Chapter 12

"Damn, this Anomaly Containment Facility actually exists?"

"Then that means the content within the light curtain is true? This world really has been invaded by anomalies?"

"No way, why are your reaction speeds so slow? Shouldn't you have figured this out the moment the Plague Doctor appeared?"

At the same time, the Five Kage Villages and various nations all began investigating this faction, dispatching personnel to locate the Anomaly Containment Facility.

If they could find someone who could become a friend, that would be best; but if friendship was impossible, then they must devote their full strength to destroying him, even if it meant launching another Great Ninja War.

At that moment, two individuals who had approached Zabuza suddenly produced kunai from their hands and instantly slew both Zabuza and his companion.

The remaining few members tightly surrounded the Plague Doctor, who looked at the several people encircling him without escape.

The Plague Doctor shrugged helplessly:

"Oh my, there's no need for this; I'll go with you."

Hearing the Plague Doctor's reply, the few members nodded, and after disposing of Zabuza and his companion's corpses, they prepared to leave with the Plague Doctor.

After taking two steps, the Plague Doctor suddenly halted, turned around, and took one look at Naruto.

Subsequently, the Plague Doctor followed the Containment Facility group, leaving this place without looking back.

Everyone witnessing this scene now had huge question marks floating above their heads.

He just left like that? Without even a shred of resistance?

"What the hell? This guy was just taken away? He didn't resist at all?"

"He looked so terrifying when he killed Zabuza just now, so why is he being so gentle with these people?"

"If I'd known it would be like this, I would have gone to find this Plague Doctor first; keeping him by my side would be like having a natural bodyguard!"

"Wait, did you forget one thing? That Plague Doctor only acts kindly toward those he senses are free of plague."

"I'd bet anything that if you had gone, Zabuza's fate would have become your own."

At this moment, amidst the scene, Naruto stood dumbfounded in place, gazing in the direction where the Plague Doctor had departed.

Just then, Kakashi walked over to Naruto's side and gently patted his head.

"There will always be people stronger than you or me in this world; that is the way of the ninja. If you feel unwilling to accept it, just learn from this lesson next time."

Seeing the different expression emerge in Naruto's eyes, Kakashi knew that, deep in his heart, Naruto had already begun to regard the Plague Doctor as a comrade.

Naruto's heart now held a desire to protect bonds and an acknowledgment of comrades; this was the finest growth Naruto had achieved on his path of maturity.

Afterwards, Kakashi turned his head to look at Sasuke beside him, noticing that Sasuke's gaze had also clearly changed.

It seemed this mission had yielded a very good result.

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