Utakata was both moved and ashamed when he heard this. "Sensei! I should bear the main responsibility for what happened this time. If I hadn't carelessly deployed the long serpent formation, nearly half the army wouldn't have fallen into the encirclement!
I simply don't have the ability to command a large army in battle right now. As a Jinchuriki, I'm more suited to fighting on the battlefield, and the army can't do without Sensei overseeing and commanding it!
So leave the encirclement at the rear to me. I'm better suited for this task than you!"
"No! You—"
Hozuki Zangetsu's expression changed when he heard that, and he hurriedly tried to object, only for Utakata to cut him off resolutely. "There's no need to persuade me, Sensei! Don't forget, I'm the one commanding the army right now, and my trial isn't over yet!"
After saying that, Utakata ignored Hozuki Zangetsu's reaction and charged toward the battlefield at the rear.
"Utakata! Stop right there!" Hozuki Zangetsu shouted anxiously as he watched his disciple's retreating back. But the surrounding Sand Ninja held him back, leaving him able only to watch Utakata run farther and farther away until he disappeared.
"Haah!" Hozuki Zangetsu let out a heavy sigh. After slashing fiercely with his blade and forcing back the surrounding Sand Ninja, he raised his head and shouted, "Everyone, retreat with me! Maintain the formation!"
Under Hozuki Zangetsu's lead, Kirigakure's vanguard quickly withdrew. The Sunagakure forces at the rear did not pursue them, as they were focused on encircling the Mist Ninja rearguard. The long serpent formation, which had originally been connected as one, was swiftly split into two. Its front half broke away like an earthworm shedding its tail to survive.
No one saw the smug smile that secretly appeared on Hozuki Zangetsu's lowered