The Land of Fire's border was scarred with scorched earth.
The air reeked of pungent smoke, nauseating to breathe.
Haotian gripped his Kunai tightly, sweat soaking his Forehead Protector.
From the woods in the distance came the enemies' roars now and then, low and beastlike, sending chills down his spine.
"Kakashi, left!" Haotian growled, swiftly forming Hand Seals. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball roared forth, bathing the woods in crimson light.
The explosion was deafening. A wave of heat surged toward him, scorching Haotian's cheeks.
Kakashi's figure flickered like a ghost, while the Chidori crackled in his hand with a piercing shriek.
"Sharingan!" His crimson eyes brimmed with murderous intent.
"Underground!" Haotian sensed a faint ripple of Chakra and immediately warned Kakashi.
Without hesitation, Kakashi plunged the Lightning Blade in his hand into the ground. "Lightning Blade!"
A scream came from below. The ground split open, and a charred figure shot out, crashing heavily to the earth. He was already dead.
Haotian carefully sensed the Chakra around them. Once he confirmed there were no enemies left, he let out a long breath.
"It's over."
Kakashi put away the Chidori, his expression cold—
The air around them seemed to freeze, but the tension gradually began to fade.
"Lin..." Obito's voice broke the silence.
Lin hurried over to Haotian and formed Hand Seals, green Chakra gathering in her palms.
"Haotian, let me treat you. You've got a lot of scrapes."
Haotian saw the concern in Lin's eyes and felt a warmth in his heart, but he still shook his head.
"No need, Lin."
He smiled faintly and swiftly formed Hand Seals. A gentle flow of Chakra surged from within him, enveloping his body.
His scrapes visibly healed in moments. His once bloodstained skin became smooth again, as if he had never been injured.
Lin's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "W-what kind of Ninjutsu is that? It has such incredible healing power!"
She couldn't help looking down at her own hands. She practiced Medical Ninjutsu too, but compared with Haotian's almost miraculous ability to heal himself, hers was utterly insignificant.
"That's amazing, Haotian!" Lin—
Obito had still been sunk in the exhaustion that followed the battle. But when he saw Lin's attention fixed entirely on Haotian, a strange pang of jealousy rose in his heart.
He pulled Lin behind him and said sulkily, "Lin, stop staring at him. I'm injured too. Take a look at me first!"
Kakashi glanced at Obito, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Obito, since when did you get so needy? It's just a little scratch. You can bandage it yourself."
"Kakashi! You're making fun of me again!" Obito's cheeks flushed red. He clenched his fists, looking ready to challenge Kakashi to a duel.
Lin watched the two of them bicker and sighed helplessly.
They had been fighting side by side on the battlefield just moments ago, and now they were acting like childish brats.
Just then, Haotian suddenly pulled a Kunai from his ninja pouch. Its cold metal gleamed dangerously in the sunlight.
With a flick of his wrist, he sent it whistling through the air straight toward Obito.
Obito jumped in fright and instinctively took a step back, but the Kunai stopped just a few millimeters from his cheek.
Only then did he notice the strange symbol carved into its handle.
"Code phrase." Haotian's voice was icy, his gaze sharp as a blade as it swept across everyone present.
The atmosphere instantly turned serious, and the playful chatter came to an abrupt halt.
"The code phrase: Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on." Haotian's voice was low, his gaze piercing.
Obito's face turned as red as a ripe tomato.
He stammered and fidgeted for a long moment before finally mumbling the second half, so quietly it was almost a whisper. "...The fire will illuminate the village and make new leaves sprout." A powerful wave of embarrassment washed over him, and he wished he could dig a hole and crawl into it.
Damn this code phrase. Why was it so embarrassing to say every time?!
"You little rascal! I'm so glad you're all right!" Guy slapped Obito hard on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance.
"I thought I'd never see you again!"
"Guy! Take it easy!" Obito yelled, clutching his shoulder. "I'm not made of paper! Are you trying to knock me apart?!" He felt like the bones in his shoulder were about to shatter, and anger shot straight to his head.
"Ah, sorry, sorry!" Guy scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "I got too excited and didn't realize how hard I was hitting. But you're all right, and that's what matters!"
"Excited, my foot! That hurts!" Obito rubbed his shoulder and glared at Guy in annoyance.
Meihui watched them bicker quietly, a faint smile on her lips.
The cruelty of war had long since accustomed her to death and parting. Now, seeing her comrades safe and sound, teasing one another, made this feeling of life and vitality seem precious beyond measure.
It was as if she had returned to the carefree days of her childhood, back to the laughter-filled Ninja Academy.
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