Uchiha: Strongest Shura

The explosion on the third floor was like a signal flare, triggering the chaotic battle between Renji's group and the wandering ninjas.

Renji, with his mastery of thunder-attribute chakra, had the advantage in speed. Using his chakra to stimulate cellular activity, he executed swift and precise movements. As the fight erupted, he dashed forward, employing Shadow Dance Leaf to trip a ninja and aimed his kunai straight for the opponent's heart.

However, the wandering ninja's support was surprisingly effective. Just before the kunai could strike, one of them pulled their teammate to safety. Renji, undeterred, adjusted his wrist mid-motion and hurled the kunai into the ninja's throat.

The ninja instinctively used his palms to block the attack, suffering significant injury but managing to survive. Sensing an opportunity, another wandering ninja attempted a close-range assault on Renji, only to be met with a glowing blue sphere in Renji's hand.

"Rasengan!"

The Rasengan spun violently, slamming into the ninja's abdomen and sending him hurtling into the wall behind him. Renji couldn't help but marvel at the technique he had mastered during his grueling training. Though it wasn't as devastatingly fatal as he had initially envisioned, the Rasengan's ultra-high-speed rotation caused enough internal damage to render an enemy incapable of fighting.

The sudden appearance of the Rasengan shocked a group of exiled ninjas. After all, no one had seen Renji seal anything, and the ninjutsu suddenly appeared, subverting the common sense of ninja techniques.

Seizing the moment of hesitation, Marina used Water Release: Water Wave Chaos to flood the corridor. Renji quickly followed with Thunder Release, electrifying the water and paralyzing the wandering ninjas.

Naoki wasted no time, throwing shurikens at their incapacitated foes. Though his aim was less than stellar, the distraction was enough to give Renji an opening to execute his next move: Fire Release: Impatiens Flower Claw Red.

This technique combined the fiery heat of the Phoenix Fire Jutsu with the cutting power of shurikens. Flaming projectiles filled the air, scattering like flower petals and devastating the immobilized enemies. The combination of fire and metal proved overwhelming, swiftly eliminating the wandering ninjas in a spectacular display.

After the battle, the group regrouped at the lower entrance of the third-floor passage. Despite their apparent success, the constant fighting had taken its toll. Naoki's ninja tools were depleted, Marina was struggling to keep up, and even Kanemaru had reverted from his anthropomorphic form.

Renji assessed the situation grimly. "You two need to recover your chakra," he instructed. "I'll hold them off here."

Naoki hesitated. "But—"

"There's no time to argue," Renji cut in, his tone firm. "Go."

With a reluctant nod, Naoki and Marina retreated, leaving Renji alone at the passageway.

Moments later, four wandering ninjas entered the corridor, their expressions darkening as they noticed Renji standing alone. The leader smirked maliciously. "Looks like your friends abandoned you. How about a deal? Tell us your purpose, and we might just spare your life."

Renji chuckled coldly, the kunai in his hand glinting ominously. "Spare my life? Don't make me laugh. I stayed because I'm more than enough to handle trash like you."

The leader's smirk faded. "Cocky brat. Let's see if you can back up that confidence."

Renji hurled his kunai without hesitation. The enemy's attention immediately shifted to the projectile, giving Renji the opening he needed to close the distance with Shadow Dance Leaf. He aimed a powerful kick at the leader, only to have another ninja shout a warning in time.

"Be careful, he's in front of you!"

The guy who got the reminder blocked Renji's fierce kick at the critical moment.

Tsk, if you face four pairs of eyes, attacks using blind spots will be cracked!

Seeing Renji's attack being defended by his teammates, the wandering ninja felt relieved. After passing the first two battle traces on the way here, the wandering ninja knew that one of his opponents had a master of taijutsu. No matter what, this young man's physical skills were very good. Although no one could be his opponent one-on-one, it was said that two fists are difficult to beat four hands.

Seeing that the wandering ninjas were tending to surround him, Renji had no choice but to use his thunder escape to stimulate the cells in his legs and instantly escape the enemy's encirclement. The wandering ninja was startled by Renji's speed. They didn't expect that this guy could increase his speed even more, despite the obvious pressure on him.

Faced with such a difficult situation, Renji's heart sank. I'm still not strong enough. I have to rack my brains just to deal with a few small fry.

The wandering ninjas regrouped, their confidence bolstered by Renji's retreat. "You're outnumbered," the leader sneered. "Give up now, and we might let you live."

Renji didn't reply. Instead, he closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. When he opened them again, his gaze was steely and unwavering.

The ninjas moved to surround him again, but this time, Renji was ready. With a burst of chakra, he charged forward, his kunai slicing through the air with precision. The leader barely managed to deflect the blow, but Renji used the momentum to pivot, delivering a spinning kick that sent another ninja crashing into the wall.

Before the others could react, Renji formed a series of quick seals. "Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"

Flames erupted from his mouth, forcing the ninjas to scatter. One of them wasn't fast enough, catching the full brunt of the attack and collapsing in a heap.

The remaining two hesitated, their earlier confidence wavering. Renji smirked, raising his kunai once more. "What's wrong? Weren't you going to kill me?"

The leader gritted his teeth. "Don't get cocky, kid. You're running out of steam, and we know it."

Renji's smirk faltered slightly. He's not wrong. I need to end this now.

Summoning the last reserves of his chakra, Renji prepared his final attack. The two remaining ninjas rushed him simultaneously, hoping to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. But Renji was faster.

"Rasengan!"

The swirling blue sphere struck the first ninja square in the chest, sending him flying backward. Before the second ninja could react, Renji spun around, his kunai finding its mark. The ninja gasped, blood spilling from his mouth as he crumpled to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Renji leaned against the wall for support. The corridor was eerily silent, save for the faint crackling of residual flames.