The piercing scream was chilling to the bone.
Bound tightly by steel wires, Kari stood there with both arms raised, his entire body engulfed in flames.
Even Haori—who had spent many years on the battlefield of the Land of Whirlpools—couldn't help but frown at the sight.
Still, his expression remained relatively calm. He had seen scenes far more brutal than this back in Uzushio.
Those who can't adapt to this world will only be eliminated by it.
That thought flashed through Haori's mind. He then drew a kunai and hurled it straight toward Kari's heart.
The screams stopped abruptly.
After confirming that Kari was completely dead, Haori immediately turned and rushed back along the way he had come.
What he needed to do now was find Guy and Aoba as quickly as possible.
ROAR—
At that moment, a deafening roar suddenly echoed through the forest.
Immediately afterward, a terrifying storm swept across a vast area. Countless trees were severed at the waist, and the ground trembled violently.
Haori, who was moving at high speed, nearly lost his footing.
But when he looked up, he saw a scene that left him stunned.
A massive, pure-white beast—resembling a fusion of a dolphin and a horse—was roaring toward the sky. Facing it was a gigantic toad, holding a short blade and smoking a pipe.
"So it's already reached this stage…"
Staring at the two colossal figures, Haori couldn't help but feel his heart pound.
Even from a great distance, he could clearly sense the overwhelming power contained within those monstrous bodies.
That kind of violent strength could tear him to pieces with ease.
BOOM—
As Haori was still taking it in, both titans moved.
Even their simple movements felt like mountains shifting and earth shaking. When they attacked, howling winds swept the area!
The shockwaves formed by their rampant chakra and sheer force felt like an apocalypse, filling one with despair.
"So this is the power of a tailed beast… and of Namikaze Minato."
Haori immediately changed direction, making sure not to get anywhere near that battlefield.
Still, his eyes couldn't help but linger on those two monsters.
Any sense of triumph from killing Kari had already faded away.
Kari had been strong—but compared to these beings, he was nothing.
"I still need to keep getting stronger."
Taking a deep breath, Haori quickly steadied his mindset.
He understood his current position well, and so he felt no real frustration.
Power was accumulated step by step—it was never something achieved overnight.
What's more, his own growth was already easier than most people's. There was no reason for him to feel discouraged.
Yet, a flame had ignited in his heart.
He knew exactly what he needed to do next.
He had to keep pushing forward—leave the audience behind and step onto a stage that belonged to him alone.
"Haori!"
At that moment, he heard someone call his name.
He turned immediately, spotting Aoba and Guy rushing toward him.
Both looked dusty and battered, clearly worse for wear—but Haori finally let out a breath of relief.
"You two okay?"
"No major problems," Guy replied. "Once those Iwa-nin saw the monsters come out, they immediately headed that way."
Haori nodded.
With that kind of commotion, Iwagakure only had two choices.
Either rush to support their jinchūriki—
Or flee immediately, just like Haori himself had done.
From the looks of it, they'd chosen the former.
But soon, Haori frowned slightly, realizing something.
Although a jinchūriki was incredibly powerful, with Flying Thunder God and sealing techniques, Namikaze Minato should've been able to prevent things from escalating this far.
So then… what was his goal?
"Can you still move?"
A spark of insight flashed through Haori's mind, and he immediately asked.
"I'm fine!" Guy replied with a grin—though the smile pulled at his wounds. Aoba simply nodded, indicating he was all right.
"Good. Then we keep moving."
Without hesitation, Haori dashed forward.
Guy and Aoba exchanged glances, still somewhat confused—but seeing Haori move, they ignored their injuries and followed right after him.
"I know you're confused, so I'll keep it short," Haori said quietly while maintaining speed.
"I think you already know what the final objective of this mission is."
"Kannabi Bridge."
Aoba answered instantly, though his gaze toward Haori grew complicated.
In truth, he had thought about it yesterday as well—but hadn't dared to confirm it.
Now, everything Haori had done—from his initial actions to the direction of their escape—perfectly matched that conclusion.
Had Haori figured it out from the very beginning?
"Yes. Kannabi Bridge."
Haori nodded, his expression turning serious.
"I'm sorry. I actually guessed our true mission from the start.
But I also said that the key to this operation was Jōnin Minato and his team.
To avoid any chance of intelligence leakage, I didn't explain it."
"I understand, Haori."
Aoba nodded in acknowledgment, though inwardly he could only think: As expected of Haori.
Guy said nothing. He had long since placed absolute trust in Haori—whatever Haori decided, he would follow.
"The situation's changed now," Haori continued.
"Even with a jinchūriki involved, I don't think Jōnin Minato would normally create such a massive disturbance during a covert mission."
They had taken a detour, but were steadily closing in on the bridge.
Along the way, they'd also spotted many Iwa-nin rushing toward it.
"So my guess is—"
"He's deliberately drawing the enemy's attention," Aoba cut in, immediately understanding.
"So that Kakashi—or even us—can complete the mission smoothly?"
"Exactly," Haori nodded.
"When you were fighting earlier, the Iwa-nin all rushed to support the tailed beast. That's already proof."
His eyes were fixed forward.
Though the ground still thundered, he could faintly hear the sounds of battle ahead.
"And since we saw so many Iwa-nin heading toward the bridge, our task may need to change."
"If necessary, we'll personally destroy the bridge. Are you ready?"
Destroy the bridge… personally?
Guy and Aoba exchanged looks, then both turned their eyes back to Haori.
Neither of them spoke.
But there was no fear in their eyes—only resolve.
"I understand."
Haori smiled faintly at their expressions, then his face hardened.
"We're here. Prepare for battle!"
With a single stride, they burst out of the forest.
A massive bridge came into view before them.
At its entrance stood dozens of Iwa-nin gathered together.
Lightning crackled violently around Kakashi as he fought fiercely at the front, while Rin stood behind him, maintaining vigilance.
They were completely unable to break through.
"Haori—you guys—"
When the three of them arrived, everyone present froze for a moment.
Kakashi quickly retreated, and Rin looked at them in surprise and delight.
"Three more brats?" one Iwa-nin sneered after a brief stir.
"Does Konoha really have no one left?"
Haori nodded lightly to Rin, then turned his gaze toward the Iwa-nin ahead.
After a moment, a smile spread across his face.
"Whether Konoha has people left, I don't know. But the Iwa-nin I met earlier was much more polite than you."
"He was called… Kari, I believe."
"Kari? That's impossible—what happened to him?!"
At the mention of Kari's name, unrest rippled through the Iwa-nin ranks. One of them couldn't help but shout.
"If I'm standing here now," Haori said calmly,
"doesn't that already tell you everything?"
His eyes turned crimson, and he took a slow step forward.
"As for him—"
"He's already dead."
~~--------------------------------
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