The situation was far worse than expected.
When Hayashi and Kushina arrived at the scene, all that remained on the sea surface were floating debris and swirling tides. Hayashi scanned the beach, but found no traces—though they might have been washed away by the waves. Fortunately, there was no smell of blood, which suggested that Nawaki might still be alive.
Meanwhile, four Hidden Mist ninjas, concealed beneath the water, exchanged subtle glances. After forming a few hand signs, three of them burst from the surface, charging toward Hayashi and Kushina.
The surging waves masked their movements, but by the time they fully emerged, Hayashi and Kushina finally noticed them. That brief hesitation was all Hayashi needed.
Chakra flared instantly. Moving in a straight line, enhanced by Lightning Release, Hayashi's speed nearly matched the Body Flicker Technique. In the next instant, he appeared beside the Kirigakure ninja who had just surfaced, smashing a fist imbued with Monstrous Strength down onto the enemy's neck.
The arm had been augmented with the Qilin Arm technique; the force and speed were perfect. Yet, the Kirigakure ninja dissolved into a puddle of water upon impact.
"Water Clone?"
Failing to land the blow, Hayashi immediately pulled back. Moments later, three water spears shot from the surface, piercing the exact spot where he had been.
After a series of flips, Hayashi landed lightly on the water's surface, just as a whistling sound erupted behind him. Two ninjas? His Sharingan spun rapidly, and in the nick of time, pale-blue Chidori energy surged around him.
Not stopping there, Hayashi crouched and thrust his hands into the water.
"Lightning Release: Senbonzakura."
Crackling currents flowed from his arms into the sea around him. The surrounding ten-meter area was suffused with Lightning Release, creating a paralyzing effect. Any ninja caught unprepared would immediately become stiffened.
The Kirigakure ninja before him fell exactly into that state. His hair bristled as his chakra was disrupted, and the buoyancy beneath his feet vanished. With a loud splash, he tumbled into the water. Seconds later, a stream of bubbles rose to the surface.
"Not going to save him?" Hayashi's eyes swept the remaining two. "Truly worthy of the Village Hidden in the Mist."
The two remaining ninjas scowled but dared not act rashly.
Suddenly, the whistling of chakra and Kushina's shouts erupted from nearby.
"It seems there are more than three Hidden Mist ninjas. Have they split into two groups?" Hayashi frowned. "Are they after the Nine-Tailed?"
Taking advantage of this moment of divided attention, one Kirigakure ninja accelerated, charging forward with Water Release. It wasn't a high-level technique; only when he was close did he form hand signs, summoning a sphere of water from the sea, quickly encasing Hayashi.
"Water Release: Water Prison Technique!"
A hint of smugness crossed the ninja's face, but it vanished immediately. Hayashi had already disappeared. Before the ninja could comprehend, a Kunai sliced cleanly through his head.
Two Jonin eliminated instantly—what kind of power was this?
The last ninja's shock froze him, leaving no time for thought. Hayashi was already charging again.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!" The ninja hastily performed hand signs, summoning a massive Water Dragon, nourished by the sea and several times larger than normal, roaring with destructive power.
Yet Hayashi's Sharingan granted him extraordinary dynamic vision. Dodging the attack effortlessly, he closed the distance. The ninja, desperate, performed hand signs again. The Water Dragon straightened and opened its massive mouth, spitting countless water bullets that flooded the surrounding sea.
Hayashi didn't resist head-on. Pulling back his chakra from his feet, he dove underwater. Once submerged, his chakra erupted, shooting him like an arrow at the Kirigakure ninja. Surrounded by water bullets, the ninja's vision was obstructed.
Hand signs formed swiftly. Bursting from the water, Hayashi's Chidori glowed brilliantly. The ninja, still staring at the Water Dragon, realized too late. The piercing bolt struck his heart.
With that, all three Jonin were defeated. The entire battle lasted less than two minutes.
Hayashi didn't linger. He rushed to Kushina's side. Judging from the previous fight, all opponents had been Jonin. Kushina, without relying on the Nine-Tailed, could only match an ordinary Jonin. Too many enemies would overwhelm her.
When Hayashi arrived, only one ninja remained. Kushina was enveloped in a bright red chakra cloak, a fox tail swaying in the wind. The Nine-Tailed's chakra had shielded her from serious injury, but her face betrayed weariness from overusing the beast's power.
"Go rest. Leave this to me," Hayashi said softly, stepping in front of her.
"…Okay," Kushina replied, relief washing over her. During the fight, she had been preparing to strike, but a Kirigakure ninja had ambushed her unexpectedly.
The last ninja narrowed his eyes at Hayashi. Lightning flash had arrived, and his three subordinates had been eliminated. Truly formidable.
He gripped his weapon, his expression cold. "I've decided. Before capturing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, I will hold a funeral for you first."