Illusions in the Mist

"What is going on?"

Nara Shikaku, having just regained consciousness, gasped, while the many captured Konoha ninja around him let out cries of astonishment.

The ropes and explosive tags that had bound them were all undone. They stared in disbelief at the figure amidst the thick fog, feeling as though their worldview had been shattered like never before.

"They... what is happening to them? Isn't that the Fourth Mizukage? And over there, Mist Village's Suikazan Fuguki and Biwa Juzo—why are they just standing there, frozen? Are they caught in a genjutsu?"

In the dense mist, dozens of Mist ninja stood motionless, their pupils dilated, completely unaware that their prisoners had been rescued.

"You really are in a sorry state, Shikaku-san. Now is not the time for surprise. The headcount of the hostages is off; look and see who is missing."

Only then did Nara Shikaku snap to his senses. He hurriedly checked on the safety of the Konoha ninja, his expression turning grim.

"Inuzuka Gaku, Akimichi Torifu... they aren't here. They must have been separated and imprisoned by the Mist in other secret locations. Uchiha Hanazuki, we..."

"This has nothing to do with you, Shikaku-san. From the moment you were captured by the Mist, the duties you held on the battlefield ceased to exist."

At these words, Nara Shikaku fell into a long, heavy silence.

"I see. So, even we are considered dead weight now? I understand. Please, you must save our Konoha comrades. I beg of you."

Before Nara Shikaku could even look up, he felt a blur before his eyes, and the damp, unbearable camp suddenly transformed.

The massive gate that came into view was, without a doubt, the entrance to Konoha Village.

"This is? The village? We're back? Weren't we at the border of the Land of Water? How did we suddenly..."

"Body Flicker Technique. There is no mistake, this is the Body Flicker Technique. It's Namikaze Minato-sama's Body Flicker. Why does that Uchiha boy know it?"

"Shikaku-sama, who exactly is that boy, that ninja of the Uchiha Clan?"

Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze toward Nara Shikaku, their eyes filled with curiosity and shock.

As the Konoha ninja chattered, Nara Shikaku straightened his back, pondered for a moment, and then hesitantly gave his answer.

"Uchiha Hanazuki. A genius who can rival Namikaze Minato. He is currently the youngest Jonin in Konoha, and like Minato-sama, he is a genius youth who performed heroic deeds at the Battle of Mount Kikyo."

"Beyond that, I hear he is a student of Orochimaru-sama. The reason he was able to come and rescue us this time is likely due to those Seven Ninja Swordsmen he killed."

"In short, I cannot see through that boy, nor do I know what else he is hiding. But as a comrade, he is the kind of presence that brings peace of mind the moment he appears."

Hearing Shikaku's assessment of Uchiha Hanazuki, the Konoha ninja found it hard to believe. After all, Nara Shikaku was the head of the Nara clan and was known as the sharpest mind among Konoha's Jonin.

"Really? Is that brat who looks so arrogant worthy of such high praise from Shikaku-sama?"

"The proof is the fact that we are standing in Konoha Village right now. To teleport from the border of the Land of Water to the Land of Fire—such a level of space-time ninjutsu is something only Minato could rival Uchiha Hanazuki in."

"We are the living proof. Now, we have no choice but to trust in his power—in Uchiha Hanazuki's power."

The Konoha ninja looked at one another, ultimately having no choice but to trust Nara Shikaku's judgment.

"You have returned already? Uchiha Hanazuki's speed is truly unparalleled. He is worthy of the name Flash Illusion Moon."

A gravelly, powerful voice rang out. Everyone turned and bowed in unison.

"Hokage-sama!"

"No need for formalities. I wish to hear your thoughts on this sudden incident and your opinion of Uchiha Hanazuki, Shikaku."

As wisps of smoke curled around him, Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his conical hat, his opening words filling Nara Shikaku with trepidation.

"I am very sorry. Regarding this failure, I am willing to take full responsibility..."

"No, that is not what I meant. The primary responsibility for this failure does not lie with you. I only wish to know how you managed to return safely in less than 48 hours."

Has Uchiha Hanazuki's Body Flicker Technique already become stronger than Minato's? What immense talent. I cannot let him continue to be influenced by Orochimaru's dangerous ideologies...

Having vaguely guessed the situation, Nara Shikaku nodded slightly, turned, and followed Sarutobi Hiruzen toward the Hokage Office Building.

Meanwhile, in a valley near the Land of Bears, Mist ninja remained trapped in a dream, unable to break free.

Clad in black robes and carrying the Kusanagi Sword, Hanazuki scanned his surroundings and nodded slightly.

"Sage Art: Illusion Transformation. As long as they breathe in the natural energy within the mist, they will inevitably fall into hallucinations. The Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave is indeed more inclined toward perception and illusions."

Walking brazenly as if he were in his own backyard, Hanazuki rescued the many trapped Konoha ninja and quickly transported them back to the gates of Konoha.

After confirming there were no omissions, Hanazuki formed hand seals.

"Shadow Clone Technique, release."

At the same moment, at the border of the Land of Water, before the Fourth Mizukage.

Hanazuki studied the Fourth Mizukage with intricate, complex eyes, lost in thought.

He possessed a baby face yet already had a son; he was a jinchuriki yet was controlled by the ocular powers of a Mangekyo.

He had spent his life trying to govern his village with all his might, only for the final outcome to be the Three-Tails running wild and escaping, leaving him unable to control even his own Tailed Beast.

Having lived out the latter part of his life in a daze, he had indirectly caused the rebellion of the second generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, leading to their deaths. The fact that the Mist Village was able to recuperate for the next decade without forming alliances with other great nations was truly a testament to his unintended contributions.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Since you've had such a miserable life, let me help you out. You only get one chance, so you had better make the most of it. Kyoka Suigetsu..."

The thin mist gradually dissipated. The Fourth Mizukage, trapped in confusion, regained his senses and instinctively turned to look behind him.

The Konoha ninja who had been imprisoned by the Mist were gone, and the explosive tags that had been rigged with traps lay scattered across the ground.

"Genjutsu? When did... Sharingan genjutsu? No, that brat doesn't even have... Could it be!"

Looking around, the Fourth Mizukage's expression turned icy, and he swung his weapon violently.

"Wind Style: Typhoon Passage!"

A gale blew through, instantly dispersing the thin, illusory mist and waking the many Mist Village ninjas who had been blinded by the genjutsu.

"What happened? Didn't I already earn enough merit to be promoted to Jonin and take a wife?"

"Damn it, why? That brat should have been kneeling right in front of me!"

"Was it genjutsu? We fell into that brat's trap from the very beginning. Flash Illusion Moon—where is that guy?"