"Now is not the time to celebrate," Naruto said in a low, steady voice, his expression turning serious.
He glanced behind him briefly before continuing, his tone firm and calculated.
"Fortunately, we're still within Konoha's territory. This place isn't far from the village. As long as we maintain distance and don't slow down, those guys won't dare launch a reckless attack."
Even as he spoke, however, Naruto knew this advantage wouldn't last forever.
They had bought time—but not safety.
"Good morning, my baby!"
At that exact moment, the four members of the Sound Four realized something was wrong.
Their expressions shifted instantly.
"Jirobo! What are you doing?!" Tayuya snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.
Jirobo blinked, clearly confused. "Huh? What happened?"
"Damn it!" Tayuya cursed. "We've been tricked! This is their doing—move! We're going after them!"
"Right!"
Without hesitation, the Sound Four leapt forward.
After a brief rest and chakra recovery, their speed surged back to peak condition. Like predators locking onto prey, they rapidly closed the distance between themselves and Naruto's group.
Meanwhile, Naruto carried the large wooden barrel containing Sasuke on his back.
What had once been an advantage had now turned into a burden.
"Damn it… they're catching up fast," Naruto muttered, his brows knitting together.
Shino adjusted his glasses calmly.
"These opponents… will not be easy to deal with."
Naruto nodded once.
"Shino."
"Understood."
Without further words, Shino stepped back slightly, raising both hands.
"Secret Technique: Parasite Insect Stealth!"
Buzz—buzz—buzz—
In an instant, countless kikaichū insects poured out like a dark tide, spreading rapidly across the forest behind them. The swarm expanded outward, forming a massive black cloud that blanketed the sky and ground, creating a living barrier.
The air itself seemed to tremble under the weight of their presence.
"Hm?"
Kidōmaru tilted his head slightly, watching the approaching swarm with interest.
"So… this is the Aburame clan's insect technique from Konoha?"
A smirk spread across his face.
"Too bad… insects don't do well against spider webs."
He raised his hand.
"Secret Technique: Spider Web!"
With a flick of his wrist, countless strands of sticky chakra-infused web shot outward, spreading like a net across the battlefield.
The result was immediate.
Large numbers of kikaichū became trapped, immobilized within the adhesive threads.
"What?!"
Shino's usually calm demeanor cracked for a brief moment.
"A technique that transforms chakra into spider webs…"
His mind raced.
This opponent… is a natural counter to me.
But—
"Do not underestimate me."
Raising his hand again, Shino issued another command.
The remaining kikaichū responded instantly, pushing forward relentlessly. Some sacrificed themselves to break through the webs, while others maneuvered carefully, slipping through gaps and continuing their advance.
Kidōmaru chuckled.
"Pointless."
"Spider Web: Expansion!"
This time, a massive web spread outward, far larger and denser than before.
The advancing insects slowed drastically.
Many were trapped.
Others hesitated, unable to find a safe path forward.
"Nice work," Sakon commented with a grin.
Jirobo cracked his knuckles.
"Trying to fool me earlier? Let me return the favor."
He slammed both hands onto the ground.
"Earth Release: Earth Mausoleum!"
The ground shook violently.
A massive chunk of earth tore free, rising into the air like a small mountain. Without hesitation, Jirobo hurled the enormous mass toward Naruto and his group.
Ino gasped.
"What kind of strength is that?!"
Even Naruto frowned.
The technique itself wasn't overly complex—but the sheer scale made it dangerous.
If it hit directly, none of them would escape unscathed.
Hinata could potentially block it with her Gentle Fist… but she would definitely be injured in the process.
No choice.
Naruto dropped the wooden barrel to the ground.
In a single fluid motion, he formed hand seals and drew the Kusanagi sword from his back.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Blade!"
A powerful surge of chakra flowed into the blade.
In an instant, the sword extended with compressed wind chakra, forming a massive invisible edge.
Naruto swung.
ROAR—
A giant blade of wind shot forward, slicing through the incoming earth mass.
BOOM!
The massive mound split cleanly in half, crashing down on either side of the group with thunderous force.
"What?!"
Jirobo's eyes widened.
"He cut it… in one strike?!"
The Sound Four exchanged glances.
"Uzumaki Naruto…"
They all knew that name.
The one who had defeated Kabuto.
The one who had repeatedly disrupted Orochimaru's plans.
Just a blond brat on the surface—
But in reality?
A dangerous enemy.
However, that delay had cost Naruto's group dearly.
Their escape route was gone.
Naruto exhaled slowly.
"Looks like running won't be easy anymore…"
He clenched his fist.
"Then we fight."
Hinata, Ino, and Shino nodded in unison.
"Right!"
The Sound Four began assigning targets.
Kidōmaru smirked. "I'll take the insect user."
Tayuya crossed her arms. "Then I'll deal with the Byakugan girl."
Sakon grinned. "Uzumaki Naruto is mine."
But Jirobo shook his head.
"No. I'll handle Naruto."
Sakon frowned. "What? You think you're the strongest among us?"
Jirobo snorted.
"No. He's the strongest one here."
"I just want to crush him myself."
Before they could continue—
Naruto stepped forward.
His expression was calm… but his eyes burned with determination.
He crossed his arms.
"You don't get to choose."
Everyone froze.
Naruto's voice rang out clearly.
"If anyone's making the choice… it's us."
He paused.
Then smiled.
"Actually…"
"Why choose at all?"
"I'll fight all four of you."
Silence.
Even his teammates were stunned.
"N-Naruto-kun… what did you just say?"
"Hey! This isn't the time to show off!"
"Don't be reckless!"
The Sound Four erupted in anger.
Tayuya spat, "Arrogant brat! Who do you think you are?!"
Naruto ignored them completely.
Instead, he turned to his teammates.
"Hinata. Ino. Shino."
His voice softened slightly—but remained firm.
"I'm not showing off."
"Our mission is to rescue Sasuke."
He glanced at the wooden barrel.
"We've already secured him."
"Now the priority is to return to the village as quickly as possible."
The three of them froze.
They understood.
Naruto continued:
"You take Sasuke and go."
"I'll stay behind… and hold them off."
A heavy silence followed.
The meaning behind his words was clear.
He wasn't just volunteering to fight.
He was preparing to face all four enemies alone—
To ensure their escape.
Hinata clenched her fists.
Ino bit her lip.
Shino adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable—but his silence spoke volumes.
They all knew what this meant.
Naruto was putting everything on the line.
Naruto smiled faintly.
"Don't worry."
"I won't lose."
But deep down—
Even he knew.
This would be the toughest battle yet.
The wind stirred through the forest.
The tension reached its peak.
And in that moment—
The battle lines were drawn.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)