Naruto rebirth! Born again with a system.

Chapter 51: Detection and Danger!

The forest had grown eerily quiet as Team 15 followed the trail through the darkness, their movements careful and deliberate as they pursued the attackers of the medical convoy. The canopy above blocked out most of the moonlight, leaving them to navigate by the faint traces of silver that managed to filter through the dense foliage. Each step carried them deeper into enemy territory, where the rules of engagement could change in an instant.

Kōzaru moved at the front of the formation, his enhanced senses working overtime to track the scent trail while simultaneously monitoring their surroundings for any signs of ambush. Yuki and Riku flanked him, their own keen noses providing additional intelligence about the path ahead. The bond between the Inuzuka and his ninken had grown stronger with each mission, and their coordination was becoming increasingly seamless.

"The trail is getting stronger," Kōzaru whispered over his shoulder, his voice barely audible even to his teammates. "We're definitely closing the distance."

Minato nodded from his position just behind them, his experienced eyes scanning the forest with the practiced awareness of a seasoned jōnin. "Stay alert. If we can track them this easily, there's a chance they might have left us a trail intentionally."

"A trap?" Tatsuma asked, his hand instinctively moving to his weapon pouch.

"Possibly," Minato replied. "Enemy ninja skilled enough to take out a chunin-level escort without allowing a distress signal are certainly capable of basic counter-tracking measures."

As they continued forward, the forest seemed to grow thicker and more oppressive. The trees towered overhead like ancient sentinels, their branches creating a maze of deep shadows that could hide any number of dangers. The undergrowth rustled softly with each gentle gust of wind, creating a constant background of sound that could mask the approach of hostile forces.

Kōzaru suddenly slowed, his senses picking up something that made his blood run cold. The scent trail was no longer just leading them forward—it was accompanied by something else, something that spoke to the predatory instincts inherited from his clan's abilities.

"Chakra," he breathed, his voice so quiet that only his ninken companions could hear him clearly.

The realization hit him like a physical blow. His enhanced senses weren't just detecting the lingering scents of their quarry—they were picking up the actual chakra signatures of active ninja ahead. It was a ability he had never consciously developed, but during the hawk retrieve mission, he had sudden developed the ability to sense chakra levels, giving him a idea of how strong his opponents are being able to see their level.

"Sensei," Kōzaru whispered, turning slightly to address Minato without fully taking his attention off the trail ahead. "I can sense chakra signatures ahead. Multiple contacts."

"How many?" Minato asked, his voice carrying a note of sharp interest.

Kōzaru closed his eyes, focusing entirely on the sensation that was filtering through his senses. It was like trying to count individual flames in a distant bonfire, but gradually the signatures began to separate and clarify in his mind.

"Eight... no, nine," he said finally, his voice carrying a note of concern. "Most of them feel like chunin-level chakra." He said, seeing the levels come into his mind, ranging from level 12 to 16.

Both Aotaka and Tatsuma looked at their friend, wondering what the levels of these enemies might be as they listened in to what he was saying.

"But there's one more," he continued, his voice dropping to an almost inaudible whisper. "Jonin level, and a strong one... Much stronger than the others." He said, getting a surprised look from Tatsuma and Aotaka.

Minato's eyebrows rose slightly at the detailed assessment. "That's a very impressive sensory ability, Kōzaru. Being able to detect not just chakra presence but relative strength and put in in ais quite rare."

"I... I didn't know I could do it either," Kōzaru admitted, still focusing on the signatures ahead. "It's like I can smell the difference in their chakra density."

"My own sensory abilities work similarly," Minato said, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Though I use a different method than scent-based detection. You're developing into quite the sensor ninja." Minato said with a smile before he turned his attention back to the task at hand.

The acknowledgment, especially coming from someone like Minato sent a warm feeling through Kōzaru's chest, but it was quickly overshadowed by the growing tension of their situation. The enemy force ahead was substantial, and the presence of a jōnin-level combatant made their mission significantly more dangerous than any of them had anticipated.

Kōzaru dropped back to Aotaka and Tatsuma, quietly taking a step back so he could communicate to his friends.

"What is it, Kōzaru, how many?" Tatsuma asked.

"There are 9 chunin level ninja, between level 12 and 16..." He said, getting a grim look from the others.

"But its the last one I'm worried about. Jonin, level 30..." He said, getting a shocked look from Aotaka.

"A level thirty..." Aotaka said, his voice tight with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "That's stronger than anyone we've faced before."

"Much stronger," Tatsuma agreed, his mind already working through the implications. "If they have a jōnin-level commander, this isn't just a random attack on a medical convoy. This is a coordinated military operation."

"But we have Minato sensei with us, surely he is enough alone right?" Tatsuma asked, looking at the others with a hopeful expression.

Minato's expression grew grim as he processed the information. "Nine enemy ninja, including a strong jōnin. That's significant enough to—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his entire body tensing as his own sensory abilities picked up something that made his blood run cold. The forest around them had gone completely silent, as if every living creature had suddenly fled the area.

"They know we're here," Minato said, his voice carrying the deadly certainty of a veteran warrior. "Everyone, defensive positions. Now."

The words had barely left his mouth when the night exploded into chaos. The darkness that had provided them cover suddenly became a liability as enemy ninja materialized from the shadows, their forms barely visible against the black backdrop of the forest.

"Scatter!" Minato shouted, his own body already moving with the fluid grace of a master as he drew kunai from his pouch.

Kōzaru reacted instinctively, his new combat gear feeling reassuring against his body as he leaped to the side, Yuki and Riku flanking him with perfect coordination. The training and previous missions had honed their teamwork and they moved almost as a single unit despite the chaos erupting around them.

"Tatsuma, Aotaka!" Kōzaru called out, his voice carrying over the sound of clashing metal as their sensei engaged the first wave of attackers. "Stay together!"

The enemy had chosen their ambush site well. The thick canopy above blocked out most of the moonlight, leaving the battlefield shrouded in darkness that favoured stealth and close-quarters combat. The undergrowth provided cover for hit-and-run attacks, while the massive tree trunks created natural barriers that could channel the flow of battle.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!" Kōzaru shouted, his hands moving through the familiar sequence of hand seals as he launched his attack toward a cluster of enemy ninja attempting to flank their position.

The blast of wind tore through the undergrowth, sending leaves and debris flying in all directions. The technique didn't hit any of the enemy directly, but it revealed their positions and forced them to adjust their approach, allowing Kōzaru and the others to get a clearer view of what was happening.

"Nice work," Tatsuma called out, his own hands forming the hand seal as he prepared a counterattack. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

[Chakra: 220/220 - 170/220]

Two identical copies of Tatsuma appeared beside him, each drawing shuriken as they positioned themselves for mid-range combat. The shadow clones moved with practiced coordination, providing multiple angles of attack as the enemy responded with their own jutsu.

"There's too many of them," Aotaka said, his sword already drawn as chakra began to flow through the blade. Lightning flickered along its edge, the electrical energy crackling with barely contained power. "We need to break their formation."

"Agreed," Minato said, his voice carrying the calm authority of a seasoned commander even in the midst of combat. "Kōzaru, can you still sense their positions?"

"Yes, sensei," Kōzaru replied, his enhanced senses cutting through the chaos of battle to track the enemy movements. His eyes widened as he took in the levels floating above each opponent. "Three approaching from the north. (levels 14, 15, and 12.) Two from the east! (At levels 13 and 16,) And the rest are trying to circle around behind us." He yelled, keeping their levels in his head and not yelling them out.

The disparity in power was staggering. Against opponents ranging from level 12 to 16, their own levels of 7 and 8 seemed almost insurmountable.

"And the jōnin?"

"Still hanging back," Kōzaru said, his voice carrying a note of concern. "He's not engaging directly. It's like he's... studying us."

The realization sent a chill through the entire team. A jōnin-level opponent who was content to observe while his subordinates tested their abilities was far more dangerous than one who charged in recklessly. It suggested a level of tactical awareness and patience that spoke to considerable experience.

"He's evaluating our capabilities," Minato said, his own assessment matching Kōzaru's observations. "Standard reconnaissance and assessment protocol. He wants to know what we can do before committing to a full engagement."

"Then we don't give him the chance," Aotaka said, his competitive spirit flaring as lightning danced more intensely along his blade. "We hit them hard and fast before he can gather intelligence."

"No," Minato said firmly. "That's exactly what he wants us to do. Reckless aggression will only provide him with more information about our abilities and teamwork."

The sound of approaching footsteps through the undergrowth made further discussion impossible. The enemy was closing in, and their window for strategic planning was rapidly closing.

"Beast Mimicry: All-Fours Jutsu!" Kōzaru called out, his body transforming as he prepared for close-quarters combat. The familiar surge of enhanced physical abilities flowed through him, his new gear adapting perfectly to the technique's requirements.

[Chakra: 160/160 - 130/160]

Yuki and Riku moved into flanking positions, their own predatory instincts fully engaged as they prepared to coordinate with their partner. The bond between the Inuzuka and his ninken had grown stronger with each battle, and their coordination was becoming increasingly lethal.

The first wave of enemy ninja burst through the undergrowth, and the true disparity in their abilities became immediately apparent.

Kōzaru launched himself forward, having no choice as he met an enemy head on. His enhanced taijutsu allowing him to close the distance rapidly. His first strike—a claw-like swipe enhanced by his beast mimicry jutsu—connected with a level 12 opponent's guard, but the enemy barely staggered as he blocked it. The counterattack came lightning-fast, a devastating punch that sent Kōzaru sliding backward across the forest floor, his ribs aching from the impact, having been too slow to dodge it.

[Health: 168/168 - 140/168]

Tatsuma and his shadow clones unleashed a barrage of shuriken from their mid-range positions, the projectiles whistling through the air with deadly precision. But the level 15 ninja they targeted moved with inhuman speed, deflecting most of the weapons with casual ease. One shuriken found its mark, drawing blood from the enemy's shoulder, but it was a superficial wound that barely slowed him down.

"You little runt!" He yelled, clearly pissed that Tatsuma had landed a hit against him as he throw his own volley of kunai at him.

The enemy's return volley of kunai forced Tatsuma to take cover behind one clone to avoid being overwhelmed, the remaining clone struggling to maintain their defensive formation as they did their best to block and deflect. 

Meanwhile, Aotaka's lightning-enhanced blade met the sword of a level 13 opponent in a shower of sparks. For a moment, the clash seemed even—but then the enemy's superior skill and experience began to tell. Each parry sent numbing vibrations up Aotaka's arms, and within seconds he was being pushed back step by step. His opponent's blade work was impressive, each strike forcing Aotaka into increasingly desperate defensive positions, even with his own lightning enhanced blade.

"They're too strong!" Tatsuma shouted as his remaining shadow clone was dispelled by a devastating kick that would have snapped his neck from their level 16 opponent. "We can't match their power!"

Kōzaru rolled to avoid another crushing blow, his enhanced reflexes barely keeping him ahead of his opponent's relentless assault. Riku dashed from the side, his sharp fangs aiming for the ninja's neck. However, the chunin avoided the assault, drawing a kunai from his weapons holster that he used to block Yuki's bite from the other side, pushing the small dog away before he spun around and stopped Kōzaru's slash attack from above, a smile forming on his face.

"Is that all you got, you little brat!" He spat, knowing this was going to be an easy kill.

Meanwhile, Minato found himself engaged with the enemy jōnin. The man's level—a staggering 30 was visible only to Kōzaru's enhanced perception, but Minato could feel the considerable strength of his opponent's chakra even without seeing the numbers. The jōnin was skilled enough to demand Minato's full attention, his attacks precise and relentless.

Each exchange of blows required careful calculation and positioning. While Minato wasn't in immediate danger, his opponent's skill level meant he couldn't simply overwhelm him quickly. The jōnin's experience showed in every technique, every feint designed to probe for weaknesses.

"He's good." Minato thought, knowing it could be tough to take him down fast.

Minato deflected a series of kunai with fluid grace, his superior speed allowing him to stay ahead of the attacks, but the enemy's tactical awareness prevented him from gaining a decisive advantage. He could hear his students struggling behind him, their cries of effort and pain cutting through the chaos of battle.

He was going to have to pull out all the stops to save them.

"Impressive," came the jōnin's voice, calm despite the intensity of their battle. "The Yellow Flash lives up to his reputation. But you're spread too thin, trying to protect your students while fighting me. SO much for a run on sight order!" 

The enemy had identified his weakness—Minato's divided attention between his own survival and his students' safety. It was a tactical assessment that spoke to the jōnin's considerable experience in combat.

"You're right," Minato admitted, his voice carrying a dangerous edge as he prepared for what was to come. "I have been holding back. I guess it's time to show you why they call me the yellow flash."

The forest fell silent for a moment, as if the very trees were holding their breath. Minato, the yellow flash was about to get serious.