Chapter 337: Protecting Kaori and Kyoko from Disaster

Explosion after explosion sent debris flying, metal shards embedding themselves in the walls and the crumbling defenses.

The terrorists from the Soul Collector Organization wore terrifying skull-shaped masks, their faces hidden, with only their crazed eyes shining through the black holes of their masks. They threw improvised bombs with hysterical laughter, creating small craters in the cobblestone streets.

Amidst the suffocating chaos, where human screams mingled with the rumble of collapsing buildings, a terror emerged that far surpassed ordinary fear. The Dead and Horror—ferocious creatures with glowing red eyes like the embers of hell—mercilessly broke into the city center.

Their bodies were tattered, as if sewn together by blind hands. Their skin was cracked, dry, and peeling like barren land in a drought, oozing black liquid that dripped from open wounds.

With every step they took, they left behind a foul stench that hung heavily in the air—an odor of death, rotting flesh, and stale blood that made one’s stomach churn with just a single breath.

Among them roamed various beasts that looked as if they had been pulled from a nightmare. Some had bodies like lions but melted human faces; others slithered like snakes yet had horns and sharp scales like shards of glass.

Fur, spikes, and bones protruded from their bodies haphazardly, creating horrifying silhouettes under the rising sunlight.

The sounds of their roars and the clinking of their claws scraping against the rocks echoed in the narrow alleys, replacing the long-lost morning birdsong.

The fortress, Fortress City 085, which had stood strong until now, resembled a wounded animal surrounded from all sides.

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...

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However, in a small house on the outskirts of the city, the world felt frozen.

In that simple living room, Kyoko Shimizu stood frozen in front of the television. Kyoko's small, innocent face was now tense, her round eyes trembling violently, and her lips moved silently.

The images on the screen displayed flames, ruins, and panicked people running, as if they were from another world that Kyoko could not touch—yet dragged her into a very real fear.

“Mom...?” Kyoko whispered, her voice trembling, barely audible.

Kaori Shimizu, Kyoko's mother, stood with a pale face, her shoulders shaking slightly. Kaori's hand gripped the edge of the table so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

“…We have to get out of here,” Kaori murmured, her voice low, as if she were speaking to herself.

Kaori then glanced back, where three people stood watching the situation with different expressions. Kakashi leaned against the wall, staring at the screen with a vacant yet calculating gaze.

Sakura sat at the edge of the sofa, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Naruto stood near the window, turning with a thin smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“So that’s their plan…” Kakashi muttered, his voice low and bitter.

“Let’s… let’s go now!” Kaori urged, her voice filled with fear she tried to hide.

But Kakashi only shook his head slowly, his expression unchanged. “No need. We will ensure that not a single one of them touches this place.”

Sakura smiled, though her eyes showed sharp concern. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Kaori. This isn’t the first time we’ve faced something like this.”

Naruto gave a small grin, his expression full of confidence. “I’ll step outside for a bit, make sure everything stays safe.”

Kaori stepped forward quickly, grabbing Naruto’s arm, her eyes filled with deep worry. “Will you be okay…?”

Naruto just let out a short laugh, gently brushing Kaori’s hand away. “I’m not alone. Sasuke is out there, waiting for me.”