The Final Reinforcement

The shrill, miserable screams were bone-chilling. Because Gari was locked and bound by the steel wires, he stood there with his hands raised, burning continuously.

Even Haori, who had spent so many years in the Land of Whirlpools, couldn't help but frown at this sight.

However, his expression remained relatively calm; he had seen far more gruesome scenes than this in the Land of Whirlpools.

"If you cannot adapt to this world, you will only be eliminated by it."

Haori thought to himself, then pulled out a kunai and threw it directly at Gari's heart.

The screaming stopped abruptly. After taking one look to confirm that the man was completely dead, Haori quickly turned back the way he came.

What he needed to do now was to find Might Guy and Aoba as quickly as possible.

Roar--

Just then, a deafening roar suddenly echoed through the forest.

Immediately following, a powerful storm swept through a large section of the woods, snapping countless trees in half, while the earth itself trembled violently.

Haori, who was moving at high speed, nearly lost his footing. But when he looked up, he saw a scene that left him stunned.

He saw a massive, pure-white beast that looked like a fusion of a dolphin and a horse, howling at the sky. Opposite it stood a giant toad holding a short blade and smoking a pipe.

"Has it already reached this point?"

Looking at these two behemoths, Haori couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart.

Even from this distance, he could feel the immense power contained within these two monster-like beings.

Such violent power could easily tear him to shreds!

Boom--

The moment Haori was lost in his thoughts, both behemoths moved.

Their simple movements created the illusion that the earth was shaking, and their attacks caused the surrounding winds to howl!

The shockwaves formed by their violent chakra and strength felt like the apocalypse, filling one's heart with despair.

"So this is the power of a Tailed Beast and Namikaze Minato."

Haori immediately changed direction, determined not to get any closer, though his eyes couldn't help but remain fixed on the two monsters.

The joy of having just killed Gari had been suppressed; Gari was strong, but compared to these two monsters, he was nowhere near enough.

"I still need to keep working hard."

Watching these two monsters locked in battle, Haori took a deep breath and quickly adjusted his mindset.

He knew his current situation, so he didn't feel much frustration.

Power is something accumulated step by step, not something achieved overnight.

Besides, his own growth was already 'simpler' than others; he had no reason to feel defeated.

However, a fire was ignited within him, and he knew exactly what he had to do.

He needed to keep working hard to step out of the audience and onto a stage that belonged only to him!

"Haori!"

Just then, he heard someone calling him. He turned his head immediately to see Aoba and Might Guy rushing toward him.

Although both of them were covered in dirt and looked quite disheveled, Haori breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you two alright?"

"No problem. When those Iwagakure Ninja saw the monster appear, they headed straight toward it."

Hearing this, Haori nodded.

With such a massive commotion, the Iwagakure Ninja only had two choices: either rush to support their Jinchuriki, or flee immediately, just like Haori. It seemed they had chosen the former.

But soon, Haori frowned slightly as a thought occurred to him.

Although a Jinchuriki is strong, Namikaze Minato, who was skilled in both the Flying Thunder God and sealing techniques, should have been able to prevent the situation from escalating to this point.

If so, what was his purpose in doing this?

"Can you two still move?"

A flash of inspiration struck Haori, and he immediately asked.

"I'm fine!"

Might Guy was the first to say with a smile, though the movement pulled at his wounds. Aoba simply nodded to indicate he was okay.

"Since you're fine, let's keep moving."

Seeing this, Haori immediately dashed forward. Might Guy and Aoba exchanged a confused look.

But seeing Haori move, they ignored their injuries and immediately charged out after him.

"I know you're confused, so I'll keep it brief. I think you should know what the final goal of this mission is."

Haori maintained his speed and whispered to the two beside him.

"Kannabi Bridge!"

Aoba spoke directly, though his gaze toward Haori was somewhat complex.

In truth, he had thought of this question yesterday, but he hadn't dared to be certain. Now, however, it seemed his guess was absolutely correct.

Haori's actions from the very beginning, as well as the direction they had taken to escape, all aligned with this.

Could it be that Haori had known from the moment he received the mission?

"That's right, it is Kannabi Bridge."

Haori nodded slightly, his expression turning serious.

"I apologize. In truth, I had guessed what our mission was from the very start.

But as I said, the key to this mission lies with Minato and his team.

To prevent any intelligence leaks, I chose not to explain."

"I understand, Haori."

Aoba nodded to show he understood, though inwardly he sighed, 'As expected of Haori.'

Might Guy did not speak, but he had long since placed his absolute trust in Haori; whatever Haori said, he would do!

"The situation has changed. Although we are facing a jinchuriki, I don't believe Minato would cause such a massive commotion for a secret mission like this."

Haori continued. Although they had taken a long detour, they were steadily closing in on the bridge.

Moreover, along the way, they had noticed quite a few Iwagakure Ninja rushing toward the bridge.

"Therefore, I suspect..."

"That he is intentionally drawing the enemy away so that Kakashi, and perhaps even us, can successfully complete the mission?"

Before Haori could finish, Aoba reacted instantly.

"Exactly. The fact that the Iwagakure Ninja went to support the tailed beast during your fight earlier should be proof of that."

Haori nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. Even though the earth was constantly rumbling, he could still hear the faint sounds of battle.

"Furthermore, we saw many Iwagakure Ninja heading toward the bridge as we approached, so our mission must be adjusted.

If necessary, we will need to destroy the bridge ourselves. Are you ready?"

Destroy the bridge themselves?

Hearing Haori's words, Might Guy and Aoba couldn't help but exchange a glance before looking back at Haori.

Neither of them spoke, but there was not a trace of fear in their eyes—only a sense of firm determination.

"I think I understand."

Seeing their expressions, Haori smiled and nodded, his expression then turning stern.

"We're here. Prepare for battle!"

With a single stride, he rushed out of the forest, and a bridge appeared before their eyes.

In front of the bridge, dozens of Iwagakure Ninja were gathered.

Lightning flashed continuously in Kakashi's hand as he fought fiercely, while Nohara Rin stood behind him, keeping watch. They were unable to break through.

"Haori, you guys..."

When the three of them arrived, everyone couldn't help but stop in their tracks.

Kakashi retreated quickly, and Nohara Rin looked at the three of them with pleasant surprise.

"Three more brats? Does Konoha have no one left?"

The Iwagakure Ninja were slightly stirred by the arrival of Haori and his team, but they quickly stabilized, and one of them spoke with a cold sneer.

Haori nodded slightly at Nohara Rin before turning his gaze toward the Iwagakure Ninja in front.

A moment later, he suddenly revealed a smile.

"I don't know if there's anyone left, but the Iwagakure Ninja I encountered earlier was much more humble than you. His name, I believe, was Gari."

"Gari? How is that possible? What happened to him?"

Upon hearing the name Gari, a commotion broke out among the Iwagakure Ninja, and one of them couldn't help but ask.

"Since I am standing here, doesn't that explain everything?"

Haori's eyes had already turned scarlet, and he took a slight step forward.

"As for him, he is already dead."