Rock Ninja's Fury, Swarm Rises, Camp on Western Front Encounters Minato

In a desolate mountain forest, ancient trees towered all around, their thick trunks standing like giants. Dense foliage intertwined, completely blocking out the sky, making the forest appear exceptionally dark and eerie. A thick layer of fallen leaves carpeted the ground, rustling with every step.

The last remaining Stone Ninja, covered in blood and dirt, his clothes tattered, glared at the three from Konohagakure with eyes as red as burning flames, radiating killing intent. His chest heaved, unable to comprehend how these three "brats" from Konohagakure had pushed their experienced ninja squad to such a desperate state.

"Damn it!" he gritted out, his knuckles white as he gripped his kunai. He silently plotted to take a few of them down with him, even if it cost him his life.

Just as he was gathering his strength, preparing to launch a reckless final attack, a strange sensation washed over him like a tide. His body trembled slightly at first, then, as if being gnawed by a million ants simultaneously, an agonizing itch and sharp pain erupted from deep within his skin. The sudden agony made his legs weak, and he nearly lost his footing, his kunai almost slipping from his grasp.

"What's happening... my body..." the Stone Ninja growled in terror, his voice trembling with fear and pain. His eyes widened as he looked down at his arm in disbelief, seeing countless tiny things wriggling beneath his skin, as if alive. The bizarre sight sent shivers down his spine, raising the hairs on his arms.

Before he could recover from his extreme fear, countless tiny black insects surged out of every pore like a breached dam. They swarmed densely, quickly covering his entire body, instantly transforming him into a writhing black monstrosity.

The Stone Ninja let out a piercing scream that tore through the silent forest, as if to rip the world apart. His body convulsed uncontrollably, his hands flailing wildly as he tried to brush off the insects, but it was all in vain. In endless agony, his strength gradually faded, his legs gave out, and he collapsed heavily to the ground, lifeless.

The black swarm writhed on his body, emitting a chilling rustling sound, like the whispers of demons. In mere moments, the swarm devoured him completely, leaving only a black stain on the ground, as if recounting the horrific scene that had just transpired.

At that moment, Aburame Shimbi slowly emerged from the depths of the forest. He wore a long black robe, its hem swaying gently in the breeze, exuding an air of mystery. He looked at the stain on the ground, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.

"Teacher Zhiwei! When did you get back?" Haotian asked with surprise, his eyes still reflecting relief from their near-death experience.

Zhiwei looked up, his gaze calmly sweeping over the three of them, and said slowly, "Just when you were about to be overwhelmed." His eyes finally settled on Haotian, a hint of inquiry in them, "Haotian, what kind of ninjutsu did you just use?" He was referring to the radiation-like energy attack Haotian had used against the Stone Ninja earlier.

Haotian's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. He shrugged helplessly and chuckled, "Teacher Zhiwei, the opponents you assigned us were too strong! We almost lost our lives here." He skillfully dodged Zhiwei's question, thinking to himself that this secret couldn't be revealed so soon.

"Heh heh," Zhiwei chuckled lightly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "For practical training, there must be some challenge. Besides, if I had intervened, that Stone Ninja Jonin wouldn't have been dealt with so easily. My insects also needed some time to prepare to support you." He paused, then added, "However, you all performed exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations."

Hearing Zhiwei's praise, Haotian and the other two couldn't help but break into bright smiles. A sense of accomplishment surged through Haotian. He knew firsthand the hardships and difficulties they had endured, and receiving his teacher's approval made all the effort worthwhile. Meihui's eyes sparkled with joy, her cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. Guy excitedly pumped his fist and exclaimed, "Awesome! We did it!"

"Alright, it's time to head back," Zhiwei said, turning to walk in the direction of Konohagakure. "There are some matters I need to discuss with Captain Minato." His tone suddenly turned serious, his gaze becoming deep and mysterious, as if hiding a significant secret.

Haotian's heart stirred, a sense of inexplicable unease rising within him. He subconsciously looked at Zhiwei's retreating back, only to see Zhiwei stop and turn to look at him, a knowing smile on his lips.