Boom!!
A tremendous explosion echoed as the shockwave generated by their clashing fists lifted the sand on the ground and pressed it outward. The ground beneath them began to crack under the immense force.
The Fourth Raikage sensed the power in his arm, and his previously relaxed, indifferent expression turned a bit serious.
Bam!!
The Fourth Raikage, punching hastily, couldn't withstand Mokgetsu's blow and was swiftly knocked back over ten meters by the powerful force.
"Such strength and speed, is he a hidden powerhouse from the Hidden Sand?" The Fourth Raikage frowned slightly.
The arriving Hidden Cloud members happened to see the Fourth Raikage being knocked back by Mokgetsu.
Killer Bee saw his brother being struck back more than ten meters with a single punch, widened his eyes, and opened his mouth in disbelief.
"Did my big brother actually lose in a taijutsu match?" Killer Bee rubbed his eyes, feeling like he was caught in a genjutsu.
This is his big brother, the son of the Third Raikage, who had mastered the powerful Lightning Chakra Mode and is designated as the next Raikage.
"Everyone be careful, this guy's chakra is very strong!" As Mokgetsu didn't hide himself in the Transparent World, Motomu also sensed the formidable chakra on Mokgetsu.
"You guys go first, I'll catch up with you later." Mokgetsu quickly said to Obito and the others.
Given Obito and the other's current strength, fighting alongside him in this battlefield was too dangerous, so Mokgetsu decided to divide into two battlefronts, holding off the opponents they couldn't defeat, and leaving the rest to Obito and the others for them to handle. If they couldn't manage, Mokgetsu would unleash his full power and help them escape.
"Teacher, I want to fight alongside you." With the initial performance of the Fourth Raikage, Obito also realized that this enemy was not simple, and he didn't want Mokgetsu to face the strong enemy alone.
"Yeah, how can hot-blooded youth back down!" Might Guy said determinedly, wanting to fight with Mokgetsu as well.
Although Kakashi didn't speak, he silently drew the White Fang Short Blade from his back, ready for battle at any moment.
Mokgetsu patted their heads with a smile and said, "I'm glad you have this thought, but this is not running away or retreating, it's strategy."
"The enemy this time is very strong, it's difficult for me to consider your safety while fighting him. I will hold off most of the enemies, and there might be a small portion pursuing you, which also eases my pressure."
"Everyone, listen up, the mission is only one: it's not to eliminate the enemy, not to gather intelligence, but to survive!"
Mokgetsu showed a serious expression as he said this.
While Mokgetsu was arranging for his disciples' next actions, the Fourth Raikage stopped Berkeley, who was about to draw his sword and charge.
"This person is very strong, none of you are his match. Let me and Bee handle this." The Fourth Raikage patted off the dust from his body, exhibiting a domineering aura.
Berkeley obediently stopped. Though he was older than the Fourth Raikage, the Raikage's strength and status were far superior.
"Don't worry about me. Although the enemy is strong, I am no weakling." Mokgetsu patted Obito's shoulder, showing a gentle smile.
"Let's go, staying here will only drag down Teacher." Kakashi said calmly.
The speed displayed by the enemy was terrifying. If they were caught and used to threaten Mokgetsu during the battle, it would complicate matters for Mokgetsu.
Obito wasn't indecisive, just a bit stubborn. He quickly realized that he might become a burden to Mokgetsu, silently praying for Mokgetsu as he, Kakashi, and Might Guy headed into the forest.
They might become Mokgetsu's flaw here, but leaving could draw some firepower and reduce Mokgetsu's pressure.
"I must become stronger, so that next time, I will never turn my back on Teacher Mokgetsu in such a disgraceful manner." Obito clenched his fists full of unwillingness.
Mokgetsu didn't care about his reputation as a failure, taking him as a disciple and carefully guiding him. Due to Mokgetsu's training plan, Obito won first place in the Young Ninja Competition, standing equal with Kakashi for the first time.
When training didn't go well, Mokgetsu never blamed him, always patiently comforting and encouraging him, helping him surpass himself time and again, eventually turning from a failure to the top of the Ninja School, even making Kakashi, once unattainable, seem within reach for surpassing.
Such a good teacher, facing a strong enemy, and he could only become a burden, Obito truly felt unwilling.
At this moment, he fervently desired strength, regretting not using all available time for cultivation, thinking perhaps he could have helped Teacher Mokgetsu more.
Might Guy's face lacked the usual optimism, his emotional nature letting tears flow uncontrollably.
"If, if my Eight Gates could open the Eighth Gate, if the Breathing Technique could reach the level of opening the Pattern, I would definitely help Teacher Mokgetsu defeat these enemies!" Might Guy seethed with hate for his own powerlessness.
The more he recalled the warm daily moments with Mokgetsu, the more his heart ached.
Mokgetsu's smile while watching him gobble down food, the genuine joy and praise when seeing progress in his Breathing Technique, and the words of trust that still echoed in his ears now transformed into sharp blades, piercing his body and agitating his nerves.
Bam!
While running, Might Guy couldn't help himself, striking a nearby tree with his fist, the immense power breaking the tree in half.
"I suppose I truly am, as they say, one who brings misfortune." Kakashi's eyes looked somewhat dim.
The teacher who helped guide students through unhappy times, who quietly made a hearty breakfast every morning, who selflessly taught powerful ninjutsu and secret techniques—the mysterious, strong Mokgetsu, who always wore a warm smile, might have to sacrifice himself.
Among the three, Kakashi was the most pessimistic; knowing that the powerful Teacher Mokgetsu had given the order to just survive indicated the enemy was truly formidable.
...
"You go after those few, don't let them escape." Watching Kakashi and the others run into the forest, the Fourth Raikage said to Berkeley.
"Follow me," Berkeley called to a Chunin.
Next, the Fourth Raikage rubbed his fists and stepped forward, preparing to properly challenge Mokgetsu again, while preventing Mokgetsu from brutally killing Berkeley.
"State your name; with your strength, you shouldn't be a nobody." The Fourth Raikage didn't strike immediately but asked instead.
"Aizen," Mokgetsu answered calmly.
Having used Transformation Jutsu, of course, he needed to hide his identity; there was no way he'd give his real name.
"Aizen?" The Fourth Raikage pondered seriously but realized he had never heard of any strong figure named Aizen.
"I underestimated you earlier, but it won't be the same now." The Fourth Raikage didn't dwell on the name matter, gathering his strength to take action.