At this critical moment, just as the Kubikiribōchō was about to fall—
"Don't you dare... hurt my son!!!"
A roar like that of a wounded lion suddenly erupted from deep within the woods! The resolve, fury, and immense force behind it instantly swept away the cruel amusement hanging in the air!
A green figure, like a comet tearing through the night sky, hurtled into the hopeless battlefield at a speed beyond anyone's reaction, wrapped in a terrifying aura that seemed to say he would stop at nothing and feared no one!
BOOM! The newcomer landed heavily between Guy and Juzo Biwa, his feet slamming into the ground and kicking up a ring of dust.
He wore the same tight-fitting green jumpsuit as Guy's, one that even looked a little unfashionable. With thick eyebrows and large eyes, he was none other than Might Guy's father, Konoha's eternal Genin—Might Duy!
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist all paused. The Kubikiribōchō in Juzo Biwa's hands stopped halfway through its swing. Everyone's gaze fixed on the seemingly comical figure who had suddenly barged in, their eyes carrying a trace of surprise and amusement.
"Dad?!" Guy cried from where he was pinned to the tree, his eyes filled with disbelief—and even deeper concern!
After a brief silence, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist burst into laughter almost in unison.
"Pfft—hahahaha!" Raiga Kurosuki laughed so hard he nearly fell out of the tree. Pointing at Duy's tight green jumpsuit, he was close to tears. "W-what is this? A rare beast from Konoha? Or did you come to perform a comedy routine for us?"
"A Genin's Forehead Protector, a green jumpsuit... tsk. Has Konoha run out of people? They sent this guy to die?" Juzo Biwa lowered the Kubikiribōchō and rested it on his shoulder,