Somewhere within an abnormally vast primeval forest.
Tap!
A faint, slightly trembling footstep suddenly sounded atop a thick branch.
Thud!
Then came the sound of flesh striking hard wood.
Is this it?
The man cloaked in black landed lightly on the thick branch. As his body suddenly tilted, his shoulder slammed into the trunk beside it, and he nearly let out a muffled groan.
At such a critical moment! he cursed inwardly.
After that curse, he leaned against the trunk, took two shallow breaths, and slowly raised a hand.
It's getting worse!
Whether I activate the Sharingan or not, I'm seeing double...
As he lightly clenched and opened his hand, his face beneath the mask seemed to stiffen slightly.
Before long, these eyes will go blind! He had already reached that conclusion.
No!
I can't stay here for long! That guy... that brat whose name I think was Taki Chiba...
Though it was only a Shadow Clone Jutsu, the original body may arrive soon.
He has a deep bond with my useless younger brother and Hyuga Yukina. He's also one of Konoha's two super geniuses, alongside Hatake Kakashi, and in this war, his reputation is second only to Minato Namikaze's...
In my current state, if I run into his original body, I'll probably be in grave danger.
The plan will be ruined too!
The black-cloaked man recalled the figure that had suddenly flashed behind him, only to be dealt with by a single Kunai. His brows beneath the hood furrowed tightly. Then, after taking a slight breath, the crimson glow beneath his hood slowly faded.
But my body...
Yet contrary to his thoughts, the black-cloaked man slowly slid down the trunk and sat on the branch. As if drained of all strength, he slumped limply, barely able to remain seated