Return to Camp After Battle, Encounter Strange Person

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Minato Namikaze's golden hair shimmered in the setting sun, a apologetic smile on his face. "The battle was a bit trickier than expected."

"It's fine, Teacher Minato." Haotian shrugged, his tone indifferent. "We're used to it." He glanced at Uchiha Mei beside him. The girl was pale, but her eyes were firm, as if she was hiding something.

Zhiwei laughed heartily and patted Minato's shoulder. "Don't worry, Minato. We've dealt with the enemy's main force. The rest are just small fry, nothing to worry about." His relaxed tone formed a stark contrast with the apology on Minato's face, as if what they had just experienced wasn't a life-or-death battle, but just a casual practice.

Haotian watched the two and thought to himself: This master and disciple pair's combat style is truly unique.

Minato's elusive Flying Thunder God Technique, Zhiwei's exquisite and unparalleled genjutsu, were both powerful weapons capable of fighting one against a hundred. It was no wonder they always acted alone.

"Teacher Minato!" Obito excitedly jumped in front of Minato, his eyes sparkling. "When I become a Chunin, you'll teach me the Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Kakashi, standing nearby, snorted dismissively. "You? You want to learn the Flying Thunder God? Practice your basic ninjutsu first!"

"What did you say?!" Obito's anger ignited instantly. He turned around sharply and grabbed Kakashi by the collar. "Say that again if you dare!"

Kakashi glared back at him without backing down. "I said you..."

"Alright, alright, you two." Minato smiled helplessly and separated them. "Still so full of energy."

The eight-person squad tidied their formation and headed towards the Western Front camp.

The afterglow of the sunset fell on them, lengthening their shadows and adding a touch of warmth to this land ravaged by war.

Upon returning to the camp, the atmosphere immediately became lively.

Cheers, laughter, and conversations rose and fell as soldiers embraced each other, celebrating this hard-won victory.

Minato's squad received a hero's welcome, with everyone casting admiring glances their way.

Haotian felt the surrounding clamor but had no inner reaction.

He silently followed at the back of the group, his gaze sweeping over the excited faces, but he found no resonance.

"Let's go, we need to report to Lord Orochimaru." Minato's voice pulled Haotian back from his thoughts.

He nodded and followed the team towards the tent located in the center of the camp.

At the entrance of the tent, a figure stood silently.

He was tall, dressed in a black ninja outfit, and wore a white mask that revealed only a pair of cold eyes.

"Hiruko?" Minato exclaimed in surprise, calling out the other's name.

Hiruko didn't speak, merely nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Haotian.

"What are you doing here?" Minato asked, puzzled.

Hiruko still didn't answer, just swept his gaze coldly over everyone, then turned and walked into the tent.

Minato and Zhiwei exchanged a glance, both feeling a hint of confusion.

They made way, letting Haotian and the others enter first.

As Haotian walked past Hiruko, he felt a chilling aura.

He subconsciously looked up but found Hiruko's gaze still fixed on him.

Just as Haotian was about to ask, Hiruko suddenly stopped, tilted his head slightly, and said in a low voice, "You're quite good..."

Haotian felt a chill emanating from Hiruko, as if a venomous snake was coiled beside him.

Hiruko's voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from the depths of hell.

"You're quite good..." The words were less of a compliment and more of an evaluation, a scrutiny.

Haotian frowned slightly. He felt Hiruko's gaze was like an X-ray, trying to see through him.

Suddenly, Hiruko's gaze shifted to Obito. "Hmph, dead last." He spat out the three words coldly, his tone filled with disdain.

Obito froze for a moment, then his face turned red with rage.

"What did you say?!" He clenched his fists, about to rush forward to argue.

Hiruko ignored Obito's anger. He merely gave a contemptuous smile, then turned and left the tent.

His black figure disappeared into the night, leaving behind only a trace of coldness.

"Damn it! Who is that guy? How dare he talk to me like that!" Obito stamped his foot in anger, his fists clenched so tight they creaked.

He turned to Minato, hoping for his teacher's support.

Minato patted Obito's shoulder and said gently, "Don't mind him, Obito. Senior Hiruko is a very reliable ninja. He's just a bit eccentric."

"But..." Obito wanted to say more, but Minato interrupted him.

"Alright, let's go in." Minato said, leading the way into the tent.

Inside the tent, Orochimaru was sitting behind a desk, flipping through a scroll.

His face was pale, and his golden snake-like eyes flashed with a cold light.

Minato and Zhiwei walked to the desk and bowed respectfully.

"Lord Orochimaru, the mission is complete." Minato handed a scroll to Orochimaru.