Moreover, at the moment, Mizuki, as a in, definitely has superior strength pared to myself. In this regard, Naruto had a clear uanding. Despite what happened in the inal story where Naruto seemingly easily defeated Mizuki, it was only possible due to the power of multiple shadow es overwhelming him. In this situation, Naruto feels that Mizuki uimates him, giving him an opportunity to form hand seals. However, without using multiple shadow es, Naruto doesn't believe he has any advantage. Moreover, the current situation is signifitly different from the inal story. Mizuki is too close to Iruka, and if Naruto were to use multiple shadow es, he could seal Iruka's fate within those short two to three seds. Naruto doesn't want to take that risk; he'll get close enough for a lethal strike.
A glimmer of light shines in Naruto's azure eyes. He rotates his right hand slightly, and a kunai appears in his palm. Naruto exerts minimal force, suppressing and almost eliminating his presence. He moves toward Mizuki's back while the two figures in the field seem entirely focused on each other, unaware of Naruto's approach.
Mizuki takes a moment to his kunai, a cold smirk on his lips, his aura exuding chilling fidence. "Iruka, the ninja world isn't for you."
"Since we were once friends, allow me to send you on your way!" Mizuki's words are filled with murderous i, and his chilling aura intensifies. In the blink of an eye, he luowards Iruka.
In a split sed, Iruka's pupils tract, aempts to evade. However, the pain surging through his body momentarily freezes him, preventing a full ge of position. "Farewell, Iruka!" Mizuki decres as the kunai approaches Iruka's left chest.
Everything seems to freeze in the direct viity, time standing still. In that moment, a sensation of icy dread permeates Iruka's entire being, as if it were etched into his soul. In an instant, Iruka experiehe fear of death for the sed time at such cle. Memories fsh before his mind's eye, familiar faces, and a heartfelt apology.
"Father... Mother... I've e to join you..."
"Naruto, I'm sorry..."
No ce for rea, no possibility for evasion. The kunai is pierg directly towards Iruka's left chest, but then, as if defying fate, it swerves away at the st moment, making a shallow cut instead.
A sharp metallig echoes as the kunai meets resistance. A muffled boom follows, apanied by a familiar voice shouting, "Hah!"
The sight before Iruka is a golden figure, one he holds dear, Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto's face bears a mix of and worry as he stands between Iruka and Mizuki. His most cherished student, almost like a brother to him, has just saved his life.
"Ah, Naruto! What are you doing here? Hurry, get away! Mizuki deceived you; he's a traitor to the vilge! The sealing scroll he had you retrieve is the vilge's highest secret, only meant for the Hokage to see! Get baow; I'll handle Mizuki!" Iruka urges, struggling to support his injuries, his brow furrowed with pain. In the distance, Mizuki, still somewhat battered, is seeing up from the ground. His face torts into a menag expression, matched by the fresh bloodstains from his previous enter.
"Run!? Today, none of you will escape! You'll all die right here! I'll personally send you on your way!" Mizuki's voice rings with anger, and his malevolent aura grows stronger.
Oher side, having dispersed into the dirt, he pulls out a syringe from his pocket. Before the two react, he stabs it into his left arm and rapidly pushes the plunger. Ihan a sed, the green liquid ihe syriers Mizuki's arm, causing his body to swell, and his presence bees even more menag.
Iruka and Naruto exge worried gnces as they realize the gravity of the situation. Iruka knows he's in no dition to fight, his body riddled with small wounds. The wound inflicted by Mizuki is also painful and debilitating.
The battle? At this moment, Iruka barely move, and this realization fills him with dread. His expression turns even grimmer as he ptes the dire circumstances.
(End of this chapter)
