and instructed his subordinates to escape.

Before they could act, Raiden Uzumaki interjected, "Hey, hey, Captain Hatake! If we're retreating, let me join them. I don't want to die here!" 

"Hahaha!" 

"Sakumo Hatake, your subordinate is quite amusing," sneered Ichikawa from the opposing team. His laughter echoed menacingly. 

"But, boy, I'm not letting you go. You're on my kill list!" 

Ichikawa's mocking glare landed on Raiden Uzumaki. He remembered vividly how the red-haired boy had nearly killed him and claimed the lives of many Sand ninjas. His hatred for Raiden was as intense as his grudge against Sakumo.

"Really? That's flattering," Raiden replied. In an instant, he vanished. A moment later, he reappeared behind Ichikawa, striking swiftly. 

"Puchi!" 

The sound of the blade piercing flesh echoed. Raiden's knife had found its mark, stabbing directly into Ichikawa's heart. 

"I'm honored by your hatred," Raiden whispered coldly into Ichikawa's ear.

Raiden's unexpected attack caught everyone off guard. Neither Rasa nor Karura anticipated that the first strike would come from someone other than "Konoha's White Fang." Yet, this unknown red-haired ninja had effortlessly taken down one of their jonin, Ichikawa. 

On Konoha's side, Inoichi was annoyed by Raiden's earlier display of cowardice, and Sakumo was seriously reconsidering the red-haired ninja's suggestion. The rest were focused on the Sand ninjas, entirely unprepared for Raiden's sudden assault.

"You bastard," Ichikawa muttered, struggling to comprehend how Raiden's blade had struck so fast. Just as he thought he would die enraged, his head turned a full 180 degrees, revealing a smirk as his face confronted Raiden once more. 

"Interesting!" Ichikawa roared, his mouth opening wide to unleash a storm of sharp projectiles toward Raiden. 

"A puppet? When did this happen?" Raiden muttered, his eyes narrowing as the projectiles struck what appeared to be his body. Moments later, the figure of Raiden dissolved into smoke. 

"Shadow clone!" Shikaku Nara exclaimed from a distance, astonished. The real Raiden had reappeared behind Pakura, narrowly missing a lethal strike as she dodged, leaving strands of her hair sliced off by his blade. 

Raiden clicked his tongue in frustration. His failed attack left him vulnerable as Rasa and Karura closed in, launching simultaneous strikes. Gold dust and sand rose defensively, intercepting Raiden's attack. 

His clones, armed with lightning techniques, targeted Rasa and Karura but were neutralized by their combined defenses. 

"Our side is being held by Lightning Release clones. When did such a skilled ninja emerge from Konoha?" Rasa remarked, surveying the battlefield. 

Karura, prepared for a counterattack, manipulated sand to shield them. Despite the overwhelming defenses, Raiden's relentless assaults kept them on edge. 

Meanwhile, Raiden shifted his focus to Pakura, attacking with ferocity, only to be met by her Scorch Release. The intense heat burned his arm, but he pressed on, undeterred. 

As the dust settled from another failed attack, Raiden stood tall, his blade pointed menacingly toward his opponents. "Fortunately, I'm no ordinary ninja," he declared, his wounds healing rapidly. 

Hatake Sakumo, observing from a distance, noted the red-haired ninja's determination and skill. He readied himself, signaling Shikaku and Inoichi to retreat while he joined Raiden in the fierce battle.

(End of Chapter)