Soon, Shinji had piled all twenty-three bodies together.
After identifying them one by one—
"Now this is interesting..."
Shinji shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He formed Hand Seals and unleashed a Fire Release: Fireball Technique, quickly reducing the bodies to ash...
The night wind scattered the ashes into the sky.
Shinji rubbed his chin.
"More interesting by the minute... A Hokage who hasn't budged from his seat in decades suddenly decides to leave his comfortable throne for the battlefield. What's he after?"
After a while, Shinji shook his head and stopped speculating.
He headed toward the Kurama Clan.
But before long, he stopped again. Not far ahead, a streak of Green Lightning was racing toward him...
It came with shouted slogans and boundless enthusiasm.
"Is that... him?"
Shinji's eyes lit up. He raised a hand in greeting. "Might Guy! Long time no see!"
Might Guy, who had been sprinting on his hands with his head down, flipped upright. The moment he recognized Shinji, delight spread across his face.
"Whoa! Shinji! Long time no see!"
Might Guy planted one hand on his hip and gave Shinji a thumbs-up, his teeth flashing white. "I heard you became Clan Head! Nicely done!"
"That's the power of youth!"
"..."
Shinji fell silent. His lips twitched. "Yeah. The power of youth..."
"Come on, Shinji! You can't be so listless!"
Might Guy declared with boundless energy, "That's no way to embody the spirit of youth! Perk up!"
Shinji had no idea how to talk to him. "...Might Guy, didn't you leave with the combat forces?"
Might Guy shook his head. "Lady Tsunade's still making preparations. She needs another half hour, so I'm using the time to train!"
"What about you, Shinji?"
"I..."
Shinji smiled. "I'll go wherever I'm needed."
"Oh?"
Might