Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

At the same time, on the other side of the battlefield, Uchiha Haruki's subordinates were engaged in combat with the Mist ninja led by Yukikaze.

At this point, the number of Mist shinobi had swelled to seventy or eighty. While still not quite matching the one hundred Konoha shinobi present, the numbers were close enough that the battle had become increasingly fierce. Cries of pain echoed across the battlefield from time to time.

While in pursuit, Haruki cast a brief glance in their direction. After confirming the situation was still under control, he turned his focus back to the chase.

Several minutes later, Yukikaze finally stopped fleeing.

The two now stood atop a vast stretch of open sea, facing each other, unmoving for a long time.

Whoosh—

Suddenly, a gust of sea wind swept past, sending waves more than a meter high crashing around them.

It was at that moment that Haruki moved.

A streak of blue light flashed—his signature Flash Blade Technique. Haruki became a blur as he closed the distance in an instant.

Seeing this, Yukikaze swiftly formed hand seals. Then, stomping his right foot onto the sea's surface, he injected a large amount of chakra downward.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

From beneath his feet, the sea instantly turned into white crystalline ice, spreading rapidly toward Haruki.

Shing! Shing! Shing!

Spikes of ice burst from the surface, attempting to block Haruki's path.

But Haruki only sneered. With a slash of his blade, the ice spikes were instantly severed. His momentum didn't falter—he continued charging forward.

Yukikaze's face darkened, and he immediately formed another set of hand seals, slamming both palms onto the ice.

In the next moment, a ring-shaped ice wall rose up, encasing him protectively.

Even with just a glance, Haruki could tell this ice wall was incredibly thick—too strong for a mere sword to break through.

Without hesitation, he raised his left hand. A glowing ball of chakra began to form in his palm—the Rasengan. Or more precisely: the Giant Rasengan (Ōdama Rasengan).

The Giant Rasengan was a powered-up version of the original, consuming significantly more chakra to increase its density and destructive force.

As long as the user had sufficient chakra control, it could be executed with ease. Structurally, it was no different from a normal Rasengan, which was why his system panel didn't even list it as a separate technique.

Boom!

The enormous Rasengan smashed into the ice wall, unleashing a devastating burst of chakra. In an instant, the wall shattered into fragments.

But when the ice wall crumbled, Yukikaze was nowhere to be seen—only a round hole in the ice remained where he once stood.

Haruki didn't even need to think—Yukikaze had hidden beneath the ice.

Still, unless he planned to stop breathing, he'd have to resurface eventually.

As for escaping beyond the ice layer?

Highly unlikely.

Not only would that cause visible disturbances, but without the thick ice acting as a barrier, Haruki could easily spot any movement.

Understanding this, Haruki simply stood still, patiently waiting.

Of course, he remained on guard—his Sharingan, now with three tomoe, scanning the surroundings with unwavering vigilance. Nothing could escape his perception.

Seconds turned to minutes.

Two minutes passed.

Still nothing.

The sea remained calm, with only the occasional sound of waves stirred by the wind. It was as though Yukikaze had vanished.

But Haruki was unbothered. Two minutes meant nothing—not just to a shinobi, even an ordinary person could hold their breath that long. He kept waiting.

Three more minutes passed.

Finally, Yukikaze couldn't endure it any longer.

With a crack of breaking ice, a massive ice dragon burst from beneath the surface, shooting into the air and hovering above.

Then, with a sharp turn, the dragon faced downward—its gaze fixed directly on Haruki.

Thanks to the Sharingan's extraordinary clarity, Haruki immediately spotted Yukikaze standing atop the dragon's head.

And judging by the amount of chakra inside, Haruki could tell this wasn't a clone—it was the real Yukikaze.

Without wasting another second, Haruki quickly formed hand seals and opened his mouth.

Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!

Though only a C-rank technique, Dragon Flame Jutsu had commendable speed and intensity, despite being slightly harder to control.

A flaming serpent shot from Haruki's mouth, rapidly transforming into a blazing fire dragon that roared toward the ice dragon's head.

If it hit, both the dragon and Yukikaze would be in serious danger.

But just then—a familiar scene unfolded.

The ice dragon opened its mouth and exhaled a freezing breath downward.

Sizzle—

The icy breath clashed with the fire dragon midair, erupting into steam that spread and blanketed the surroundings in a thick white mist.

From atop the dragon, Yukikaze tried to capitalize on the cover, forming seals to cast:

Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu

To block Haruki's vision again.

But just then—a faint slicing sound cut through the air.

Followed by a sharp wave of killing intent.

Without even thinking, Yukikaze instinctively ducked.

A wind blade narrowly sliced past his head.

Yes—a wind blade.

Haruki had seized the moment Yukikaze began forming hand seals and launched:

Wind Style: Blade of Wind!

Unfortunately, Haruki's Blade of Wind was still only at level 6 (3405/10000)—not yet fully mastered.

Because of that, both its casting speed and stealth weren't yet at their peak.

Had it been at full power, even Yukikaze's sharp reflexes might not have saved him.

"Tch… too bad," Haruki muttered, lowering his hands.

While he lamented the missed opportunity, Yukikaze was nearly scared out of his wits.

Had he not instinctively ducked, he might've been decapitated.

Enraged by the close call, Yukikaze roared and commanded the ice dragon to attack, swinging its massive claws down at Haruki.

Despite its size, the dragon was shockingly fast. From below, Haruki suddenly felt a violent gust—the giant claw was almost upon him.

In that critical moment, a faint blue glow wrapped around Haruki's body—Flash Blade Technique activated again. He vanished just before the strike landed.

Boom!

The dragon's claw slammed into the ice, shattering it instantly. Shards of crystalized ice exploded outward like bullets.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Haruki swung his long sword rapidly, deflecting every shard coming his way.

But even as he did, he heard a rushing wind behind him. Turning, he saw the dragon's massive tail sweeping toward him like an entire wall of ice.

Haruki couldn't afford a direct hit—he swiftly dodged.

Yet Yukikaze remained relentless, continuously commanding the ice dragon to attack.

For a moment, Haruki looked like a mere insect beneath a raging beast—darting across the battlefield, chased down by a monstrous dragon.

This was the advantage of overwhelming size.

No matter how flashy one's techniques were—raw power could break them all.