The moment Ui scooped Kurenai up, she felt completely "melted."
Now, don't go getting any ideas—there was nothing romantic about it. She was quite literally "melted" by the high-voltage current coursing through her.
It had absolutely nothing to do with being swept off her feet by a handsome teammate; if it did, her face would be flushed a delicate pink. Instead, her complexion was currently cycling through a vibrant palette of sickly greens and pale whites.
The reason was simple: Chidori Nagashi. While the caster, Ui, was perfectly fine, the technique was still a high-level Lightning Style jutsu, and it certainly didn't come with a "Friendly Fire" toggle. In that split-second emergency, Ui was focused entirely on raw acceleration; he didn't have the mental bandwidth to worry about his "luggage" getting fried.
A few seconds of electrocution is agonizing, sure, but it's rarely fatal.
As for why he chose Kurenai? Pure instinct. There was no "preferring beauty over brothers" here. Proof: the second they cleared the blast zone, he dropped her like a hot potato.
In that fraction of a second, Ui could have reached Kurenai next to him or Asuma behind him. So, faced with the choice, do you grab the girl or the guy?
On one hand: light, soft, and easy to carry. On the other: well, let's just say that person is destined to grow a thick, scratchy beard later in life.
When comparing the technical execution of a "princess carry" against the risk of creating a visually catastrophic scene that would haunt his memories forever, Ui chose the girl. It was the only logical choice. What was he supposed to do? Carry Asuma and kick Kurenai into a tree? That's just bad physics.
However, if you asked Kurenai for her opinion, she'd have much preferred being the one kicked. A solid boot to the stomach is a one-time pain; being a human conductor for Ui's lightning is a gift that keeps on giving.
And if you asked Asuma? He'd have preferred being carried. That kick was delivered with zero restraint. He wasn't sure yet, but he estimated at least three or four of his ribs were currently in "puzzle mode."
The luckiest of the bunch was Yamashiro Aoba. He was also sent flying, but he had the benefit of Asuma acting as a fleshy shock absorber. Of course, he then became the cushion for Asuma when they hit the dirt, so they were technically even.
BOOM!
The Scorch orb detonated behind them. It was a miracle that such a powerful jutsu caused zero casualties—all thanks to Ui's god-tier reflexes.
...Of course, the "casualties" caused by Ui himself were another story. The dodge was a success in that nobody died, but the completion rate was lacking: the captain had effectively neutralized half his own squad.
One with multiple compound fractures. One with ongoing neurological paralysis.
After dropping Kurenai, Ui finally had a moment to inspect his handiwork. He was quite satisfied with his leg strength; that burst of power had cleared the blast radius perfectly.
Asuma, on the other hand, was not satisfied. He was currently wheezing on the ground, blood leaking from his mouth, looking like he was about five seconds away from seeing the Great Beyond. Ui offered a silent apology worth exactly half a cent.
Strangely, the enemy didn't follow up. Did they assume the blast finished them? Or did they lack the sensory capability to see through the aftermath?
Aoba quickly helped the mangled Asuma back to Ui's side.
"Cough... Ui... I think that kick was a bit much," Asuma wheezed, his voice thick with resentment. "I could have avoided that myself."
Nobody wants their headstone to read: "Here lies the Third Hokage's son, accidentally ended by his teammate's over-enthusiastic leg day."
Ui didn't argue. In a crisis, everyone has their own judgment. Asuma thought he could dodge; Ui knew he could kick him out of the way. He trusted his own legs more than Asuma's optimism.
"The enemy's techniques are truly formidable," Ui said, his expression grave. "Scorch Release... a Bloodline Limit truly is terrifying. It took out half our combat capacity in a single move."
Aoba stared at him. Everyone graduated together, but Ui was clearly destined for leadership. Just look at the man—speaking as if he hadn't personally manufactured Asuma's "disability." Asuma still had a muddy, bloody footprint on his chest to prove otherwise.
The ability to lie with a straight face is, truly, a leadership art.
The lightning around Ui faded as he wove a set of signs.
Summoning Jutsu!
A crimson, three-headed Multi-Headed Hound appeared. Its purpose: the squad's new taxi.
"Mount up!"
It was a ridiculous order, but Aoba understood instantly. He hoisted the twitching Kurenai and the broken Asuma onto the dog's back.
With Ui on point and Aoba acting as a stabilizer for their "wounded," they rounded the final obstacle and looked upon the battlefield.
Ignoring the "jerky-fied" corpses on the ground, about thirty Rain Ninjas were still standing. In the center of the encirclement was a female kunoichi with a Suna forehead protector.
Pakura of the Scorch Release.
The Ui squad stepped into the clearing, bold as you please. They were already exposed, so there was no point in hiding. Besides, Ui was ready to summon the Yatagarasu for an aerial escape at a moment's notice. Surprise: he actually has flight capability.
"Oh? You actually dodged my attack?"
The voice was feminine and calm. Pakura stood in the center of the Rain Ninjas, appearing completely unbothered by the sheer numbers against her. The Rain Ninjas, however, looked like they were having second thoughts. You can be ready to die for your village, but nobody signs up to be mummified.
Pakura turned her gaze toward them, her brow furrowing as she saw their gear. "Konoha ninjas?"
Clearly, she had expected Rain reinforcements. Instead, she got a kid in a mask leading a three-headed dog.