"Rustle... rustle..."
Within the Forest of Death, thick with poisonous miasma, faint rustling sounds arose from the bushes beneath the towering trees.
"Pfft..."
Suddenly, a figure poked his head out from within, looking somewhat disheveled.
"Don't worry, there's nothing unusual ahead..."
A hint of a smile appeared on his face. Not caring about the leaves stuck to him, he spoke excitedly to those behind him.
As his voice fell, three more figures gradually emerged from the bushes.
"Tch, Naruto, you're never usually this enthusiastic!"
The pink-haired girl who appeared from behind looked at the bedraggled boy before her, curled her lips slightly, and muttered under her breath.
Behind her followed a black-haired girl as beautiful and delicate as an elf.
If there was any one regret, it was probably the ninja uniform she was wearing.
Though the uniform did not quite suit her exquisite face, it still looked striking on her, lending her a distinctly different charm.
Sakura gently turned to look at the girl, concern in her eyes.
"Suigetsu, just stay behind me."
"Relax a little. Even though we're close to the tower, as long as we don't expose ourselves up there, no one should be able to spot us."
Hearing Sakura's words, Suigetsu nodded her little head lightly. The delicate beauty on her fair face was so pitifully endearing that it stirred one's sympathy.
Naruto hurriedly moved closer and boasted.
"Don't worry, Suigetsu. I'll lead the way up front. I guarantee no one will find our trail. Just follow behind us without a care!"
Hearing him, Suigetsu hesitantly raised her head to glance at him, then nodded softly and gave a quiet hum.
That tiny gesture alone made Naruto forget all the suffering he had endured while pushing through the bushes. He was filled with renewed motivation.
Sasuke,