The shrill screams were especially chilling. With the wires pinning and binding him, Kari stood with his arms raised, his whole body still burning.
Even Haori, who had spent so many years in the Land of Whirlpools, couldn't help frowning at the sight.
Still, his expression remained relatively calm. He had seen worse in the Land of Whirlpools.
"If you can't adapt to this world, then all you can do is be eliminated by it."
That was what Haori thought as he pulled out a kunai and hurled it straight at Kari's heart.
The screams abruptly stopped. Haori glanced at him, confirmed he was dead, then quickly retraced his steps.
All he needed to do now was find Might Guy and Aoba as quickly as possible.
Roar—
Just then, a deafening roar suddenly rang through the forest.
A powerful gale swept across a vast stretch of woodland. Countless trees were sheared in half, and the earth trembled beneath them.
Haori nearly lost his footing as he hurried along. But when he looked up, he saw something that left him stunned.
A gigantic pure-white beast, like a fusion of a dolphin and a horse, was howling at the sky. Facing it was an enormous toad holding a short sword and smoking a pipe.
"They've already fought to this point?"
Looking at the two colossal creatures, Haori couldn't help feeling shaken.
Even from a distance, he could sense the tremendous power these two monstrous beings possessed.
That kind of violent power could tear him to pieces with ease!
Boom—
As Haori marveled at the sight, the two giants sprang into action.
Their mere movements made the earth seem to quake, and their blows sent howling winds rushing through the area!
The shock waves formed by their raging chakra and strength felt almost apocalyptic, filling him with despair.
"So this is a Tailed Beast—and Namikaze Minato's power?"
Haori immediately changed course, determined not to get any closer. Still, he couldn't help watching the two monsters.
His joy at killing Kari had already faded. Kari was strong, but he was nowhere near a match for these two monsters.
"I still have to keep working hard."
Watching the monsters continue to fight, Haori took a deep breath and quickly steadied himself.
He understood his situation, so he didn't feel too discouraged.
Strength was built up step by step; it didn't come all at once.
Besides, his own growth was already a little "easier" than other people's. He had no reason to feel defeated.
Even so, a fire had ignited within him. He knew exactly what he had to do.
He needed to keep striving, so he could leave the stands and step onto a stage of his own!
"Haori!"
Just then, he heard someone call his name. He immediately turned and saw Aoba and Might Guy hurrying toward him.
Both were covered in dirt and looked battered, but Haori couldn't help feeling relieved.
"Are you two all right?"
"We're fine. The Iwa-nin saw the monster appear and immediately headed that way."
Haori nodded at the answer.
With that much commotion, Iwagakure had only two choices: rush to support their Jinchuriki or flee at once, as Haori had done. From the looks of it, the Iwa-nin had chosen the first option.
But Haori soon furrowed his brow as a thought occurred to him.
The Jinchuriki was powerful, but Namikaze Minato was skilled in both the Flying Thunder God and Sealing Jutsu. He should have been able to prevent things from reaching this point.
So what was his purpose in doing this?
"Can you two still move?"
A flash of inspiration struck Haori, and he immediately asked them.
"I'm fine!" Might Guy answered with a grin, only to wince as it tugged at his wounds. Aoba simply nodded to show he was all right.
"Since you're both fine, let's keep moving."
Haori immediately dashed forward. Might Guy and Aoba exchanged a glance, still confused.
But when they saw Haori moving, they ignored their injuries and raced after him.
"I know you're confused, so I'll keep this brief. You should know what the mission's ultimate objective is."
Maintaining his pace, Haori lowered his voice and spoke to the two beside him.
"Kannabi Bridge!" Aoba replied at once, though he gave Haori a complicated look.
He had actually thought of this yesterday, but hadn't dared to be sure. Now, though, it seemed his guess had been right.
Everything Haori had done—from his actions at the beginning to the direction he had fled afterward—fit the situation perfectly.
Had Haori known from the moment he received the mission?
"That's right. Kannabi Bridge."
Haori nodded slightly, his expression turning serious.
"I'm sorry. I'd already guessed what our mission was from the beginning.
"But I also told you that the key to this mission was Jonin Minato and the others.
"So, to keep the information from leaking, I didn't explain."
"I understand, Haori." Aoba nodded, though inwardly he couldn't help thinking, That's Haori for you.
Might Guy said nothing, but he had long since placed his complete trust in Haori. Whatever Haori told him to do, he would do!
"The situation has changed. Even against a Jinchuriki, I don't think Jonin Minato would make such a huge scene during a secret mission."
Haori continued. They had taken a roundabout route, but they were still closing in on the bridge.
Along the way, they had also spotted plenty of Iwa-nin heading toward it.
"So, my guess is—"
"He's deliberately drawing the enemy away so Kakashi—and even we—can complete the mission without trouble?" Aoba immediately caught on before Haori could finish.
"Exactly. The Iwa-nin headed to support the Tailed Beast while you were fighting, which should prove it."
Haori nodded and looked ahead. The earth kept rumbling, but he could still make out the faint sounds of battle.
"We also saw plenty of Iwa-nin heading toward the bridge on our way here, so our mission may have to change.
"If necessary, we'll have to blow up the bridge ourselves. Are you ready?"
Blow up the bridge themselves?
At Haori's words, Might Guy and Aoba exchanged a glance, then looked at him.
Neither said a word, but their eyes held not the slightest trace of fear—only determination.
"I think I understand."
Seeing their expressions, Haori smiled and nodded. Then his face grew serious.
"We're here. Get ready to fight!"
With a single stride, he burst out of the forest. A bridge lay right before them.
Dozens of Iwa-nin were gathered at the far end.
Lightning flashed in Kakashi's hand as he fought fiercely. Nohara Rin stood behind him on guard. They couldn't break through.
"Haori, you—"
When the three arrived, everyone stopped in their tracks.
Kakashi quickly fell back, while Nohara Rin looked at them in surprise and delight.
"Three more brats? Is Konoha out of shinobi?"
The Iwa-nin were briefly thrown into disarray at the sight of Haori and the others, but they quickly regrouped. One of them spoke coldly.
Haori gave Rin a slight nod, then turned his attention to the Iwa-nin in front of him.
A moment later, he broke into a smile.
"I don't know if Konoha's out of shinobi, but the Iwa-nin I met earlier was a lot more humble than you. I think his name was Kari."
"Kari? That's impossible! What happened to him?"
At the mention of Kari's name, the Iwa-nin stirred. One of them couldn't help asking.
"Doesn't my being here already tell you everything?"
Haori's eyes had turned scarlet. He took a small step forward.
"He's dead now."