"However, I've already gained quite a few immediate benefits."
Standing where he was, watching the other's figure disappear from sight, Minamikawa Yuu couldn't help but shake his head. "At least I won't be lacking Ninjutsu for my future training."
Although it had been some time since his rebirth, his status as a Medical Ninja meant he hadn't had much opportunity to learn Ninjutsu. Until now, he could only rely on Taijutsu to face his enemies.
There was no helping it; legitimate Ninjutsu was rarely circulated outside, and even if it could be purchased through channels within Konoha Village, the price was quite high.
At least, it wasn't something Minamikawa Yuu's current apparent wealth could afford.
But after subduing Yamame Choshin, these problems were resolved.
The man was a Jonin, after all, and the array of Ninjutsu he mastered was not small.
Although most of the Ninjutsu were Earth Release due to his Iwagakure origins, and the rest were mostly common techniques, they served as a good supplement to Minamikawa Yuu's meager repertoire.
With these, his means of facing enemies could finally be upgraded, so he wouldn't have to rely entirely on Taijutsu as before.
Of course, while the gains were significant, the losses were equally so.
After this encounter, Minamikawa Yuu's previous Chakra reserves were mostly depleted.
This Chakra had been absorbed by Minamikawa Yuu on the front lines over a long period.
This time, a great deal had been consumed to activate the power of the Karma.
It couldn't be helped.
Minamikawa Yuu's current body was still too fragile.
Forcing the activation of the Karma in such a physical state would place a massive burden on his body.
To reduce the strain on his body, he could only consume large amounts of Chakra to alleviate the pressure.
This was also why Minamikawa Yuu was reluctant to go all out against anyone.
Because the price was simply too high.
"Calculating the time, it's about time to leave."
Standing there, Minamikawa Yuu looked toward the outside, watching the direction Kurenai Yuhi had left, various thoughts flashing through his mind... Within the dim forest, Kurenai Yuhi's figure darted rapidly through the trees.
She was carrying Hyuga Fu on her back, moving through various locations, and was now extremely exhausted.
After several consecutive days of forced marches, her body was already heavily drained, and tonight's pursuit was equally exhausting; the feeling of constantly hovering between life and death lingered.
Even as a Ninja, Kurenai Yuhi felt her body had reached its limit, and she was now pushing forward solely on willpower.
"I must break out..."
Though her body was utterly spent, she still gritted her teeth and forged ahead. "At least I have to get the message out..."
For her, this surprise attack operation had already failed.
But if the news wasn't delivered, even more Konoha Ninjas would fall into the trap and be relentlessly slaughtered by the Iwagakure Ninjas.
So, no matter what, she had to break through and report the news to the Headquarters.
Unfortunately, the course of events would not shift according to human will.
Just as she was about to exit the forest, a voice suddenly rang out from ahead.
"So there's another one here..."
A voice came from the side, sounding like a man's.
A moment later, a man emerged from the dense forest, wearing an Iwagakure forehead protector.
As soon as he appeared, he immediately launched a surprise attack on Kurenai Yuhi, gaining the absolute upper hand.
The opponent's strength was quite formidable; although not a Jonin, he was among the ranks of Elite Chunin.
Had she been at her peak, Kurenai Yuhi might have been able to duel him, with the outcome uncertain.
But by this point, Kurenai Yuhi's strength was completely spent, and she had very little Chakra left.
She quickly fell into a disadvantage, barely managing to hold on.
Had the opponent not been reluctant to kill her, wanting to capture her alive for information, she would likely have been killed by now.
"I cannot fall into their hands..."
Kurenai Yuhi felt a chill in her heart as this thought flashed through her mind.
Both she and Hyuga Fu beside her were elite Konoha Ninjas who possessed much secret intelligence.
Especially Hyuga Fu.
As a member of the Hyuga Clan, even if he was only from the Branch House, the consequences of being captured alive would still be disastrous.
If things went wrong, it could cause Konoha to suffer massive losses.
Even if she died here, she must not allow them to take her alive.
With this thought, she steeled her resolve and, enduring the opponent's assault, rushed directly toward Hyuga Fu, intending to finish off both herself and her companion before the enemy could act.
Unfortunately, the move was ultimately a bit too late.
"Thinking of destroying the intel just because the mission failed?"
The Iwagakure Ninja before her sneered, having already anticipated her move.
Under Kurenai Yuhi's despairing gaze, he blocked the Kunai she threw and then swiftly knocked her unconscious.
"This is truly a great haul."
Having finished, he let out a long sigh of relief, looking at the unconscious Hyuga Fu with a look of ecstasy on his face. "A living member of the Hyuga Clan."
Konoha values the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan highly; from the past to the present, it has rarely leaked out.
But if a living Hyuga clansman were to fall into their hands, there would be much they could exploit.
Just bringing him back would be a major achievement.
Unfortunately, his wish was destined to go unfulfilled.
Just as he took a step forward, an inexplicable aura suddenly locked onto him.
Looking up, he saw a boy of only eight or nine years old standing before him at some unknown point.
"It seems I made it just in time."
Minamikawa Yuu looked down at Kurenai Yuhi and the other, then turned to the middle-aged Ninja before him, a smile appearing on his face. "Though it's a bit presumptuous, I'd still like to say something."
"For the sake of your life, would you mind leaving?"
As the words fell, a ninja sword lunged forward.
The middle-aged man before him looked at the suddenly appearing Minamikawa Yuu with full alertness. He decided to strike first, lunging forward with his ninja sword and slashing straight down.
"Fine then."
Minamikawa Yuu sighed. "I guess it won't work after all."
In the next instant, his figure vanished from the spot and appeared behind the opponent in a flash.
A Kunai thrust forward, piercing the opponent's chest in an instant.
"Wh... When?"
The middle-aged man stared blankly at his chest.
It had already been pierced by the Kunai, and crimson blood was dripping down.
"Such speed..."
This thought flashed through his mind before his body collapsed limply, and he died.
"Wouldn't it have been better to just leave quietly?"
Minamikawa Yuu shook his head at the corpse at his feet, then silently stood up, picked up both Kurenai Yuhi and Hyuga Fu, and left the area.
The night passed quickly.
When the next morning's sun shone upon the earth once more, Kurenai Yuhi finally woke up slowly.
Waking from her slumber, her consciousness quickly returned. She instinctively drew a Kunai and looked around vigilantly.
"It's alright now."
From beside her, Minamikawa Yuu's voice spoke.