Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

As Kushina and Mikoto ran, the black bear's roar echoed menacingly behind them. Despite their best efforts, two 10-year-old girls couldn't hope to outrun a fully-grown black bear. The predator closed the distance quickly, its massive form just a few meters away.

Fear coursed through Kushina as despair began to take hold. She glanced over her shoulder, realizing the inevitable. Just then, a familiar voice broke through the tension.

"My feet hurt," the voice called, seemingly out of nowhere.

Moments Earlier

After Aburame Shibi alerted the group to the danger Kushina and Mikoto were in, Uchiha Chiba wasted no time. He asked Shibi to point out the direction and activated the Eight Inner Gates without hesitation. Like a streak of lightning, he bolted toward the two girls.

Shikaku, Nawaki, and the others were momentarily stunned by Chiba's sudden burst of speed. They couldn't dwell on their amazement for long, however, and hurried to follow him.

Fueled by worry for Mikoto's safety, Chiba pushed his body to its limits. The air currents from his sprint flattened the grass and trees in his path, as though nature itself acknowledged his urgency. His sharp ears caught faint voices ahead, though he couldn't make out the words.

His body surged with adrenaline as he broke through another barrier.

"Eight Inner Gates, Gate Five: Gate of Limit... open!"

Pain tore through him like fire. Chiba nearly stumbled as his body protested the strain. He clenched his teeth, fighting through the agony.

"Damn, this hurts," he thought bitterly.

Suddenly, he noticed the pain diminishing. His mind clicked—his "Shinigami Curse" talent must have been repairing his body, mitigating some of the suffering. While it couldn't completely heal him, it was enough to keep him moving.

With newfound determination, Chiba tore through the forest faster than ever, leaving destruction in his wake.

The Encounter

In just a few minutes, Chiba reached the clearing where Mikoto and Kushina stood. Relief washed over him when he saw they were unharmed. His eyes quickly darted to the black bear's massive body sprawled on the ground, its skull caved in.

Next to the bear was a woman in a green short robe. Her back was to Chiba, but the bold kanji for "gambling" on her outfit revealed her identity immediately: Tsunade.

Chiba's eyes lingered on her in awe. It was his first time seeing the legendary kunoichi in person, and she looked more vibrant and commanding than he could have imagined. Her golden hair was tied in a ponytail, and her sharp eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Tsunade turned toward him, her expression unreadable. Mikoto, meanwhile, waved enthusiastically.

"Chiba! We're over here!"

Kushina followed suit, her face lighting up with relief.

As Chiba approached, his gaze inadvertently wandered, taking in Tsunade's figure. The young prodigy couldn't help but be momentarily mesmerized by her commanding presence and striking features.

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, her stern voice breaking his reverie.

"Hey, Uchiha brat, where are you looking?"

Kushina turned curiously, confused by the exchange.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Realizing his mistake, Chiba cursed himself inwardly. Trying to recover, he pointed toward the black bear's lifeless form.

"Uh, Tsunade-sama, I was just checking to see if you were injured. That bear looked like a formidable opponent."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but unwilling to press further.

"Don't worry. A bear like that is no match for me," she replied, her tone dismissive.

Reuniting with the Group

Kushina, however, had another question.

"Chiba, how did you even know we were in trouble?"

Chiba shrugged casually.

"Zhiwei placed some bugs on you. He alerted me when you were in danger."

The words had barely left his mouth before Kushina jumped in alarm, swatting at her clothes.

"What?! There are bugs on me?!"

Mikoto stifled a laugh, finding her friend's reaction amusing.

"They're just bugs, Kushina. Calm down."

Despite Mikoto's reassurances, Kushina continued to pat herself down in an exaggerated panic. Chiba chuckled softly.

"Relax. Once we get back, Shibi can retrieve them."