Killing and Severe Injury

Kuroiwa was also enraged. His squad was close to completing the mission assigned by the Tsuchikage, and they would be able to report back to the village after a little more time.

Unexpectedly, a ninja from Konoha appeared out of nowhere and took down his two teammates in a flash, even injuring him.

Fortunately, the Konoha ninja seemed intent on capturing him alive. He managed to escape using an Earth Clone and the Earth Style Body Flicker Technique, temporarily shaking off the ninja.

Just as he escaped danger, he spotted Haku and two others resting in a forest clearing. Based on his experience, he could tell they were Chunin level.

These three must be students of that Konoha ninja. They must be out on another mission and stumbled upon the bodies of the Konoha ninja left by those two bastards. They found me by following the tracks.

Capture them, find out their mission and route, then avoid that Konoha ninja and head to the Land of Grass, take a detour through the Land of Rain, and return to Iwagakure.

With this thought, the Iwagakure ninja launched a charged Rock Missile at Haku and the other two in the clearing.

The subsequent developments unfolded as he had predicted, though he hadn't anticipated the opponent having a Byakugan. Although his plan was seen through, he still managed to trap one of them. This person appeared to be the captain.

Well, are you going to talk or not? Konoha brat.

Looking at Haku trapped on the ground, Kuroiwa asked again. Seeing Haku remain silent, Kuroiwa decided to deal with the other two first before interrogating him.

The moment he looked up, he saw a blood-red eye, and instantly lost all perception of his surroundings.

Hell Viewing Technique!

Seeing the Iwagakure ninja fall victim to her Genjutsu, Uchiha Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

Haku, are you alright?

She said, starting to walk towards Haku to rescue him.

Don't come here, be careful!

Earth Style: Fist Rock! Haku's warning came a moment too late. As Yu passed by Kuroiwa, he, having broken free from the Genjutsu, sent her flying with a punch.

Ignoring Uchiha Yu, whom he had just sent flying, Kuroiwa grinned and walked towards Hyuga Riko, who had taken a defensive stance.

Hyuga Riko's eyes were pure white, blood vessels bulging around them, his Byakugan activated. One arm was slightly raised, held in front of him, his body leaning forward slightly, fists clenched.

You're injured too, aren't you? It must hurt. Your left leg is injured!

As Kuroiwa slowly approached, Hyuga Riko didn't advance but spoke about the opponent's physical condition.

Don't try to distract me with such talk. Even if I'm physically impaired, you won't be able to save your teammate from me.

Your lower right back is also injured. Those few ninjutsu just now must have been your limit.

Seeing Kuroiwa only six or seven meters away, Hyuga Riko no longer hesitated. He retracted his fists and struck out with palms, unleashing a barrage of empty palm strikes, one after another.

Kuroiwa, watching Hyuga Riko resist, punched and scattered the energy from the empty palm strikes.

Is this all you've got! It's over!

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

RUMBLE!

That won't work! Kuroiwa dodged a Great Fireball Technique that Uchiha Yu had barely managed to unleash.

Cough! Kuroiwa spat out a mouthful of blood.

As the smoke cleared, Haku, his entire body emitting green chakra, landed a steel fist on Kuroiwa's lower right back.

You! Kuroiwa couldn't help but spit out another mouthful of blood.

Before Kuroiwa could speak, Haku used the Body Flicker Technique to retreat, then charged at Kuroiwa at high speed. As he neared Kuroiwa, Haku began to spin. Just as Kuroiwa managed to recover slightly and prepare to turn, Haku was already close. He struck Kuroiwa's injured left leg with his first kick, sending him off the ground, then followed with kick after kick, carrying Kuroiwa into the air.

At the apex of their ascent, Haku grabbed Kuroiwa's arms and began to spin them both downwards.

Due to his previous injuries and Haku's recent attack, Kuroiwa was temporarily incapacitated. Seeing the calm yet crazed look in Haku's eyes, Kuroiwa's own eyes revealed confusion.

You'll be hurt too using this move, won't you? Is it necessary?

Haku didn't answer, merely smiled.

CRASH!

They hit the ground, dust billowing.

As the dust settled, a large crater appeared in the clearing. Kuroiwa lay in the center of the crater, eyes vacant, while Haku knelt beside the crater.

Hyuga Riko walked over, supporting Uchiha Yu.

Are you alright? Haku.

Cough cough! Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but Haku spoke first.

Don't worry about me. Go check on him. He's not dead yet. Go finish him off.

Haku knew Kuroiwa was only injured and not dead, as he hadn't received a System notification. He himself could barely move, and didn't have the strength to launch another assault.

Hearing Haku's words, Hyuga Riko didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and pierced Kuroiwa's heart with a kunai. He then checked with his Byakugan to ensure there were no issues before leaving.