The Strong Rock Ninja

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"Alright."

Hizashi did not underestimate the other party due to his age. The person in charge of this mission was Muzan, leading the team through Iwagakure's barrier to reach the Kannabi Bridge.

"We'll follow this route and not stop along the way," Muzan said, holding a map marked with key points of interest. He pointed to a red circle on the map.

"This is the most dangerous point on our route. If we can cross it safely, the rest of the way will be much easier."

He continued, "So, be prepared. A battle will likely happen here."

Konoha had been sending teams to destroy the Kannabi Bridge, and Iwagakure wasn't ignorant of their plans. This line of defense was where most Konoha teams were intercepted—and many had perished.

"Move out!" Nara Shikaku commanded. He knew better than to place all his hopes on Muzan. There were several other groups stationed outside with the same mission: to destroy the Kannabi Bridge.

Shadows darted swiftly as the team led by Muzan advanced. Hizashi, the team's sensor, led from the front.

Though he was born into the Hyuga clan's branch family, his elder brother led the main house. Despite bearing the cursed seal of the caged bird on his forehead, Hizashi's abilities were extraordinary.

Behind him were three other skilled ninja from prominent families, underscoring the importance of their mission.

According to the plan, they would reach the front lines by evening, at which point Nara Shikaku would launch a diversionary attack.

As they neared the battlefield, the stench of blood filled the air. Corpses, mostly Konoha shinobi, lay rotting, limbs scattered in disarray.

"This place really is a meat grinder," Muzan muttered, aware of how quickly things could turn deadly. Despite his offensive prowess, his defense was lower, and even a single explosive tag could be fatal. Muzan swiftly issued orders.

"Inuzuka, Hizashi—watch our surroundings. When the diversion begins, we'll use the chaos to break through Iwagakure's barrier."

This was the riskiest part of their mission. Everyone lowered themselves into the tall grass, using it for cover, and waited. Hizashi slightly raised his head, his Byakugan activated to scan the area.

The Byakugan allowed him to see through objects, identifying Iwa-nin hidden in the trees and on the ground. They were arranged in a tight formation around the perimeter, guarding the forest's entrance.

He reported his findings, and Muzan fell into brief contemplation.

"When the battle begins, we break through. Follow my lead!" Muzan said, confident he was the best choice for the vanguard.

"Boom!"

The tense silence was broken by an explosion. Like a signal, both sides charged toward each other.

A group of Iwa-nin appeared ahead, but as they moved toward Konoha's forces, several were blown apart by explosive tags, their bodies reduced to mangled remains.

"The diversion won't last long—we need to move!" Muzan urged, drawing his chakra blade. As he stepped forward, he sensed several hostile presences locking onto him. He knew they were Iwa-nin, prepared to intercept him.

The enemy had clearly divided their forces to prevent Konoha's teams from reaching the Kannabi Bridge.

"Charge!"

As Muzan rushed forward, Iwa-nin sprang from hiding, hurling kunai and explosive tags.

"Clang!"

Muzan's shuriken collided precisely with their kunai. His skill in shurikenjutsu surpassed even the famed Uchiha clan.

The resulting explosion created a small fireball, sending debris and smoke into the air.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Muzan unleashed a powerful gust of wind, splitting the fireball in half. He dashed through the flames, his silver-white chakra blade gleaming as it cut through the enemy.

The terror of Hatake swordsmanship lay in its unpredictability—no one could foresee the next strike. Shrouded by the thick smoke, Muzan's movements were nearly invisible. When his enemies finally glimpsed the flash of white light, it was already too late. They collapsed to the ground, heads rolling, eyes wide in disbelief.

Muzan's blade dripped with blood, and only a few Chunin remained, no match for his prowess.

"Watch out! There's a strong one!" one of the remaining Iwa-nin shouted.

"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!"

"Boom!"

The collision between the two forces left a deep trench in the earth. Palm Rotation, renowned for its perfect defense, wasn't invincible. Though Hizashi wasn't injured, his arm trembled slightly, a testament to the strength of the attack.

The black-clad figure that had struck him stepped back, revealing himself—a Jonin of Iwagakure, known as the East Dead Man.

This was no ordinary opponent. Though he was ultimately slain by Minato Namikaze in the original timeline, one had to remember the sheer power of the Yellow Flash, one of the world's most formidable shinobi.

The East Dead Man was at least an elite Jonin, possibly even Kage-level.

"He's the one who tore through Konoha's front lines," Hizashi said grimly, eyes locked on the East Dead Man. Much of Konoha's losses in this war could be attributed to this man, whose leadership had allowed Iwa to break through Konoha's defenses and launch a devastating assault.

But why was he here? Who was guarding the critical Kannabi Bridge?

"Remember, our mission isn't to defeat the Iwa-nin. It's to reach the Kannabi Bridge," Muzan reminded them in a low voice. The diversion wouldn't last long, and they couldn't waste time.

"Five Jonin from Konoha," the Iwa-nin observed, recognizing Hizashi and Inuzuka by their clan traits. The man in front, with silver hair and a chakra blade, had to be a Hatake.

"It seems Konoha sent their best this time."

Konoha's noble clans were known for producing exceptional shinobi, thanks to their bloodline limits and family jutsu.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Muzan attacked first. As the massive fireball surged forward, he moved with it.

"Such fast hand seals!"

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