Black flames burned across the desert, obscuring everyone's vision.
Naruto looked at his father anxiously and said, "Sasuke went ahead to chase after Itachi. Itachi has appeared, but Sasuke hasn't returned yet."
"Father, I'm worried about Sasuke's safety."
Minato Namikaze nodded, "I'll go check."
With that, Minato disappeared in an instant, heading in the direction Itachi had come from.
At that moment, Sakura Haruno arrived in the distance with the injured Kakashi.
"Lady Tsunade," she called out.
"Naruto," she greeted him as well.
Tsunade glanced at Sakura and then at the Kakashi.
"How is Kakashi?"
"Forget it, I'll take a look myself," Tsunade said, stepping forward.
After inspecting Kakashi, she shook her head and said, "Four ribs are broken, there are multiple bruises on his body, and his internal organs are displaced. For now, it seems like his injuries are severe and he'll need to rest for a while."
Kakashi had taken a direct hit from Kisame's Great Shark Bullet Technique. Even though he countered with multiple Shadow Clone Raikiri, the damage was still too much for him in his current state.
Had Kisame not held back somewhat, Kakashi would likely have died from the attack.
However, aside from the internal organ displacement that required proper rest, injuries like fractures were now relatively easy for them to recover from, thanks to the waxing baths and potions from the magical world.
Sakura gasped, "Oh no, he's hurt so badly!"
In Sakura's view, ever since they had arrived in this world, there hadn't been any particularly strong enemies, and the ninjas had hardly suffered any injuries. To see someone hurt so badly by their own allies was shocking.
Sure enough, some evildoers, even when brought to this world by Lord Charles, remained wicked.
Tsunade shook her head, feeling that Sakura was overreacting—it was clear she still lacked experience.
Before long, Minato found the unconscious Sasuke lying near a sand dune, several dozen kilometers from the battle.
Carrying Sasuke on his back, Minato teleported directly back to Naruto using the Hiraishin Technique.
"I found Sasuke, but he's suffered significant mental trauma."
"Sasuke-kun!"
"Sasuke!"
Both Sakura and Naruto called out Sasuke's name, but the unconscious Sasuke didn't respond.
Tsunade glanced at Sasuke and remarked, "The Uchiha brat. Looks like he'll also need some time to recover."
She then turned to the group and said, "Let's retreat. This place is no longer safe to stay."
As she spoke, Tsunade looked up at the sky—referring to the satellites above.
Over the years, Tsunade had evidently come to understand a lot about Earth's advanced technology.
Minato nodded, "Naruto, you carry Sasuke. Let's move out."
Charles, seeing Tsunade and Minato arrive, knew the fun was over. Without lingering to watch, he returned directly to the base.
As soon as he arrived, Red Queen's voice echoed, "Master, you have several missed calls."
"Among them are calls from S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Hill, your secretary Shizuka, and David."
Hearing these names, Charles immediately realized it was likely related to the ninja battle in the desert, which must have drawn S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention.
He then instructed Red Queen to inform Shizuka and David that he had returned.
…
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters-
Nick Fury observed the sequence of events: the arrival of the Konoha ninja reinforcements, and the retreat of the Akatsuki members. He had refrained himself from authorizing the deployment of nuclear missiles.
His only disappointment was that no one seemed to have died in the skirmish—just two injured Konoha ninjas. As for the severity of their injuries, Fury could only hope they were serious enough to sow the seeds of enmity between the two sides.
Though, in his mind, this was the worst possible outcome.
Hill then reported, "Director, they've withdrawn."
Nick Fury nodded and gave his orders, "Record this incident in our files as Level 8 classified."
"Analyze the battle—catalog the jutsu used by each ninja and their destructive capabilities, and update their respective profiles accordingly."
"Measure the destruction caused by Naruto Uzumaki on-site and list him as a high-risk individual."
"Send Natasha to Mist Village to investigate the changes in Naruto Uzumaki and determine their cause."
Hill responded, "Yes, sir!"
With Fury's instructions issued, Hill immediately got to work.
…
Elsewhere-
Coulson's investigation into the Clairvoyant wasn't going well. His first mission had ended with an attack by a Death Warrior.
Senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Blake was severely injured, leaving Coulson with no choice but to return to headquarters with his team.
Blake was now on a ventilator, being wheeled off the plane by medical staff.
Ward looked at Blake on the stretcher and commented, "Good thing the medical team arrived at the scene in time."
May, however, shook her head, "He's in critical condition. I wouldn't call that lucky."
She turned to the group and said, "The Death Warrior is more dangerous than we imagined. Blake shot him six times, but it seemed to have no effect."
"He was wearing armor that protected most of his body, including his vital areas."
Coulson asked, "Any updates on Thomas Nash?"
May shook her head, "None. He's completely off the grid."
"The care center listed him as a patient, but it was just a front."
Garrett chimed in, "Nash is probably sitting on a beach in Bora Bora, fishing and laughing at us."
Coulson then voiced his doubts, "How did the Death Warrior know you and Agent Blake would be there? Why?"
Ward speculated, "Maybe it's the same reason he attacked Garrett's team."
'We're getting closer to the truth, and he wants us eliminated."
Hand interjected, "This shouldn't have happened. The backup team was supposed to act with Blake and May."
Garrett retorted, "That would've tipped off the Clairvoyant to our actions."
Hand countered, "It seems he still found out. This plan was flawed from the start."
Garrett shot back, "Don't say that. Hey, this plan was solid."
Hand refused to back down, "An agent got hurt because we weren't prepared. And stop calling me 'hey' like you're above everyone else."
Garrett explained, "Blake knew the risks. Any one of us could've been ambushed."
Coulson stepped in to defuse the tension, "The important thing is, Blake is still alive."
"And we now have a suspect: Thomas Nash."
Hand gave Coulson a pointed look before finding a way to step back, "I'll brief the field team inside."
"One more thing, Agent Coulson. When will Agent Simmons be ready to report?"
Coulson replied, "She's preparing now."
Hand nodded, "Good. If I'm sending more agents into harm's way, I need them to understand exactly what the Death Warrior is and what he's capable of."
With that, Hand turned and left.