"Another one?" Hiashi Hyuga asked with a furrowed brow. "Are there still that many available jōnin left in the village?"
Given Konoha's situation after the failed invasion, available shinobi were scarce. Many jōnin had been dispatched to support reconstruction efforts or diplomatic missions. Specialized jutsu like Yamato's Mokuton were invaluable in rebuilding infrastructure, often replacing the work of dozens.
Before Might Guy could respond, he sensed a sharp chakra fluctuation.
"Hold that thought," he said, pocketing the last of the medical supplies. With a blur of motion, he was back in the fray.
Using Taijutsu alone, Guy danced between the Iron Sand attacks of the Third Kazekage puppet. The magnetized projectiles—deadly and laced with poison—whirled around the battlefield. But Guy, with his unmatched speed and evasive reflexes, kept pressure on Sasori's core.
Watching from a distance, Mizuki exhaled as he passed Yuhi Kurenai to Hyuga Ko for further care. He hadn't expected Guy's movements to be so clean against Sasori, who was known for making even seasoned jōnin hesitate.
"This guy... like a full-sized Rock Lee," Mizuki muttered. "If Lee could beat Gaara, this would be the match."
"Should we assist?" Mizuki asked Hiashi, who was still regaining his chakra.
"No. Guy has the upper hand, and we still have backup en route. Hold the line."
Mizuki nodded. "Should we try to detain the one with explosives? Deidara may have retreated, but we could catch up."
Hiashi shook his head. "It's too risky. That boy's from Akatsuki. There's likely backup nearby, and we can't afford another ambush."
Mizuki had to agree. The memory of Jūzō (Jūzō Biwa) and others falling to Akatsuki tactics lingered. Besides, if Zetsu was nearby, the terrain itself could betray them.
Returning to Yuhi's side, Mizuki checked her vitals. Hyuga Ko looked up.
"Stable. No further spreading of poison. But there's severe trauma... she might survive, but recovery will be long."
Just then, a shadow appeared behind Mizuki.
"How's Kurenai?" It was Sarutobi Asuma, visibly winded from his journey, one arm still bandaged.
Mizuki gestured to Kurenai. "She's alive, for now. Holding on."
Asuma's clenched jaw said more than his words. His hand landed heavily on Mizuki's shoulder.
"Careful," Mizuki winced. "Red Sand Scorpion clipped me earlier. That spot's still sore."
"Sorry," Asuma muttered, then sighed. "That was your medicine?"
Mizuki nodded. "My own formulation. But it has side effects. Permanent ones, if she doesn't respond well."
Asuma didn't argue. He knew better than most what war medicine cost.
"Thanks," he said softly.
"She's lucky you made it," Mizuki replied. "Now go help Guy before he gets bored."
Asuma nodded and vanished in a burst of chakra. Mizuki returned to monitoring Kurenai.
--On the Battlefield--
Guy, still using only the First Gate, kept pushing Sasori back. But Sasori was adapting, deploying finer Iron Sand dispersal techniques that slowed Guy's momentum.
Suddenly, a burst of chakra exploded behind Sasori. Asuma appeared mid-jump, releasing Ash Pile Burning (Hien), engulfing Sasori in superheated ash.
Sasori immediately reacted, shielding with Iron Sand—but the ash ignited on contact.
"Nice timing," Guy said. "Ready to finish this?"
"Let's hurry. Our people are down."
With chakra blades drawn and glowing with wind nature transformation, Asuma lunged. The Iron Sand couldn't block the enhanced trench knives. Sasori was forced into retreat, abandoning offense to shield his core.
In that moment, Guy dropped low and swept Sasori's legs. A normal ninja would've been crippled—but Sasori's puppet body let him twist away. Still, he lost footing.
"Should we retreat?" Sasori hissed inwardly. Too much resistance... and Deidara failed.
With a flick of his fingers, he activated the Sand Iron World Method—his ultimate area denial technique. A storm of iron needles rained across the terrain, forcing Guy and Asuma to leap back.
When the dust settled, Sasori was gone.
"Should we pursue?" Asuma asked.
Guy shook his head. "No. He planned that exit. Let's regroup."
Back at camp, Mizuki was wrapping Yuhi's wounds again.
"How is she?" Asuma asked, lighting a cigarette.
"Alive. But unless Lady Tsunade returns, I'm not sure we can save her chakra channels. Her career might be over."
Asuma nodded solemnly.
"There's a plan in motion," he said. "Jiraiya's looking for her. Hokage succession's up in the air. The elders want Danzo... but if Tsunade agrees..."
Mizuki frowned. "Danzo was the one who sent you and Guy, right?"
Asuma nodded. "Insisted on it."
Mizuki's gaze lingered on the Iron Sand still embedded in the trees. "Let's hope he didn't send us here to die."
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