Three ANBU members were swiftly moving through the forest, heading toward where Natsuhiko and Kusunoki were located.
As ANBU, they naturally had their own tracking methods.
When they realized that Sasori hadn't pursued them and had instead headed north, they immediately prepared to provide support and changed direction toward this area.
They accelerated the whole way, but deep inside they were filled with unease.
The enemy they had encountered this time was simply too terrifying—so terrifying that they didn't even believe they could return alive.
Especially now. Although they could still move normally, they knew very well that poison had already entered their bodies.
And just moments ago, the toxin inside them had suddenly begun to erupt wildly. They knew this was most likely Sasori's doing.
If they hadn't been relatively far away and suppressing it with chakra the entire time, they would probably already be dead.
They didn't have many choices left. Perhaps returning to Konoha would be best—maybe the Medical Department could detoxify them.
But they didn't dare.
As ANBU, they had to ensure the mission was completed successfully.
Especially now, when the mission had reached its most critical stage.
If they dared to abandon it and retreat, the punishment awaiting them would likely be no better than dying from poison.
"How's the Commander's situation, Hunter Beetle?" one ANBU asked while speeding forward. "And what about White Fang?"
"White Fang's fine, but the Commander…" The ANBU codenamed Hunter Beetle gritted his teeth. "They've run into serious trouble. Nightingale is fighting right now, but…"
He didn't finish the sentence, but it was easy to imagine the situation wasn't good.
After all, the Commander and Nightingale were facing a monstrously powerful opponent—very likely the one who assassinated the Third Kazekage!
Against such a foe, perhaps only Lord Orochimaru or the Hokage themselves could stand a chance in a solo fight. For ordinary Anbu, the only options were to strike in overwhelming numbers or flee for their lives.
Save the talk," another ANBU sighed helplessly before saying seriously, "Let's hurry. White Fang has already left with one target—that's enough. We must complete our mission."
"Yes." Hunter Beetle and the other immediately nodded.
But just as their words fell—
All three suddenly looked toward the distance in shock.
That was where the Commander and Nightingale were.
An unimaginable surge of chakra had just erupted there!
The earth began trembling violently, and a massive shadow spread across the forest.
Amid the vast cloud of smoke, a gigantic lizard—huge as a mountain—stood in the distance, its terrifying aura spreading in all directions.
"Wh-what is that?"
The three ANBU trembled. The overwhelming presence filled them with fear.
That monster-like lizard was far too large. In their memory, only the summoned beasts of the Three Sannin were comparable in size.
Not only them—even Sasori was stunned. He hadn't expected this young Konoha ANBU brat to possess such a trump card.
Looking at the enormous lizard, Sasori frowned. It was the first time he had seen a summoned beast like this.
The lizard's entire body was a pure deep earthy yellow. Three black markings ran from its head down to its tail, giving it an imposing appearance.
Around its neck hung a necklace made of five enormous jet-black prayer beads.
Its limbs were much longer and sturdier than those of ordinary lizards, yet it didn't appear clumsy—rather, it radiated power and agility.
The giant lizard let out a roar. Its large amber eyes swept across the forest before locking onto Natsuhiko, who stood atop its head.
"It's you?" Lizardmaru said in a deep voice. "Why have you summoned me?"
Lizardmaru looked somewhat unwilling, but he didn't complain in the slightest.
That was simply his personality. Otherwise, he wouldn't have guarded Kubisaki Castle for so many years just because of a promise.
Natsuhiko was his contractor. Even if he was displeased, he would not voice any complaints. He would faithfully fulfill the obligations between a summoning beast and its contractor.
"I need you to cover my retreat," Natsuhiko said quickly.
His gaze swept over Sasori before settling on Kusunoki.
"You just need to hold him off for now. Protect yourself. Once I've retreated far enough, you can return."
"Is that all?" Lizardmaru glanced at Natsuhiko, somewhat surprised.
The task Natsuhiko had given him wasn't difficult—one could even say it was the easiest mission he had received since forming a contract with Kubisaki Kōza.
Back then, after Kubisaki Kōza signed the contract with him, the enemies he faced were always groups of powerful ninja—dangerous beyond imagination.
And when Kubisaki Kōza was close to death, he had even left him with the task of guarding Kubisaki Castle, making it impossible for him to leave.
Now, suddenly receiving such a simple assignment truly surprised him.
"I understand." Shaking his head lightly, Lizardmaru said seriously, "Leave it to me. Be careful."
"Mm. I'm counting on you." Natsuhiko nodded, then leapt down from Lizardmaru's body.
Lizardmaru was enormous, but fortunately he retained the traits of a lizard and crouched half-close to the ground, making it easier for Natsuhiko to jump down.
If this guy walked upright like that lizard-like creature called Godzilla from movies in Natsuhiko's previous life, he wouldn't have dared jump so casually.
Sasori noticed Natsuhiko's movement and immediately manipulated the Third Kazekage puppet to fly toward him.
However, Lizardmaru suddenly turned his massive head. His two enormous eyes, each the size of a bathtub, stared unblinkingly at the tiny figure before him.
His cheeks bulged rhythmically, as if preparing to strike at any moment. A tangible pressure crashed down like a tidal wave.
Whoosh!
Without warning, Lizardmaru launched an attack.
His gigantic tongue shot out like lightning, lashing forward as if swatting a fly, directly toward the Third Kazekage puppet.
Perhaps it was instinct as a lizard, or perhaps he was faithfully carrying out his agreement with Natsuhiko.
The sudden move caught Sasori off guard. But when he realized that after striking the puppet, the lizard's tongue curled as if trying to swallow it whole, Sasori's expression changed slightly.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, the Third Kazekage puppet suddenly released a large amount of black sand. The sand rapidly separated it from Lizardmaru's tongue.
Lizardmaru's tongue coiled fiercely, but he found he couldn't touch the "little fly" at all. Moreover, the black sand triggered his instinctive sense of danger.
So he simply withdrew his tongue, allowing the little fly to return to its place.
Sasori recalled the puppet, but there was no joy in his heart.
He stared at the massive lizard before him, and after a long moment, he finally spoke:
"This just became… more interesting."