A squad of Stone shinobi appeared at the edge of the forest. They stared at the devastation around Kannabi Bridge in disbelief. They had never expected the enemy to move so quickly.
Black flames still burned, reducing vast quantities of supplies to ash.
Only a few Stone shinobi remained nearby. Most were retreating north of Kannabi Bridge. Many Ninja had no fear of death, but with no hope in sight and no commander to lead them, their resolve was fragile.
The Light Barrier around Hitoshi began to fade. He turned and spotted the newly arrived squad of Stone shinobi.
"Heh. Looks like a few slipped through the net."
A Konoha Scout Ninja appeared beside Hitoshi. "Captain, that's Higashishijin, Iwagakure's commander in the southern Land of Grass."
Excitement lit Hitoshi's face. "I was looking for you earlier. I never thought you'd come to me. Now that you're here, you're not leaving."
His Mangekyo Sharingan slowly revolved. His towering frame swelled again, radiating a savage power that struck fear into anyone who saw him.
Higashishijin's expression darkened as he looked at Uchiha Hitoshi. "Don't engage him. Retreat at full speed. Take another route back to the Land of Earth."
"Haha! You think you can leave that easily? Now that I've found you, you're staying right here."
Hitoshi stamped forward, leaving an afterimage as he shot ahead like a cannonball.
He hurled the Kubikiribōchō again. It roared through the air, and Hitoshi followed close behind.
Whoosh!
Several Stone shinobi ducked just as the Kubikiribōchō flew over their heads and struck an ancient tree ahead.
Hitoshi appeared before the nearest Stone shinobi. He clenched his fist and drove it straight at the man's chest.
Horror crossed the Stone shinobi's face. He crossed his arms to block the blow, but he had underestimated Hitoshi's strength.