A few minutes ago, the Cloud Shinobi, Shibo, was carrying Kushina as he swiftly made his way toward the border, aiming to rendezvous with the Cloud Shinobi army.
Just a little more—just a little further, and he would be out of Konoha's territory!
As long as he successfully delivered the Nine Tails Jinchūriki to Lord Ai, this mission would be a complete success.
Not only would he receive a promotion and great rewards, but the Land of Lightning would also gain an immense boost in power.
After all, the Land of Lightning already possessed the Eight Tails and Two Tails.
If they could control the strongest Nine Tails, it would only be a matter of time before they surpassed the Land of Fire and became the dominant force in the ninja world.
Yet, despite his confidence, Shibo couldn't help but glance back repeatedly.
The overwhelming pressure from that boy who called himself Kizaru was still weighing on him.
Even now, Shibo worried that the guy might suddenly appear out of nowhere.
Meanwhile, Kushina stared blankly at the blurred forest ahead.
Simu…
Are you almost here?
It was as if the gods had heard her prayer.
A familiar voice suddenly echoed in her ears.
"Oh no, that was close—I almost let you escape across the border."
A golden flash flickered, and in an instant, Simu appeared in front of Shibo and Kushina.
Shibo's face turned pale.
Damn it—he actually caught up!
Without hesitation, he swung a kunai backward, aiming straight for Simu.
But Simu merely tilted his head slightly, allowing the kunai to brush past his face harmlessly.
Realizing his attack had failed, Shibo wasted no time.
He kicked off a branch and bolted in the opposite direction.
"Sorry, but I'm really pissed off this time."
Countless golden light particles gathered ahead of Shibo, forming the unmistakable figure of Simu—hands still casually tucked in his pockets.
Shibo took two steps back and quickly began forming hand seals.
"Lightning Style—"
Before he could even complete the jutsu, Simu's kick had already connected with his chin from below!
"Light-Speed Kick!"
A powerful, dazzling golden flash erupted as Shibo was launched into the sky like a shooting star.
He flew for dozens of meters before gravity finally pulled him down, sending him crashing into the woods, leaving a deep crater in his wake.
Simu lowered his foot and effortlessly caught Kushina with both hands.
"You okay?"
"Why did you only show up now…?"
Kushina instinctively wanted to scold him.
But as she lay in Simu's arms, all she felt was warmth.
If she could, she wished this moment would last forever.
"I'm fine," she murmured, lowering her head to hide her emotions.
"That's good."
Simu gently ruffled her red hair.
"I'm late."
"Damn it, Simu, stop messing with my hair!"
The warmth lasted only two seconds before Kushina revealed her usual feisty side.
Simu chuckled helplessly.
"As expected of you."
Just then, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Congratulations! Imitation value has reached 40%. Extracting ability…"
Over the past year, Simu had gradually raised his imitation value to 37%.
But during this battle, it had finally increased to 40%.
As for the reward he received at 30%? It was one of the most essential abilities of a pirate—[Armament Haki].
However, he hadn't needed to use it in this fight.
Not because he was holding back, but simply because it didn't matter.
Against these Cloud Shinobi, brute strength was unnecessary—his overwhelming speed was enough to crush them.
Still, Simu's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
What would he get this time?
"Ability extraction complete."
"Congratulations! You have obtained [Observation Haki]!"
Simu's eyes lit up.
The moment he acquired the ability, the world around him changed.
Everything—every tree, every insect—was now reflected in his mind.
It was as if he had gained the perspective of a god, perceiving everything around him with absolute clarity.
So this is Observation Haki…
With this, his abilities had improved once again.
Before, despite possessing the Glint-Glint Fruit, his reaction speed had some limitations.
Sometimes, he couldn't fully utilize his fruit's incredible velocity due to his own reaction time.
But now, that weakness no longer existed.
With Observation Haki, he could sense everything around him, predict enemy movements, and even glimpse into the immediate future.
In a way, it was an indirect boost to his Glint-Glint Fruit speed.
Simu was still basking in the joy of his newfound power when he suddenly felt something warm on his lips.
A soft, delicate touch pressed against the corner of his mouth.
He glanced down—only to see Kushina's face burning red, as if she had transformed into an apple.
"W-What are you staring at? You think I'm gonna eat you?" she stammered.
Her vibrant red hair danced under the bright moonlight.
Simu smirked.
"Go ahead and try."
"Y-You…!"
Kushina was left speechless.
But before she could retaliate, Simu's expression suddenly hardened.
His senses flared—danger was incoming!
"I've found you, Nine Tails Jinchūriki!"
Lightning crackled in the distance, streaking straight toward them!
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