Although Kakashi didn't explicitly ask, he also showed no intention to press further—after all, it was never appropriate to probe too deeply into someone else's secret techniques.
Meanwhile, the battle between Sasuke Uchiha and Gaara below had already tilted completely in Sasuke's favor. The stimulation effect of his Lightning Release Chakra enabled him to replicate most of Rock Lee's Taijutsu techniques.
Under overwhelming speed that blurred the surroundings, Gaara had already reached a point where he couldn't even counterattack. Although temporarily unable to break through Gaara's Sand Cloak Technique, being stuck in such a passive defense meant defeat was only a matter of time.
It was indeed an inevitable development. Gaara activated his absolute defense. Considering the power difference between Sasuke and Gaara as well as their contrasting fighting styles, this outcome was natural. Mizuki felt relieved—just like the original storyline, Gaara would remain severely injured and have no opportunity to release the tailed beast on-site.
When the Chidori in Sasuke's hand filled the entire arena with its deafening sound, Mizuki checked his ninja tools.
"It's about to begin. Everyone's been waiting for this. Finally, this boring match is coming to an end."
Finally, when a flurry of feathers drifted down from above, Kabuto Yakushi made his move.
Since that was the case, Mizuki wouldn't hesitate to strike first. He dashed straight toward Kabuto Yakushi.
However, someone beat Mizuki to it—Might Guy's lightning-fast speed closed in instantly. With a Leaf Whirlwind, he sent Kabuto flying into the sky. Kabuto's face received a heavy punch, and his Anbu fox mask shattered to the ground, revealing an expression of surprise.
"How did you recognize me? You really are not to be underestimated."
No one answered Kabuto's question. Mizuki stepped forward; his right hand thrust outward as a fireball shot from his palm, soaring straight at Kabuto. Unable to maneuver mid-air, Kabuto crouched slightly, dodging the attack narrowly overhead.
"Come down now, arrogant brat~"
Suddenly, another Mizuki—who had previously gone unnoticed—appeared, grabbing Kabuto's legs and yanking them downward forcefully. Kabuto's body crashed heavily onto the ground without resistance.
A moment later, a kunai blade pressed against the fallen man's throat—Kakashi had timely arrived to finish the job.
"Don't move. Resist, and I'll kill you."
"Cough cough," Kabuto laughed, disheveled and amused, "Do you think you've won? Even with three against one, you still can't catch me."
Suddenly, there came a sizzling sound.
"Watch out—it's explosive tags!"
The trio quickly leapt back as a deafening explosion erupted, leaving chaos in its wake. Several nearby spectators might have sustained minor injuries, but fortunately, nothing seemed serious.
"What a nuisance. We didn't even notice when he switched with a Shadow Clone," Mizuki said.
"Enough, there's no point talking about this now. I don't know what's happening with The Third—you should check on him first. Gaara was seriously hurt by Sasuke, so things should be fine there for now. We'll handle the stadium seating area." Kakashi ordered.
"Then watch yourselves," Mizuki replied, dodging incoming shuriken as he spoke. Within just this short time, over a hundred enemies had revealed themselves.
"What's the Intelligence Division of Konoha doing? How could so many intruders get in?"
Mizuki also knew Konoha was short-staffed and that Danzo's Root division might not be cooperating, but still, so many infiltrators slipping in was infuriating.
But for now, he'd leave things to Kakashi and the others. Right now, his only role was as a crisis responder and intelligence liaison.
Activating his Breath-Sealing Art to its maximum capacity, Mizuki witnessed multiple battles between the ninja of Konoha and enemy forces along the way, but he had no time to intervene. Taking advantage of his naturally low presence, he quickly approached the VIP stand.
When Mizuki jumped onto the rooftop, the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier had already been activated.
"I'm too late."
If the barrier hadn't been fully formed yet, Mizuki might have used his stealth skills to cause some interference. But now that the barrier was complete, it had become an independent domain, with absolutely no room left for external intrusion.
Opportunities were fleeting, and Mizuki hadn't expected much, but watching the enemy successfully set up their trap so easily was genuinely disappointing.
"Who's there?" An Anbu with apparent sensory abilities detected Mizuki.
"Don't worry, it's me," Mizuki responded while revealing himself.
"Mizuki? Why are you here? How is the stadium seating area holding up?"
"It's bad—worse than we imagined. Enemies are coming in greater numbers than expected. Kakashi and the others are tied up, so they sent me over to check how things are going here."
"Cursed! We've completely fallen into their trap here too."
Mizuki fully understood the situation. He walked up to an injured Anbu who had been severely burned by the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier and silently began treating him using [Mystical Palm Technique].
"How is he?"
Mizuki shook his head. The man's entire body surface was charred; this wasn't just any ordinary injury. "I can barely stabilize him. It's fortunate he didn't die on the spot. Anyway, he needs immediate medical care."
"But where's the time for that now? Everyone's stretched too thin already."
Mizuki clearly realized the biggest danger right now was the Third inside the barrier.
After providing emergency treatment to the wounded Anbu, Mizuki waved his hand at the [Artificial Jinchuriki] and said, "Stay here and assist where needed." Then turning to the other Anbu he added, "I'll leave him here to help with first aid or answer questions about the Sealing Technique or barriers. I can't do anything else here, so I'll go support elsewhere first."
The Anbu nodded and cast a surprised glance at the [Artificial Jinchuriki], but said nothing, assuming it was simply a strange kind of clone jutsu.
...
Along the way, after secretly ambushing and eliminating two enemies, Mizuki finally returned to the viewing platform.
"How is it over there?" Kakashi anxiously asked.
"Don't expect reinforcements," Mizuki replied. "Their situation might even be worse than ours."
"How could that be? With the Third present, the situation shouldn't be too bad even if the Fourth Kazekage showed up in person."
"As for what the Fourth would do, I don't know, but all I saw was Orochimaru disguised as the Fourth Kazekage."
"This actually happened? Is Suna really just standing by and doing nothing?" Kakashi asked in disbelief.
Pretending to be Kazekage and appearing in public under everyone's gaze like that was no ordinary provocation.
"There's no time to think about that now. Third Hokage is in grave danger. The Four-Corner Sealing Barrier has completely cut off Anbu support, and right now Third Hokage is fighting alone inside."
Mizuki deflected attacks coming from all directions while scanning the surroundings.
"What about those Genin? Where did they go?"
"I sent them to chase after those three Suna shinobi. We can't let them catch their breath and release the tailed beasts," Kakashi replied.
At that moment, a series of explosions echoed from afar, followed by the distant roar of a colossal Summoned Beast.
"Kakashi, should we execute the emergency evacuation plan?"
"Don't worry about that. Iruka, who has evacuation experience, is handling it. You should head to the front lines instead—they need your Medical Ninjutsu over there."
"Then I'll move out first, Kakashi."
"If you can spare the time, go check on those Genin as well."
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