[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 536 - 540

Chapter 536: The Price of Mangekyō

"Hehe."
The Third Hokage chuckled softly, his wise gaze fixed on Uchiha Yoruki. He didn’t need to elaborate further—Yoruki’s expression revealed that he had already grasped the answer to his earlier question.

Yet, the Hokage continued, his tone gentle but resolute. "This time, we successfully pushed the front line forward and significantly restricted the Rock Ninja's movement within the Land of Grass. It was all thanks to your efforts."

"This is merely my duty as a Konoha ninja," Uchiha Yoruki replied, lowering his head slightly. Despite his composed tone, his eyes gleamed with renewed determination. The sharp intent that had momentarily dulled during their conversation returned, cutting through the air like a blade.

"Next time, I will kill that man," Yoruki declared, his voice steady and unwavering.

Neither the Third Hokage nor Jiraiya doubted his words. They could see the conviction burning in the young Uchiha’s eyes—a promise etched into his very soul.

However, the Third Hokage’s expression soon grew solemn. He regarded Yoruki thoughtfully before speaking again. "I called you here today because there’s something important I need to tell you about the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"You have my attention," Yoruki said, nodding curtly.

Jiraiya, who had been silently observing the exchange, leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. While he was the Third Hokage’s disciple, the intricacies of the Uchiha clan’s powers had always remained enigmatic to him.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan," the Hokage began, "is an advanced form of the Sharingan, granting its wielder extraordinary abilities. However, each pair of Mangekyō possesses unique powers, different from one individual to another."

"Unique powers?" Yoruki murmured, his eyebrows lifting in mild surprise. He hadn’t considered this possibility before.

The abilities of his left eye—the indestructible Rekka no Ken a flaming sword—and his right eye—Amaterasu, the unquenchable black flames—were already awe-inspiring. But the notion that every Mangekyō user had their own distinct powers intrigued even someone as composed as him.

Jiraiya listened intently, his brows furrowing as he processed this revelation.

"But," the Hokage continued, his voice heavy, "such power comes at a cost."

Yoruki’s expression hardened. He had suspected as much. "Yes, my eyesight has already begun to deteriorate," he admitted.

"This is the price of using the Mangekyō Sharingan’s techniques," the Hokage said gravely. "The more frequently you use its power, the more your vision will degrade. At first, it manifests as temporary blindness when the pupil power is exhausted. But over time, the damage becomes permanent."

Jiraiya’s eyes widened as the weight of this truth sank in.

"If overused, the Mangekyō Sharingan leads to complete and irreversible blindness," the Hokage concluded, his words hanging heavily in the air.

Yoruki’s young face twitched slightly, betraying a rare flicker of emotion. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly. "I understand," he said quietly.

The Hokage nodded, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "Then let me advise you to use this power sparingly in future battles. Do not squander your light needlessly."

"I will," Yoruki replied, his voice firm but distant.

Jiraiya, still processing the grim revelation, asked hesitantly, "Is there no way to prevent blindness? No solution at all?"

Both Yoruki and Jiraiya turned their gazes to the Third Hokage, who seemed to weigh his words carefully before responding.

"There is a way," he said at last, his tone serious.

Jiraiya straightened, but his initial relief was tempered by the Hokage’s solemn expression.

"Why didn’t you mention this earlier?" Jiraiya asked, half-joking, trying to lighten the mood.

But the Hokage’s grim demeanor silenced him, and the levity faded from Jiraiya’s face.

"In the history of the Uchiha clan," the Hokage began, "the first man to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan led his clan to become one of the most powerful in the Warring States Period. However, even he could not escape the curse of blindness."

Yoruki listened intently, his gaze unwavering.

"When blindness overtakes the Mangekyō user, there is one way to restore their sight," the Hokage continued. "But it comes with a price that is just as severe."

"What is it?" Yoruki asked, his voice low.

The Hokage’s eyes met Yoruki’s, his gaze unflinching. "To restore one’s vision, they must transplant another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan. But not just any pair—they must be the eyes of their own sibling."

A chill swept through the room. Jiraiya’s expression darkened, and Yoruki’s face hardened.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan is already rare," the Hokage said. "And even if such a condition could be met, it is a path fraught with pain and sacrifice."

Yoruki lowered his gaze slightly, his voice a near whisper. "So that’s how Uchiha Madara overcame blindness… by taking his brother’s eyes."

"Not exactly," the Hokage interjected. "Madara’s brother gave his eyes willingly, offering them as a final gift so that Madara could continue to protect their clan."

The weight of the revelation settled heavily on Yoruki.

"After the transplantation," the Hokage continued, "Madara not only regained his sight but also gained eyes that would never again grow dim. This is known as the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan—the ultimate form of the Sharingan."

Jiraiya let out a low whistle, the magnitude of the story hitting him. "That’s a steep price to pay," he muttered.

The Hokage nodded solemnly. "Indeed. And as it stands, you cannot follow that path, Yoruki."

Yoruki remained silent for a moment before lifting his head. His dark eyes reflected an unyielding resolve.

"This method of restoring sight is unnecessary," he said firmly. "I will bear the consequences of my power without taking such a path."

The Hokage and Jiraiya exchanged a glance, a faint smile playing on both their lips.

"You’ve grown, Yoruki," the Hokage said softly.

For the first time, Yoruki bowed deeply to the Hokage. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady but laced with genuine gratitude.

The Third Hokage blinked in surprise, his expression softening into a warm smile. In that moment, he knew his faith in Yoruki had not been misplaced.

It seems that the decision he made back then was correct...

Chapter 537: Battle Situation

Within a few days, Konoha's forces found themselves engaged in fierce battles across multiple fronts. The Land of Grass, the Land of Rivers, the Moon Country, and the coastline all became theaters of war, with the Konoha army clashing against the combined might of the Four-Nation Alliance: Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure.

This was not the first large-scale attack launched by the alliance since the Third Ninja World War erupted. However, this time was different. High-ranking officials and renowned ninja from each village had joined the battlefield, transforming the conflict into a showcase of power and strategy that drew the attention of the entire ninja world.

Konoha Camp, Land of Grass

Following Uchiha Yoruki’s victory over the Four-Tails’ Jinchūriki, Rōshi, the tide of battle in the Land of Grass shifted decisively in Konoha’s favor. With Rōshi grievously injured and forced to retreat, Konoha had gained the upper hand on this front, allowing them to make significant advances.

In the main command tent, the Third Hokage stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding attention. Before him, the assembled Konoha leaders awaited his briefing, their expressions a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism.

The Hokage’s gaze swept across the room before he spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with relief. "According to intelligence from the other fronts, while we have not achieved complete victory, we have successfully resisted the attacks of the Four-Nation Alliance."

A wave of muted joy rippled through the room. Many Konoha ninjas exchanged glances, their spirits lifting. While they had confidence in their comrades fighting on other fronts, the stakes of this war were undeniably high. With powerful leaders from each village joining the fray, even seasoned veterans had harbored doubts about their chances of success.

Turning to the large map of the ninja world displayed behind him, the Third Hokage traced the major battle zones with his finger as he continued.

"On Mount Kikyo," he began, "the troops led by Tsunade and Orochimaru engaged in a fierce battle against Chiyo and the Fourth Kazekage. The fighting lasted a full day and night. In the end, Chiyo and her forces were forced to retreat, driven back by Tsunade’s unyielding strength."

A faint smile of pride crossed his weathered face as he spoke of his disciple’s accomplishments.

Chiyo, a veteran ninja who had dominated battlefields for decades, was considered one of the most formidable kunoichi in the ninja world. For Tsunade to not only hold her ground but force Chiyo to retreat was a monumental achievement.

"Tsunade is amazing!" Jiraiya exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. His wide grin and exuberant tone momentarily drew the attention of the room, causing several ninjas to chuckle.

Realizing the attention he had drawn, Jiraiya quickly composed himself, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

The Hokage chuckled at his former student’s antics before continuing.

"At the border of the Moon Country, Minato Namikaze and Hatake Sakumo encountered the Third Raikage and his forces. The battle was fierce, but in the end, the Third Raikage temporarily withdrew. However, their forces remain on high alert, and further clashes are likely."

The mention of Minato’s name brought a subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere. Confidence radiated from the gathered shinobi, a testament to the immense faith they placed in the man known as the Yellow Flash of Konoha.

Minato’s reputation on the battlefield was legendary. Time and again, he had turned the tide of battles through his unparalleled speed and strategic brilliance. For many, his presence alone was a guarantee of victory.

Even the Third Hokage, who had long been revered as one of the strongest ninjas in Konoha’s history, found himself silently impressed by Minato’s exploits.

Inside the tent, Uchiha Yoruki stood with his arms crossed, his usually indifferent face softening into a faint smile at the mention of Minato. Having fought alongside him in the past, Yoruki harbored a deep respect for the man’s abilities.

The Hokage’s gaze lingered on Yoruki momentarily, noting the subtle changes in the young Uchiha’s demeanor. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in the growth and maturity Yoruki had shown in recent days.

Shifting his attention back to the map, the Hokage’s expression grew serious as his finger moved to the coastline of the Fire Nation.

"The situation on the coastline has been less volatile," he explained. "While Kirigakure launched an initial assault, their forces have since pulled back. Of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, only three remain active, and the threat they pose has diminished significantly."

His brow furrowed slightly as he added, "However, the Third Mizukage has yet to appear on the battlefield."

Jiraiya and Yoruki exchanged puzzled glances.

"It’s unusual, isn’t it?" Jiraiya remarked. "If the Four-Nation Alliance is going all out, you’d think the Third Mizukage would be leading the charge."

The Hokage nodded thoughtfully. While the absence of the Mizukage worked to Konoha’s advantage, it raised questions about the internal state of Kirigakure.

Years earlier, Minato had infiltrated Kirigakure to gather intelligence. The information he brought back revealed a grim picture of the village’s leadership. The Third Mizukage had ascended to power through ruthless and bloody measures, establishing an iron-fisted regime.

Under his rule, Kirigakure adopted a brutal system designed to cultivate elite ninja. This system, however, came at a steep cost. The village became known as the "Land of Blood Mist," a moniker that reflected the bloodshed and cruelty that had become commonplace.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen were products of this system—exceptional ninja forged through relentless training and survival of the fittest. But such methods bred instability, and the Mizukage’s grip on power was tenuous at best.

The Hokage suspected that the Mizukage’s absence stemmed from fears of internal dissent. Should he fall or the war drag on too long, Kirigakure’s fragile balance of power could collapse entirely.

While these were only speculations, the Hokage couldn’t shake the feeling that something unusual was unfolding within Kirigakure.

Chapter 538: Funny Father and Son

The border of the Fire Nation, near the coastline, echoed with the thunderous roars of battle.

“Boom!”
“Boom!”
“Boom!”

Explosions rippled through the battlefield, shaking the ground and sending plumes of water and debris into the air. The Konoha ninja army clashed fiercely with the Kirigakure forces in a sprawling skirmish that stretched for several kilometers.

"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!"

Senju Nawaki’s hands blurred through a rapid series of hand seals, his movements so fast they seemed like afterimages. In an instant, he exhaled a roaring torrent of water from his mouth. The massive wave surged forward, rising nearly ten meters high, creating an imposing wall of water that loomed over the battlefield like a tsunami.

The sheer scale of the technique was awe-inspiring, leaving the Kirigakure ninjas momentarily frozen in shock.

"Hiss..."

Even among the skilled water-style practitioners of Kirigakure, such a display of power was rare. Many of the Mist ninjas gasped, their confidence momentarily shaken.

Atop the cascading wave, Nawaki moved his hands again, the seals flowing seamlessly as he molded the water into new forms. The torrent above began to ripple and shift, taking the shape of countless sharks.

"Roar!"

The watery predators let out synchronized cries, their translucent forms glinting ominously as they coiled above the battlefield. With a commanding motion, Nawaki released them, and hundreds of sharks surged downward like a predatory rainstorm.

Even after unleashing such a devastating assault, the massive waterfall technique showed no signs of losing its force. The water surged forward, crashing like a relentless tide toward the Kirigakure forces.

“Crash!”

As the sharks descended, the Mist ninjas scrambled to counter. Panic flickered across their faces as they hastily formed hand seals of their own, attempting to defend against the onslaught.

"Water Style: Water Wave Technique!"
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
"Water Style: Water Array Wall!"

Dozens of defensive techniques were unleashed in rapid succession. Walls of water rose to meet the falling sharks, while spiraling bullets of liquid clashed mid-air with Nawaki’s relentless torrent.

“Boom!”

Two enormous waves collided in a cacophony of sound and force, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. The air grew heavy with mist, and visibility dropped as water splashed and sprayed in every direction.

From within the churning waters, a single figure darted forward with astonishing speed. Moving like a fish in the sea, the figure emerged at the edge of the torrent, wielding a massive, uniquely shaped sword.

"Mangetsu Hozuki!"

The wielder of the flounder-shaped blade—Hiramekarei—activated its special ability. A blinding chakra light erupted from the weapon, condensing into an enormous energy sphere. With a feral grin, he swung the blade downward, sending the chakra orb hurtling toward Nawaki.

Nawaki remained composed, his hands already forming the next sequence of seals.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

A massive, serpentine water dragon rose from the torrent, coiling protectively around Nawaki before launching itself toward the incoming attack. The two forces collided with a deafening explosion, sending a shockwave that drenched the area in a fine spray.

Both combatants leaped back, retreating from the blast zone.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

The sounds of successive jutsu clashes reverberated across the battlefield. The humid air grew thicker with every exchange, droplets of water raining down continuously as if the battlefield itself had turned into a storm.

The skirmish left dozens of Kirigakure ninjas incapacitated, their bodies scattered across the battlefield. Many had succumbed to Nawaki’s overwhelming techniques, unable to withstand the devastating force.

Among the Mist ninjas, a palpable sense of fear and frustration began to spread. Mangetsu Hozuki’s face twisted in rage as he glared at Nawaki, who stood firm amidst the chaos.

"Retreat!"

The order came from Terumi Ryūnosuke, one of the commanders of the Kirigakure forces. His sharp voice cut through the noise of battle, compelling his troops to disengage.

"Running away again, are we?" Uchiha Fugaku taunted, a smirk tugging at his lips. "The leader of the Terumi clan—reduced to this?"

Ryūnosuke’s expression darkened at the insult, but he suppressed his anger. The orders to retreat had come from the Third Mizukage himself, and defying them was not an option. Besides, the Kirigakure forces lacked the numbers to press an advantage.

Grinding his teeth, Ryūnosuke turned and led his troops toward the coastline.

The Konoha army, emboldened by their victory, pursued the retreating enemy but halted at the edge of the coastline, adhering to the orders to hold their ground.

As the Mist ninjas withdrew, a sudden blur of green shot out from the Konoha ranks, chasing after the fleeing enemy.

The figure moved with astonishing speed, darting between the panicked Kirigakure ninjas before striking with a powerful kick.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

The kick landed with such force that water splashed into the air. The unfortunate Mist ninja who took the blow was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth before he collapsed, lifeless.

The Kirigakure troops turned in alarm, spotting the lone figure standing confidently amidst their ranks.

The young ninja was clad in an unusual outfit: green tights and a bright orange scarf. His thick black eyebrows only added to his eccentric appearance.

"It's just a kid!" one of the Mist ninjas sneered, though the tension in his voice betrayed his unease.

As they prepared to retaliate, the boy’s expression shifted. His face tensed, veins bulging slightly as his speed suddenly surged. Before the Kirigakure ninjas could react, he retreated back into the safety of the Konoha ranks.

“So fast!”

The Mist ninjas stared in stunned silence, their confidence shaken by the boy’s speed and precision.

In the Konoha army, several young shinobi had been watching the scene unfold.

"Might Guy…" Shisui murmured, recognizing the boy. Despite Guy’s unusual demeanor, his speed had been nearly impossible to track, even for someone as skilled as Shisui.

Nearby, Kakashi, Rin, and Obito exchanged glances, their expressions filled with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

"Bang!"

A larger figure suddenly appeared behind Guy, delivering a sharp blow to the back of his head.

"You reckless fool! Who told you to pursue the enemy without orders?"

Guy winced, rubbing his head as he turned to face the man. "Dad, I’m a Chūnin now! My rank is higher than yours—you’re out of line!"

The man—Might Duy—twitched slightly at the retort before sweeping Guy into a bone-crushing hug.

"Thank goodness you’re safe, my boy!" he cried, tears streaming down his face.

"Dad! Stop embarrassing me in front of everyone!" Guy protested, struggling in vain to free himself.

The comical exchange drew laughter from the Konoha army, lifting the tension of the battlefield.

Terumi Ryuunosuke, who was in front of the Kirigakure troops who had already passed some distance on the sea, turned his eyes slightly, with a very gloomy expression in he eyes. He gritted his teeth, and then disappeared from the eyes of the Konoha army

Chapter 539: Action

Rustle!

On the coastline at the border of the Land of Fire, the salty air carried the faint, metallic tang of blood. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves was interrupted by the shuffle of hurried footsteps and the distant echoes of battle.

"Kill!"

The Konoha army roared in unison, their morale surging as they pursued the retreating Kirigakure forces.

Over the past few days, Konoha had turned the tide of these skirmishes, steadily gaining ground. As the Mist ninja retreated once more, the relentless pursuit claimed dozens of their lives.

“Boom!”

A towering curtain of water suddenly erupted from the sea, rising like a liquid wall between the two armies. It was an impressive display, a testament to Kirigakure’s mastery over water-style jutsu. The downpour from the curtain fell like heavy rain, creating a misty veil that obscured the retreating forces.

Might Guy watched the disappearing Kirigakure army with disdain, a scowl forming on his face. "What a bunch of cowards," he spat, the irritation clear in his voice.

Despite their superior numbers, the Kirigakure troops had repeatedly refused to engage in a decisive battle. Konoha, despite being outnumbered due to fighting on multiple fronts, had managed to maintain control of the coastline. Most of their main forces were committed to the Land of Grass and the Moon Country, battling the armies of Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

This was the fifth clash between Konoha and Kirigakure in half a month, and each encounter had followed the same frustrating pattern. After brief skirmishes, the Mist forces would retreat, leaving behind casualties in the process.

The casualty ratio was heavily skewed in Konoha's favor, with Kirigakure losing three ninjas for every Konoha shinobi. Many of these losses occurred during their chaotic withdrawals, further diminishing their fighting strength.

Not far from Guy, Kakashi and Shisui stood with grim expressions.

"This doesn’t make sense," Kakashi muttered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the crashing waves.

Shisui nodded in agreement. "Kirigakure's forces aren’t weak, and their numbers give them an advantage. Why would they repeatedly engage in these skirmishes only to retreat? It’s a losing strategy."

Kakashi’s gaze lingered on the horizon, his thoughts racing. "If they wanted to break us, they could attempt a full assault. Instead, they’re wasting resources in a war of attrition that they can’t afford to sustain. It’s almost as if..."

"...they’re stalling," Shisui finished, his voice laced with suspicion.

Uchiha Fugaku, standing nearby, frowned deeply. He had come to the same conclusion. Terumi Ryūnosuke, the leader of the Kirigakure forces, was no fool. His strategic retreats were not the actions of a coward but rather the result of orders from higher up.

The real question was why.

"The Third Mizukage," Fugaku muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing.

The absence of Kirigakure’s leader, one of the most powerful ninja of his time, was a mystery that had not gone unnoticed. If the Third Mizukage were to take the field personally, Konoha’s forces on the coastline would face a significantly greater threat. Even Konoha’s elite, such as Hyūga Tenki, Kato Dan, and Nawaki, might not be able to stand against him.

Yet, the Mizukage had not appeared. Instead, he had issued orders for Kirigakure’s troops to engage in seemingly futile hit-and-run tactics.

Fugaku’s thoughts were interrupted as he turned to Shikaku Nara, who stood silently beside him. "What do you think?" Fugaku asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice.

Shikaku, ever the strategist, had a faraway look in his eyes as he considered the situation. Finally, he exhaled slowly and said, "I can’t determine their exact strategy yet. But one thing is clear—if they’re this persistent, they have no intention of backing down."

He paused, his expression darkening. "We need to stay vigilant. We can’t afford another situation like last time."

Fugaku’s jaw tightened at the mention of the previous incident. The memory of Konoha’s near-disastrous encounter with Kirigakure’s poisoned blades was still fresh in his mind. If not for Tsunade’s antidote and Uchiha Yoruki’s decisive intervention, the Konoha forces might have suffered devastating losses.

Far from the battlefield, in the damp shadows of an underground cavern, the air was thick with an oppressive silence.

The ground stirred, and from the shifting earth, a massive pitcher plant emerged, its leaves unfolding to reveal White Zetsu. The strange being raised his gaze toward the elderly figure seated before him.

"Kirigakure’s forces have been following your instructions for half a month," White Zetsu reported, his voice carrying an unsettling calm.

Madara Uchiha, though aged and weathered, radiated an aura of unyielding power. His expression remained impassive as he listened. "And the task I gave you?"

White Zetsu nodded. "I’ve gathered detailed intelligence on Uchiha Obito, Kakashi, and the other Konoha ninjas stationed on the Kirigakure front."

Madara’s eyes flickered with a dangerous light. "Is there an opportunity to act?"

"Of course," White Zetsu replied confidently. "They’re talented, but they’re still just brats. Compared to the Uzumaki Kushina incident, this should be a simple task."

Madara’s expression darkened at the mention of the past. "Back then, I underestimated Namikaze Minato. At only thirteen, he had already mastered techniques beyond anything I anticipated. He incorporated the Flying Thunder God Seal into Kushina’s Four Symbols Seal, creating a level of security even I couldn’t break."

A bitter edge crept into Madara’s voice as he recalled how his plans had been thwarted. "Minato’s understanding of sealing techniques surpassed mine, and his actions ensured Konoha’s stability."

White Zetsu’s lips curled into a sly smile. "But this time, Minato isn’t here. He’s tied up confronting the Third Raikage in the Moon Country. Even the Yellow Flash can’t be everywhere."

Madara’s expression softened into a predatory grin. "Good. Begin preparations. It’s time to move forward with our plan."

"Understood," White Zetsu replied, disappearing back into the earth.

Left alone in the dimly lit cavern, Madara’s smile deepened. His old eyes, filled with cunning and ambition, glinted with anticipation.

"How far will these children go?" he murmured to himself. "I look forward to finding out."

Chapter 540: White Zetsu's Ability

Above the endless expanse of the sea, the setting sun hung low, casting a warm, fiery glow over the tranquil waves. The water mirrored the sky’s hues, creating a breathtaking scene where the boundary between sea and sky blurred into an ethereal red.

Despite the natural beauty surrounding them, the Konoha ninjas stationed along the coastline couldn’t afford to relax.

The past half-month had seen Kirigakure launching several probing attacks on their defenses. Though each assault had been repelled, the intent behind these skirmishes remained unclear. The uncertainty gnawed at the nerves of those on duty, keeping them on high alert.

The painful lesson from the previous attack still lingered fresh in their minds. During that encounter, Konoha had suffered heavy losses due to Sasori’s treachery, his deadly poison nearly decimating their forces. The source of the attack had been traced not to the front lines but to the forest several kilometers behind the camp.

In response, Konoha had expanded its perimeter, setting up sentries at strategic points to ensure there would be no repeat of that tragedy. Vigilance was paramount, and no one dared let their guard down.

As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply. The once-warm air turned biting cold, and the border coastline became eerily silent save for the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore.

Swish, swish, swish!

Figures darted from the Konoha camp, heading toward the forest. The teams of three moved swiftly and quietly, each assigned to monitor specific areas along the defense line.

In one of the teams, Obito reached into his pack and pulled out a white cloak, offering it to Rin. "Here, Rin. It’s getting cold."

Rin blinked in surprise, a soft smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Obito," she said warmly, accepting the cloak.

Obito’s sudden thoughtfulness was out of character, and Rin couldn’t help but feel a little amused. Usually, Obito was carefree and impulsive, rarely concerned with such details.

"Hold on a moment," Rin said, pausing. Obito and Kakashi stopped beside her, curious about her actions.

"I came prepared for this," Rin continued, removing her backpack and pulling out two additional cloaks. She handed one to Kakashi.

"Thanks," Kakashi muttered, his tone subdued.

Rin’s gentle smile seemed to dispel the cold around them, her presence a beacon of warmth in the dark forest.

The trio donned their cloaks and resumed their mission, their footsteps blending into the ambient noise of the night.

Elsewhere along the defense line, several Hyūga sentries stood vigilant. Their Byakugan activated, their piercing gaze swept across the area, covering a radius of one kilometer each. Together, the sentries created an overlapping network of vision, making infiltration seem impossible.

But in the ninja world, nothing is absolute.

Unbeknownst to the sentries, the ground beneath their feet began to ripple, as though disturbed by unseen forces. From the shifting earth, pale, gnarled hands emerged, stretching toward the unsuspecting guards.

"Who’s there!?" one of the Hyūga shouted, his Byakugan flaring in response.

Before he could react further, the white hands passed through his feet and melded into his body. His vision blurred, and his limbs grew heavy as if sinking into an invisible swamp.

One by one, the Hyūga sentries were silently overwhelmed. Their bodies were pulled into the earth, leaving behind no trace of struggle. The entire sequence happened so swiftly and silently that no signal was sent to the Konoha camp.

The seemingly impenetrable defense line was breached.

In the forest, Kakashi, Rin, and Obito moved in a V-formation, their senses heightened as they scanned their surroundings.

"Clan Leader Fugaku’s being overly cautious," Obito muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. "With the Hyūga Byakugan covering the area, there’s no way anyone could sneak past us."

Swish!

Before Obito could complain further, Kakashi appeared beside him, his expression stern.

"Quiet," Kakashi said flatly. "You’ll give away your position."

Obito rolled his eyes but complied, resuming his focus. As Kakashi vanished back into the shadows, Obito’s black eyes turned scarlet, his two-tomoe Sharingan spinning slowly.

Kakashi returned to his post, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness. Suddenly, the trunk of a nearby tree began to ripple, the surface shifting unnaturally.

A pair of pale white hands emerged from the tree, reaching toward him.

"Who’s there!?" Kakashi shouted, leaping into the air as his instincts kicked in. He spun mid-flight, hurling a volley of shuriken toward the source of the disturbance.

“Ding! Ding! Ding!”

The shuriken embedded themselves in the tree, but the figure that had attacked him was gone.

"Kakashi, what happened?" Rin and Obito appeared beside him, their eyes darting around for any sign of the enemy.

Kakashi frowned, his gaze fixed on the tree. "Someone’s here. They just attacked me."

Obito activated his Sharingan fully, scanning the area for chakra signatures. "I don’t see anyone," he said, his tone skeptical.

Before Kakashi could respond, the area around them exploded in smoke, the thick cloud enveloping them instantly.

"A smoke bomb?" Kakashi muttered, his grip tightening on his blade.

"Protect Rin!" Obito shouted, his Sharingan picking up faint chakra signatures within the smoke. He gritted his teeth and charged forward, kunai in hand.

"Obito, wait!" Kakashi called out, but it was too late. Obito had already disappeared into the haze.

Kakashi cursed under his breath, torn between chasing after Obito and staying to protect Rin. "Rin, send the signal!" he commanded, glancing at her briefly.

Rin nodded, then took out a flare from her arms. In front of her, Kakashi drew his sword and looked extremely alert.

At this moment, the ground beneath the feet of the two people began to ripple like water waves, and a white hand once again stretched out from it