"Am I too late?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spun around, his pupils suddenly contracting.
Under the moonlight, Nangō Kumoi stood not far away, his Hokage Hokage Robe fluttering gently in the night wind.
His gaze fell upon the black barrier, his eyes as sharp as blades.
"Lord Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi blurted out, "How did you—"
"Flying Thunder God."
Kumoi gave a brief explanation, then walked to the barrier and pressed his hand against its pitch-black surface.
His brows furrowed slightly.
That aura... it really did come from that universe.
And it was even more troublesome than he had imagined.
"How are things inside?" he asked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke rapidly:
"The three students are inside, along with a group of children.
"There is a possessed enemy whose strength is at least above Kage Level.
"Jiraiya's summoned beasts are holding on, but they probably will not last much longer."
Kumoi nodded and asked no further questions.
He took a deep breath, placed his right hand on the barrier, and slowly closed his eyes.
Golden light began to emerge, gathering in Kumoi's palm, growing brighter and fiercer.
He suddenly opened his eyes, formed his right hand into a blade, and slashed viciously at the black barrier!
"Hah—!"
A brilliant bolt of golden lightning shot from his palm like a divine sword splitting heaven and earth, striking the indestructible barrier!
"Boom—!"
The barrier shook violently, and cracks spread madly outward from the point of impact!
Blinding light burst from the cracks, illuminating the entire night sky!
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared wide-eyed at the scene in disbelief.
The barrier that had not budged even when he struck it with the Golden Cudgel at full force had actually been split open barehanded before Kumoi!
"This..."
"Go!"
Kumoi did not explain. His figure flashed, and he had already charged through