Boom!!
A huge explosion sound erupted as the shockwave generated by the collision of the two men's fists sent sand and mud flying in all directions. The ground beneath their feet gradually began to crack, unable to withstand the tremendous force.
Fourth Generation A felt the power transmitted from his arm, and the originally relaxed and indifferent expression on his face turned somewhat serious.
Bang!!
Caught off guard, Fourth Generation A couldn't withstand Mutsuki's punch and was forcefully knocked back more than ten meters by the immense power.
"Such strength and speed... Could he be a hidden expert from Sand?" Fourth Generation A murmured with a slight frown.
The Hidden Cloud members who had rushed over happened to witness the scene of Fourth Generation A being repelled by Mutsuki's punch.
Killer B saw his elder brother being pushed back more than ten meters by a single punch, his eyes widened and mouth agape in disbelief.
"My big brother actually lost in a Taijutsu clash?" Killer B rubbed his eyes, feeling like he had fallen into a Genjutsu.
This was his big brother, the son of the Third Raikage, who had mastered the incredibly powerful Lightning Release Chakra Mode and was already designated as the next Raikage.
"Everyone, be careful, this guy's Chakra is very strong!"
With Mutsuki not using Transparent World to hide himself, Motomu also sensed the overwhelming Chakra emanating from Mutsuki.
"You all go first, I'll come find you later." Mutsuki quickly said to Obito and the others.
Given Obito and the others' current strength, fighting on the same battlefield as him would be too dangerous. Mutsuki decided to split the battlefield in two, intercepting the opponents that Obito and the others couldn't defeat even at their best, leaving the rest for them to handle. If Obito and the others couldn't successfully defeat their opponents, Mutsuki would then go all out and lead them in a retreat.
"Sensei, I want to fight alongside you." Due to Fourth Generation A's initial performance, Obito realized that this enemy was not simple, and he didn't want Mutsuki to face such a strong enemy alone.
"Yeah, how can the hot-blooded spirit of youth retreat!" Guy said resolutely, wanting to fight alongside Mutsuki as well.
Although Kakashi didn't say anything, he silently drew the White Fang short blade from his back, ready to fight at any moment.
Mutsuki patted their heads and smiled, saying, "I'm glad you feel this way, but this isn't about avoiding the fight or retreating; it's about strategy."
"This enemy is very strong, and it will be difficult for me to take care of you during the battle. I will hold back most of the enemies, but some might pursue you, which will also relieve some of my pressure."
"Everyone, listen up. The mission has only one objective: it's not to eliminate the enemy, nor to gather intelligence, but to survive!"
Mutsuki said with a serious and stern expression.
Just as Mutsuki was making the next arrangements with his disciples, Fourth Generation A stopped Bakuri, who had drawn his sword and wanted to rush forward.
"This person is very strong, none of you are a match for him. Let me and B handle this." Fourth Generation A dusted off his clothes and spoke dominantly.
Bakuri obediently stopped. Although he was older than Fourth Generation A, the latter's strength and status far surpassed his own.
"Don't worry about me. Although the enemy is strong, I am no weakling," Mutsuki said, patting Obito's shoulder with a gentle smile.
"Let's go, we'll only be a burden to Sensei if we stay here," Kakashi said calmly.
The enemy's speed was terrifying. If they were caught and used to threaten Mutsuki during the battle, it would be troublesome for him.
Obito was not indecisive; he was just a bit stubborn. He quickly realized he might become a burden to Mutsuki, silently prayed for Mutsuki, and then ran towards the forest with Kakashi and Guy.
They might become a weakness for Mutsuki if they stayed here. On the contrary, leaving could attract some of the enemy's firepower and reduce the pressure on Mutsuki.
"Get stronger, I must get stronger. Next time, I will not have to turn my back on Yumi-sensei so disgracefully," Obito muttered with clenched fists, full of unwillingness.
Mutsuki had taken him in as a disciple and carefully taught him, despite his reputation as the worst student. Because of Mutsuki's guidance, Obito had revised his training plan, which helped him win first place in the youth Ninjutsu competition, allowing him to stand on equal footing with Kakashi for the first time.
When his training wasn't going well, Mutsuki never blamed him but patiently comforted and encouraged him, enabling him to surpass himself repeatedly. Eventually, Obito went from being the worst student to ranking first in the Ninja Academy, making even Kakashi, the once-unreachable genius, within his grasp, with the goal of surpassing him close at hand.
Such a kind sensei, yet now, facing a strong enemy, he could only be a burden. Obito was truly unwilling.
At that moment, he longed for strength more than ever. He hated himself for not using all his time for training. If he had, maybe he could have helped Yumi-sensei more.
Guy's usual optimism was gone, and his expressive eyes were now filled with uncontrollable tears.
"If... if my Eight Inner Gates could open the eighth gate, if my Breathing Technique could reach the Mark level, I could definitely help Yumi-sensei defeat these enemies!" $Guy hated his own powerlessness.
The more he thought of his warm daily life with Mutsuki, the more his heart ached at this moment.
Mutsuki's smile while he was gobbling down food, Mutsuki's sincere praise when his Breathing Technique improved, and the words of trust still echoing in his ears—all turned into sharp blades stabbing into his body, stimulating his nerves.
Bang!
While running, Guy couldn't help but punch a nearby tree, his immense strength causing it to break.
"Maybe I really do bring misfortune, just as they say," Kakashi muttered with a somewhat darkened expression.
That sensei who would counsel students when they were unhappy, who would quietly prepare a lavish breakfast in the morning, who would teach powerful Ninjutsu and Secret Jutsu without reservation, that mysterious, powerful, and always warmly smiling Mutsuki might have to sacrifice himself.
Kakashi was the most pessimistic among the three. If someone as strong as Yumi-sensei had given the order to just survive, it meant the enemy was truly formidable.
...
"Go after those few; don't let them escape," Fourth Generation A said to Bakuri as he watched Kakashi and the others run into the forest.
"Come with me," Bakuri called out to a Chunin.
Then, Fourth Generation A rubbed his fists and stepped forward, ready to engage Mutsuki again and prevent Mutsuki from critically injuring Bakuri.
"Tell me your name. With your strength, you shouldn't be an unknown person," Fourth Generation A said instead of attacking directly.
"Aizen," Mutsuki replied calmly.
He had used Transformation Jutsu to hide his identity, so there was no way he would give his real name.
"Aizen?" Fourth Generation A thought seriously for a moment but realized he had never heard of a strong person named Aizen.
"Earlier, I underestimated you, but it won't be the same next time," Fourth Generation A said, not dwelling on the name. He gathered his strength, ready to strike.
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