On a small path leading to Konoha, a small team was escorting a group of young boys and girls back to the village.
Among them were Might Guy, Ebisu, and Shiranui Genma, among others.
It wasn't just them who had been tempered on the battlefield. For instance, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Hyuga Hiashi, and other scions of Konoha's prominent clans had also traveled with their elders to the Land of Rivers or the Land of Grass for training.
However, their luck was poor, being on the weakest of the four battlefronts, which was why they were forced to return to Konoha.
"Sigh, what rotten luck to have to return to the village so soon, I haven't had enough fun yet!"
A rather complaining voice echoed from within the group, causing the ninjas escorting them to frown.
These young scions, lacking in skill but not in arrogance, would have died countless times if not for their elders watching over them. And yet they claimed they hadn't had enough fun!
Truly... enviable! I wish I had a good birth too!
Might Guy walked at the very back of the group. He didn't have many friends in Konoha, only being able to exchange a few words with Ebisu and Shiranui Genma.
However, they couldn't quite understand his 'youth', unlike Kakashi. Kakashi knew youth was about persistent effort, which was why he kept refusing my challenges!
I won't give up on you, Kakashi!
Might Guy cheered himself on in his heart, unaware that his "beloved" Kakashi was already involved with Obito!
*Swish swish swish!*
"Heh, what a coincidence to run into a squad of Konoha ninjas, and all of them kids."
"Who's there?!"
The leading Konoha Jonin was about to turn his head towards the source of the voice when a thin blade of light flashed past. With a *'splish'* sound, blood gushed like a fountain, and with a clang, a head was separated from its body.
"Kushimaru, you're still as cruel as ever!"
Suigizan Fuguki, whose physique rivaled that of Akimichi Choza, emerged from the shadows. The great sword Samehada was slung across his back, his face, adorned with green stripes, was filled with cruel amusement.
"It's the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! Everyone scatter and run!"
"Run? Can you escape? Lightning Burial: Banquet of Lightning!"
A faint voice sounded, and before anyone knew it, a dense fog gradually drifted in. Three bolts of lightning shot out from the mist, striking the three remaining escorting Chunin.
"Ah!!"
After a round of screams, the surroundings instantly fell silent. Might Guy and the others, forming a circle in the center, tightly covered their mouths, fearing that a single accidental sound would lead to their deaths.
"Tch! So useless, is this the strength of Konoha ninjas? I didn't even get a chance to make a move!"
Jinin Akebino, wielding the blunt sword Kabutowari, emerged from the fog, looking disdainfully at the fallen Konoha ninjas. Such waste!
"Don't waste time. What about these brats? Kill them or take them prisoner?"
Three more figures emerged from the fog: Jūzō Biwa, Jūzō Biwa, and the wielder of the twin swords Hiramekarei, a young man with a blue flattop hairstyle!
"What use are prisoners? To exchange them with Konoha for leverage? Don't be ridiculous. If we complete our mission this time, it's uncertain if Konoha will even exist! Kill them all!"
As Suigizan Fuguki's last sentence fell, the air around them seemed to freeze for a moment.
Might Guy could clearly hear his own heartbeat. His palms clenched, cold sweat beading on his hands.
No! Against enemies like these, I'm no match, I can't possibly win.
What should I do?! Father, can you tell me?
"Damn it! What do you want? Money? Jutsu? I can have my parents give you anything, as long as you let me go!"
"Me too, my family is very rich!"
"I can too, my family owns a ninja tool shop!"
...
"So noisy! You brats, what do you think we are? We are the inheritors of the Seven Swords, the most powerful in the Mist. Do you think we care about mere wealth?"
Suigizan Fuguki picked his nose, somewhat contemptuous of the children's words. Rich? How rich can they be? I am...
"I'll pay 1 billion ryo! For our lives!"
"What the hell! 1 billion?"
Suigizan Fuguki almost poked through his nose. Are these brats so wealthy? His gaze fell upon the child who had just spoken.
Hmm? Watermelon head? He doesn't look like he's from a wealthy family.
"Kid? You're the one who said you'd pay 1 billion ryo for your life?"
Suigizan Fuguki walked up to Might Guy, looking down at him. Cheap tight-fitting clothes, and green too! How bad is the taste!
This guy doesn't look like he's from a rich family at all.
Might Guy kept telling himself, imagine the enemies in front of him as Kakashi, imagine them as Kakashi... This is impossible!
"Yes, yes! As long as you let us go."
Shiranui Genma, standing beside Might Guy, trembled as he spoke. He was very scared. His family was wealthy, and even if he couldn't become a ninja, he could be a rich second generation. He didn't want to die!
"Is Konoha this rich? Looks like I'm going to get rich this trip!"
Suigizan Fuguki turned his head to discuss with his companions. Even a mosquito's leg is still meat! He exposed his back to Might Guy and the other two.
A good opportunity!
Seizing the moment, Might Guy exchanged glances with Shiranui Genma and Ebisu, but neither dared to act. He had no choice but to go himself. The chance was fleeting!
"Everyone, run!"
Might Guy leaped towards Suigizan Fuguki and shouted to the surrounding ninjas. If they continued to wait for death, everyone would die. They might as well try their luck!
*Bang!*
What he imagined didn't happen. Might Guy didn't even manage to touch Suigizan Fuguki's body; he was caught by a hand in mid-air. Suigizan Fuguki turned around, his face full of mockery,
"Do you think I'm like you foolish Konoha ninjas? Can your silly trick fool me? Based on the cheap green tight-fitting clothes you're wearing? Or your ridiculous watermelon-like head? It's laughable. It seems your parents aren't much either! Hahaha!"
"You dare insult my father!"
Anger flared in Might Guy's eyes, and a force erupted from within him, allowing him to break free from Suigizan Fuguki's grasp and kick him towards his side.
*Thwack!*
As expected, Might Guy was sent flying, tumbling four or five times on the ground. Fortunately, due to his lifelong physical training, apart from being covered in dust, there were no apparent injuries.
"Hmph! Stop playing around, Fuguki. We have a mission to complete."
Jūzō Biwa reminded him expressionlessly. He had no desire to watch this boring drama!
"Tch! I know. It seems our game is over. Brats, it's time to send you on your way!"
"Needle Senbon!"
"Don't be so arrogant! Konoha's Green Beast is here!"
*Boom!*
Might Duy, wrapped in green energy, arrived at the last moment. He kicked away Suigizan Fuguki, who was about to use his ninjutsu, shielded the children behind him, and looked sternly at the seven opponents before him, saying slowly,
"Next, your opponent is me! I am Konoha's Green Beast, Might Duy!"