Kenji observed the surroundings while Aiko, Taro and Riku strategically positioned themselves, creating a defensive formation with the traps Kenji had prepared. The tension was palpable, every second that passed increased the adrenaline of all the ninjas present. Finally, the enemies' chakras were close enough that their silhouettes began to emerge from the shadows of the forest.

The enemies were exactly as Aiko had described: 12 ninjas from Kumogakure, all jounin level. Leading the group was an elite ninja that Kenji recognized immediately. His eyes narrowed as he realized the gravity of the situation. The leader of the enemies was Saito, one of the most feared jounin in Kumogakure, known for his overwhelming strength and advanced skills in taijutsu and ninjutsu.

"That complicates things," muttered Kenji, his eyes fixed on Saito. He turned to Aiko, Taro and Riku, the urgency in his voice was unmistakable. "Aiko, Taro, Riku, listen carefully, I will face Saito directly. He is extremely dangerous and we need to neutralize him quickly. While I distract him, you focus on taking down as many enemies as possible. Can you do that?"

Aiko nodded. "While we haven't had to fight their leader, we are more than capable of handling the rest of the ninja."

Taro and Riku also nodded, their gazes full of concentration and focus. With instructions clear, they prepared for the imminent battle.

Kenji took a deep breath, he knew that facing Saito would be a monumental challenge, but there was no other option. Kenji then continued to face Saito, being ready to react to any movement from his opponent.

The Kumo ninjas stopped and watched the small team of 4 Konoha ninjas and Saito soon recognized Kenji and with a cruel smile on his lips he mocked: "What an unexpected surprise Hatake Kenji, how a ninja like you ended up in this place just to die in my hands."

Kenji didn't respond to Saito's provocation. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on his opponent, analyzing every movement and trace of expression. The surrounding atmosphere was charged with tension, with ninjas on both sides ready for battle.

Kenji's lack of response didn't bother Saito and he continued: "12 against 4, this fight seems to favor me a lot, but I'm curious, I felt like there were 3 more ninjas, right? Where are they?"

Kenji's expression darkened and Saito realized very quickly, "It looks like they escaped, do they have our information? Are you here to buy time for the other three?"

Kenji then replied: "They have nothing to do with this, they are just 3 genins who are part of my team."

Saito then laughed and said, "Come on you know I can't just take your word for it; I have to check it out for myself."

Saito then turned to three ninjas from his team and said: "Follow those 3, don't you dare make mistakes."

The three were about to make a move and follow, Dazen and the others, but before they could move Kenji quickly rushed forward and launched a large electric jutsu that made them retreat, Kenji then planned to continue attacking, but Saito quickly interrupted him.

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"You can't just ignore me and attack my subordinates Kenji."

Without saying anything with a burst of speed, Kenji charged towards Saito. His movements were quick and precise, each strike aimed with the intention of testing Saito's defenses and finding an opening. Saito, however, was prepared. With a series of agile movements, he blocked Kenji's attacks and counterattacked with surprising strength. The sound of metal on metal echoed through the forest as the two ninjas engaged in a deadly fight.

Meanwhile, Aiko, Taro and Riku moved according to the plan. Aiko launched a series of kunais and shurikens, which embedded themselves into the ground around the Kumogakure ninjas. With a hand seal, he activated the hidden explosive traps, causing a series of explosions that disoriented the enemies.

"Now, Taro!" shouted Aiko.

Taro emerged from the shadows, his earth ninjutsu creating walls and obstacles to divide the Kumogakure ninja and prevent them from regrouping. He then launched a series of long-range attacks, utilizing fire jutsus to keep enemies at bay. Riku, in turn, moved with the precision of a predator, attacking the disoriented ninjas, putting them in a terrible situation.

Kenji continued his fierce confrontation with Saito. The battle was intense, both ninjas exchanging blows with impressive speed and strength. Saito used his advantage in taijutsu to pressure Kenji, but Kenji, with his experience and skills, managed to keep the fight balanced. He knew he needed an opportunity to gain the upper hand.

"You're better than I expected, Kenji," mocked Saito as he blocked a kick and countered with a powerful punch. "But that won't be enough."

Kenji maintained his composure, blocking Saito's punch with his forearm and dodging it to the side. "We'll see," Kenji replied, his voice calm but filled with determination.

The two ninjas continued exchanging blows, each movement calculated, each attack and defense a demonstration of their skills. Kenji knew he couldn't maintain this pace for long. He needed to find a weakness in Saito's defense.

Meanwhile, Aiko, Taro, and Riku continued to fight the other Kumogakure ninja.

"Riku, to the right!" shouted Aiko, noticing an enemy approaching.

"Riku, to the right!" shouted Aiko, noticing an enemy approaching.

Riku moved quickly, intercepting the Kumogakure ninja with a precise strike, knocking him down and killing him. "Good call, Aiko," said Riku, without losing focus, with that missing 11 kumo ninjas.

Back in the main fight, Kenji noticed a small opening when Saito launched a taijutsu attack. In a quick movement, Kenji performed a hand seal and attacked with the 'Lightning Style - Electromagnetic Assassination' jutsu, directing the electrical energy directly into Saito's arm.

Saito grunted in pain; his right arm temporarily paralyzed by the attack. "Damn..." he muttered, taking a few steps back.

Kenji wasted no time, advancing with speed, this time towards the three ninjas who were waiting for an opportunity to follow Dazen and the others, Kenji appeared behind them like a ghost and with his sword covered in lightning, he pierced the heart of one of the ninjas.

The two remaining ninjas were surprised but soon responded and attacked Kenji, who didn't care and easily dodged the attacks and continued trying to kill another of the ninjas, but soon Saito reacted and stopped him again and this time he screamed.

"What are you doing standing there, quickly follow those three ninjas, don't waste time with unnecessary movements."

The two then nodded and quickly gave chase.

Seeing the action of the two Komugakure ninja, Kenji began to worry, but he could do nothing as he once again found himself in a heated fight with Saito.

'What can I do now and end this fight quickly and then chase these two ninjas before he gets in with Dazen and the others.'

Kenji then counterattacked Saito with his kenjutsu, looking for an opportunity to kill his opponent.