Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

Zzzz~

The clash between Water Release and Lava Release created a massive cloud of white steam.

At the edge of the battlefield, Uchiha Haruki activated his Sharingan at full power. His eyes pierced through the thick mist, observing the fierce battle between Gamabunta and Roshi. His mind was rapidly analyzing the situation.

In terms of sheer power, basic Water Release couldn't compare to Lava Release. And in chakra reserves, Gamabunta couldn't match Roshi—especially not with the Four-Tails' power backing him.

However, as a native of Mount Myoboku, Gamabunta had a vast reserve of Sage Chakra within him. Everyone knew Sage Chakra significantly amplified the power of jutsu.

Under its enhancement, the Water Release techniques used by Gamabunta were just as powerful as Roshi's lava-based ninjutsu.

As for the chakra gap—that wasn't the decisive factor here.

Why?

First, Roshi was only in a partial tailed-beast transformation state and couldn't utilize all of the Four-Tails' chakra. That meant he couldn't dominate outright.

Second, Gamabunta was highly agile, often leaping to avoid Roshi's attacks, which also conserved chakra.

And most importantly—Minato Namikaze was still on standby. There was no way Roshi could drag the fight out long enough to exhaust Gamabunta.

So overall, as long as Gamabunta could hold his ground in a head-on confrontation, Roshi was bound to lose unless he fully transformed into the Four-Tails.

Even if Roshi did go full Tailed Beast, it didn't necessarily guarantee victory.

Not only was Gamabunta seasoned in fighting tailed beasts, but Minato himself hadn't even gone all-out yet.

At the very least, he still hadn't activated Sage Mode. Once he did, his raw strength could stand toe-to-toe with the Four-Tails. And combined with his expert-level sealing jutsu—an effective weapon against tailed beasts—there was no reason they couldn't win.

As Uchiha Haruki expected, Roshi's situation began deteriorating rapidly under the combined assault of Gamabunta's brute strength and Minato's precise, unconventional strikes.

Initially, Roshi was able to maintain a steady offensive. But as time passed, his frequency of defending increased—and now, defense was taking up nearly half of his attention.

At this rate, defeat was only a matter of time.

If Iwagakure didn't send reinforcements soon, Roshi might just become the first jinchuriki to be captured by the Hidden Leaf.

Just as Haruki was thinking this, a familiar mental link invaded his consciousness.

A voice spoke in his mind:

"Captain, there's movement on the Iwa side. They seem to be trying to surround your position."

The voice belonged to Yamanaka Kiku—the same person who had been relaying information to him earlier.

Haruki scanned his surroundings and indeed noticed that more and more Iwa-nin were gathering at the battlefield's perimeter. Their movements clearly indicated they were forming squads—a sign of an impending assault.

"No way. I can't let them get through."

Knowing what Iwagakure might attempt to rescue Roshi, Haruki made a quick decision.

He gave an order through the telepathic link:

"Kiku, organize our forces immediately. Launch a preemptive strike against those Iwa-nin gathering at the perimeter."

"Uhh…"

Kiku hesitated.

Haruki's brow furrowed. "What's the issue?"

After a short pause, Kiku answered carefully:

"Captain, when the Four-Tails jinchuriki broke through the second defense line, we suffered heavy losses. So…"

Before he could finish, Haruki cut him off:

"Didn't I tell you not to go head-to-head with him?! Why didn't you listen?"

"Captain, we didn't mean to. He moved too fast, and the other Iwa-nin blocked our retreat path. We couldn't pull back."

Kiku sounded exasperated.

Haruki was silent for a moment, then changed the subject.

"How many of our people are still combat-ready?"

"Roughly 60% of our force remains, but only about a third are still capable of fighting. The rest are heavily wounded."

Over half down in such a short time… No wonder he was hesitant to answer at first.

Haruki glanced at the Iwa-nin positioning themselves around the field and quickly did a mental estimate.

"Tell the injured to stay where they are. Have the remaining fighters execute the mission immediately. I'll join you."

"Yes, Captain!"

Upon hearing that Haruki himself would be participating, Kiku's response was loud and clear.

The name "Demon Blade" Uchiha Haruki wasn't just feared among the Iwa-nin—it was famous even among Konoha shinobi.

With Haruki stepping into the fray, Kiku's worries vanished.

As the mind link cut off, Haruki gave one final look at the chaotic battle between Roshi, Gamabunta, and Minato.

Then, he turned and left.

Minato, noticing Haruki's movement from the corner of his eye, also gave a subtle glance toward the gathering Iwa-nin—and Haruki's departing figure.

It didn't take much for him to figure out what Haruki was planning.

With that, he no longer paid it much mind.

Meanwhile…

Somewhere in the forest.

Nagashima Tomohisa turned to a nearby elite jōnin from Iwagakure and asked,

"Are the squads in the other sectors ready?"

"The unit captains just reported in. Everyone will be in position within five minutes."

"Five minutes, huh…"

Tomohisa glanced toward the distant battlefield.

"Then we act in five minutes."

"Understood. I'll alert the others."

Just as the Iwa elite jōnin was about to leave, his expression suddenly changed. He quickly raised his hand and pressed his fingers to his temple, seemingly sensing something.

Tomohisa noticed his odd behavior but didn't interrupt—waiting instead for him to finish.

Once the jōnin lowered his hand, Tomohisa asked,

"What happened?"

"The Konoha forces are moving… it looks like they're preparing to surround us. Their units are heading toward the perimeter."

The jōnin's tone was laced with confusion.

Tomohisa frowned. "Any reinforcements on their side?"

"None that we've detected so far."

"Then what gives them the confidence to surround us?"

"I have no idea."

Both men looked utterly baffled.

And honestly, who could blame them?

After the earlier skirmishes, they had a clear understanding of how much fighting strength Konoha had left—and it was certainly less than Iwagakure's.

Without reinforcements, how could they afford to split up and attempt a surround maneuver?

It was basically suicide.

Wait—!

Tomohisa's expression suddenly changed.

"Quick! Check if Uchiha Haruki is still on the battlefield!"

The elite jōnin's face also tensed, realizing the implication. He immediately began sensing for chakra signatures.

But several seconds passed with no results.

Eventually, the jōnin lowered his hand, face dark and grim.

"He's gone. I can't sense him anywhere."