A few hundred more meters and they’d be beyond Konoha’s borders.
Back in these days, there wasn’t any giant barrier surrounding the village like a turtle shell.
Holding his breath, Haruto silently hid behind an ancient tree so massive that three adults linking arms couldn’t encircle it.
Through layers of branches and leaves, he watched the battle unfolding ahead.
The ANBU operative had finally intercepted the fugitive.
The two were locked in a fierce fight.
Blades flashed.
Sparks flew.
Haruto didn’t dare blink.
What exquisite swordsmanship…
He couldn’t help but admire it.
Every move and strike from the ANBU ninja seemed to contain a unique rhythm.
Unfortunately…
Haruto quickly noticed the problem.
The ANBU lacks the foundation to bring out this sword style’s true essence.
Like a child swinging a giant blade—flashy, but full of openings.
This fight is already decided.
The ANBU is going to lose.
The life-and-death battle lasted around five minutes.
Just three hundred seconds.
Yet those few minutes gave Haruto tremendous insight.
His mind was already replaying every elegant sword technique he’d witnessed.
Then—
Bang!
A dull impact echoed through the forest.
As expected, the ANBU ninja was slightly weaker.
The fugitive seized an opening and drove a vicious kick into the ANBU’s chest.
The masked ninja flew through the air like a kite with its string cut.
He crashed heavily beside the tree where Haruto was hiding and collapsed to the ground.
Haruto instinctively looked down.
At that exact moment, the injured ANBU struggled to lift their head.
Their eyes met.
The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Haruto frowned.
What rotten luck.
He had absolutely no interest in getting involved in this mess.
Without hesitation, he turned and prepared to leave.
He had no intention of helping this unfortunate ANBU.
But just as he was about to move—
A powerful gust of wind struck his face.
The fugitive had abandoned the downed ANBU entirely and appeared before Haruto in an instant.
A gleaming short blade thrust directly toward his throat.
A thousand curses exploded inside Haruto’s head.
Is this guy brain-damaged?
You’re being hunted by ANBU!
Shouldn’t you be running for your life instead of attacking some random bystander?
Was this what happened when someone became blood-drunk?
Even while complaining internally, his body reacted immediately.
The strength this man had displayed was unquestionably at jōnin level.
There was no room for carelessness.
Chakra exploded beneath his feet.
Body Flicker Technique!
Haruto became a blur and shifted sideways by half a meter at the last possible moment.
Clang!
The short blade buried itself deep into the tree trunk.
The fugitive froze for a moment.
His pupils shrank.
This brat…
He had never expected a six-year-old child to evade what should have been a guaranteed killing blow.
Haruto landed nearby and immediately formed hand seals.
Snake – Ram – Monkey – Boar – Horse – Tiger
“Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!”
His chest expanded.
Then he unleashed a torrent of flames.
ROAR—!
A gigantic fireball over five meters wide hurtled toward the enemy.
The fugitive’s expression changed instantly.
“Damn it. This kid isn’t ordinary.”
But he was a veteran jōnin.
His reactions were exceptionally fast.
Using Body Flicker once more, he vanished and reappeared several meters away.
The fireball grazed his clothing before blasting into the forest behind him.
BOOOOM!
Several towering trees exploded into splinters.
Flames surged skyward.
Everything was reduced to ashes.
Haruto’s heart sank.
As expected…
Fighting a jōnin above my level isn’t easy.
The fugitive now looked at him with complete seriousness.
Gone was every trace of contempt.
“Kid.”
“At your age, being able to use a Fire Release technique with that much power…”
“What family produced a monster like you?”
Haruto stared back coldly.
Brother, you’re a fugitive.
Can you at least act like one?
Why are you so obsessed with me?
He remained silent.
Every muscle in his body tensed.
Ready for a life-or-death battle.
Seeing no response, the fugitive’s killing intent intensified.
“So you’ve discovered my secret.”
“No matter who you are, you die here tonight.”
Haruto was completely confused.
Secret?
What secret?
The only thing I know is that ANBU is chasing you.
That’s a secret?
Are you some foreign spy?
A missing-nin?
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding—”
Before he could finish, the man attacked again.
The ground shattered beneath his feet.
He charged forward like a cannonball.
This guy’s a rabid dog!
Haruto cursed inwardly.
Since escape wasn’t an option, he could only fight.
The fugitive appeared before him instantly.
A powerful punch aimed directly at his face.
Haruto ducked low.
At the same time, his leg lashed out like a whip.
Bang!
The kick struck the man’s abdomen.
The impact launched him backward several meters.
His back slammed into a tree trunk.
Leaves rained down from the shock.
“Hah.”
“Not bad, brat.”
“You’ve got some strength.”
The fugitive casually rolled his neck and stood back up.
As if nothing had happened.
Most ninja would’ve been flattened by that kick.
So this is a jōnin’s physical durability…
Haruto felt enormous pressure.
They’re tough as hell.
If this drags on, I’ll lose.
Our taijutsu isn’t that different, but he definitely has stronger trump cards.
At this moment, Haruto desperately wanted to run.
Unfortunately, he was six years old.
Short legs.
Short stride.
Against a fully committed jōnin, escape was impossible.
If he couldn’t run—
Then he’d have to kill.
“You’re wanted by ANBU!”
“Why aren’t you trying to escape instead of fighting me?”
Haruto couldn’t help shouting.
The fugitive grinned cruelly.
“Only dead people keep secrets.”
Haruto almost laughed from frustration.
I still don’t know what secret you’re talking about!
The man attacked once more.
The two instantly collided.
Punches.
Kicks.
Constant impacts.
The fugitive grew increasingly alarmed.
No matter how he attacked, the child blocked or countered every move.
This wasn’t the strength of a six-year-old.
After another exchange, both jumped apart.
Can’t drag this out.
Something could change.
The fugitive rapidly formed hand seals.
His chakra transformed. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
“Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique!”
Haruto’s pupils contracted.
Damn it.
A high-level Wind Release.
Earth Flow Wall won’t stop that.
Earth techniques could handle fire and water.
Against specialized cutting winds?
They were paper.
I’ll have to attack instead of defend.
According to elemental relations—
Fire countered Wind.
If the fire was large enough, the wind would only feed it.
Grinding his teeth, Haruto’s hands blurred.
“Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!”
Both techniques completed simultaneously.
WHOOSH!
Several razor-sharp wind blades surged forward.
They slammed into a gigantic six-meter-wide fireball.
BOOOOM!
The collision shook the forest.
The fireball trembled briefly.
Then it expanded violently.
The wind blades managed to cut halfway through before being completely devoured by the inferno.
Fire overcame wind.
Just as expected.
The massive fireball continued onward.
Crushing toward the fugitive.
The man’s expression darkened.
He retreated rapidly.
“Damn it.”
“Does this brat have tailed-beast levels of chakra?”
“Does it never run out?”
He was becoming anxious.
Meanwhile, Haruto’s gaze turned ice-cold.
Since you won’t let me leave…
Then I’ll send you on your way instead.
Leaving a madman like this alive behind him would make sleeping impossible.
“You want to silence me?”
“Then be prepared to get killed instead.”
The fugitive pulled his blade from the tree.
His eyes became sinister.
He no longer viewed Haruto as a child.
He viewed him as an equal opponent.
“Die!”
Both charged simultaneously.
As they crossed paths, Haruto kicked toward the man’s ribs.
The fugitive roared and swung his sword.
Haruto’s body twisted strangely.
Using Body Flicker, he appeared beside the fallen ANBU.
His hand snatched up the long sword lying on the ground.
When he turned back—
His entire aura changed.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
Steel collided like torrential rain.
At first, Haruto’s movements were slightly unfamiliar.
But after dozens of exchanges—
The sword seemed to become an extension of his body.
The fugitive’s face gradually turned pale.
Sweat formed on his forehead.
Wait…
Isn’t this the ANBU’s sword style?
How does this kid know it too?!
The wounded ANBU slowly opened their eyes.
Seeing Haruto standing before them, they weakly called out:
“Run…”
“You can’t beat him…”
In their view, Haruto was undeniably talented.
But he was still a child.
No way he could outlast an adult jōnin.
Without looking back, Haruto chuckled.
“You’re still alive?”
“Pretty tough.”
“I’m borrowing your sword style.”
“You don’t mind, do you?”
“Actually, it doesn’t matter if you do.”
“I’ve already learned it.”
Taking a deep breath, Haruto assumed a special stance.
“Your swordsmanship is excellent.”
“But you haven’t mastered it.”
“Watch carefully.”
“This is how it’s supposed to be used.”
The blade trembled.
A clear ringing sound echoed through the forest.
Though surrounded by darkness, the sword seemed to gather moonlight.
Transforming into a beautiful crescent moon.
The ANBU’s eyes widened.
“This…”
“This is my Moonlit Haze?”
“When did he learn it?!”
The fugitive felt a deadly chill crawl up his spine.
His face turned white.
Impossible.
How can a child copy a sword art like that?
“You’re bluffing!”
“I don’t believe you can actually use it!”
He swung his sword to meet the attack.
Hummmmm—
The air itself seemed to tear apart.
The two became blurs beneath the moonlight.
Crossing paths.
For a moment—
Time stood still.
Haruto crouched beneath a tree.
Holding his finishing stance.
Motionless.
The fugitive stood near the wounded ANBU.
Also frozen.
Like a statue.
Several seconds passed.
The ANBU suddenly covered their mouth.
Their eyes filled with disbelief.
“No…”
“That’s impossible…”
SPLASH!
A horrific wound suddenly split open across the fugitive’s abdomen.
Blood erupted like a fountain.
“Ugh…”
His face twisted in agony.
“I…”
“I actually died…”
“…to a child…”
As blood poured from the wound, his life rapidly faded.
His body collapsed to the ground.
Dead.
Haruto slowly stood.
Glancing at the torn sleeve of his clothing.
Fortunately, only the fabric had been cut.
His skin was untouched.
Shaking the blood from the blade, he approached the corpse.
Then delivered one final stab.
Only after confirming death did he relax.
The sensation of killing someone for the first time was awful.
His stomach churned violently.
But he forced himself not to vomit.
“Killing someone…”
“Feels terrible.”
The ANBU stared blankly.
After a long silence, they finally spoke.
“Kid…”
“When did you learn Moonlit Haze?”
Haruto raised an eyebrow.
“A woman?”
Only now did he notice the voice.
Combined with the swordsmanship—
He immediately guessed the identity.
Yūgao Uzuki.
Yūgao smiled bitterly.
The movement pulled at her wounds.
Pain distorted her expression.
“Is it strange that I’m a woman?”
Haruto shook his head.
Planting the sword beside her. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“No.”
“What’s strange is that you’re practically bleeding to death and still have energy to gossip.”
The ground beneath her had already turned crimson.
“Relax…”
“I won’t die.”
Haruto rolled his eyes.
Then simply flipped her over.
“Ah!”
“That hurts!”
Cold sweat instantly soaked her face beneath the mask.
Haruto efficiently searched her ninja pouch.
Bandages.
Soldier Pills.
Found them.
“Open your mouth.”
Without waiting for permission, he pinched her jaw and shoved a Soldier Pill inside.
The mask was getting in the way.
So he casually tore it off.
Moonlight revealed a pale but beautiful face.
Just as he’d thought.
Yūgao Uzuki.
Around sixteen years old.
Yūgao stared blankly at the absurdly mature little boy.
Even injured, her curiosity couldn’t be suppressed.
Questions poured out one after another.
“How did you learn that move?”
“What are you doing out here this late?”
“What clan are you from?”
“Who taught you swordsmanship?”
“That was unbelievable!”
Haruto’s head hurt.
“Are you done?”
“Swallow the medicine already.”
Being scolded by a child left Yūgao speechless.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
After feeding her the pill, Haruto frowned at her blood-soaked uniform.
“You’re lucky to still be alive.”
Recovering some strength, Yūgao smiled.
“What?”
“Scared?”
Haruto ignored her.
Drawing a kunai.
“I need to cut your clothes.”
“Bear with it.”
Yūgao immediately crossed her arms over her chest.
“W-What are you doing?!”
“Little pervert!”
Without looking up, Haruto replied seriously:
“Be quiet.”
“How am I supposed to bandage you otherwise?”
“Do you know medical ninjutsu?”
Realizing she’d misunderstood, Yūgao flushed with embarrassment.
“No…”
“Didn’t think so.”
“Useless.”
Haruto sighed.
“I only know basic first aid.”
“Hopefully it’s enough until help arrives.”
RIP—
Fabric tore.
Five deep wounds.
All serious.
Haruto worked calmly and efficiently.
Cleaning.
Bandaging.
Wrapping.
Meanwhile, one of his Shadow Clones had already been sent to find Kakashi.
Ten minutes later, the treatment was complete.
Sweating heavily, Haruto sat on the ground.
Yūgao looked at him.
A warm feeling rose in her heart.
“Thank you.”
“Kid… what’s your name?”
“Haruto.”
He removed the dead fugitive’s outer jacket and covered her with it.
Hiding the bandages.
Soon after—
Several figures landed nearby.
Kakashi arrived with two medical ninja.
Even Kakashi inhaled sharply when he saw the scene.
The battlefield was a disaster.
Blood everywhere.
And the corpse of a jōnin.
Haruto pointed toward Yūgao.
“Over there.”
“Severe blood loss.”
The medical ninja immediately rushed over.
Haruto added,
“Cover her properly.”
After all, Kakashi was still a grown man.
Privacy mattered.
While treatment proceeded, Haruto explained everything.
The more Kakashi listened, the sharper his visible eye became.
Finally, he crouched before Haruto.
Looking directly into his eyes.
His voice was unusually serious.
“Listen carefully.”
“Everything that happened here tonight.”
“Including the death of that missing-nin.”
“Was done by Yūgao Uzuki.”
“You just happened to pass by.”
“Understood?”
Kakashi knew Konoha’s political undercurrents far too well.
If someone like Danzō discovered Haruto’s talent—
The boy’s future would be ruined.
Haruto nodded.
“I understand.”
“I’ll follow your lead.”
Kakashi visibly relaxed.
Then he formed hand seals.
“Summoning Technique!”
Poof!
A cloud of smoke appeared.
When it cleared, a pug-faced ninja hound with droopy eyes stood on the ground.
Kakashi pointed at him.
“This is Pakkun.”
“He’ll stay with you for a while.”
“His nose is excellent.”
“He can warn you of danger.”
“As long as I haven’t recalled him, don’t go anywhere with anyone.”
Haruto looked down at the dog.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
“He looks…”
“…kind of rough.”
Pakkun immediately bristled.
“Kid.”
“Do you have any artistic appreciation at all?”
Kakashi rubbed his forehead helplessly.
“Enough.”
“This is for your safety.”
“Pakkun.”
“Stay with Haruto for a week.”
“Don’t leave his side.”
Pakkun nodded.
Looking at Haruto.
“So this is the genius disciple you’re always talking about.”
After making the arrangements, Kakashi approached Yūgao.
She had recovered somewhat.
Kakashi lowered his voice.
“Yūgao.”
“You killed this missing-nin.”
“Correct?”
It wasn’t a question.
It was an order.
Yūgao immediately understood.
She glanced gratefully toward Haruto.
Then nodded firmly.
“That’s right.”
“I killed him.”
One of the medical ninja finished examining her wounds and couldn’t help exclaiming:
“Fortunately this child treated her injuries quickly and professionally.”
“Otherwise, she would’ve died from blood loss long ago.”