It took some time, but Rasa finally emerged from the collapsing tunnel. The figures of Saitama and others had already become distant shadows.
He let out a cold snort but didn't give up the pursuit. Glancing back, he noticed several subordinates who'd escaped with him were close behind.
"You return to the village and initiate Alert Level One. Also, go request Elder Chiyo's presence to take charge of the situation. I'm going ahead to pursue the enemy. Bring reinforcements and follow me later—I'll leave chakra markers along the way!"
After issuing these orders, Rasa shot forward immediately, leaving his subordinates standing there exchanging confused glances. They exchanged glances, still stunned by the chaos they'd just escaped.
...
This place was a forest located in the River Country—a nation sandwiched between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. Known for its thriving commerce and strong economy, it leaned politically toward the Land of Fire.
"Commander, you're getting promoted after this mission, right?"
The squad marching forward consisted of four members, all wearing Animal Masks—obviously Anbu ninja.
The speaker was a tall man, the squad's second strongest attacker, and also one of the most promising candidates to succeed Shisui as team leader once he got promoted.
"Task period, don't bring that up," Shisui casually cut off the conversation without turning his head, keeping his eyes fixed ahead.
"Oh, understood!" The ninja called Sakan didn't mind at all. Having worked under Shisui for so long, he knew exactly what kind of person his commander was.
Shisui liked action, disliked unnecessary chatter, and even more so disliked chatty subordinates.
"This mission was directly issued by The Fourth Hokage himself. If we do well, it benefits everyone. Also, judging from the mission details, it didn't seem too dangerous."
At the forefront, Shisui led the group with three subordinates following closely behind him in an inverted triangular formation.
"Understood!" They all responded in unison, loud and clear.
"We're currently at the border between River Country and Wind Country. At our current pace, we should reach Sunagakure Village within half a day! Everyone stay sharp!"
Shisui's voice remained calm and composed. Regarding execution of missions, he had already mastered the role of a leader quite skillfully.
Before accepting this mission, Namikaze Minato, considering both humanitarian concerns and possible enemy encounters, briefly explained the full context and background to both him and Kakashi.
Therefore, even before setting out, Shisui already understood the unique nature of this mission.
Based on the Fourth's description, characteristics of the enemy had also been deeply memorized.
Moreover, Shisui felt something strange—a peculiar feeling, as if this mission had been arranged specifically for him by Heaven itself.
He had a feeling that someone extraordinary was destined to cross his path on this mission—as if fate itself had arranged it.
Of course, he kept this vague feeling to himself, burying it deep within.
Meanwhile, he maintained his vigilance.
People usually don't end up in situations like this unless something's seriously wrong.
The team went quiet, broken only by bits of idle chat now and then.
The entire squad was led by Shisui, a Jonin of Konoha. The remaining three were elite Chunin: one specialized in Ninja Weapon Throwing, also known as the "pay-to-win style"; another was an elite Chakra Sensor with precise control, responsible for scouting and basic medical duties; the last was Sakan, who followed the physical martial path. It was said he trained under Duy for many years during his childhood.
...
Rasa was far from weak. Especially when the battlefield shifted to the desert, even several opponents of similar strength would struggle to handle him.
That's exactly why he felt bold enough to go after Saitama and the others solo.
No way two nobodies like Saitama and Sasori could match his strength, right?
Rasa wouldn't dare think that way. A Kage-level ninja could already become a major force in any village. Who would willingly form a team just to come to this godforsaken place?
In his vision, Rasa saw among the three retreating figures, one had stopped while the other two kept running ahead.
Was this enemy confident or just arrogant? Narrowing his eyes, Rasa increased his speed.
Closing in fast, Rasa prepared to take out the enemy holding back before resuming the chase to save Gaara.
Sunagakure couldn't risk losing the One-Tail. At least at this stage, they needed the power of the beast to deter enemies and buy time for the village to recover.
Black iron sand gathered around him midair. Rasa could now clearly see the enemy's face.
A youthful, striking face. His hair wasn't long, but there was a special lock of bangs deliberately grown longer on his right forehead, fluttering slightly in the breeze.
His posture was upright too. The black cloaks with red clouds he wore looked unlike anything from any organization Rasa knew.
Stopping dozens of meters away from Saitama, Rasa sensed something unusual—the enemy appeared full of energy and confidence, suggesting even if he could win, it wouldn't be easy.
Looking further behind the enemy, Rasa saw Gaara wrapped by a tail swinging back and forth through the air, getting farther away gradually.
"Who exactly are you!" Rasa spoke coldly, staring at Saitama. Black iron sand continuously formed around him as magnetism lifted him slowly into the air, standing atop the floating black sands.
He folded his arms—patience was key now. His gaze lingered deeply toward the direction Gaara disappeared—he prayed reinforcements would get here faster.
"It's been a long time, Kazekage-sama!" Saitama showed an amused expression. A smile spread across his face, as if greeting an old friend, yet his hands remained casually tucked inside both pockets of his trench coat.
"Oh? Who are you..." Frowning, Rasa observed Saitama's youthful appearance, certain he didn't recognize this enemy.
"Several years ago on the battlefield, I watched from afar your battle with Orochimaru—it was amazing!"
Instead of answering Rasa's question, Saitama kept talking casually.
"You are... one of Konoha's ninja?" Rasa considered a possibility, his expression darkening as his right hand clenched tightly.
"Used to be. Not anymore." Saitama pulled his hand out of his pocket and shrugged nonchalantly with palms upturned.
"I wonder whose technique is stronger—your [Magnet Release] or my [Lightning Release]?"
A dangerous aura began radiating from Saitama as blue-white Lightning danced across his body, electric arcs crackling continuously on the surface of his clothing.
"I see..." Rasa narrowed his eyes while darkness started spreading from the corners of his eyelids. The Iron Sand around him began shifting restlessly.
He sensed real danger from this opponent and knew he couldn't afford to slip up. He adjusted his attitude accordingly and became serious.
Hope backup arrives soon. If Gaara gets taken further away, he'll probably become impossible to find!
If that happens, the One-Tail will slip out of Sunagakure's grasp for good!
Saitama said nothing, just kept his lips tight as he raised his head to watch the floating Rasa while consciously increasing the thickness and intensity of the electrical currents surging over his body.
This was going to be a fierce battle—at least, that's how Saitama saw it. Facing an experienced Kage-level expert like Rasa—who had territorial advantage—he needed to stay especially cautious!
A gust of wind swept between them, kicking up golden sand that shimmered red under the setting sun.
They were already far from Sunagakure Village. For now, there was no need to worry about incoming reinforcements!
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