Sasuke's twin sister, But Neji's first love

Eat or Be Eaten: Panic in the Forest

Sasuke jumps into action immediately and performs a Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu. A bunch of small fireballs crash into the ground as the enemy dodges them. I grip my kunai tighter and rush toward the enemy—our kunai clash with a loud clang. He quickly jumps away and starts running. Sasuke and I chase after him, kunai in hand. As we're sprinting, we spot Naruto tied up on the ground, wiggling and yelling for help.

"Hey! Get me out of here!" Naruto yells. I slow down for a second while Sasuke continues the chase. I throw a kunai at the ropes holding Naruto—just nicking them enough to free him.

"Thank you!" Naruto shouts as I pick up speed again, trying to catch up to Sasuke and the enemy.

Just as I start closing the distance, the enemy suddenly yells, "Better get your mind in the game!"

He throws multiple kunai at Sasuke—who dodges them—only to realize too late that they have paper bombs attached. One explodes, catching Sasuke off guard and knocking him from the tree. Luckily, he lands on his feet, using his hands to brace himself. Before he can fully recover, the enemy appears behind him, kunai pointed at Sasuke.

"Sorry, but this is where you fail. Hand over the scroll or die," the enemy nin threatens.

"Sasuke!" Sakura calls out, distracting the enemy just enough. I take the chance to throw my kunai, aiming straight for him. He dodges just in time to avoid a fatal hit, but my blade slices deep into his arm. He curses and jumps back to gain some distance. Naruto bursts into the clearing, ready to fight.

Sasuke and I lock eyes—our Sharingan blazing—and nod in silent understanding. Sasuke channels chakra to his foot and launches a kunai from the bottom of his shoe. The enemy sees it and moves to dodge, but I immediately focus chakra to my feet and dash up a nearby tree. I leap from it, using the height for momentum, and slam my kunai deep into the enemy's shoulder—just missing his heart. Blood splatters across my face.

"Guys! Are you okay?!" Sakura calls out.

"Sakura, don't just stand there—keep your guard up! His teammates could be hiding and waiting to strike!" I yell, frustrated she wasn't being cautious or useful.

Tch, I really wasn't lying when I said we'd have to pick up their slack, I think to myself.

The enemy shoves me off and retreats, disappearing into the trees. I land smoothly and rejoin the others. I scan Sasuke quickly, checking for injuries. He does the same to me. We nod, silently confirming we're okay.

"This proves we can't just trust appearances. We need a way to confirm our identities—something no imposter could copy," Sasuke says as we huddle into a loose circle. We all nod in agreement.

"Alright, so what do we do?" Sakura asks.

"We need a password," I say.

"Hm? What kind of password?" Naruto questions.

"Something only we would know. And no matter what, don't trust anyone who can't recite it back to you," I reply firmly.

"Okay, listen closely because I'm only saying it once," Sasuke begins. "The question will be: 'When does a ninja strike?' The response is: 'A ninja waits until the time is right. When the enemy sleeps and drops his guard. When the weapons lie forgotten in the stillness of the night. That is the moment for a ninja to strike.' Got it?"

Sakura and I nod, but Naruto sweatdrops. "You got one a little shorter?"

Sakura growls, while I sigh. Classic Naruto.

"No, Naruto. That's it," Sasuke says bluntly.

"C'mon, Naruto. Why are you struggling? I memorized it easily," Sakura says smugly.