102. Combat by the River: Hikari’s Escape Maneuvers

102. Combat by the River: Hikari’s Escape Maneuvers

Before making his escape, Hikari swiftly employed a special sealing scroll to secure the body of the Hozuki Patriarch.

He planned to hand it over to intelligence specialists within his division later, as extracting information from the patriarch's brain was a primary objective of the mission.

Given the patriarch's high-ranking position within Kirigakure, his knowledge could provide critical insights into enemy operations and strategies, alongside Kirigakure's overall top-secret information possibly.

However, realizing that by now a clean escape was no longer an option as the enemy rapidly closed in, Hikari assessed his situation with a calm urgency.

Three Kirigakure jonins had positioned themselves on one side of the river, effectively cutting off several potential exit routes and cornering him.

Another trio appeared on the opposite bank, starting to weave hand signs and vocally demanding the whereabouts of their Hozuki Patriarch, their tone aggressive and demanding.

Faced with encirclement, Hikari quickly formulated a strategy. He understood that focusing his efforts on one group could create a necessary opening for his escape.

With a swift decision made, he surged towards the selected trio which were on the side of his escape route back to their part of the frontline. His plan was not just to engage but to swiftly overpower and decapitate this group to break through.

As Hikari made his move towards one side of the river, the three Kirigakure shinobi on that flank were quick to respond. They immediately capitalized on their environmental advantage, the abundant water providing a perfect medium for their Water Release techniques.

The first Jonin executed the Water Release: Water Fang Bullet. He skillfully manipulated the river water, forming several tightly compressed projectiles beneath the surface. These water fangs, highly pressurized due to their compactness, were launched with deadly precision and speed, spinning as they hurtled toward Hikari.

Simultaneously, the second Jonin used Water Release: Rising Water Slicer. With a swift hand gesture, he summoned a sharp, linear wave of water that surged from the riverbed. This blade of water shot forward with tremendous force, capable of slicing through solid rock, aimed directly at cutting Hikari off from his intended path.

The third Jonin opted for Water Release: Water Whip. Molding his chakra, he created a large, flexible whip made of water, which he wielded with expert control. The whip cracked through the air, designed to entangle or severely strike Hikari, further complicating his escape efforts.

These coordinated attacks showcased the tactical synergy of the Kirigakure shinobi, each using their mastery of Water Release to create a multifaceted assault.

Despite the escalating danger, Hikari turned and sprinted towards Konoha's front lines. His chakra reserves were significantly depleted; by his estimate, only 30-40% remained.

This limited reserve meant he had just enough energy to make a narrow escape if he managed his resources wisely and avoided further confrontations.

Pushing his physical and chakra limits, Hikari used his fastest speed, weaving through the terrain with practiced ease, sounds of Kiri shinobi techniques and shouting eventually fading.

His mind was focused, calculating each step and breath, ensuring that every ounce of his remaining chakra was spent judiciously to maximize his speed and distance.

As Hikari raced towards the safety of Konoha's front lines, he mentally reviewed his performance in the skirmish with the three Jonins, in the end, 'grading' himself well.

His approach was methodical and calculated, reflecting his robotic efficiency and discipline in combat situations, alongside lightning logical thinking and movement speed and agility.

He critically assessed each decision made during the encounter, considering how he had managed his resources and tactics under pressure, did he chose the most optimal route.

Hikari acknowledged that he had expended a significant amount of chakra, opting for powerful, but high-cost attacks to resolve the confrontation as swiftly as possible.

This strategic choice, while draining, was based on a logical assessment of the situation: quick resolution minimized the risk of additional enemy reinforcements and lessened the overall duration of his exposure to danger and unforeseen circumstances in enemy territory.

He also reflected on his use of a diverse arsenal of abilities, which played a crucial role in securing his victory in his assessment. Hikari's combat style incorporated a broad range of techniques, from advanced taijutsu to complex ninjutsu and even elements of genjutsu.

This versatility was instrumental in outmaneuvering his opponents, who also had zero knowledge of the breadth of his skills, nor knew that they were even 'possible' in general probably, and thus could not even begin to anticipate his next moves. His first war, or even shinobi mission at all, in this life, was therefore generally considered a success in his opinion.

The only downside was that the enemy forces in general would now somewhat learn about his identity and skillset and could deduce many things about that if they were smart.

And it was not like he had any time to spare with dealing against the other three shinobi present there, nor disposing of the bodies of the shinobi he killed at that time, to prevent leaking info. But, Hikari knew that it was eventually bound to happen simply due to his strength as a shinobi. That was the fate that also followed nearly all the powerful shinobi.