Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

"Are you?!"

"'Konoha's Thunder'! Raiden Uzumaki!"

The middle-aged Iwa-nin struggled to speak as he instinctively retreated.

For a veteran on the front lines, it was impossible not to recognize Raiden Uzumaki. As the supreme commander of Konoha's surprise attack force, he was the one who killed the Five-Tails Jinchūriki and the Four-Tails Jinchūriki. His portrait had circulated among the Iwa-nin forces for good reason.

"How are you here?!"

The middle-aged Iwa-nin's voice trembled with terror. Facing Raiden Uzumaki, resistance seemed futile. Though there was no official command to abandon missions at the sight of Raiden, every Iwa-nin knew the fearsome reputation of the man before them.

The Iwa-nin leadership hadn't issued such an order because it was assumed that escaping from Raiden Uzumaki would be impossible.

"The situation has developed far beyond my expectations," Raiden said, his voice calm. "I thought I was prepared, but even this took me by surprise."

He glanced back at Kakashi Hatake, who was covering his face, blood seeping through his fingers. Nearby, Obito Uchiha's eyes glowed crimson, with two black tomoe spinning in his newly awakened Sharingan.

"Double tomoe's Sharingan... such remarkable talent!" Raiden mused. "Compared to this kid, even Sasuke doesn't seem like a contender for second place."

Raiden's gaze lingered on Obito for a moment. The boy, overwhelmed by anger at Kakashi's injury, had locked eyes with the Iwa-nin responsible, his expression murderous.

"Don't run, you bastard!" Obito yelled, leaping toward the Iwa-nin. Raiden didn't intervene, instead activating his Kagura's Mind Eye to assess the surroundings.

Sure enough, Raiden detected a familiar chakra signature in the distant woods. A flytrap-like figure sank into the ground, leaving only its eyes visible, staring intently at Raiden from afar.

"Why is he here?" White Zetsu's sharp voice broke the silence, his gaze filled with dread.

"Shouldn't he be in the Land of Wind?"

"Is this a coincidence?"

"It must be related to that white-haired boy's scroll," Black Zetsu replied hoarsely. "It's likely a reverse summoning scroll designed to protect him. At least he doesn't know our plan involves that Uchiha kid."

With Raiden's sudden appearance, Black Zetsu found the situation tricky. Their plan was disrupted, leaving no choice but to retreat.

"Let's pull back for now and regroup. I didn't expect this accident to jeopardize a boy Madara had an interest in."

Raiden observed Black Zetsu retreating and turned his focus back to the Iwa-nin battling Obito. The enemy seemed like an experienced Chūnin, skilled but no match for the enhanced insights of Obito's Sharingan.

Inside the cave, the remaining Iwa-nin, hearing the commotion, realized something was wrong. Grabbing the unconscious Rin, the young man with an afro hairdo emerged, issuing a signal for help.

"Stop, all of you!" he shouted, holding Rin at knifepoint.

Obito hesitated, his gaze darting between Rin and Raiden. The Iwa-nin quickly retreated toward his teammate, whispering urgently, "That's Raiden Uzumaki!"

The afro-haired Iwa-nin paled. His kunai trembled in his grasp as he registered the gravity of their predicament.

"You fools! Do you even want this girl's life?" he barked, trying to maintain composure.

"Rin!" Obito shouted, looking pleadingly at Raiden.

Raiden remained calm, contemplating his next move. The plan had shifted, but his priority was now clear—rescue Rin. Without hesitation, he vanished, reappearing beside the afro-haired Iwa-nin.

"So fast?!" the Iwa-nin gasped as his arms flew through the air, severed cleanly. Before the pain registered, Rin had vanished from his grasp.

In the blink of an eye, Raiden stood beside Kakashi with Rin unharmed.

"My clothes are new. Don't get them dirty," Raiden remarked, his attire immaculate despite the violence.

Two lightning arrows materialized and pierced the chests of the two Iwa-nin, killing them instantly. Kakashi and Obito watched in awe, stunned by the vast difference in strength.

The Iwa-nin who had caused them so much trouble were mere insects before Raiden Uzumaki.

The gap in power was unfathomable.

(End of this chapter)