The secret technique "Earth Grudge Fear" and the power of the Sharingan were certainly tempting—but Takayama Haru was not the kind of person to turn tail and run like a coward.
Seeing the bridge about to be swept away by the rising sea, Haru immediately began forming hand seals!
"Wood Style—Binding Burial of Eternal Roots!"
Originally, this Wood Style technique involved sprouting vine-like saplings that coiled around the enemy, then rapidly growing into massive trees to crush them beneath their weight.
But now, Haru used it on the bridge itself. The giant trees sprouted from the wooden planks, enveloping the structure entirely, reinforcing it and anchoring it against the crashing waves.
When Mebuki, Rin, and Mikoto Uchiha saw the trees growing out of the bridge, their eyes sparkled with amazement.
"Haru is so cool!"
"Sensei is amazing!"
"This little guy is incredible!"
The others also felt a wave of calm wash over them, a sense of safety returning to their hearts.
Up above, the Third Mizukage observed Haru, stunned.
"To think he can unleash such terrifying Wood Style techniques without any soil? Could he really be the reincarnation of the First Hokage?"
The Third Mizukage had once served as the bodyguard of the First Mizukage during the original Five Kage Summit. Standing behind the First Mizukage had been the legendary elders of the early era.
Looking at Takayama Haru now, the image in his mind began to overlap with that of a man from long ago.
His heart stirred with unease—until he thought of Jue, and that old man. The anxiety settled a little.
"As long as that man is still around, the Hidden Leaf will eventually fall into chaos."
Haru's eyes flicked toward the Third Mizukage—and spotted a strange figure silently emerging beside him: Zetsu, or rather, Black and White Zetsu combined.
"Just as I suspected—this is all part of the Uchiha's scheme."
"You all go ahead. I'll cover the rear!"
Haru spoke calmly, without hesitation.
Mikoto Uchiha quickly replied, "Haru-kun, take the ninja pouch!"
Haruno Akira added, "Lord Haru, you're our most important asset. Once we break through their formation, you should retreat!"
As they spoke, massive columns of water surged up from the sea, transforming into writhing water dragons, surging toward Haru.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
This wasn't a single dragon—it was a plural variant of the technique, unleashed with overwhelming force by the Third Mizukage. The pressure was immense and terrifying.
Even Haruno Akira, who had just declared he'd cut ties with Haru, was struck dumb with fear.
Boom!
With a loud crash, Haru quickly formed another set of seals. A wall of wooden treasure-box pillars rose in front of the group, blocking the incoming dragons. The bridge trembled beneath their feet.
Sea spray splashed across everyone's clothes.
"You severed our connection, but if you die here, it would've been for nothing. There's no need for that—just go. I'll be fine."
"I'm only worried that if I go all out, I might hurt you too."
"Go now."
With that, Haru created a Shadow Clone that gathered everyone and retreated.
"Haru, you have to come back safely!"
Mikoto Uchiha bit her lip, then escaped with the clone carrying the others.
The Third Mizukage chuckled, "Oh my, do you really think any of you are getting away?"
Suddenly, Haru's figure blurred—and in a flash, he appeared right in front of the Third Mizukage.
"Your fight is with me."
Before the Mizukage could react, Haru struck—sending him flying backward.
Back at the bridge, an overwhelming number of White Zetsus erupted from all directions. Everyone's faces filled with horror.
Not just from this side of the mainland—but the far end of the bridge as well—thousands of White Zetsu appeared, completely surrounding them!
Panic spread among the group.
A bad feeling welled up in Haru's chest.
How many White Zetsus are there?!
"Let's move!"
The Shadow Clone was quickly sealed away by an enemy.
"Wait—he's using... the Wood Dragon Jutsu!"
"Wood Style—Binding Burial of Eternal Roots!"
Countless wooden dragons erupted across the bridge, entangling the advancing White Zetsu and pinning them down.
The trees then sprouted upward, sealing them in a perpetual burial beneath the roots, crushing the enemy and clearing a path for the others to escape.
"Go. Leave this to me."
Haru's voice was steady and composed.
"Sensei! Please come with us!" Rin cried, tears brimming in her eyes as endless waves of White Zetsu surged forth.
Even Kakashi joined in: "Sensei, we can all escape together!"
The young girl carrying a torch gripped Haru's clothes tightly, her eyes full of pleading.
Mikoto Uchiha opened her mouth to speak—but Haru cut her off.
"Mikoto. Akira. I'm leaving them in your hands!"
The Haru Clone finished speaking and immediately began weaving signs at lightning speed.
"Wood Style—Flower Tree World Arrival!"
With a loud command, the earth beneath the bridge cracked open!
BOOM! A deafening quake shook the ground, collapsing it in an instant!
Giant trees burst upward from beneath, shattering the steel bridge entirely!
RUMBLE!
Half the massive structure plummeted into the sea in mere seconds.
The cliff cracked open, the bridge was torn in two, and the surrounding terrain was instantly transformed!
The White Zetsus on the bridge fell into the sea one after another. Those on the far side could only stare in disbelief at what had become a forest of trees and enormous flowers—a jungle barrier across the ravine.
Hidden Leaf Village – Uzumaki Compound
"Four-Headed Sea Elephant Seal!"
Kushina Uzumaki pressed her hand on a plump pink pig. A glowing seal appeared across the pig's belly, radiating with light!
"I did it! Grandma Mito, I did it!"
Mito Uzumaki nodded calmly. "Good. Next, you'll try to remove the Four Symbols Seal from the great dolphin. Let's go again."
The plump pink pig was a summoned beast raised by the Uzumaki Clan—used by novices to practice sealing techniques.
Its thick hide made it resistant to injury.
That large dolphin also had a son—Guinea Dolphin—who often traveled with Tsunade and Shizune.
"Big Dolphin, let's go again!"
Kushina was bubbling with excitement. She had finally mastered the Four Symbols Seal! Soon, she'd be able to learn all of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques—and at least in that department, she'd be stronger than Haru!
Besides, Grandma Mito had said—once she mastered Uzumaki sealing arts... she could get married.
That thought brought a soft smile to her lips.
Once you return from this mission, we can finally prepare for our wedding.
"Haru... stay safe. Come back to me soon..."