Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

After a month away, returning to Fūryū Town again, Uchiha Haruki felt only one thing—it had become much more desolate.

In the past, even though there were no civilians here, the number of Konoha shinobi stationed in the area kept it relatively lively.

But now, even though many shinobi from outlying outposts had already retreated back here, it still felt devoid of life.

This alone was proof of just how devastating their losses over the past month had been.

"No wonder the main base decided to shrink the front line."

With things in such dire straits, continuing to hold out would just lead to eventual defeat. Concentrating forces on defending a more secure line in the rear was clearly the smarter strategy.

But...

Looking at the tense, heavy atmosphere surrounding the shinobi forces, Haruki had a sinking feeling—the fallback line probably wouldn't hold for long either.

More than two years of continuous war had just about squeezed all the potential out of Konoha. If things dragged on much longer, they'd face a full-blown crisis of exhaustion.

You could say whatever you wanted about Hiruzen Sarutobi—whether he was indecisive or hypocritical—but you couldn't deny that his political insight was sharp.

Whether it was selecting the next Hokage or balancing the interests of Konoha's major clans, he always made the right calls.

So if even Haruki could recognize how fragile the situation had become, there was no way Hiruzen couldn't see it too.

That, Haruki figured, was likely the main reason Hiruzen ultimately defied Danzo Shimura's pressure and forced an end to the war.

Shaking his head, Haruki dropped the thought and turned back toward his quarters. He decided to use the remaining time to get some training in.

There was a strategy meeting later that night, after all.

Although, Haruki figured it would probably just be about assigning tasks.

With so many people relocating at once, security was a major concern. As one of the stronger Jōnin present, Haruki was bound to get saddled with a fair share of responsibilities.

Which meant, once that happened, he wouldn't have much time left for personal training.

So best to seize the moment while he could.

Time passed quickly, and afternoon gave way to evening.

Night fell.

Haruki stepped into the meeting room.

There were fewer familiar faces, and more strangers. The unfamiliar Jōnin were likely the ones who had been stationed at the outer outposts until recently.

As for the missing familiar faces...

They were almost certainly dead.

Haruki hesitated for a brief moment, then moved naturally to take his usual seat.

Some of the other Jōnin nodded at him in greeting, and he nodded back. Others gave him curious looks, which Haruki ignored completely.

After he sat down, more people continued arriving.

Eventually, once most of the Jōnin were present, Ōmura Yuito arrived.

He didn't waste time with pleasantries or small talk—he went straight into assigning missions.

No surprise, Haruki was assigned to one of the high-risk reconnaissance squads.

But not because of his recon skills. Yuito made it clear: Haruki was to protect the Hyūga shinobi who would be doing the actual scouting. He was just the bodyguard.

Haruki was perfectly fine with that.

Yes, it was a dangerous mission, but he wouldn't have to do too much thinking or planning. He accepted it without hesitation.

Before long, everyone's assignments were handed out. Once all tasks were confirmed, Ōmura Yuito dismissed the meeting on the spot.

This might have been the shortest meeting Haruki had ever attended. You had to admire the sheer efficiency of shinobi life.

After leaving the room, Haruki went to find a specific Tokubetsu Jōnin from the Hyūga Clan—his new partner for this mission, and someone he already knew.

"Rinhi!"

That's right. It was Hyūga Rinhi.

Back when they had served under Nara Sui, they had been teammates. Now, they were working together again.

"Haruki!"

Rinhi raised his hand in greeting when he heard his name.

Haruki couldn't help but think: this guy was seriously lucky to still be alive after all this time.

Not that Haruki was insulting or looking down on him—it was just that reconnaissance missions were always high-risk.

And Rinhi had spent years doing those missions.

The fact that he was still alive was honestly impressive.

The two exchanged a few updates on their respective situations, then quickly packed their gear and set off from Fūryū Town, heading toward the fallback base.

As part of the recon team, they naturally needed to depart earlier than the main force. That way, they could scout ahead, check for enemy movements, and report back in time.

But unexpectedly, just like before—Iwagakure made no attempt to intercept them.

They hadn't tried to block the retreat when the outposts regrouped at Fūryū Town, and now, as everyone was falling back again, they still didn't interfere.

At that point, Haruki suddenly understood why Ōmura Yuito had arranged such a tight timeline.

It wasn't just about speed—it was about outmaneuvering Iwagakure completely.

After the chaos of the Four-Tails going berserk, Iwagakure barely had time to clean up their own mess, let alone organize a pursuit.

And even if they wanted to intercept the retreat, they probably couldn't.

Konoha's retreat had been meticulously planned in advance. Yuito had everything in place already.

For Iwagakure to suddenly throw together an interception force of equal scale? That was impossible.

As for sending small squads to harass them?

"That's just nonsense."

Forget Minato Namikaze, who could fight an army by himself—even Haruki could wreak havoc in a small skirmish.

And it wasn't like Iwagakure didn't know that.

They had Haruki's intel on their desk already, no doubt.

Unless their commander had gone completely mad, they wouldn't risk a reckless ambush.

With all this in mind, Haruki felt much more relaxed. He even had the spare focus to practice his Mystic Palm Technique while traveling, continuing to reinforce his physical body.

Hyūga Rinhi, while clearly curious about what Haruki was doing, didn't ask out of respect.

Still, when he occasionally activated his Byakugan to check the surroundings, he couldn't help but be shocked by Haruki's progress.

Four months ago, Haruki had been strong—sure—but still within the realm of what was considered "normal."

But now? His chakra levels had nearly doubled, and the pressure radiating off him was overwhelming.

Rinhi thought: at this point, the only person in Fūryū Town who might still be stronger than Haruki was the Yellow Flash—Minato Namikaze.

He wasn't wrong.

Forget Fūryū Town—even in all of Konoha, the only people Haruki now respected in terms of raw strength were Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, and the Three Legendary Sannin.

Everyone else—including Danzo Shimura—meant nothing to him.

And even those he did respect wouldn't necessarily be able to defeat him in a fight.

At least, not while his left eye remained intact, and as long as he still had Heavenly Authority.

What Haruki lacked wasn't raw power—but foundation.

He needed more jutsu, a wider range of chakra nature mastery, and deeper tactical knowledge.

Once those gaps were filled, he'd be a true Kage-level shinobi.

And when he upgraded his Mangekyō Sharingan into the Eternal Mangekyō, and fully developed his complete Susanoo, not even the Five Kage combined might be able to stop him.

And that day wasn't far off.

"Haruki, we've arrived."

Rinhi's voice broke through Haruki's thoughts.