[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 541 - 545

Chapter 541: The Ambush from the Mist

A pale white hand shot up from the ground, clamping tightly around the ankles of two unsuspecting figures.

Up until that moment, Kakashi’s full attention had been on guarding their surroundings. He never anticipated that the enemy’s attack would come from beneath them. But just as the cold palm was about to grasp him, a flicker of instinct kicked in.

“What!?”

Kakashi’s eyes darted downward, his pupils narrowing sharply.

Clang!

In an instant, he swung the white dagger in his hand, slashing fiercely at the ghostly pale hands reaching for them. The enemy's grip tightened, trying to seize him, but Kakashi’s swift strike severed the grasping hands.

Swish!

Kakashi leapt backward, retreating swiftly. A piercing scream rang out behind him.

“Ah!!”

Rin hadn’t reacted as quickly. One of the white hands had latched onto her ankle, its grip unyielding. Seeing this, Kakashi’s heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he hurled his dagger towards her.

The blade sliced clean through the hand clutching Rin, severing it at the wrist. In the next heartbeat, Kakashi was at her side, scooping her into his arms before bolting away from the danger.

As they gained some distance, Kakashi shot a glance over his shoulder. From the ground behind them, a figure emerged, its features unmistakable.

A ninja from Kirigakure.

“Rin, send the signal!” Kakashi barked, his breath quickening. He had no intention of staying to fight. Clutching Rin tightly, he dashed through the lingering smoke, desperate to flee.

“Okay!” Rin responded, fumbling to ignite the flare in her hand. But before she could activate it, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion washed over her. Her limbs went limp, and her eyelids grew impossibly heavy.

“Rin?” Kakashi’s voice softened, sensing something was wrong. His concern deepened when he felt an odd sensation on his shoulder—like flesh wriggling against his skin.

Before he could react, a grotesque, pale face emerged from his shoulder, its twisted grin sending a chill down his spine.

“What the—!?”

Kakashi’s eyes widened in horror. The White Zetsu that had possessed him exhaled a thick, purple mist directly into his face.

Poison mist…? Kakashi thought, realizing it too late. He had already inhaled the noxious fumes, and there was no time to cover his mouth or nose.

His vision blurred, and darkness began to creep into the edges of his sight. His eyes flickered weakly towards Rin, who lay unconscious in his arms.

“Rin…” he murmured, his voice fading.

A moment later, Kakashi succumbed to the poison, collapsing beside her.

From the shadows, more White Zetsu emerged, disguised as Kirigakure shinobi. One of them, whose hand had been severed by Kakashi’s blade, watched as his limb regenerated swiftly, the flesh knitting itself back together.

“This kid’s got skills,” one of the White Zetsu muttered, frowning at the unconscious Kakashi. “But even he couldn’t escape my Spore Jutsu.”

“Let’s move. Konoha reinforcements will be here soon,” another White Zetsu warned, glancing nervously into the forest.

In this dense forest, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin weren’t the only members of Konoha’s reconnaissance team. The others would have heard the commotion and were likely on their way.

Nodding in agreement, the two White Zetsu each grabbed Kakashi and Rin. With a sickening squelch, they sank into the ground like phantoms, vanishing without a trace.

“Damn it!” Obito cursed under his breath, standing at the edge of the forest.

“Why did they suddenly disappear?”

Obito had tracked the enemy ninjas to this location, but as he broke through the treeline, they had vanished into thin air, as if swallowed by the earth itself.

The sensation was eerily familiar. His teacher, Minato, used the Flying Thunder God Technique to traverse time and space effortlessly, appearing and disappearing at will. But the idea of someone from Kirigakure mastering such a technique was absurd.

They must have used some other kind of secret jutsu.

Kakashi… Rin… The thought of his teammates jolted him back to reality.

Swish!

Without hesitation, Obito turned on his heel and sprinted back into the forest. But before he could get far, a shadow materialized in front of him.

A kunai with a dark, menacing gleam hovered inches from his nose.

Obito’s reflexes kicked in instantly, his fingers poised just centimeters from the figure’s throat.

“Shisui?” Obito exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.

“Obito-senpai?” Shisui responded, equally startled.

For a tense moment, their crimson Sharingan eyes locked, the tomoe spinning in perfect sync. Then, recognizing each other, they simultaneously withdrew their attacks.

Shisui’s gaze lingered on Obito’s eyes, noting the two tomoe in his pupils. While Shisui was technically stronger in raw skill, his Sharingan only had a single tomoe. With the enhanced perception granted by Obito’s dual tomoe, their movements were nearly equal.

“What happened?” Shisui asked urgently, sensing something was amiss. The area Obito had come from was supposed to be under his team’s watch.

Obito’s expression darkened. “We were ambushed by Kirigakure ninjas.”

“What!?” Shisui’s eyes widened in disbelief. The defensive perimeter established by Konoha, bolstered by the Byakugan, was nearly impenetrable. How had the Kirigakure shinobi infiltrated so deeply?

“Kakashi and Rin are still in the forest,” Obito added, his voice strained with worry.

Without waiting for another word, he dashed deeper into the woods, his heart pounding in his chest. Shisui frowned but followed closely behind, pulling a flare from his pouch.

Flick!

A streak of light shot into the sky, piercing the darkness before exploding with a sharp bang.

Miles away, in the Konoha camp, the sudden flare lit up the night sky.

“Enemy attack!” someone shouted.

Ninjas spilled out of their tents, weapons drawn, their eyes scanning the sky. But it wasn’t just the flare that caught their attention.

The mist outside the camp thickened ominously, reducing visibility to mere feet. The already hazy environment became suffocatingly dense.

Crash!

From the shrouded fog came the roar of surging water. A massive wave, like a tsunami, barreled toward the camp, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

“Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!” someone shouted from within the camp.

A towering curtain of water erupted from the ground, transforming into a torrent that surged forward to meet the oncoming wave.

Boom!

The two colossal forces collided violently. The gate of the Konoha camp shattered under the pressure, but the seemingly fragile water barrier managed to hold back the advancing deluge.

For a moment, the two water jutsus were locked in a stalemate, the upstream and downstream currents canceling each other out.

Seizing the opportunity, Konoha shinobi poured out of the camp. They sprinted across the surface of the water barrier, weaving hand signs as they launched their own jutsu into the fray.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions rocked the battlefield as ninjutsu attacks rained down on the surging wave, gradually weakening its momentum.

Snort!

At the heart of the defensive line stood Senju Nawaki, his hands flashing through a series of seals. He inhaled deeply before releasing a massive torrent of water from his mouth.

Boom!

The powerful stream overwhelmed the wave, pushing it back with sheer force. The once-unstoppable wall of water began to recede.

“Water Style: Water Array Wall!”

From within the thick fog, more water walls sprang up, creating barriers that shifted and pulsed with the flow of battle.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sounds of water bursting under pressure echoed through the mist.

Fugaku, Kato Dan, and other prominent Konoha ninjas arrived beside Nawaki, their expressions tense.

Fugaku’s face was especially grim, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

“How did Kirigakure infiltrate so close to our camp without detection?”

Chapter 542: Captured in the Mist

Fugaku’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing into slits. With Konoha's defensive perimeter fortified by the Byakugan, it should have been impossible for the Kirigakure forces to slip past undetected. Yet here they were, right at the camp's doorstep.

None of the Hyuga clan shinobi on duty had sent any warning signals.

“How did Kirigakure manage this?” Fugaku muttered under his breath.

Kato Dan frowned deeply, his gaze shifting towards the dense forest several kilometers away. The signal flare they’d seen moments ago had come from that direction, meaning the Kirigakure had struck there as well.

But how had they launched two coordinated attacks in such a short time?

Something’s not right…

“Wind Style shinobi!” Fugaku barked suddenly.

At his command, dozens of Konoha ninjas leapt forward from the camp. They moved in unison, hands flashing through the same sequence of seals, before drawing deep breaths.

“Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!”

A powerful gust erupted from their mouths, sweeping outward and slicing through the dense mist that had enshrouded the Konoha camp. The suffocating fog began to thin, revealing the silhouettes of an enemy army lurking within.

This wasn’t natural mist. It was the Hidden Mist Technique—a signature jutsu of the Kirigakure shinobi.

As the fog cleared, the shapes of their adversaries came into focus.

“Attack!” Fugaku roared, his scarlet Sharingan gleaming, the three tomoe in his eyes spinning menacingly.

Deep in the forest, Obito and Shisui raced toward the area Obito’s team had been responsible for. By the time they arrived, dozens of Konoha ninjas had already gathered.

Obito recognized the familiar faces immediately—Asuma Sarutobi, Genma Shiranui, and others stood amidst the tense crowd.

Landing abruptly, Obito’s eyes darted around the area, searching frantically. His voice cracked with urgency as he asked, “Where are Kakashi and Rin?”

The question sent a ripple of confusion through the assembled shinobi. Asuma furrowed his brow.

“Aren’t they your teammates?” he asked, puzzled.

“We were ambushed by Kirigakure forces, and I chased after them alone,” Obito explained quickly, his heart pounding.

“That can’t be,” Genma Shiranui interjected, shaking his head. “We responded the moment we sensed something was off, and we haven’t found any signs of the enemy.”

Genma’s words sent a chill down Obito’s spine. The forest was divided into sectors, each patrolled meticulously. If the entire team had swept the area and found nothing, then Kakashi and Rin had truly vanished without a trace.

“Were Kakashi and Rin… kidnapped?” Shisui muttered, a frown creasing his brow.

The thought struck everyone like a thunderclap. Kakashi was a prodigy, his skills rivaling even seasoned jonin. For him to be captured so quickly—it didn’t add up.

“This is impossible!” Obito snapped, his voice rising in disbelief.

“If the enemy could infiltrate this deep without detection, they must possess some technique we haven’t encountered,” Shisui reasoned calmly. “Otherwise, Kakashi and Rin would have sent up a flare… unless they were subdued before they had the chance.”

His logical assessment made several of the shinobi nod reluctantly in agreement.

Obito’s face twisted with rage and fear. “No… no way…”

His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, and his eyes were bloodshot with frustration.

“Obito…” Shisui began, stepping forward to offer some comfort, but a sudden, earth-shaking rumble from the direction of the Konoha camp cut him off.

It was the unmistakable sound of large-scale ninjutsu colliding.

“Oh no… there’s a battle at the camp!” Asuma exclaimed, his eyes widening.

“Let’s move!” Genma Shiranui barked urgently.

The group sprang into action, but Obito remained rooted in place, his body trembling with conflicting emotions. His teammates—his friends—were missing. But the camp needed them.

Shisui glanced at Obito, reading the turmoil in his eyes. He understood all too well—Kakashi and Rin were his friends too.

But standing there wouldn’t help anyone.

“If Kakashi and Rin were captured by Kirigakure, they’re likely nearby,” Shisui reasoned aloud. “With the enemy attacking our camp, they might have taken them with the main force.”

His words struck a chord in Obito. The despair in his eyes flickered, replaced by a burning resolve.

“Then let’s go,” Shisui urged. “We’ll rescue them from Kirigakure!”

At those words, Obito’s head snapped up. His expression hardened into one of fierce determination.

“Alright!” he growled.

Without another word, Obito surged forward, a blur of black lightning against the forest backdrop. His speed took everyone by surprise—even Shisui, who prided himself on his swiftness.

Sensei was right, Shisui thought, recalling Minato’s words about Obito possessing a latent power that would awaken in moments of crisis. When it happens, it will make you take notice.

“Minato-sensei… you were absolutely right,” Shisui muttered to himself, then sprinted after Obito, the rest of the squad following closely behind.

At the front of the group, Obito’s mind was razor-focused.

Kakashi, Rin… I’m coming for you. I’ll save you no matter what!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Outside the Konoha camp, the battle had erupted into chaos. Ninjutsu clashed in brilliant explosions of light and sound, the forest trembling under the force of the attacks.

Clang! Clang!

At the heart of the battlefield, Uchiha Fugaku faced off against Terumi Ryuunosuke, the Kirigakure commander. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying as their chakra-infused blades met.

“Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!” Fugaku bellowed, stepping back as he formed seals with practiced precision. A massive sphere of flames roared from his mouth, barreling toward his opponent.

“Lava Release: Dissolving Mist Technique!” Ryuunosuke countered, molding his chakra swiftly. From his lips spewed a viscous, magma-like liquid that expanded into a molten net.

Hisssss!

The molten net collided with Fugaku’s fireball, instantly corroding the flames. Within moments, the fireball had been completely consumed, and the burning net pressed forward, aiming for Fugaku.

Swish!

Fugaku leapt backward, landing deftly a safe distance away. The dissolving mist struck the ground where he’d stood, sizzling as it ate through the earth.

Fugaku’s sharp eyes scanned the battlefield. Just then, Hyuga Tenki appeared beside him, his face grim.

“What’s the situation?” Fugaku asked without turning his head.

Hyuga Tenki’s expression was dark. “All the Hyuga clan members stationed nearby have disappeared. No signs of a struggle—nothing.”

Fugaku’s heart sank. The Hyuga were some of Konoha’s best scouts. For them to vanish without a trace was unnerving.

“How did they bypass the Byakugan’s sight?” Fugaku whispered, his gaze hardening as it settled back on Terumi Ryuunosuke.

But unbeknownst to Fugaku, the Kirigakure commander was just as baffled. The Third Mizukage had given a direct order to attack, but when Ryuunosuke and his forces arrived at the Konoha perimeter, the Hyuga on duty had already disappeared—vanished without resistance.

They had approached the Konoha camp almost effortlessly.

Ryuunosuke’s eyes darted to the battlefield. Despite their surprise attack, Kirigakure’s forces were being pushed back. Konoha’s elite—including Kato Dan and Senju Nawaki—were formidable opponents.

But retreat wasn’t an option. The Third Mizukage’s orders were clear: they could not withdraw unless specific conditions were met.

Ryuunosuke’s gaze drifted toward the forest several kilometers from the camp, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

And then he saw it.

In the distance, through the thinning mist, figures emerged from the treeline—rushing towards the battlefield with unrelenting speed.

Chapter 543: Desperate Pursuit

Swish!

A streak of black light tore through the thick fog, slicing across the battlefield with unrelenting speed. Obito’s scarlet Sharingan gleamed fiercely, the two magatama spinning rapidly within his pupils. His eyes locked onto an enemy Chunin from Kirigakure, and in the next instant, he struck with blinding precision.

His speed had surpassed anything he’d displayed before. Fueled by raw emotion and enhanced by the keen insight of his Sharingan, Obito’s first attack landed squarely on the Chunin’s chest.

Puff!

The enemy ninja staggered, coughing up blood. Obito didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, he followed up with another slash, severing the man’s arm in one brutal stroke. Blood sprayed into the air, and the Kirigakure ninja crumpled, clutching the stump where his arm had once been, utterly defenseless.

Obito grabbed the man’s remaining hand, his face contorted in fury.

“Where are Rin and Kakashi?!” he roared, shaking the injured ninja violently.

But this was a battlefield. Holding onto a prisoner in the midst of chaos, surrounded by enemy forces, was reckless. The Kirigakure shinobi began converging on his position, recognizing an easy target.

Yet Obito didn’t care. His world had narrowed to a single purpose—finding his friends.

Before the enemy could overwhelm him, Shisui and the other Konoha shinobi arrived, surrounding Obito to shield him from further attack.

“Obito, he’s just a Chunin. There’s no way he knows where they’re keeping the prisoners,” Shisui reasoned, stepping toward him.

Obito’s head snapped around, his eyes blazing with a ferocity that made even Shisui’s heart skip a beat. For a moment, it seemed like Obito might lash out at his own comrade.

But then, the wild light in Obito’s eyes dimmed, replaced by cold resignation.

“I see,” he muttered.

Without another word, Obito dragged the kunai across the Chunin’s throat, silencing him forever. The lifeless body slumped to the ground, and Obito turned back to the battlefield. His Sharingan flickered, scanning every movement, every shadow, desperately seeking any sign of Kakashi and Rin.

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out over the battlefield.

“Retreat!” Terumi Ryuunosuke, locked in combat with Fugaku and Hyuga Tenki, bellowed the command.

In unison, the Mist ninjas ceased their attacks and began to withdraw, retreating toward the coastline with mechanical precision.

“You think you can just come and go as you please?!” Fugaku roared, his Sharingan spinning violently. “Konoha shinobi, pursue them!”

The Konoha forces surged forward, hot on the heels of the retreating Mist ninjas.

“Give Kakashi and Rin back!” Obito shouted, his voice hoarse with desperation as he charged after the fleeing enemy.

Shisui’s eyes narrowed. We won’t find Kakashi and Rin among the retreating troops—not without proper intel.

Turning to his comrades, Shisui issued a quick order. “I’m going to report to Chief Fugaku. Stay close to Obito—don’t let him do anything reckless.”

Asuma Sarutobi nodded. “We’ve got him. Go.”

Shisui knew Obito’s strength was formidable, but right now, his emotions clouded his judgment. In battle, losing control was the greatest danger of all.

Swish!

Shisui vanished in a blur, racing toward Fugaku at top speed. The coastline was still some distance away, and Kirigakure wouldn’t escape easily—not if Konoha had anything to say about it.

When Shisui reached Fugaku, the Uchiha clan leader barely turned his head before speaking.

“What happened in the forest?” Fugaku demanded, eyes still fixed on the battlefield.

“Minato’s team was ambushed,” Shisui reported quickly. “Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin have been captured.”

Fugaku’s face hardened, his jaw clenching. “What?”

In the past few days of battle, Kakashi’s name had become well-known among the Konoha forces. Fugaku was fully aware that Kakashi was the son of Hatake Sakumo—the famed White Fang of Konoha.

Fugaku still didn’t understand how Kirigakure had bypassed the Hyuga Byakugan’s surveillance. And now Kakashi—one of Konoha’s brightest young talents—had been taken.

Even though Kakashi was Sakumo’s son, Fugaku knew he couldn’t show favoritism. But the idea of any Konoha shinobi being kidnapped under his watch was unacceptable.

“What about Uchiha Obito?” Fugaku asked sharply. As clan leader, he was well aware of Obito’s recent development—awakening the double magatama Sharingan. Obito was a promising young member of the Uchiha clan, and someone they had begun grooming for the future.

“Obito’s lost his composure. He’s chasing the Mist ninjas with the main force,” Shisui replied. “But I’ve assigned Asuma Sarutobi and the others to keep him in check.”

Fugaku’s expression remained stern, but he gave Shisui a small nod of approval. “You’ve done well. Return to Obito immediately. Don’t let him get into trouble.”

“Yes, sir!” Shisui saluted before vanishing again, racing back toward the front lines.

Fugaku turned to Hyuga Tenki, who stood nearby, and issued his next command.

“Have the Hyuga clan scan the Kirigakure forces. We need to locate Kakashi and Rin immediately.”

Hyuga Tenki nodded, his Byakugan activating as veins bulged around his temples.

“All Hyuga shinobi, listen up!” he barked. “Focus your attention on the Mist forces. Locate Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin! Move!”

“Understood!”

Hyuga scouts scattered across the battlefield, their pale eyes piercing through the mist as they scanned for any sign of the missing shinobi.

The pursuit led them all the way to the coastline, but despite their efforts, no trace of Kakashi and Rin was found among the retreating Mist forces.

The Mist ninjas had suffered heavy losses during their retreat, but they managed to maintain enough distance to stay out of reach. As they reached the shoreline, a new wave of Kirigakure shinobi emerged from the sea.

These new arrivals were different. They wore distinctive uniforms and strange masks.

The Kirigakure ANBU—elite operatives under the direct command of the Third Mizukage.

From the front lines, Hyuga scouts finally spotted something.

“There!” one of them shouted. “I see them—Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin! They’re unconscious, being carried by Kirigakure ANBU!”

The news spread like wildfire through the Konoha ranks.

But the Mist forces had already reached the water’s edge, preparing to escape across the sea.

“There are dozens of Kirigakure ANBU,” another Hyuga ninja reported to Fugaku.

Fugaku’s brow furrowed, and he raised his hand.

“Stop!” he commanded, halting the Konoha forces in their tracks.

“Keep going!” Obito’s voice rang out from the front, raw with desperation. But several Konoha shinobi grabbed his arms, holding him back.

“Obito, calm down!” Genma Shiranui urged. “The Kirigakure ANBU are already in position on the water. It’s a trap!”

“So what?!” Obito snapped, his eyes blazing with fury. “Our friends are right there! We can’t just let them take Kakashi and Rin!”

His words struck a chord with the surrounding shinobi. They exchanged uncertain glances, their resolve wavering.

Obito struggled against their grip. “Fine! If you won’t go, I’ll do it myself!”

Before anyone could react, Obito broke free, dashing toward the Mist forces with blinding speed. His determination fueled every step.

“Obito!” someone shouted, but it was too late.

Just as they hesitated on whether to chase after him, a new figure emerged from the Konoha ranks, moving even faster than Obito.

Swish!

The shinobi streaked past the others, catching up to Obito in a flash.

It was Senju Nawaki.

Obito’s eyes widened, thinking Nawaki had come to drag him back. He skidded to a stop, ready to argue.

But Nawaki’s words surprised him.

“You’re right, Obito,” Nawaki said, his voice steady and resolute. “Our comrades are in the enemy’s hands. We can’t just stand here and watch them be taken.”

A spark of hope ignited in Obito’s eyes.

“Let’s rescue Kakashi and Rin together,” Nawaki declared.

Obito’s expression softened, and he nodded firmly.

“Let’s do it.”

Chapter 544: Obito’s Final Stand

Swish!

Obito and Senju Nawaki dashed across the open sea, their eyes locked on the retreating Kirigakure army ahead. The waves beneath them surged with chakra, rippling with tension as the two Konoha shinobi pushed forward.

Behind the main Kirigakure force, dozens of ANBU operatives sprang into action, their masked faces emotionless. All except for two—who still carried the unconscious forms of Kakashi and Rin across their shoulders.

The ANBU flanked the main force, splitting into two units as they surged forward at blinding speed. In perfect unison, they formed seals with their hands and struck the ocean’s surface.

Crash!

The sea beneath Obito and Nawaki roared as if awakened from slumber. The water rippled violently before rising into an enormous, towering wave. The tsunami loomed overhead, its shadow swallowing the two shinobi whole. The sound of the water was deafening, like the roar of a ferocious beast ready to devour them.

From the shoreline, Konoha’s forces watched in horror.

Fugaku’s face was grim. The sea is their domain, he thought bitterly. Every time Konoha had pursued the Mist to the coastline, they were forced to retreat. The Kirigakure shinobi, masters of water-style jutsu, were nearly unstoppable on the open ocean.

The combined ninjutsu of dozens of elite ANBU from Kirigakure was not something any single shinobi could withstand.

Obito felt it in his bones—the cold grip of death creeping closer. His hair stood on end, his heart pounding painfully in his chest. Is this how it ends?

“Don’t be afraid,” Nawaki said softly, standing at Obito’s side. His eyes flashed with determination as his hands moved swiftly, forming seals.

“Water Style: Twin Water Dragon Jutsu!”

Crash!

The sea behind Nawaki erupted, churning wildly as two massive streams of water surged upward. Chakra pulsed through the waves as Nawaki let out a fierce shout.

Roar!

The water streams twisted and coiled, transforming into two enormous, serpentine dragons. Their bodies intertwined, gleaming under the dim light, their eyes fierce and unyielding. The dragons roared as they lunged forward, meeting the tsunami head-on.

The clash was monumental. The dragons did not falter, their power undiminished even against the towering wave.

The combined roar of the dragons and the crashing tsunami echoed across the battlefield, leaving both Konoha and Kirigakure shinobi in stunned silence.

“Such power… That’s an S-rank jutsu!” Hyuga Tenki gasped, his Byakugan wide with shock. Fugaku and the other Konoha leaders stood frozen, equally awestruck.

Senju Nawaki’s mastery of water-style ninjutsu was legendary, even on land where water was scarce. But here, on the open sea, he was a force of nature—an equal to any Kage.

The twin dragons surged forward, entangling themselves further as they crashed into the monstrous wave.

BOOM!

The two powerful jutsu collided, sending shockwaves through the ocean. The surrounding waters rose and fell violently, creating chaos in their wake.

Nawaki grabbed Obito’s arm, pulling him away just before the raging water engulfed the spot where they’d stood.

Swish!

“Water Style: Flash Water Technique!” Shisui’s voice echoed from behind as he appeared, carrying Obito across the turbulent waves with astonishing speed.

The Kirigakure army struggled to maintain their footing, battling against the aftermath of the clashing jutsu. In the chaos, Obito and Nawaki spotted a gap in the enemy formation, their path to Kakashi and Rin briefly exposed.

Nawaki set Obito down and formed seals rapidly, his eyes scanning the battlefield.

Plop! Plop!

Suddenly, the sea surged once more. A massive curtain of water rose, blocking their path and severing their chance to bypass the Kirigakure forces.

Nawaki didn’t hesitate. He spat out a high-pressure stream of water, slicing through part of the barrier.

“Go!” Nawaki ordered, dashing through the opening.

But the moment they broke through, dozens of Kirigakure ANBU surrounded them. Nawaki didn’t flinch. He moved quickly, using his body-flicker technique to teleport Obito to a safer position.

“I’ll handle them. Get to Kakashi and Rin!” Nawaki shouted.

Obito, standing on the edge of the battle, clenched his fists tightly. An overwhelming sense of helplessness gnawed at his heart. I’m not strong enough… No matter how much he wanted to fight, he knew he couldn’t defeat the Kirigakure ANBU alone.

Swish!

As despair set in, Obito heard the familiar sound of footsteps on water. He turned to see reinforcements from Konoha approaching swiftly.

His heart leapt with hope.

“They’re here!” Obito shouted, his voice echoing over the waves. “Everyone, let’s rescue Kakashi and Rin together!”

But his hope was shattered in an instant.

“Uchiha Obito,” Fugaku’s commanding voice rang out from the front of the Konoha forces, “I order you to retreat with the army immediately!”

Obito froze, the words slicing through him like a blade. The elation on his face dissolved into shock, his eyes hollowing as Fugaku’s order echoed in his mind.

Why?

“Obito, come back!” Shisui shouted, his voice filled with urgency. But Obito couldn’t process the words. His mind was clouded with confusion and betrayal.

Why are we retreating? Why are we leaving them behind?

Obito’s vision darkened, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t hear anything anymore—just a deafening silence that swallowed him whole.

“AHHH!” Obito roared, his voice filled with anguish. Without warning, he spun around and bolted toward the enemy lines.

“That idiot!” Fugaku growled, his face twisting with frustration. But it was too late—Obito had already thrown himself into the fray.

Nawaki, still locked in battle with the ANBU, noticed Obito’s reckless charge.

What are you doing, Obito?!

Obito fought with wild abandon, trying to break through the enemy lines. But his skill, even with the power of his Sharingan, wasn’t enough. The Kirigakure ANBU swarmed him, their movements precise and deadly.

Still, Obito fought on, ignoring the searing pain as blades slashed at his flesh. His Sharingan spun wildly, his vision blurring from blood loss.

“Obito!” Shisui shouted, his face contorted in anguish as he finally broke from the Konoha ranks and sprinted toward his friend.

But he was too late.

A Kirigakure ANBU appeared behind Obito, his sword gleaming under the dim light. In one swift motion, he drove the blade through Obito’s back.

Swish!

Obito’s body jerked violently, his Sharingan trembling in his eye socket.

The ANBU yanked the blade free, and Obito’s scarlet eyes slowly dulled, fading back to black.

Shisui watched in horror as Obito’s body crumpled, collapsing to the water’s surface.

Even in his final moments, Obito’s lips moved faintly, whispering a name.

Rin…

As the world darkened around him, the last image Obito saw was Rin’s gentle smile. Tears welled in his eyes, mixing with the dirt and blood on his face.

I’m sorry, Rin… I couldn’t protect you…

Chapter 545: The Rising Shadow

Plop!

Obito’s lifeless body hit the surface of the sea with a dull splash, before slowly sinking beneath the waves.

Not far off, Shisui’s scarlet Sharingan reflected the tragic scene, the single magatama within his eye spinning slowly. His heart clenched at the sight of his fallen comrade, and his fists trembled with rage.

“You’ll pay for this!” he whispered, his voice cold and sharp like a blade.

Shisui’s charging figure paused for just a heartbeat, then his eyes locked onto the Kirigakure ninja responsible for Obito’s death. Before the man could even react, Shisui shot forward like a phantom, disappearing into the midst of the enemy ranks.

The Kirigakure shinobi, still riding the high of their victory, were caught off guard. They had just cut down one Konoha youth—another seemed eager to share the same fate. A few of them even sneered, mistaking Shisui’s rush for reckless bravado.

But they would soon learn their mistake.

“Shisui, too?”

Back among the Konoha ranks, Obito’s peers—Asuma, Genma, and others—watched in horror as Shisui threw himself into the fray. Their hearts were heavy, torn between duty and loyalty. Fugaku’s orders still rang in their ears, but the sight of Shisui facing overwhelming odds stirred something deep within them.

Without another word, they broke formation, sprinting towards Shisui, defying orders in the name of camaraderie.

But they were still too far away.

Shisui had already fallen into the heart of the Kirigakure encirclement.

The Mist ninjas wasted no time, tightening their formation around him. But Shisui showed no fear. His eyes remained fixed on his target—the man who had slain Obito.

Swish!

Suddenly, the single magatama in his Sharingan spun faster and faster, until a second magatama snapped into place. A surge of power coursed through Shisui’s veins.

“Instant step!”

The words echoed silently in his heart as the Kirigakure launched their attacks. Kunai and swords lashed out, aiming to tear the young Uchiha apart.

But when their weapons struck Shisui’s body, they met no resistance—only air.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The sound of metal slicing through nothing echoed eerily. The figure of Shisui flickered and faded like a mirage, leaving the Mist shinobi momentarily stunned.

It was an afterimage.

In the blink of an eye, the real Shisui appeared in front of his target. His dual magatama Sharingan gleamed as he twisted his body, effortlessly dodging a desperate counterattack. With one swift, precise motion, he drove his kunai straight into the enemy’s chest.

A clean, fatal strike to the heart.

The Kirigakure ninja’s expression froze in shock, the life draining from his eyes.

“Damn brat!”

The surrounding Mist shinobi roared in fury, their earlier arrogance replaced by rage and humiliation. How had a boy barely in his teens managed to outmaneuver them so easily?

But Shisui’s speed had bewildered them. Despite their numbers, they couldn’t pin him down.

Yet, Shisui knew he couldn’t keep this up forever. The Kirigakure forces were compressing their formation, shrinking the space he had to move. His agility was his greatest weapon, but it was becoming harder to use.

Unless I had something like Minato-sensei’s space-time jutsu…

Shisui had known the risk when he charged in. But after avenging Obito, all that remained was to fight to the death.

Just as he prepared to make his final stand, reinforcements arrived.

“Konoha Whirlwind!”

A flash of green surged into the fray. Might Guy, his eyes blazing with determination, spun through the air with incredible speed. His leg lashed out, a blur of motion that struck a Mist ninja square in the neck.

Clang!

The enemy’s sword barely deflected the blow before it snapped under the force. Guy’s kick landed with a sickening crack, sending the Kirigakure shinobi flying, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle.

“Shisui, get out of there!” Guy shouted.

Shisui’s newly awakened dual magatama Sharingan processed the situation in an instant. Before Guy had even finished his sentence, Shisui was already moving.

Swish!

With a burst of speed, Shisui darted through the gap Guy had created, escaping the encirclement.

“Retreat!” Asuma Sarutobi barked. He and the others clashed briefly with the enemy before falling back alongside Shisui.

But the Kirigakure weren’t done yet. More of their forces surged forward, trying to cut off the retreat.

Boom!

Suddenly, a massive explosion of water mist erupted over the sea, sending towering waves crashing in all directions. The Mist shinobi were forced to halt, struggling to maintain their footing amidst the chaotic waves. Shisui and the Konoha reinforcements used the opportunity to regroup with the main army.

The waves subsided, and Nawaki and Fugaku emerged from the mist, having broken free from the Kirigakure ANBU’s grip. The massive wave had clearly been Nawaki’s doing.

“Withdraw!” Fugaku ordered, his voice firm.

Nawaki hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the Mist forces. His eyes locked onto the figures of Kakashi and Rin, still unconscious, slung over the shoulders of Kirigakure ANBU.

“But… those two—”

“They’re prisoners,” Fugaku interrupted. “The enemy won’t kill them easily.”

Nawaki gritted his teeth, frustration burning in his chest.

“They’re ninjas. They knew the risks when they stepped onto the battlefield,” Fugaku added, his voice hard but resolute.

Nawaki scanned the battlefield. The cost of their rescue attempt had been high—dozens of Konoha shinobi had fallen. His heart ached with anger and grief, especially after witnessing Obito’s sacrifice. But he knew Fugaku was right.

Bitterly, Nawaki nodded, his eyes bloodshot with suppressed emotion.

The Konoha forces began their retreat. As they pulled back, Nawaki shot one last glare at Terumi Ryuunosuke, who stood among the Mist ranks, a smug expression on his face.

Meanwhile, Terumi Ryuunosuke turned his attention to the captives. His gaze lingered on Kakashi and Rin, both unconscious and bound.

Why did the ANBU go to such lengths to capture these two?

They were just kids, barely twelve. Surely, they didn’t possess any significant intel on Konoha’s inner workings. Terumi was puzzled, but he knew better than to question the ANBU, who served directly under the Third Mizukage.

After a moment of contemplation, Terumi signaled for his forces to retreat.

As the Mist army vanished into the horizon, the only evidence of the fierce battle that had taken place was the faint trace of blood staining the sea.

But even that would soon fade, swallowed by the vast ocean.

Yet beneath the waves, something stirred.

A shadow moved across the seabed, slipping into the depths, vanishing without a trace.

In a vast underground cavern, White Zetsu emerged from the earth, his pale form blending with the darkness. But this time, he wasn’t alone.

He laid a black-haired boy at Madara Uchiha’s feet. The ancient, skeletal figure sitting atop his throne smiled faintly, his hollow eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Obito’s body was twisted and broken, his form marred by the brutality of the battle and the crushing pressure of the deep sea.

“Well done,” Madara murmured, his voice like a whisper in the cavern.

He dragged his frail body forward, leaning over Obito’s lifeless form. Placing a hand on the boy’s chest, he felt the lingering traces of chakra fading within him.

“It seems you retrieved him a little late,” Madara observed, noting the damage. “His internal organs have been crushed by the water pressure.”

But Madara showed no sign of concern. Forming seals with his hands, he channeled chakra from the monstrous entity lurking in the shadows behind him. The dark chakra seeped from Madara’s palms into Obito’s broken body.

White Zetsu watched quietly but soon spoke, his tone laced with confusion.

“There’s something strange,” he said.

Madara glanced at him, his interest piqued. “What is it?”

“I saw it with my own eyes. The Kirigakure ninja’s blade pierced through his chest,” Zetsu explained. “But his heart… aside from being crushed by the water, it shows no sign of a stab wound.”

Madara’s eyes flickered with intrigue, though his face remained impassive.

“Is that so?”

He stared down at Obito’s battered form, a knowing glint in his eyes.