Naruto: Troublesome Ninja Haruta

Chapter 105 – What Kind of Monster Is This?!

"All right, everyone's here. Let's begin."

Rain Country, inside the tower.

Pain's calm voice echoed as the various projected figures appeared around him.

"Again? Another meeting?"

Kisame grumbled, clearly annoyed.

Even Sasori gave a slight nod in agreement. Meetings had been piling up lately.

Sure, technically the last one was months ago, about Orochimaru and Iwagakure. But to them, it felt like it had just happened.

They were battle-hardened shinobi. They had killed countless enemies, crushed endless opponents—too many to keep track of.

They had won so often, they'd become numb to victory.

But one humiliating defeat?

That, they would never forget.

Just like Kisame, who still had nightmares—dreams of being dominated by a green blur, dreams of being shattered mentally by a mere "Konoha genin."

They couldn't forget the incident in Iwagakure.

They had been crushed by a kid who could wield Wood Release.

Especially Sasori—from Sunagakure, to Grass Country, and finally Earth Country—he had clashed with Haruta multiple times...

And lost. Every. Single. Time.

No wonder it felt like the last meeting was just yesterday, and like just last night he'd been schooled again.

"There's a lot going on this time. Some of it's about recruitment, and some concerns the Rain Country."

Pain didn't care much about their complaints. He continued, his tone flat.

"Hanzo is dead. I need someone to take over the Rain Country. If not, at least recommend someone. This place is our stronghold, after all."

Hanzo was gone, but the nation still needed to be run. Without someone competent at the helm, the whole region could fall apart.

Sure, the Rain Daimyo still existed—but with Hanzo in power, the daimyo had never been anything more than a glorified piggy bank.

Now, with Hanzo gone, Pain's head was pounding. He seriously needed help.

He had actually considered speaking to Sasori and Orochimaru.

Sasori was nearly made Kazekage. Orochimaru nearly became the Fourth Hokage.

Two "almost Kage" right here—why not let them handle things?

But Pain didn't want to ask directly. Sasori had his own projects. Orochimaru had built his own village.

So he settled for second-best—find someone else capable of keeping the Rain strong.

"Recommendations, huh?"

Orochimaru tilted his head, intrigued. He had just joined recently and didn't mind lending a hand.

"I can think of a few candidates. I've got plenty of loyal followers."

"I can help too."

Sasori chimed in, expressionless.

Running a village wasn't his thing—otherwise, he would have become Kazekage. But offering names? That he could do.

"But now I'm curious—who are you targeting this time?"

Sasori had suffered too many losses. In his mind, unless Pain himself got serious, no one in the Akatsuki could handle Haruta.

Wood Release alone was terrifying. And Haruta's combat instincts... beyond comprehension.

"Yeah, now I'm curious too."

Even Black Zetsu, usually uninvolved, raised an eyebrow.

They had just brought in Orochimaru—now someone new?

"Can you tell us who it is?"

"Not yet. It's still uncertain if we'll even succeed."

Pain shook his head. He wasn't ready to reveal his plan to recruit Haruta.

"This mission might get complicated. Orochimaru, I want you to be prepared."

"I understand."

Orochimaru nodded, though he frowned slightly.

"I still have some unfinished business. Wouldn't it be too early to move now?"

"We may not get another chance."

Pain's tone was resolute.

"Consider it a test. Even if we don't succeed, we can at least plant a seed. With someone like him, force isn't the way."

Orochimaru glanced at Nagato, then nodded again.

He knew Haruta was exceptionally clever. And clever people are often confident—sometimes too confident in their own judgment.

But that also made them susceptible...

If you could plant just one seed of doubt, everything else would follow.

"One more thing. Kisame, I'll need you for this mission."

Pain turned to him again.

"We're heading to the Hidden Mist. We'll need your help."

"The Mist, huh?"

Kisame instantly perked up. That was his old turf—going back there? He was wide awake now!

But he couldn't help wondering... were they planning to recruit one of his old comrades?

"All this secrecy, and you still haven't told us who it is."

Sasori sighed.

"And it's Kirigakure, no less... Count me out."

"Good. That place is boring anyway."

Kakuzu chuckled.

"But according to reliable intel, Haruta is heading to Kirigakure too. No idea what that kid's planning.

But if we go there, we might end up crossing paths again."

"Haruta..."

Sasori's eyes narrowed, and Kisame's expression twisted in disbelief.

What the hell was wrong with that kid?!

Why did he keep showing up everywhere?!

"Kirigakure? Haruta?"

Even Black Zetsu was stunned.

What kind of cursed magnet is this brat?!

"WHAT?! Haruta's in the Hidden Mist?!"

Meanwhile, inside a dark office in Kirigakure, Uchiha Obito stared in shock.

He never expected that name.

"Yeah, he's definitely there," Black Zetsu nodded, looking both troubled and relieved.

"If I hadn't gone to that meeting, we wouldn't have known.

Looks like Konoha already knew where you were all along. Everything they've been doing was just misdirection."

Only now did Black Zetsu piece together what was really going on.

The wanted posters... the "leaks"...

All of it was a ruse.

Under normal circumstances, Konoha didn't even have any detailed information on Obito at that time. He hadn't shown his face, and there were no solid leads.

There was no reason to issue a wanted order based purely on Haruta's one-sided claims.

But as it turned out—Obito really was Obito. Haruta's judgment was spot on. And considering how much damage Obito had caused Konoha, issuing a bounty was more than justified.

So at the time, no one thought much of it. Only now, in hindsight, did they realize the truth—they'd been played!

"You're saying... they did it on purpose?"

Obito finally snapped to realization, his tone furious.

"They used the Flying Thunder God seal on me to track my position and then deliberately misled us—so they could secretly open a path into Kirigakure and investigate me?!"

Took you long enough to figure it out, Black Zetsu thought to himself, silently judging. Still, he nodded.

It was obvious—Konoha had that exact plan in mind. And worse, they actually pulled it off.

"Those damn bastards, how dare they sneak into my Kirigakure?!"

Obito had no clue what Black Zetsu was thinking. He was utterly enraged now.

His eyes were murderous—it was clear that dangerous thoughts were already forming.

Konoha was Haruta's territory. There, Obito couldn't touch him. But Kirigakure? That was his playground. Even the Mizukage was just a pawn to him!

If Haruta dared to set foot here, then he sure as hell wouldn't let the bastard leave in one piece.

But very quickly, that surge of confidence vanished.

"Flying Thunder God Technique…"

Obito clenched his fists tightly. That damn jutsu was basically cheating. Haruta might not be able to appear and vanish without a trace—but he could definitely disappear at will!

Trying to kill someone like that? Even with teammates, it was still nearly impossible.

"Actually, I have a thought," Black Zetsu said, reading Obito's mind with ease. Honestly, he looked down on Obito a bit—wasn't Kamui a cheat technique, too?

But now wasn't the time for mockery. They had a bigger problem—Haruta.

"Do you remember? The people from Sunagakure are on their way here."

"So what?" Obito frowned, unsure of what Black Zetsu was getting at.

Black Zetsu chuckled. "Konoha and Iwagakure made you their scapegoat. So why not return the favor—make Haruta and Konoha the scapegoats instead?"

"…You mean—" Obito's eyes lit up.

Black Zetsu smiled sinisterly. "There are still factions within the village. That group under Genji—remember how deep their grudge against the Fourth Mizukage runs?

And this visit from Suna? We never told Genji's people.

So what do you think will happen… if the Suna delegation just so happens to bump into the Konoha delegation?

And if Genji's men 'coincidentally' receive intel about it?"

What would happen?

Obviously, they'd make a move—together.

Suna and Konoha were allies, but Genji's faction? They didn't care. They'd attack regardless of friend or foe.

Haruta's team might escape unharmed, but the same couldn't be said for the Suna delegation.

And once people started dying, Obito could exploit the situation—use it to pressure Genji and frame Haruta for everything.

No need to fabricate excuses—Suna came for negotiations. Haruta suspected them of betrayal and struck first.

Even if Genji's people wanted to deny involvement, they'd be forced to help cover it up.

"Besides," Black Zetsu added, grinning, "even if Genji's entire faction dies, that's still a win.

We'll just say Haruta helped eliminate some 'internal threats.' Isn't that perfect?

After all… in the end, everything will fall on Haruta."

Obito's eyes gleamed with dark excitement. He'd figured it out. This time, I'm gonna win big.

"Have White Zetsu mobilize! Track down Haruta's current location!" he barked.

"I want Genji's people ready to move out the moment I give the word!"

"Understood," Black Zetsu nodded with a smirk. Obito's performance this time was… actually not bad.

Obito turned his eyes to the window, the corners of his mouth twitching with anticipation.

A scapegoat? You think only I get to be one?

No way—you're coming with me.

---

"Sunagakure?" Haruta's comment made Yugao pause, then glance at him thoughtfully.

"Someone familiar?"

"Yeah. It's Pakura. I recognize her chakra signature."

Haruta nodded, though he looked puzzled himself.

Jiraiya and Kakashi exchanged surprised glances. What were Suna-nin doing in a place like this?

It had been years, but they hadn't forgotten—Haruta had once exposed a secret collusion between Suna and Kiri.

He didn't just expose it—he blew it all up, forcing Suna into a corner. In the end, they'd had no choice but to cling tighter to Konoha.

Frankly speaking, Haruta had made a lot of enemies with that move. But the ones who truly hated him were only Suna and Kiri.

Konoha, on the other hand, had been delighted. Even Pakura, who'd nearly been abandoned by her own village, probably felt secretly grateful.

So now, after everything… why was Suna coming to meet with Kiri again?

And why was it Pakura of all people?

"So… what's our move?" Tenzo asked after a moment. He didn't even look at Jiraiya—he went straight to Haruta.

"Do we meet them? Or…"

He dragged a finger across his neck meaningfully. Kill them to silence them.

Didn't matter what secrets Kiri and Suna were hiding. The best outcome for Konoha was a submissive, cooperative Kirigakure.

And in Tenzo's eyes, a Suna that had been bullied and suppressed by Kiri? That was a good ally.

"Hey hey hey, don't go overboard!" Kakashi glared at Tenzo. This guy was only acting out because Haruta was here to back him up, huh?

He was already thinking about how to rein Tenzo in once they got back.

"I say we just pretend we didn't see anything," Jiraiya sighed, rubbing his temples. This whole trip had been one disaster after another.

"Let's not stir up trouble if we can help it."

"That might be a bit too late," Haruta replied with a carefree shrug, eyes narrowing slightly.

"They've already spotted us."

In the next second, several figures swiftly approached, moving with ninja-level agility despite their lack of Suna uniforms.

In just moments, they'd surrounded all key positions.

Pakura and her team walked toward them—and with each step, her pace slowed.

"You… it's you!"

Pakura stared at the group in disbelief, freezing as soon as she recognized Haruta's unmasked face.

A flood of memories crashed down on her, dredging up the past in painful detail.

Truth be told, she didn't really hate Haruta. Even though she knew he had used her…

It was through that manipulation that she'd uncovered Suna's dirty secrets—and it had even saved her life.

And now, of all places, she ran into him here?

How awkward could it get?

"Lady Pakura, long time no see," Haruta greeted her with a smile, paying no mind to the Suna shinobi surrounding them.

"It's been years, but you're as radiant as ever. Though I must admit, meeting you here of all places is quite the surprise."

"…We…" Pakura hesitated, lips pressed into a tight line. Running into Konoha's people—especially Haruta—was a terrible omen.

But the ninja beside her, Baki, had no such hesitation. He stepped forward with a scowl.

"Konoha shinobi? You're awfully bold. What are you doing here?"

"This is the kind of idiot Suna's sending out now?" Haruta arched a brow.

Of course, he recognized Baki. But right now, the guy was just a nobody.

Sure, he'd grow into a fine shinobi—a mentor to Gaara and a core figure in Suna—but for now?

Just a so-called genius with a lot of growing left to do.

"You—!"

Baki choked on his own rage, but Haruta didn't let up, smiling coldly.

"We're bold? And what about you?

Disguised, sneaking around in a foreign land—was this a covert op? Or were you hoping to avoid us while cozying up to Kirigakure?"

"As allies, we're sorely disappointed. This kind of sneaky behavior could lead to consequences—for all of us.

And negotiating behind our backs?"

Haruta's tone turned icy.

"That's a betrayal of alliance principles. You didn't even think to notify us.

A village that flip-flops like this… what a marvelously unreliable partner you are."

Baki's face went dark, and even Jiraiya and Kakashi looked grim.

Damn it, Haruta—do you have to make everything sound like an official indictment?

Was he planning to do what Tenzo suggested—wipe them all out?

"Baki, shut up!" Pakura finally snapped, glaring at him before turning her gaze to Haruta.

That bastard—he had no right to act so smug. He'd brokered secret deals with Suna behind the Hokage's back!

But she couldn't say that. Some things were still classified. And even if they were leaked, they couldn't be spoken outright.

"Haruta… don't you think you've gone too far? Lord Jiraiya is right here. Isn't this a little inappropriate?"

Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward. He wasn't about to step in.

He knew exactly what was going on—and he wanted no part of it.

Let someone else be the leader this time…

"…Besides," Pakura continued, staring at Haruta…

"Sunagakure is your ally, but we are not your subordinates. We make our own decisions, and you have no right to question them!"

"And don't forget—you people made a promise: you wouldn't interfere in our internal affairs!"

Pakura's words were sharp and forceful, but Haruta couldn't help blinking in surprise.

He was genuinely a little taken aback—had Pakura really grown this much in just three years?

When he first met the so-called "Most Beautiful Back of the Desert," she had been strong, yes, but also naive. She didn't understand much about the shinobi world, and honestly, she had no clue she'd even been sold out—if Haruta hadn't stepped in to pull her out, she probably wouldn't be standing here today.

But now she could speak so firmly, so logically. She really had grown a lot.

"True, as allies, we shouldn't interfere too much in Sunagakure's affairs," Haruta nodded calmly.

But in the very next moment, his eyes flicked sideways—he glanced at Jiraiya, who was unusually silent, his head lowered.

Haruta could only chuckle helplessly.

"Well then, as allies… shouldn't you also fulfill your obligations?"

"What do you mean by that?" Pakura frowned.

She suddenly realized something was off—the surrounding ANBU had all grown alert.

Kakashi and Jiraiya also picked up on the change. Kakashi, in particular, sniffed the air, his expression darkening in an instant.

At that moment, Haruta suddenly let out a sigh and smiled.

"We're going to have to fight side by side now."

The words had barely left his mouth when, in the distance, countless black shadows began charging toward them at lightning speed!

And above them, a signal flare lit up the sky.

Pakura's expression turned grim.

So this is what being an "ally" means to you guys? Leading us straight into a trap?

"Damn… we've been discovered?" Jiraiya's face was unpleasant, and Yamato suddenly turned to glare at the Sand ninjas.

"It was you idiots, wasn't it?! Strolling in like you own the place and leading them right to us?!"

"You—!"

Pakura and Maki's group looked equally displeased, though Pakura managed to stay calm.

"Don't talk nonsense. Of course we reported our presence to Kirigakure."

"Maybe… but I'd wager that report didn't include everyone."

Haruta's smirk was especially irritating. He didn't mind fanning the flames a little.

"You skipped Konoha entirely—so naturally, you'd skip Kirigakure too. Especially since quite a few of their elite were wiped out in the Land of Wind. Even if we're here for peace talks, you think they'd broadcast that to everyone?"

"Bringing this many people with you... wasn't that just asking to be targeted?"

The Sand ninjas had no response. Even if they felt Haruta was being unreasonable, they had no real argument.

But Haruta wasn't finished. He looked straight at Pakura, his voice suddenly turning serious.

"Especially you, Lady Pakura. Don't forget so easily—just because this wasn't Sunagakure's plan doesn't mean Kirigakure wouldn't be very interested in you."

"Shut up!"

Pakura barked at him in a low voice, her heart in turmoil.

She didn't think Sunagakure had betrayed her this time... but could she trust Kirigakure not to?

She turned back to Haruta, eyes sharp. She didn't know what Kirigakure stood to gain from this, but she had to survive first.

"Now isn't the time for this. As allies, shouldn't we be cooperating?"

Gone was the earlier outrage—Pakura knew better than to dwell on blame now. Whether or not they were set up, staying alive was the top priority.

After all, she wasn't some clueless rookie anymore—she'd learned under Chiyo and Ebizō for years. Her mind worked fast, and even now, she managed to smile.

"You're here with us. If we die, who do you think everyone will blame?"

"…"

Haruta said nothing, but behind him, Jiraiya and Kakashi both widened their eyes.

What the hell?

Since when did allies start playing 5D chess against each other like this?

Where was the basic trust between comrades?

Haruta being shady was one thing—he was Danzo's protégé, after all.

But Pakura, the rising star of Sunagakure, was scheming just as hard?

"So then, for the sake of Konoha…" Pakura's smile didn't fade, "what do you plan to do?"

Haruta finally grinned.

He brought his hands together in a seal—his chakra surged like a tidal wave, his Level 10 chakra erupting with a terrifying roar.

The sheer pressure of it scattered the surrounding mist. Trees swayed.

"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"

"Water Release: Exploding Water Shockwave!"

At the same time, the Mist ninja surrounding them launched their own assault.

Countless water-style jutsu filled the battlefield—taking full advantage of the Water Country's natural terrain. The destructive force was overwhelming!

Shinobi often relied on environmental advantages—and nowhere was that truer than in the Land of Water.

Haruta remembered how even Kakashi had almost gotten wrecked during his fight with Zabuza in the Land of Waves.

Kakashi, one of Konoha's top jonin—the Number One Technician—should've had the upper hand in raw skill.

But in a water-style battle of attrition, Zabuza had nearly drowned him.

"Still… a battle of attrition means nothing to me."

As that thought passed through Haruta's mind, the ground beneath them began to tremble.

BOOM!

A massive earth wall erupted around Haruta and the others, shielding them from the raging wave of water-style jutsu!

"Now, think about it—what if I killed everyone here?"

Haruta turned to Pakura with a calm smile.

"Then no one would know we were ever here, right?"

"…"

Pakura's lips pressed into a thin line. The Sand ninjas all shifted warily.

"Hey, hey, hey—can we not joke about that right now?"

Jiraiya couldn't take it anymore. Haruta was great at everything—except acting normal.

Sure, killing everyone would keep the mission secret… but could he really pull it off?

Well… maybe.

Still, Jiraiya wasn't about to make that choice.

"We're allies. Let's just focus on breaking through. The longer we stay, the more enemies will show up."

"And we're packed way too tight—we have to split up."

As he said this, Jiraiya shot an annoyed glance at the massive Sand ninja force.

Sneaking in was one thing—but bringing this many people? Did they really think the crazies in Kirigakure wouldn't notice?

Still, Jiraiya sighed internally.

Every time he teamed up with Haruta, something weird happened.

And this time… they hadn't even reached Kirigakure yet—they were just in the Land of Water and already under siege.

With the mission ahead, he could already see how screwed they were going to be.

"Damn it… nothing good ever happens when I'm on a team with that guy."

---

"Such a massive Earth-style jutsu… whoever they are, they're not ordinary."

Back on the Kirigakure side, Ao muttered as he stared at the colossal earth wall.

Beside him stood a woman with emerald green eyes and long, crisscrossed auburn curls—Terumi Mei.

They had been assigned to patrol the Water Country coastline, per an order from Elder Genji.

Even if the order puzzled them, they didn't dare question it.

Especially after learning it came from the Mizukage himself.

Kirigakure's political system was unique. Besides the Mizukage, the village also had Elders with political power nearly equal to the Kage.

Genji was one such Elder—a man who supported the Mizukage's authority, yet stood against his extreme policies, and protected the shinobi beneath him.

In Kirigakure, Genji's influence was vast. Ao and Terumi Mei were two of his most loyal followers.

"You're right, they're not ordinary. But I'm more worried about something else."

Terumi Mei sighed. She'd studied under Genji from a young age, and she knew how to read between the lines.

"Mobilizing so many to eliminate a group of 'Konoha shinobi'… and all of them from our side? That old man…"

"Don't say it," Ao interrupted, sweat beading on his forehead. "Let's just follow orders—it's not our place to guess what's going on behind the scenes."

"We're just tools called shinobi. Let's do our job. At least… we still have Elder Genji."

"He's the only one who sees us as people instead of weapons," Terumi Mei said bitterly.

She shook her head and focused ahead.

"That Earth-style jutsu… and that chakra reaction… whoever that is, they're dangerous."

But she didn't get to finish her thought—suddenly, the ground rumbled.

The towering earth wall shattered—its fragments fusing together to form a massive dragon that rose high into the misty sky.

A colossal earth dragon, over 50 meters long, roared as it soared—its massive form obscured by fog, emanating an oppressive force that was impossible to describe.

"Is that…"

Both Terumi Mei and Ao froze.

It looked like Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon… but when was it ever that big?!

ROAAAR—!

The dragon charged toward them with terrifying speed.

"MOVE! NOW!"

Ao shouted before Terumi Mei could.

The Mist ninja, still stunned by what they were seeing, scrambled to dodge.

Right now, they had only one regret:

Why the hell do we only have two legs?!

BOOOOM!

The earth shook violently. Mist mixed with dust, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

When the shock finally settled, the Mist ninjas looked up—

A massive crater had been left where the dragon struck.

Even if the crater was quickly filled by their own water jutsu, the image had been burned into their minds forever.

"What the hell… is that thing?"

Terumi Mei whispered, eyes wide.

Such a terrifying Earth-style jutsu—it made her wonder if a top-tier Iwagakure shinobi had snuck in.

"Watch out—they're trying to escape!"

On the sidelines, Ao had already activated his Byakugan, and his gaze was firmly locked on the movements of the intruders.

"We can't let them escape so easily. Reinforcements are on the way—we have to stall them until then!"

Mei Terumi hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, but soon enough, she nodded sharply and shouted her command:

"Everyone, prepare for battle! Don't let them get away!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Her voice, amplified by chakra, rang out across the battlefield like thunder. The moment the Mist shinobi heard it, they all responded in unison.

The Hidden Mist—these were among the most disciplined and battle-hardened shinobi in the entire ninja world!

Perhaps it was the cruelty of the Bloody Mist policies that stripped away their humanity and left behind nothing but abstract resolve. During the Third Great Ninja War, they committed countless atrocities on the land of Whirlpools.

But even so, it couldn't be denied—they almost never lost their nerve in battle. Even at death's door, they'd grit their teeth and see the mission through.

Maybe that was the mold that shaped the future Kimimaro. And as for Kisame? He was practically the embodiment of Mist's unshakable shinobi code.

Even now, despite the sheer absurdity of what they were facing, the Mist shinobi hardened their hearts and lunged forward—not just to stall the enemy…

But to kill them.

"Bunch of lunatics," Jiraiya muttered, glancing back just in time to see the Mist army thundering toward them like a tidal wave. His face twisted into an ugly grimace.

What made him even more annoyed? The damn Sand shinobi had no intention of splitting up! They stuck to Konoha's forces like glue, clearly planning to ride their coattails to safety.

"Hey! Didn't we agree to split up? There's no way we're escaping if you keep doing this!"

Yamato didn't hold back, glaring at the Sand shinobi in frustration. Kakashi, too, had had enough. He glared daggers at them, ignoring the so-called "alliance."

"We're allies, remember? That means we stick together, live or die."

Pakura let out a faint scoff. She knew better than anyone how terrifying Haruta was. This guy once led a squad deep into the Wind Country alone to wreak havoc in Suna's backyard. He was no ordinary shinobi.

Even if that Uchiha bastard wasn't here, Haruta alone was more than enough to tip the scales.

Not to mention… the Leaf had Jiraiya! With powerhouses like that, only a fool would suggest splitting up now.

Still, her eyes remained on Haruta. That Earth Style technique from earlier—it had stirred something deep in her memory, reminding her of painful moments from the past. And this time… it felt even stronger.

"What kind of monster are you, really…?"

Pakura sighed inwardly, but just as quickly, her eyes turned resolute again.

"Since you're that strong… and even though this whole thing might've been an accident…"

"We're not getting out of here—but neither are you!"

Buzz—

Just as she steeled herself, a sudden ripple of chakra exploded ahead of them. The air trembled with violent energy, making every hair on their bodies stand on end.

Haruta frowned slightly. In his sensory range, a group of powerful presences was approaching rapidly.

And unlike the Mist shinobi chasing behind them, these newcomers were far more dangerous—and eerily familiar.

"Orochimaru, Sasori, Kakuzu… and Konan? They're already here?"

Haruta narrowed his eyes. He wasn't surprised. After all, he'd deliberately leaked their location to Kakuzu himself.

He'd always been that kind of guy—if you're going to stir the pot, stir it hard enough to boil over.

Sure, this wasn't part of the original plan… but it wasn't out of line with his expectations either.

If you're playing big, you have to be ready for anything.

"Everyone… I've got some bad news."

As he spoke, Haruta began gathering chakra with both hands, his voice low and steady.

"My hunch was right. The Akatsuki's here. They're just up ahead."

"Akatsuki?!"

The Sand shinobi looked at each other in confusion—they'd never even heard of this group.

But Jiraiya and Kakashi? Their faces turned stone-cold.

This Mist operation was turning into a living nightmare.

"Looks like we'll need to go all out… or no one's making it out alive."

Haruta's voice was calm, even casual. He formed a hand seal with one hand.

RUMBLE—!

The ground shook violently as thick vines burst from the earth, twisting and coiling together—until a colossal wooden dragon's head emerged, snarling and majestic.

Haruta slowed to a stop, leapt up, and landed smoothly atop the dragon's skull. He raised his head and gazed at the skies.

ROARRRR—!

The dragon bellowed, then burst out of the earth and soared skyward, its massive body cutting through the clouds like a divine beast.

"What in the world…?"

Pakura stood frozen in place, staring in shock.

She wasn't alone.

Every single Sand shinobi around her was speechless. They were glad someone like Haruta was on their side… but deep down, they were just as terrified.

Because this "ally" was something far beyond what they could ever understand.

And just then, a lone figure appeared in the sky above.

Silhouetted against the sun, his features were hard to make out. But even so, a sense of sheer dread washed over everyone.

Especially Jiraiya.

He stared at the blurry figure, his eyes widening, haunted by a pair of familiar eyes echoing in his mind.

"…Is that you, Nagato?"

"No… no, this feels more like Yahiko…"

---

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