Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

With his mind made up, Uchiha Haruki didn't hesitate. He raised his hand and swiftly performed a series of hand signs—activating a ninjutsu technique: Mind-Link Jutsu!

While it was usually wise to keep a few cards close to the chest, now was not the time to hold anything back.

True, with his current flying speed, Haruki could return to the stronghold in under two minutes. But the Mist ninja squad advancing below wasn't far from the base either. In that span of two minutes, a lot could happen.

So, after a moment of deliberation, he made the call to reveal his use of the Mind-Link Jutsu.

Of course, he only did so because his proficiency with the technique had just advanced to Level 3 after a few days of practice. Now, he could establish communication with anyone within a five-kilometer radius—not just his Shadow Clones.

Otherwise, even if he had wanted to use it, he wouldn't have had the means.

These thoughts flashed across Haruki's mind in an instant. He quickly established a connection with Sano Nobuhisa

"Haruki?"

Sano's voice came through the link, sounding surprised.

It was clear he hadn't expected Haruki to know a secret technique from the Yamanaka clan.

Haruki didn't bother to explain. He went straight to the point: "A squad of Mist ninja is approaching from the south. Their numbers are…"

He glanced down at the Mist group below, did a rough headcount, and continued, "Roughly 260 shinobi."

Sano Nobuhisa didn't press further on the technique. He immediately asked, "How strong are they? What's their precise location?"

Haruki focused his Sharingan on the advancing shinobi. After a few seconds, he replied, "About ten jonin, 170 chunin, and the rest are genin. They're roughly four kilometers from the base."

"Four kilometers…"

Sano paused briefly, then issued a direct order: "Haruki, delay their movement as much as you can. I'm dispatching reinforcements now."

"As expected…"

Haruki had anticipated this. As long as he didn't return to the base, he'd inevitably be tasked with intercepting the enemy.

Even if he had flown back to report in person, they would've just ordered him to fly back out again.

He was the only one who could fly, after all—making him the perfect candidate for aerial harassment.

That's also why he hadn't wasted time returning in the first place.

Luckily, as he had just reported, the overall strength of the Mist squad below wasn't overwhelming. He could handle it.

So he accepted the order without complaint.

Once the mental link ended, Haruki focused entirely on the Mist forces below.

By now, those Mist ninja had also spotted him.

Unfortunately for them, he was flying so high that none of their attacks could reach him.

So for now, no one even tried.

Haruki observed as the Mist squad slowed its pace. A few jonin gathered together, speaking in hushed tones while glancing up at him.

He didn't need to guess—they were clearly discussing how to deal with him.

Still, Haruki wasn't worried. As long as he didn't descend, there wasn't much they could do.

That was the unfair advantage of flight-based jutsu.

But then, something unexpected happened.

After a brief discussion, the Mist jonin ignored him entirely and simply led the squad forward again.

Their pace picked up.

Seeing this, Haruki frowned slightly. Now they had created a new problem for him.

True, he was out of their reach, so he was safe. But the same distance worked against him too—none of his current ninjutsu could effectively impact them from that height.

They had realized this and chosen to treat him like an annoying—but harmless—bird.

If he wanted to affect them, he'd need to descend.

But doing so would open him up to their attacks, massively increasing the risk.

After following them for several hundred meters, Haruki sighed.

"So be it. Sooner or later, I'd have to engage anyway. Might as well strike now!"

Steeling himself, he located the densest part of their formation. With a flap of his chakra wings, he dived down like a missile.

Sure enough, the Mist jonin immediately barked orders for the squad to halt and prepare for combat.

As Haruki drew closer and entered their potential attack range—

He suddenly pulled up hard, veering back into the sky in a smooth, U-shaped arc.

He had intended to launch a preemptive strike—but that didn't mean he had to crash headfirst into enemy fire.

He had the advantage. He could harass them repeatedly, like the boy who cried wolf, until they slowed down. That alone would serve the mission.

Whish whish whish—

Several Mist ninja, frustrated by his retreat, hurled kunai at him.

But Haruki's aerial speed and agility made those attacks laughably ineffective.

Once safely high above again, he didn't immediately dive again. Instead, he circled overhead, studying their reactions.

After a brief pause, the Mist squad resumed marching.

But they hadn't gotten far before Haruki dived again, clearly signaling another attack.

This time, not wanting to take chances, the Mist shinobi halted and braced for impact.

Yet once again, Haruki pulled up at the last second and soared back up.

Their ranks stirred in clear frustration.

Watching from above with his Sharingan, Haruki nodded with satisfaction. This was the result he wanted.

"Hmm?"

He suddenly noticed that the Mist jonin had huddled together again.

Whatever they discussed only took a minute.

Then, they split their forces—each jonin taking half—and began moving east and west in two separate groups.

"What are they trying now?"

Haruki narrowed his eyes.

But he soon understood.

After separating by roughly 100 meters, both groups turned back toward Blackstone Base, resuming their advance.

It was obvious—they were spreading their risk.

By splitting into two squads, Haruki could only attack one at a time. Even if he harassed one group, the other could continue toward the target.

This way, at least half their forces would reach the destination on time.

Moreover, the two groups weren't too far apart. If one came under attack, the other could reinforce quickly.

And if one got held up, the other could evaluate whether to assist or press on.

It was a smart, multi-layered strategy.

The speed with which they'd come up with it impressed even Haruki.

"Too bad… no matter how clever the plan, it crumbles in the face of overwhelming force."

Muttering to himself, Haruki flapped his wings and began his descent—this time, aiming straight for the eastern squad.

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