Naruto: Konoha Silver Wolf

After graduating as a ninja, Shingen and Sanisami were not Kurenai's original teammates. Her real teammates had already perished on the battlefield during the Third Great Ninja War.

For the Chūnin Exams, however, a three-person team was mandatory. Thus, Kurenai was grouped with Shingen and Sanisami, who had lost their third teammate in the war. Unlike Kurenai, they were the same age as Kakashi, making them a year younger than her.

Sanisami was a boy with cool black hair and a faintly arrogant demeanour. He was clearly confident about advancing to Chūnin. He carried a katana on his back, indicating his proficiency in swordsmanship.

Shingen, with rare blue hair, had a slightly ethereal quality even at his young age.

Kurenai's beauty was undeniable, coupled with an enchanting charm that often caught Shingen and Sanisami's eyes. However, their admiration did not extend beyond appreciating her looks, given their recent acquaintance and her superior strength as a senior.

Collectively, Kurenai's current team, based on their outward appearance and demeanour, seemed destined for impressive futures.

"These Konoha brats are not simple. If they grow, they'll surely pose a threat to our village. We must eliminate them while they're still in the cradle."

Three shadowy figures appeared silently in the distance, perched on a tree trunk. One of them remarked while observing Kurenai's team.

"Indeed, this team seems stronger than the ones we've killed before. They probably have Chūnin-level abilities. We need to be cautious."

Another shadowy figure added quietly.

"Right! Let's set a trap first and ensure these Konoha brats are wiped out!"

The third figure spoke, his voice dripping with murderous intent.

The three figures exchanged glances and split in three directions.

"Shingen, Sanisami, be careful. I sensed killing intent just now."

Kurenai was about to leave and suddenly felt a faint killing intent. Her body trembled slightly before she nonchalantly whispered to her teammates.

"Where?"

Shingen and Sanisami were startled but quickly regained their composure, acting as if they hadn't noticed anything. They asked Kurenai quietly, their eyes now showing respect for her superior senses.

"Let's head to the central tower now."

Kurenai glanced toward the central tower, maintaining her calm as she whispered, "I don't know where they are exactly, but it seems we're being targeted by someone strong."

This last part was spoken softly enough for only Shingen and Sanisami to hear.

"Ha! We'll be the first team to reach the central tower!"

Shingen laughed, following Kurenai, while Sanisami proudly kept pace. Their peripheral vision remained alert for any signs of danger.

"Without knowing the enemy's position, we must proceed cautiously."

Kurenai's soft voice broke the silence again. Shingen and Sanisami didn't respond, merely following her lead.

Swish, swish, swish!

Shortly after they started moving, danger descended upon them. From six directions, a barrage of kunai and shuriken rained down on them.

"Careful!"

With two kunai in hand, Kurenai warned her teammates as she prepared to defend. They had been on alert, so they immediately formed a defensive triangle back to back when the attack came. Shingen and Kurenai wielded kunai while Sanisami drew his katana, holding it before him.

Seeing their swift response, the three shadowy figures in the dark narrowed their eyes, their killing intent intensifying.

Clang, clang, clang!

The kunai and shuriken clashed against Kurenai's team's weapons, falling harmlessly to the ground.

Whoosh!

A strange sound came from above as soon as they fended off the initial attack. The trio looked up in surprise, seeing nine massive conical wooden stakes hurtling toward them. There was no time to dodge or perform hand seals.

"Leaf Style: Dance of the Flying Leaves!"

In a moment of crisis, Sanisami's eyes flashed with resolve. He executed a leaf-style sword technique, his blade blurry with white light. The conical tips of the wooden stakes were sliced cleanly off, slowing their descent. Kurenai then leapt up and kicked the stakes away.

"Sanisami, are you okay?"

Kurenai asked seriously once they landed. Sanisami's face was pale, having overexerted himself with the Leaf Style technique. His chakra was nearly depleted. Kurenai's heart sank, realising they had already lost a combatant before seeing the enemy.

She glanced up and saw a figure in front of her. A glance around confirmed three enemies surrounded them.

"You're not participants in the Chūnin Exam, are you?"

Seeing their attire, Kurenai was even more astonished. Her guard was up, knowing they couldn't negotiate for their survival with the Heaven and Earth Scrolls.

"Heh, of course, we're not. We're here to kill you, exam participants!"

The figure before Kurenai sneered.

"None of you died in our trap, though one is out of commission. Impressive. But today, you'll all die here. Blame it on being a Konoha ninja!"

"Attack!"