"Yin, it seems this summoned beast appeared out of nowhere. That's really unusual."
Kakashi nodded, agreeing with Shisui's observation.
"Lord Ninja, please defeat this monster! Otherwise, the villagers on our island won't survive much longer!"
The old man's wrinkled face was full of pleading.
If Kakashi and Shisui refused, it might turn into a look of despair.
"Don't worry, old man. Since we've accepted the mission, we'll complete it. Please trust in Konoha's reputation."
"Well, I'm relieved then. We asked Konoha for help because we believe in the village."
Konoha's reputation was indeed excellent. Small nations near the Land of Fire were very friendly to Konoha, and many missions were commissioned to them.
"Well, we've gathered all available information. We'll continue the search for the monster now."
"Thank you, Lords Ninja! Please, be careful."
"Understood."
Kakashi and Shisui set off again. This time, instead of gathering intelligence, they prepared for real combat.
Meanwhile, Terumi Mei and Ao were also heading toward the island's interior.
"Ao, did you find Hatake Kakashi?"
"Not yet, Lady Terumi. This island is bigger than it looks. My Byakugan isn't fully adapted yet, so I can't scan that far. But I spotted a village ahead. They might know Kakashi's whereabouts. Shall we investigate?"
"Good idea."
As they walked, Terumi Mei suddenly paused, looking tense.
"Wait a minute, Ao!"
"What's wrong, Lady Terumi?"
Ao was confused, wondering about Terumi's sudden reaction.
"We're being watched."
Terumi Mei's eyes sharpened, her senses heightened.
"What? Did Kakashi notice us?"
Ao was shocked. As a sensor-type ninja, he hadn't sensed anything unusual.
"I'm not sure. But there's definitely a hostile gaze on us."
"Byakugan!"
Ao activated his eye again and scanned the surroundings.
"There!"
Ao pointed sharply to a dense thicket.
Terumi Mei tensed and turned toward the direction.
Before they could see clearly, an angry roar echoed, and several towering trees were uprooted and hurled toward them!
"Water Style! Azure Dragon Palm!"
Ao reacted instantly, releasing a powerful water jutsu that shattered the flying trees.
However, their expressions darkened even more.
A massive beast emerged before them!
Three monstrous heads, rows of fangs, and a towering body!
"What... what is that thing?!"
Ao's voice trembled at the shocking sight.
Terumi Mei's face grew grim. Her sharp intuition told her it was a summoned beast — and an extremely dangerous one.
"Ao, be on guard. This summoning beast won't be easy to handle."
"Yes!"
Ao quickly composed himself. As a trusted aide to the Fourth Mizukage, he wasn't easily shaken.
From the distant forest, the great commotion caught Kakashi and Shisui's attention.
"Yin! Look over there!"
Shisui pointed toward the source of the disturbance.
Kakashi squinted and leapt onto a high branch.
"There it is!"
Through Kakashi's narrowed eyes, he could see the three gigantic dog heads.
"We've found it!"
Another furious roar erupted! The three-headed dog glared at Terumi Mei and Ao with six vicious eyes.
"Humans! I've tolerated you long enough! Why do you keep bothering me? Are you mocking the Hellhound Clan?!"
Terumi Mei and Ao froze. What nonsense was this beast spouting?
Who wanted to find you?
We have no interest in you at all!
Can you not be so self-absorbed?
Before they could explain, the beast roared again, and the middle head unleashed a scorching crimson flame!
"Fire Style! Hellfire Breath!"
A blazing inferno surged forth, whipping up a terrifying gust!
Terumi Mei's heart skipped a beat — that was no ordinary Fire Style!
Without hesitation, her hands blurred through seals.
"Water Style! Water Pillar Barrier!"
A vast water curtain erupted from the ground, shielding them from the fiery blast.
Zzzzzz! Water and fire collided, sending up clouds of scalding steam.
The Hellhound's eyes narrowed. This human woman was stronger than expected.
"Amazing, Lady Terumi!"
Ao exclaimed in admiration at Terumi Mei's swift defense.
"Ao, your attacks are close-range. They'll barely affect such a giant. Stay back. Don't engage."
"But—"
"No buts! Retreat!"
Terumi Mei ordered as she charged toward the Hellhound.
Ao clenched his fists, then murmured, "Lady Terumi, you are the pride of Kirigakure. I'll defend you even if it costs me my life!"
Ignoring her orders, Ao followed her closely.
Terumi Mei glanced back, furious.
"Ao! What are you doing?! Step back immediately!"
"There can be no Mist without Lady Terumi!"
"Ao, you—!"
Terumi Mei's heart was moved, realizing how deeply Ao cared for her.
Unheeding, Ao rushed straight at the three-headed beast.
To the Hellhound, this was pure provocation.
"Damn humans! Do you think the Hellhound Clan fears you?"
The beast's fury grew even stronger, its eyes burning with killing intent.
"Water Style! Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Ao unleashed a jutsu. A massive water dragon roared toward the Hellhound!
However, the Hellhound calmly swiped a paw, shattering the dragon apart.
"What?!"
Ao gasped. His attack was dismissed so easily?
"Now, it's my turn!"
The Hellhound's left head inhaled sharply, chakra swelling ominously.
Terumi Mei's pupils shrank!
"Ao! Dodge!"
But it was too late!
"Wind Style! Howling Bullet!"
The left head blasted a tremendous wind bullet!
A powerful gale struck Ao dead-on!
With quick thinking, Ao released chakra to form a protective shield.
Boom!
Ao felt like he had crashed into a mountain. He was blown back violently!
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