Chapter 19

The shrill scream was especially piercing; Shou's body, because of the wire's locking and binding, stood there with his hands raised, continuously burning.

Even though Yuzhi had spent many years in Whirlpool Country, seeing this scene he couldn't help but frown.

But his expression remained relatively calm; in Whirlpool Country he had seen something even more horrific.

"If you can't adapt to this world, you'll only be eliminated by it."

Yuzhi thought to himself, then he pulled out a kunai and aimed directly at Shou's heart, throwing it.

The scream stopped abruptly; Yuzhi glanced over, confirmed the person was completely dead, then quickly headed back the way he came.

What he needs to do now is quickly find Akai and Aoba.

Roar—

Just then, a deafening roar suddenly echoed through the forest.

Immediately after, a powerful storm swept across a vast stretch of forest, countless trees were snapped at the trunk, and the ground trembled continuously at that moment.

The swiftly advancing Yuzhi almost lost his footing, but when he looked up he saw a sight that left him astonished.

All that could be seen was a gigantic pure-white beast, a fusion of dolphin and horse, letting out a long howl toward the sky, while facing it was a giant toad wielding a short blade and holding a pipe.

"Has it already come to this?"

Seeing these two colossal beings, Yuzhi couldn't help but feel his heart throb.

Even just watching from afar, he could sense the immense power contained within these two monster-like beings.

Such ferocious power could easily tear him to shreds!

Boom—

At the moment Yuzhi was feeling moved, these two massive creatures began to move.

Even a simple movement gave the illusion of earth shaking and mountains trembling, and their attacks caused the surrounding winds to howl!

The shockwave formed from that violent chakra and power was almost apocalyptic, filling people with despair.

"Is this the tailed beast, or the power of Minato Namikaze?"

Yuzhi immediately changed direction, absolutely not approaching that side, though his eyes couldn't help but stare at the two monsters.

The joy from just having slain Shou had been concealed by him; Shou was strong, but compared to these two monsters now, he was still far from enough.

"I still need to keep striving."

Watching the two monsters continuously fighting, Yuzhi took a deep breath and quickly adjusted his mindset.

He knew his current situation, so he didn't feel much discouragement.

Power is fundamentally accumulated step by step, not achieved overnight.

Moreover, his own growth is already somewhat 'simpler' than others', so he fundamentally doesn't need to feel discouraged.

However, at this moment a fire ignited within him, and he clearly knew what he needed to do.

He still needs to keep striving, so he can step out of the spectator stands and onto his own stage!

"Yuzhi!"

Just then, he suddenly heard someone calling him, and he instinctively turned his head, seeing Aoba and Akai quickly coming his way.

Although both of them were covered in dust and looked somewhat disheveled, Yuzhi felt relieved.

"You two okay?"

"No problem; those Rock Ninja, upon seeing the monsters emerge, immediately headed that way."

Hearing that reply, Yuzhi nodded.

With such a commotion, the Rock Village had only two options: either rush to support their jinchuriki.

Or flee immediately, just like Yuzhi; but it seems the Rock Village chose the first option.

But soon Yuzhi slightly furrowed his brows, as he suddenly thought of something.

Although the jinchuriki is strong, Minato Namikaze, who excels at Flying Thunder God and has mastered Seal Technique, should have been able to prevent things from reaching this point.

"So, what is his purpose in doing this"

"Can you still move?"

Yuzhi had a sudden flash of insight and immediately asked.

"I'm fine!"

Akai spoke first with a laugh, but that laugh tugged at his wound, while Aoba simply nodded to indicate he was okay.

"Since there's no problem, let's continue onward."

Seeing this, Yuzhi immediately sprinted forward; Akai and Aoba exchanged a glance, still somewhat confused.

But seeing Yuzhi act, they disregarded their own injuries and immediately followed him out.

"I know you're doubtful; I'll make it short—I think you should know what the mission's ultimate goal is."

Yuzhi maintained his speed, then lowered his voice to speak to the two beside him.

"Shin Wu Pi Bridge!"

Aoba spoke directly, though his gaze toward Yuzhi was somewhat complex.

Actually, he had also thought of this yesterday, but he never dared to confirm it; now it seems his guess is absolutely correct.

However, Yuzhi's actions from the very start, as well as his later escape direction, all align with this.

Could it be that Yuzhi knew this from the moment he received the mission?

"Exactly, it's the Shin Wu Pi Bridge."

Yuzhi lightly nodded, his expression turning solemn.

"Sorry, actually I already guessed our mission from the start."

But I also said before, the key to this mission is the Water Gate Jonin.

"So, to avoid leaking information, I didn't explain."

I understand, Yuzhi.

Aoba nodded to show understanding, but inside he felt, 'Truly worthy of Yuzhi.'

Akai didn't speak, but he had long believed in Yuzhi without doubt; whatever Yuzhi said, he would definitely do it!

The situation has changed now; although we're facing a jinchuriki, I think even a Jonin of the Water Gate wouldn't cause such a big commotion for such a secret mission.

Yuzhi continued speaking; although they had taken a detour, they were constantly approaching the big bridge.

Moreover, along the way, they also noticed many Rock Ninja rushing toward the big bridge.

So, I guess.

Are we deliberately luring the enemy so that Kakashi, and even us, can complete the mission smoothly?

Before Yuzhi's words even finished, Aoba immediately realized.

That's right; during your fight just now, the Rock Ninja went to support the tailed beast—this should be proof.

Yuzhi nodded, his gaze looking ahead; although the ground kept rumbling, he could still hear some sounds of battle.

Moreover, when we came over, we also saw many Rock Ninja rushing toward the big bridge, so our mission should also be adjusted.

When necessary, we need to personally go blow up the big bridge; are you ready?

Personally blow up the big bridge?

Hearing Yuzhi's words, Akai and Aoba couldn't help but exchange a glance, then all looked toward Yuzhi.

The two of them didn't speak, but there was not a trace of fear in their eyes; it was purely a determined emotion.

I think I understand now.

Seeing the two's expressions, Yuzhi couldn't help but smile and nod; afterward his expression turned solemn.

We've arrived, get ready for battle!

He stepped out of the forest, and a big bridge appeared before their eyes.

Moreover, in front of the big bridge, dozens of Rock Ninja had gathered there.

Kakashi's lightning in his hand kept flashing as they were locked in fierce combat; Yeyuan Lin stood behind him on guard, and they simply couldn't break through.

Yuzhi, you guys

And when the three of them arrived, everyone involuntarily stopped.

Kakashi quickly retreated, while Yeyuan Lin looked at them three in surprise.

Another three brats have come; are you folks from Leaf Village out of people?

The Rock Ninja looked at Yuzhi and his three companions; although there was a bit of commotion, they soon steadied, and one Rock Ninja coldly spoke up.

Yuzhi lightly nodded at Lin, then his gaze turned toward the Rock Ninja ahead.

Not long after, he suddenly showed a hint of a smile.

I don't know if there's no one, but the Rock Ninja I encountered earlier was far more humble than you; his name seems to be called Shou.

How could it be Shou? What happened to him?

Upon hearing the name Shou, the Rock Ninja side involuntarily stirred up a commotion, and one Rock Ninja couldn't help but ask.

Since I've appeared here, haven't I already explained everything?

Yuzhi's eyes had already turned crimson; he took a slight step forward.

Heh, he's already dead now.

(End of chapter)