Kitazawa glanced at Neji. He could roughly guess what Neji was thinking.

This was indeed an oversight on his part. He had considered Naruto’s regrets, and Kakashi’s regrets, but not Neji’s.

It wasn’t that he had forgotten Neji—it was that, subconsciously, Kitazawa had never intended to go to Konoha Village.

Konoha Village was crowded and complicated. Entering it could very easily lead to unforeseeable consequences in the future.

But since Neji had already been brought here, it would be unreasonable not to help him.

Kitazawa fell into deep thought.

He could have had Minato take Neji back to Konoha Village. After all, Minato possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique.

“Kakashi, go tell the Rōran residents who saved you that we will soon meet the Queen of Rōran.”

Kitazawa thought for a moment, then said, “Their captured relatives will all return.”

Kakashi came back to his senses, said nothing further, and stood up to leave the room.

“Neji.” Kitazawa looked at him and asked, “Do you want to return to Konoha Village?”

“I can go back?” Neji was stunned.

Previously, Kitazawa had told them not to leave Rōran to avoid unnecessary consequences. After all, they were people from the future.

“You can go back, but anyone you talk to will have their memories sealed afterward,” Kitazawa explained.

“You know, they are people from the past and cannot retain memories of the future.”

Neji subconsciously nodded.

He was quiet and exceptionally mature, fully understanding the dangers of temporal interference without needing further explanation.

“I want to see my father.” After a long hesitation, Neji finally made his decision.

Kitazawa nodded.

“Just a visit. No need to disturb him.” Neji added.

Although Hyuga Hizashi was his father, he didn’t know him at all. And since any memories would be sealed afterward, it was better not to speak.

Kitazawa couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. What a rational and sensible child.

He realized that all of his students were like this—even Naruto, who usually appeared carefree, was remarkably reliable at crucial moments.

Not long after, Kakashi returned.

“Let’s go.” Kitazawa stood up and said.

Kakashi’s body stiffened, a surge of nervousness rising within him. The group quickly made their way back.

Thinking of Aburame Shibi, Kitazawa dispatched a Shadow Clone to inform him. They soon returned to the building where Minato and the others were staying.

“Mi… Minato-sensei.” Kakashi recognized Minato at a glance.

Though he was slightly younger than the Minato in his memories, their appearances were essentially identical.

Minato also recognized Kakashi immediately. Even though he had grown up, his defining traits remained unchanged—white hair and a mask.

But what had happened to that eye? The younger Kakashi, despite wearing a mask, had both eyes exposed.

Minato thought of a possibility and sighed inwardly. Still, being alive was the greatest fortune.

“Kakashi.” Minato smiled. “What an unexpected reunion.”

Seeing that familiar, sun-like smile, Kakashi felt his eyes grow warm.

After his father’s suicide, he had sunk into deep gloom. It was Minato’s warm smile—along with his two teammates—that had pulled him out of it.

Unfortunately, those days hadn’t lasted long.

Seeing this, Kitazawa didn’t interrupt. He led Uchiha Sasuke and the others into the house instead.

Naruto and the others were already resting, and Kitazawa instructed Sasuke’s group to rest as well.

The rooms were limited, so the three had to squeeze together. Fortunately, they were already accustomed to such conditions.

It was still far more comfortable than the tents they used during missions.

Kitazawa didn’t sleep. He still needed to discuss Neji’s matter with Minato.

While waiting, he practiced Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome of Magnificent Nothingness.

Inside the room, techniques like Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Camellia and Wood Release: Cutting Technique couldn’t be used.

Kitazawa didn’t conceal his Ice Release practice. The reason was simple. He could easily claim that his Ice Release was self-synthesized.

After all, if he could synthesize Wood Release, synthesizing Ice Release was even more believable.

Unfortunately, Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku couldn’t be explained this way—at least not yet.

They were special Bloodline Limits, theoretically impossible to obtain except through inheritance.

But Kitazawa focused on the word “temporarily.” Because there was another possibility—atavism.

Most Ninjas shared a common ancestor: the Sage of Six Paths, or more precisely, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.

Once Kitazawa’s strength became absolute, he could claim to have undergone atavism and display Bloodline Limits like Byakugan, Sharingan, or Shikotsumyaku.

Under normal circumstances, a single person possessing multiple Bloodline Limits was impossible.

Thus, aside from atavism, there would be no other explanation. And with Kitazawa’s strength, even if doubts arose, no one would dare voice them.

In the end, everything still came down to strength.

—

Time passed slowly.

A knock sounded at the door. Kitazawa stopped cultivating, walked over, and opened it.

Minato stood outside.

“Minato-senpai.” Kitazawa raised his hand slightly. “Please come in.”

“I’ve already spoken with Kakashi.” Minato sighed. “I didn’t expect him to have experienced so much.”

“War is always cruel.” Kitazawa paused. “Fortunately, the war ended thanks to your efforts, Minato-senpai.”

“With such an outcome, our sacrifices weren’t in vain.” Minato suddenly smiled.

“Let’s not dwell on it. After all, we haven’t experienced what you’re describing yet.”

Kitazawa nodded.

At this point in time, the Third Shinobi World War had not fully erupted.

Young Kakashi had yet to team up with Rin Nohara and Uchiha Obito. His participation in the Rōran mission was the result of his own recommendation to Minato.

“But knowing that the war ultimately ends in Konoha’s victory puts my mind at ease.” Minato poured two cups of tea. “Please.”

“Thank you.” Kitazawa took a sip.

“Minato-senpai, there’s something I’d like your help with.”

“Go ahead.” Minato held the teacup without drinking.

“It’s like this,” Kitazawa explained Neji’s situation and Hyuga Hizashi’s death.

“Something like that actually happened?” Minato frowned.

In his view, Konoha was clearly in the right, yet Hyuga Hizashi died as a substitute—it was utterly unreasonable.

Minato fell silent. Was he no longer alive when this occurred? If he had been, he would never have allowed it.

“I understand.” Minato nodded. “I’ll take Neji back to Konoha Village tomorrow.”

Hyuga Hizashi’s death was a debt Konoha owed Neji. And in a broader sense, it concerned Minato as well.

After all, he was destined to become the Fourth Hokage.

“So the meeting with the Queen of Rōran will be postponed until the day after tomorrow?” Kitazawa thought for a moment and asked.

“Mhm.” Minato reminded him, “But you must keep Anrokuzan under constant surveillance. If he makes any move, you don’t need to wait for me.”

“I understand.” Kitazawa nodded, then thought of something else and added, “Why don’t you bring Naruto along as well?”

“Naruto?” Minato was startled. “I’ve already talked to him enough.”

“Not just you,” Kitazawa replied meaningfully.

Minato’s body stiffened subconsciously.

His heart fluttered. He picked up the tea and drank it in one go. Although Kitazawa didn’t say it outright, Minato already understood.

He was referring to Uzumaki Kushina.

“I see. You should rest first. We’ll meet again tomorrow.” Minato stood up and said.

The door closed.

The night passed quietly, and in the blink of an eye, a new day arrived.

After breakfast, Minato left with Naruto and Neji.

“Kakashi.” Aburame Shibi withdrew his gaze and asked, “Are you heading to the Rōran Royal Palace? I can take you there.”

“No.” Kakashi shook his head.

“Why?” Aburame Shibi looked surprised.

“There’s nothing meaningful to say,” Kakashi replied calmly. “Letting him know too much will only bring him trouble. Besides, he’s a person from the past—his memories will be sealed anyway.”

“That’s true.” Aburame Shibi glanced at Kakashi’s concealed eye and suddenly understood.

Kakashi simply didn’t want to reopen old wounds. Some memories were painful enough to think about—speaking them aloud would be torture.

“Shibi-senpai.” Kitazawa changed the subject. “Since we have some time, why don’t you teach Shino?”

“That works.” Aburame Shibi smiled. “Teaching my son Secret Techniques ahead of time is quite a novel experience.”

With that, he went to find Aburame Shino.

“I’ll go teach Sasuke as well.” Kakashi steadied himself and said. He needed something to occupy his mind.

“Mhm.” Kitazawa nodded.

He wasn’t idle either, guiding Hinata and Kimimaro at the same time while cultivating… in Konoha Village.

“The Flying Thunder God Technique is really convenient!” Naruto exclaimed in admiration.

“When you grow up, you can try learning the Flying Thunder God Technique too,” Minato said with a smile.

“Then I’ll ask Kitazawa-sensei to teach me!” Naruto nodded without thinking.

In his perception, Kitazawa knew everything—including the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Minato wanted to say something, but stopped.

He had wanted to say that Kitazawa didn’t know the Flying Thunder God Technique—but on second thought, he held back.

He could see how much Naruto respected Kitazawa.

Minato reached out and patted Naruto’s head. If he were still alive, that respect should have belonged to him.

But he felt no jealousy—only gratitude. Without Kitazawa, Naruto’s childhood would undoubtedly have been far lonelier.

“Neji.” Minato thought for a moment and said, “I’ll have a Shadow Clone take you to the Hyuga Clan.”

“Mhm,” Neji replied absentmindedly.

Seeing this, Minato didn’t know what to say. He formed hand seals and created a Shadow Clone.

“Naruto, come with me.” Minato placed a hand on Naruto’s shoulder and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Naruto felt his body sway. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself inside an unfamiliar living room.

“Minato? Why are you back so early? Who is this?” A young woman with long red hair walked out mid-sentence.

She stopped abruptly. Because she saw Naruto. An indescribable sense of intimacy surged in her heart.

Naruto froze in place as well. He instantly guessed who the red-haired woman was. His emotions surged, and his eyes grew moist.

“Kushina.” Minato stepped forward and briefly explained Naruto’s origin to her in a low voice.

“You’re joking, right?” Uzumaki Kushina looked at him in disbelief.

“Don’t you feel it?” Minato reminded her. “He has a familiar chakra signature.”

Kushina immediately expanded her perception—and felt as though she’d been struck by lightning.

The Nine-Tails.

It was impossible for two Nine-Tails to exist at the same time.

The only explanation was that Naruto had come from the future—and carried the future Nine-Tails.

Kushina turned her head and saw Naruto already crying. Her heart ached inexplicably.

She stepped forward and hugged him tightly. Unlike Minato, she accepted Naruto almost instantly.

“I’ll go cook.” Seeing this, Minato volunteered.

“I’ll make this meal.” Uzumaki Kushina shook her head and stopped him.

Minato paused, then understood.

“Naruto, what do you want to eat?” Kushina said confidently. “Your mom can make anything!”

“I… I can eat anything,” Naruto wiped his tears and replied.

“Alright.” Kushina smiled. “Then today, I’ll make all my specialty dishes!”

“Thank you… Mom.” Naruto spoke the word he had never said before.

“You’ve worked hard.” Kushina patted his head. “Go sit down and rest. We’ll eat soon.”

“Mhm!” Naruto released her, sat on the sofa, and began looking around.

“Minato.” Kushina gave Minato a look.

The two of them went into the kitchen.

“Naruto… why does he feel so…” Kushina trailed off.

What she wanted to say was that Naruto seemed like someone who had never met his parents before. There was only one possible explanation.

“We’re people from the past,” Minato said quietly. “We can’t know about the future. When Naruto leaves, I’ll seal your memories.”

“Is that so…” Kushina turned her head, bitterness welling in her chest.

She couldn’t imagine how much Naruto must have suffered.

“Kushina.” Minato opened his mouth.

“When are you leaving?” Kushina composed herself and asked.

“…Tomorrow.” Minato originally wanted to say this afternoon, but seeing her expression, he changed it.

“I’ll cook for him first.” Kushina nodded.

“I’ll help too.” Minato immediately opened the refrigerator.

Time slowly passed.

“So many dishes?” Naruto stared at the table, shocked.

Normally, two dishes were enough for three people—but now there were nine.

“Well?” Kushina placed her hands on her hips proudly.

“Mom is amazing!” Naruto gave a thumbs-up.

“The taste will be even more amazing!” Kushina said with a radiant smile.

“Go on, try it.” Minato handed Naruto a pair of chopsticks.

Naruto scanned the dishes with his chopsticks. After a moment of deliberation, he picked up a piece of chicken. He put it into his mouth and began chewing.

Kushina watched him nervously, waiting for his verdict.

“It’s delicious!” Naruto said immediately.

“That’s good.” Kushina let out a sigh of relief and said, “If it’s delicious, then try to finish everything.”

“Huh?” Naruto scratched his head and said, “I don’t have as good an appetite as Hinata and Choji.”

“Are they your teammates?” Kushina asked curiously.

“I haven’t graduated yet; they’re all my classmates,” Naruto explained.

“Then tell me about them.” Kushina smiled, her expression attentive and gentle. Even if her memories would be sealed later, this moment alone was worth cherishing.

“Mhm!” Naruto ate while talking about the Genius Class.

“Your Teacher, Kitazawa, is really amazing.” Kushina looked at Minato and asked, “But why do I have no impression of him?”

“He’s Asuma’s classmate,” Minato replied.

“No wonder.” A look of sudden realization appeared on Kushina’s face.

It was normal that she didn’t know Kitazawa—after all, he was still young in this timeline. But like Minato, she felt deep gratitude toward him.

She understood very well what kind of treatment a Nine-Tails Jinchūriki usually received. Without Kitazawa, Naruto’s life might not have been nearly as fulfilling as it is now.

—

Time passed, and the next day arrived.

Minato, Naruto, and Neji hurried back to Rōran. Although they were slightly later than planned, Kitazawa and Aburame Shibi both understood.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.” Minato paused, then said, “We’ll go see the Queen of Rōran now.”

“No need to rush.” Kitazawa shook his head and said, “Anrokuzan(Mukade) hasn’t made any moves yet. You should rest first—we’ll make preparations as well.”

“Thank you,” Minato said sincerely.

The greatest contributor to his and Kushina’s chance to see Naruto was undoubtedly Kitazawa. More importantly, Kitazawa had taken excellent care of Naruto.

“It’s nothing.” Kitazawa smiled and didn’t disturb them further.

He sat down on the sofa and extended his hand. In the next instant, ice condensed in his palm.

“How amazing!” Hinata, who sat beside him, couldn’t help exclaiming.

With a thought from Kitazawa, the ice quickly molded into a popsicle. He casually handed it to Hinata.

“It doesn’t have much taste.” Hinata licked it and commented honestly.

“Because it’s just pure ice.” Kitazawa smiled. “If you want flavor, I can add some.”

He had all kinds of seasonings stored inside his summoning scroll.

“It’s fine.” Hinata shook her head, then asked curiously, “Is this the same Ice Release as Haku’s?”

“Yes,” Kitazawa replied casually. “It’s a combination of my Wind Release and Water Release.”

“Teacher Kitazawa can really do anything.” Admiration flickered in Hinata’s eyes.

“You’ll be amazing too when you grow up.” Kitazawa raised his hand, patted her head, and said.

“Mhm!” Hinata nodded earnestly. “I’ll work hard!”

An hour later, the rest period ended.

Kitazawa and Minato’s group set off for the Rōran Royal Palace.

Rōran, though called a country, was in reality just a city. The palace wasn’t far, and they soon arrived.

“We’re surrounded. There are many puppets nearby.” Aburame Shibi narrowed his eyes as he spoke.

“Anrokuzan isn’t foolish. He must have sensed us long ago. It seems he plans to capture us all at once.” Minato smiled, completely unsurprised.

With the Flying Thunder God Technique, the worst-case scenario simply didn’t exist. Even if Rōran were destroyed, he could still take Naruto and the others and leave.

Moreover, he didn’t believe Anrokuzan could defeat them. They had five Jonin, six genius students, and the young Kakashi.

At that moment, Akimichi Choza walked out.

“How is the Queen of Rōran?” Minato asked.

“She’s safe.” Akimichi Choza paused, then added, “Anrokuzan tried to see her yesterday, but we stopped him outside.”

“You did well.” Minato nodded. “Let’s go in.”

Led by Akimichi Choza, the group entered the main hall of the royal palace. The Queen of Rōran, Sara, and the young Kakashi were all present.

The young Kakashi subconsciously looked at Kakashi. Who was this person? Why did he look exactly like him?

Kakashi glanced at his younger self, then immediately looked away. Seeing his past self only reminded him of Minato, Uchiha Obito, and Rin Nohara.

For him, it was better not to look.

“Your Majesty.” Minato took out a scroll and said, “This contains our investigation into Anrokuzan over the past two days.”

“Thank you for your hard work.” The Queen of Rōran accepted the scroll, not questioning the presence of Kitazawa and the others.

To her, understanding Anrokuzan’s situation was what mattered most.

Anrokuzan had appeared six years ago. At first, he worked diligently, governing Rōran in an orderly manner.

It was only when he proposed using the Source of the Dragon Vein to develop Rōran that her suspicions arose.

But by then, Anrokuzan had already become a minister with immense prestige. He united with other officials and all but forced her to agree.

This was why Rōran now possessed so many puppets. The Queen of Rōran had thought that would be the extent of his ambition.

She never imagined it would stretch beyond Rōran—to the entire Ninja World. Left with no choice, she had sent envoys to Konoha Village to seek help.

After reading the scroll, her expression immediately turned grim.

She hadn’t expected that all the recently missing residents of Rōran were Anrokuzan’s victims.

Abusing the Dragon Vein and abducting civilians—by Rōran’s laws alone, Anrokuzan was already guilty of a capital crime.

Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed through the hall.

A group of puppets marched in. Compared to the puppets Kitazawa and the others had encountered earlier, these were far taller.

“Anrokuzan!” The Queen of Rōran glared at the man standing at the front and demanded, “What are you trying to do?”

“Your Majesty, I heard that some Konoha Village Ninja were plotting to harm you, so I came to rescue you.”

Anrokuzan glanced coldly at Minato and the others, then said bluntly, “Arrest them!”

The puppets behind him immediately advanced.

“Stop! I invited them!” The Queen of Rōran shouted.

As she spoke, she threw the scroll in her hand.

“Anrokuzan, I demand an explanation!” Her voice was deep and cold.

“There’s nothing to explain.” Anrokuzan glanced at the scroll, tore it apart, and said indifferently, “Anyone who obstructs the development of Rōran must die!”

“I think you are the one hindering Rōran’s development!”

The Queen of Rōran spoke sharply, her tone cold and resolute. “I now declare that you are no longer a minister of Rōran!”

“I’ve heard that Ninja can use Genjutsu.” Anrokuzan shook his head calmly and said, “Your Majesty, you have been confused by Genjutsu. I will rescue you immediately.”

“What a blatant distortion of facts!” Minato shouted.

“More words are useless.” Anrokuzan waved his hand and said indifferently, “Kill them!”

His earlier command had been to capture them, but now that he had openly broken with the Queen of Rōran, he no longer bothered to pretend.

“Choza, you and Kakashi escort Her Majesty away.” Minato immediately issued orders.

“Yes.” Kakashi and the young Kakashi answered in unison.

“Ahem.” Minato glanced at Kakashi and added, “You stay and help.”

Kakashi instantly realized his misunderstanding.

The young Kakashi hesitated for a moment, but with the situation urgent and no time to ask questions, he quickly followed Akimichi Choza.

“Attack!” As soon as Minato spoke, he threw out a Flying Thunder God Kunai.

His figure vanished, and in the next instant, he appeared directly in front of Anrokuzan. Chakra surged violently as a Rasengan slammed forward.

Anrokuzan reacted too slowly and was struck head-on. His clothing was torn apart, revealing a body that looked entirely puppet-like.

The moment the Rasengan made contact, purple Chakra surfaced across his skin.

Boom! A tremendous force sent Anrokuzan skidding backward several steps. Yet the Rasengan had no effect—he remained unharmed.

“Hahahaha!” Anrokuzan laughed wildly. “I am no longer human! With the Source of the Dragon Vein, I am an immortal, indestructible puppet!”

Hinata felt a sense of déjà vu upon hearing this.

Satori of Hōzuki Castle, Mōryō of the Land of Demons, and the Zero-Tails of Soragakure had all once been immortal as well—yet now they had all become spirits in weapons.

“Watch out!” Naruto shouted urgently.

Anrokuzan spat out a massive purple fireball that shot straight toward Minato.

“I’m fine.” Minato’s body swayed, and in the blink of an eye, he returned to his original position.

This was the elusive Flying Thunder God Technique. The only way to counter it was to deflect or destroy the Flying Thunder God Kunai.

“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!” Naruto roared, creating hundreds of Shadow Clones.

However, the clones didn’t charge recklessly. Instead, they formed ranks in front of Minato and the others.

“Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!” Naruto infused Wind Release Chakra into a shuriken and hurled it forward.

His Shadow Clones followed suit. In an instant, countless shuriken blanketed Anrokuzan and his puppet army.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Continuous collision sounds echoed through the palace.

Many puppets were torn apart under the onslaught of Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken.

“Such terrifying Chakra!” Aburame Shibi couldn’t hide his astonishment.

It was his first time witnessing Naruto in battle. Most Jonin couldn’t create a hundred Shadow Clones at once.

Minato had already seen it before, so he wasn’t too surprised—he simply felt proud.

After all, this was his future son. Moreover, that overwhelming amount of Chakra was clearly inherited from Kushina.

Brilliant lightning suddenly flashed. Sasuke activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan and charged forward.

He raised the Sword of the Thunder God and swung it down violently. Wherever the blade passed, lightning engulfed the puppets completely.

After circling back, he glanced at Naruto.

“Truly worthy of being my lifelong rival!” Naruto gave a thumbs-up and grinned. “I can feel my youth boiling!”

Multiple Arrows! Hinata and Neji aimed at the puppets paralyzed by lightning and swiftly finished them off.

Aburame Shibi’s mouth twitched.

Seeing it with his own eyes, he realized the students of the Genius Class were even more terrifying than Aburame Shino had described.

“They certainly have some skill,” Anrokuzan spoke calmly.

Despite having lost more than half of his puppets, his expression remained composed. With a casual wave of his hand, the entire royal palace began to tremble violently.

“What’s happening?” Naruto shouted. “Is the palace collapsing?”

Boom! The walls on all four sides of the palace were smashed apart.

Countless puppets poured in, completely surrounding them.

“This is my Puppet Army!” Anrokuzan spread his arms wide and declared maniacally. “You are the first Ninja to die by their hands! You should feel honored!”

Rasengan!

Minato rushed forward again, driving the high-speed, compressed sphere of spinning Chakra toward Anrokuzan.

Puppet: Rotation Attack!

Anrokuzan had already anticipated this.

After all, Minato had already used the Flying Thunder God Technique combined with Rasengan once before.

A harsh grinding sound rang out. Spinning blades burst from all over Anrokuzan’s body. The blades pierced through the Rasengan and lunged straight toward Minato.

Minato vanished instantly. He reappeared at his original position, a frown forming on his face.

Although Minato’s Flying Thunder God and Rasengan combination was feared throughout the Ninja World, it carried a significant weakness.

Its offensive power was limited—his most effective killing technique was the Rasengan. If the Rasengan failed, he had few ways to deal decisive damage.

Just like now.

After transforming into a puppet and connecting to the Source of the Dragon Vein, Anrokuzan gained terrifying defensive and regenerative abilities.

Minato’s Rasengan had absolutely no effect.

In fact, it wasn’t just the Rasengan. In the original events, even Naruto’s Wind Release: Rasenshuriken had failed.

In the end, it took the combined effort of father and son, using the Yin-Yang Rasengan, to defeat Anrokuzan.

“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!” Naruto created another hundred Shadow Clones.

“Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!” All of Naruto’s Shadow Clones hurled their shuriken simultaneously.

Explosive Arrow! Hinata immediately drew her bow and released an arrow.

The Explosive Arrow reached Anrokuzan first. He grabbed it barehanded.

Boom! The arrow detonated violently.

Yet it had no effect on Anrokuzan. After all, he was already a puppet, no longer flesh and blood.

In the next moment, a dense rain of shuriken followed.

Anrokuzan waved his hand, and purple Chakra condensed into a solid barrier in front of him. All the shuriken were blocked.

However, the puppets around him weren’t so fortunate; many of them shattered under the Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken barrage.

Even so, such losses meant nothing against an almost endless supply of puppets.

“Use Multiple Arrows,” Neji called out calmly.

“Mhm.” Hinata immediately shifted her aim toward the surrounding puppets.

Father and son, Aburame Shino and Aburame Shibi, raised their hands at the same time.

A vast swarm of Kikaichu surged toward the puppet army. Although puppets were inanimate, they still had joints and structural weak points.

Under the relentless biting of the Kikaichu, many puppets lost their mobility and collapsed to the ground.

A sharp, piercing bird cry rang out.

Kakashi and Sasuke charged toward Anrokuzan from the left and right. They had already noticed Minato’s predicament.

Although Lightning Release: Chidori was less powerful than the Rasengan in raw force, its penetrating power far surpassed it.

Dragon Veins: Great Dragon Fire!

Anrokuzan naturally wouldn’t sit still and wait for death. He tilted his head back and continuously spat out two enormous purple fireballs.

Sharingan!

Kakashi and Sasuke easily dodged the incoming flames. They leaped forward, lightning roaring in their hands as it sliced into Anrokuzan’s body like a blade.

“Get lost, all of you!”

Blades burst from Anrokuzan’s arms, slashing directly toward Kakashi and Sasuke.

The two immediately retreated, widening the distance.

Minato glanced at the two massive penetrating wounds left on Anrokuzan’s body by Chidori and couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Dragon Veins: Ultra-Fast Regeneration Technique!

A massive surge of purple Chakra erupted from Anrokuzan’s body. In the blink of an eye, the two horrifying wounds healed completely.

Minato, Kakashi, and the others immediately grew solemn.

“If we don’t sever his connection to the Source of the Dragon Vein, he can’t be defeated.” Kitazawa finally spoke, his voice calm.

Minato was slightly startled. Only then did he realize something was off.

From the beginning until now, Kitazawa had been standing there without using a single Ninjutsu.

To say he couldn’t do anything was obviously impossible. Based on Naruto’s description, Kitazawa had to be an elite Jonin.

“We split into two groups,” Kitazawa continued. “One group stays here to hold off Anrokuzan. The other goes to find the Queen of Rōran and shut down the Source of the Dragon Vein.”

“I’ll stay behind,” Minato said without hesitation.

Anrokuzan was clearly the most dangerous enemy present. But with the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato could stall him.

“I’ll stay too!” Aburame Shibi quickly added.

“All of you leave.” Kitazawa shook his head. “Minato-senpai and I will stay.”

“Are you treating me like I don’t exist?!” Anrokuzan roared in fury. “None of you are leaving!”

The surrounding puppets immediately intensified their attacks.

“I’ll take you there!” Minato said urgently.

In the current situation, only the Flying Thunder God Technique could break through the encirclement.

“No need for that much trouble.”

Kitazawa activated his Yang Release Chakra Mode and suddenly brought his hands together. He hadn’t acted earlier simply because he wanted to temper his students.

After all, once he made a move, everything would be over. At this stage, Wood Release alone was enough to end the battle.

Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!

Centered on Kitazawa, the ground trembled violently. Countless vines burst upward, rapidly growing into towering trees.

In less than a second, the ruins of the royal palace were completely swallowed by a primeval forest.

“Wood Release?!” Minato and Aburame Shibi widened their eyes in disbelief.

Although Naruto and Shino had mentioned Kitazawa before, they had only talked about how he taught them Ninjutsu, not that he possessed Wood Release.

“You’re Kitazawa?” Anrokuzan blurted out.

As a former ninja of Sunagakure, he naturally knew the name of Kitazawa, the Wood Release ninja.

He just never imagined that this man would appear in Rōran—standing against him.

“So what if it’s Wood Release?!” Anrokuzan quickly recovered and shouted. “I have the endless Source of the Dragon Vein! You can’t defeat me!”

“Is that so?” Kitazawa casually waved his hand.

The towering trees around them instantly came alive. Countless vines and branches wrapped around nearby puppets, binding them completely.

Anrokuzan’s pupils shrank. He immediately ordered the remaining puppets to fire.

Boom! Purple Chakra slammed into the dense forest. Explosions erupted, shattering both the trees and the puppets.

Anrokuzan didn’t even have time to celebrate before the forest regenerated once more.

His heart jolted—but he didn’t despair. The Source of the Dragon Vein was endless.

Kitazawa’s Chakra, however, had to run out eventually.

“Kakashi, Shibi—go find the Queen of Rōran immediately!” Minato realized this as well and shouted, “Only by shutting down the Source of the Dragon Vein can we defeat Anrokuzan!”

“Let’s go!” Aburame Shibi responded at once.

Kakashi nodded and leaped away.

Seeing this, Anrokuzan immediately manipulated his puppets to give chase. But the instant he moved, Minato appeared before him again.

Left with no choice, Anrokuzan sent out all remaining puppets.

Many were intercepted by Kitazawa’s forest, but a significant number still pursued Kakashi and the others.

Fortunately, those puppets posed little threat. With Naruto and the others present, they fought while retreating, maintaining a steady pace.

“Damn it!” Anrokuzan’s heart clenched. He stopped holding back.

Dragon Veins: Super Great Dragon Fire Technique!

A purple fireball several times larger than before formed in midair. The surrounding trees immediately ignited.

Seeing this, Minato didn’t dare face it head-on and vanished instantly.

The enormous purple fireball—like a blazing sun—hurtled toward Kitazawa.

“Hurry and go!” Minato reappeared beside Kitazawa, reaching out to grab his shoulder.

Kitazawa shook his head and swiftly formed hand seals.

Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!

A seed dropped to the ground and instantly transformed into a massive, spiked wooden dragon.

Without hesitation, it charged straight into the purple fireball.

Boom! The fireball shattered, breaking apart into clusters of smaller flames.

Yet as they fell, branches and vines wrapped around them, absorbing the energy completely.

“What?!” Anrokuzan’s expression changed drastically.

As the Wood Dragon lunged toward him, a crushing pressure bore down.

He let out a furious roar. A brilliant purple light burst from his body as streams of Dragon Vein Chakra poured out.

Dragon Veins: Super Great Dragon Fire Technique!

This time, it wasn’t a single fireball. It was a sea of flames.

Purple fire surged outward like raging waves. The surface of the Wood Dragon ignited—but that was all.

With a powerful swing of its tail, it coiled tightly around Anrokuzan. A terrifying force slammed into him, instantly paralyzing his entire body.

Anrokuzan roared continuously as purple light erupted again—only to be extinguished in an instant.

Theoretically, the Source of the Dragon Vein was endless. But against the chakra-absorbing Wood Dragon, a deadlock had formed.

“…?” Minato stared as Anrokuzan flickered on and off like a sound-activated lamp, his mind going blank.

Was it really resolved this easily? The legendary terror of Wood Release truly lived up to its reputation.

At the same time, Minato felt even more bewildered by Kitazawa. How could someone like him have been completely unknown in the past?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep