Chapter 164: We Will Surely Return Alive
However, the moment he turned around, an unexpected figure appeared before him.
The person wore the robes of the Akatsuki Organization and a mask on their face, radiating a powerful aura.
Deidara came to a sudden halt, a flicker of terror in his eyes. "You... who are you?!"
The mysterious person did not answer Deidara's question, but instead slowly extended a hand, palm aimed at Deidara.
Deidara could only feel a massive force condensing; he wanted to dodge, but found himself completely unable to move.
In the next instant, a massive impact struck him. Deidara was sent flying, crashing heavily into a distant rock, rendered unable to move again.
"To dare show off such meager skills before Konohagakure... how overconfident." The mysterious person slowly withdrew his hand, his voice low and raspy as if echoing from hell itself.
Kurotsuchi watched this sudden mystery man, her heart filled with shock and doubt. She didn't know who he was or why he was here, but regardless, he had done her a huge favor.
Meanwhile, inside Konohagakure, things were also in a state of chaos.
Because of the outbreak of the Fourth Great Ninja War, almost all the Ninjas had mobilized to support the battlefield.
The number of Ninjas left behind in the Village had plummeted, causing the Village's defensive power to weaken significantly.
Recently, reports of sightings of suspected fearsome Ninjas had been trickling into the Village, making the atmosphere even more tense.
As a standout among the younger generation, Konohamaru Sarutobi knew well that he bore the heavy responsibility of protecting the Village.
He was determined to step up, leading the remaining Ninjas to strengthen the Village's defenses and ensure the safety of Hokage-sama's home—Konohagakure.
However, as Konohamaru ran around the Village calling for everyone to stay alert and bolster defenses, he encountered some unexpected difficulties.
The mothers in the Village looked at Konohamaru's youthful face with hearts full of doubt and mistrust.
They didn't take Konohamaru's words seriously, believing he was just a child who couldn't possibly shoulder the burden of protecting the Village.
"Oh, Konohamaru, you're still young; this isn't something you should worry about." One mother patted Konohamaru on the head, her tone a mix of doting and dismissal. "Better leave it to us adults to handle."
Naruto and Killer B moved rapidly, trying to leave this troubled area as quickly as possible.
However, just as they were about to burst out of the chaotic zone, two familiar figures blocked their path.
It was the Raikage and Tsunade.
"Naruto, Killer B, where do you think you're going?" The Raikage's voice was low and commanding, his eyes revealing a hint of displeasure and worry.
Naruto frowned; he hadn't expected the Raikage and Tsunade to appear at this time.
"Raikage-sama, Lady Tsunade, we're going to the battlefield to help," Naruto said. "The Village's forces are insufficient right now; we must do our part."
However, the Raikage shook his head. "No, Naruto. You cannot leave this place. The current battlefield is too dangerous, and you don't have enough strength to deal with it yet."
A look of determination flashed in Naruto's eyes. "Raikage-sama, I understand your concern. But I must go. I am a Konoha Ninja, and I have a responsibility to protect my comrades and my Village."
The Raikage's gaze turned stern. "Naruto, if you persist in leaving, then don't blame me for being blunt. Even if I have to sacrifice my own life, I will not let you walk into danger."
With that, a powerful aura radiated from the Raikage, as if he were ready to strike at any moment.
Just then, Killer B stepped forward.
He stood between Naruto and the Raikage, looking at the Raikage with a steady gaze. "Raikage-sama, you can't do this. Naruto has his own choice, and we should respect it."
The Raikage frowned, looking at Killer B as if looking at a naive child. "Killer B, move aside. This is between me and Naruto."
However, Killer B did not back down. "Raikage-sama, I won't move. If you really want to lay a hand on Naruto, you'll have to get through me first."
A flash of anger crossed the Raikage's eyes, and he swung a fist at Killer B.
Killer B showed no weakness either, meeting the punch with one of his own.
The two fists collided, erupting in a massive wave of power.
However, after their fists met, Killer B looked at the Raikage with a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Raikage-sama, why? Even now, do you still not understand my feelings?"
The Raikage froze, looking at Killer B as if seeing himself from many years ago.
Back then, when they first met, Killer B had looked at him with the same gaze—full of determination and unyielding spirit.
The Raikage took a deep breath as if recalling those memories.
"You guy..." the Raikage's voice was low and raspy, his eyes showing a hint of wavering.
But just then, Tsunade stepped forward. "Raikage, let them go. Naruto and Killer B both have their own convictions; that is something we should respect."
The Raikage was stunned, looking at Tsunade with a flash of incomprehension in his eyes.
Tsunade continued, "Naruto and Killer B are Ninjas of our Allied Forces; they have their own missions and responsibilities. We should trust them, not restrain them."
The Raikage clenched his fists, knowing deep down that Tsunade was right.
But as the Raikage, he had the responsibility to protect his Village and comrades... However, when he looked at Naruto and Killer B again, he saw the resolve and determination in their eyes.
"Fine..." The Raikage took a deep breath and said slowly, "Go then. But you must be careful, and you must return alive."
Naruto and Killer B smiled at each other, knowing they had gained the Raikage's approval.
"Don't worry, Raikage-sama, we will definitely return alive," Naruto said with a firm tone.
Killer B also nodded. "As long as I have Big Brother's words about 'unable to abandon,' I won't be defeated by Madara."
A flash of sorrow passed through Naruto's eyes, but it was overshadowed by determination. "I carry the future my parents entrusted to me back then; I cannot fail their expectations."
With that, Naruto and Killer B turned and left, knowing their comrades were waiting for them on the battlefield.
The Raikage and Tsunade watched their departing figures, their eyes filled with both hope and worry.
Night fell, and on the battlefield, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist seemed to blend into the darkness, vanishing without a trace.
Byakuya stood on the position, brow furrowed, his gaze searching the surroundings for any potential threats.
The prolonged battle had left the Sealing Team exhausted; their Chakra was nearly depleted. If this continued, they might not be able to maintain the Sealing Jutsu.
Byakuya knew this well, and he turned to look at Matsuri beside him.
"Matsuri, it's up to you now." Byakuya's voice was low and steady. "Please perform the 'Root' Sealing Jutsu; we need your power."
Loving Book So Far Check Out Complete Book In Advanced At Pa Treon:
patreon.com/FicTonic1