Chapter 117: 113: Escape From Konoha (4)
"Why... why must it end like this?" In the quiet forest, Fuyuma, covered in wounds, lay on the ground. Surrounding him were several fallen Konoha ninjas with Ayane, who had only a bit of dust on her, standing out prominently.
"It's quite unfortunate, Fuyuma-senpai. I didn't originally intend to kill you. But when you insisted on getting involved, it seems I had no choice." Ayane said, casually twirling her kunai as she slowly approached Fuyuma.
"Why are you doing this? Hiashi-sama believed in you so much..." Fuyuma didn't quite understand, blood spilling from his mouth as he gasped for breath.
His forehead protector slipped down, revealing the caged bird seal.
"At first, maybe it was for freedom. Later on, I'm not so sure." Ayane replied.
"That was to protect..."
Sploosh!
Without mercy, Ayane impaled Fuyuma's throat with her kunai, twisting it.
"I've had enough of your excuses. Since the day I was born, it's been nothing but endless talk, talk, talk. I'm tired of it. Can't you give me a reason I can accept?"
Ayane pulled out the kunai, its blade stained with the blood of a fellow clansman, and with her black hair swaying, she continued forward into the darkness of the forest.
...
The water continued to rise, forming a massive lake within the forest and even beginning to encroach toward the village.
Waves of water surged forward, heading straight for Tokukaze to engulf him.
The huge figure of the Baku descended, pushing back the water and giving Tokukaze a chance to catch his breath.
At this moment, Hiruzen also arrived here. His Summoned Staff extended, he aimed it at the half-exposed head of the python.
With a splash, the python submerged into the water, disappearing from view.
Hiruzen's Staff struck the water's surface, causing water to splash.
Suddenly, lightning emerged from the water's surface.
The Baku and Konoha ninjas were all paralyzed by this unexpected lightning.
The ferocious shadow of the python reappeared beneath everyone's feet.
Accompanied by a roar, all the Konoha ninja within the attack range were sent flying, and the Baku struggled to maintain its footing on the water.
"Damn it!" Danzo gritted his teeth.
Water Release combined with Lightning Release; this was a formidable opponent.
The python opened its huge mouth and charged into the air, creating surging waves. Even the Anbu and jonin from Konoha were barely able to maintain their positions.
Hiruzen supported himself with his Staff, holding the python's mouth open, preventing it from biting down.
In the vacuum water sphere within the python's head, Shiraishi, seen through the transparent flesh and blood of the python, locked eyes with Hiruzen and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"This posture of yours is quite ugly, Professor."
His voice penetrated without any hindrance.
Hiruzen's eyes burned with anger. He grasped the Staff tightly, causing lightning to wrap around the python's body through the staff.
However, the lightning didn't last long and disappeared, absorbed by the python.
It could indeed absorb Ninjutsu. It seemed that physical combat was the only option now. Hiruzen's mood grew increasingly solemn.
"It seems it's over." Shiraishi murmured to himself.
"Yaaahhh!"
A loud yell suddenly rang out, taking everyone by surprise.
Instinctively, Shiraishi turned his head, and the python did the same, getting kicked in the process.
Splash!
Unable to withstand such a powerful impact, the python began to roll on the water's surface, and even the vacuum water sphere inside its head became unstable, causing ripples.
The person who arrived was covered in blue steam, and a beastly aura erupted outward from within him. Veins bulged at his temple, clearly visible on the surface of his skin.
His arrival not only surprised Shiraishi and the others but also other Konoha ninja, whether they recognized him or not, including members of Anbu and Root, all wore expressions of astonishment.
"Who is this guy?" Shiraishi glanced at the newcomer, who was dressed in a tight green suit with a comical hairstyle and thick eyebrows. Was there someone like him among Konoha's high-ranking ninja?
But the blow that had just sent the python flying... no matter how you looked at it, it seemed like the attack of a very suspicious Konoha high-ranking ninja.
"He's Might Dai, my student Might Guy's father." Ruri explained, and after hearing her words, Shiraishi's eyes widened in surprise.
"I don't recall any such individual among the high-ranking ninja."
Shiraishi furrowed his brow. A powerful hidden high-ranking ninja of the Konoha?
"Actually, he's a Genin." Ruri added, causing Shiraishi to look at her strangely.
Even Raimei and Ameyu, who were present, couldn't help but turn their heads.
This level of strength... a Konoha Genin ninja?
Are they kidding?
Even among the high-ranking ninja, only the most elite could unleash such an attack. Moreover, it appeared to be purely physical combat, making it impossible for the python to absorb it.
"Indeed, he's a Genin. And due to his weak strength, he's often ridiculed as the 'Eternal Genin.'"
Shiraishi was rendered speechless. If he didn't know Ruri's character, he would have thought she was joking.
A low-ranking ninja... ridiculed as the 'Eternal Genin'...
This Konoha low-ranking ninja were truly terrifying.
"Sorry, Hokage-sama. I disobeyed orders because I couldn't stand by. But you only ordered the Chunin ninja to retreat, and I'm a Genin, so can't I ignore orders as well?" Might Dai said with fiery enthusiasm.
"Is that so? Then I'll allow you to join the battle." Hiruzen took a deep breath and agreed to let Might Dai fight alongside them.
"Thank you very much."
Might Dai turned around and looked at Ruri in the python's head. "Why would you do something like this? Guy holds so much respect and admiration for you. He said you taught him many ways to become stronger."
"Such a meaningless question." said Ruri, her tone cold.
"Is it?" In other words, at this moment, they were enemies. And one doesn't show mercy to enemies, even if they were former comrades.
The giant python lunged forward, launching an attack on the Konoha ninja who had struck it with Taijutsu.
Thud!
The dull sound of impact ceased, and with it, the massive body of the python came to a halt. The shockwave that followed caused ripples in the water surrounding the python, creating an unsettling sensation deep in one's soul.
A mere human, blocking the python's assault with his own body. Shiraishi looked down from above, and his gaze towards Might Dai became deadly serious.
This Genin... was truly formidable. In comparison to the Third Hokage, this Genin posed the greatest threat to his Water Clone.
"But... how long can this explosive power last?" Shiraishi could see the immense strength within Might Dai, but it was clear this power was derived from a forbidden jutsu and not his natural abilities. Using forbidden jutsus came with significant risks and concerns about sustainability.
"At least until I've taken you all down!" With a punch, Might Dai sent heavy air projectiles towards the python, causing it to roar and retreat. The surface of its watery body rippled with chaos.
"Well done!" Danzo cheered for such an attack and commanded his Beast to assault the python. The giant hooves trampled the serpent, and its jaws ruthlessly bit into the python's body, mercilessly crushing it.
"Expansion Jutsu!" Tokukaze enlarged his hand and swung a giant fist to beat down on the python's body.
In an instant, the tide turned. The python retreated in distress, preparing for a counterattack.
Boom! This was the result of Might Dai's punch, as waves pressed in from both sides, exposing the python's body.
"Even though it's Taijutsu, isn't this a bit too extreme? Why is someone like him considered a Genin?" Shiraishi wiped sweat from his face.
"That's the Eight Inner Gates. He's burning blue steam, and he's already unlocked the Seventh Gate. He's not an ordinary guy." Ruri explained, aware of Might Dai's strength. Although she didn't find him a serious threat personally, he was more than capable in a battle of this level.
"Then I'll join the battle as well. With opponents of this caliber, relying solely on your Water Clone would be too much of a stretch." Ruri declared. She detached herself from the watery sphere, standing on top of the python's head and jumping onto the water's surface.
"Finally coming out, huh?" Danzo squinted.
Ruri scanned the group and ultimately fixed her gaze on Hiruzen. Might Dai's threat was only a temporary one, while neither Danzo nor Tokukaze posed much danger. It was Hiruzen, known as the "Professor." who represented the most significant threat.
To stop him here. Plus, all those accompanying him, including the Anbu and High-ranking Shinobi, had to be held back.
"Is one person enough?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow as Ruri charged towards him. It was surprising to see her alone, given the circumstances.
He didn't back down, wielding his standard-sized Staff, ready to face her head-on.
Ruri knew the power of the Staff and, as a flesh-and-blood opponent, had no way to resist it. She formed hand seals with both hands, then bit her finger and slapped her hand on the invisible object beside her, as if she was hitting something real.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Bang.
White smoke spread out. A furry, slightly chubby orange cat somersaulted in mid-air. It stood about the height of an adult human but was much bulkier.
It landed heavily on the ground and assumed a human-like posture, causing a commotion.
"Leave it to you, Yu."
"Leave it to me, Ruri-sama!"
With a determined look on his plump and round face, Yu assumed a defensive posture.
"A cat?" Hiruzen squinted.
Without hesitation, Hiruzen swung his normal-sized Staff at Yu. However, the cat remained in place, merely taking a few steps backward. The shaft of the Staff was now lodged in Yu's abdomen, and a more ferocious force rebounded from it.
Yu winced, tears welled up in his eyes, but he held back from crying.
'What is Ruri-sama fighting this guy for? My stomach hurts.'
The force of the Staff striking Yu's belly caused it to swell even more than usual.
Unable to stop himself, Hiruzen was pushed back by the counterforce. Meanwhile, Ruri had jumped into the air and immediately performed a series of hand seals.
"Fire Style: Giant Fireball Jutsu!"
A colossal fireball, eight meters in diameter, descended.
The Anbu on the water's surface immediately released Water Release jutsu to resist it. However, under the might of such powerful Fire Style, the water vaporized, turning the surface into a scorching inferno.
The masks dropped by the Anbu ninja burned and melted instantly.
The disheveled Anbu scrambled out of the fireball's attack range, and Hiruzen also dodged but had scorch marks on his clothes.
"Her Fire Release jutsu has a large range, be careful!" The Anbu and high-ranking ninja began to guard against Ruri's Fire jutsus.
Yu ran on the water's surface. Despite its seemingly chubby body, it was quite fast, using its sharp claws to clear a path and drive away Konoha ninjas closing in on it.
Subsequently, these Konoha ninjas spewed lightning and fire from their mouths. After Yu passed by them, it spat out fireballs, attacking the Konoha ninjas.
"Isn't a cat's tongue sensitive to heat?" The round and chubby orange cat not only had incredible defensive abilities and speed but could also unleash Fire Style jutsu without hand seals. The Anbu and the Jonins were surprised.
However, as for how strong and difficult to deal with Yu truly was, that remained uncertain.
On the other side, Ruri was locked in combat with Hiruzen. Due to the need to be cautious of the Staff, Ruri lacked a suitable weapon and could only use ninjutsu to restrain her opponent. However, she was still pursued by Hiruzen several times and found herself in a precarious situation.
"Don't think about harming Ruri-sama!" Yu, with astonishing speed, rushed to Ruri's side. Ignoring the pain, it once again blocked the Staff's attack, creating an opening for Ruri.
However, Hiruzen was aware of Yu's formidable defense. When the Staff approached it, it immediately enlarged and thickened.
Yu's rotund body shot into the sky at lightning speed, becoming a meteor and eventually crashing into a distant forest, disappearing without a trace.
"I... I did my best... Ruri-sama... my head is spinning now..."
On the edge of the Death Forest, Yu, with dizziness, nearly collapsed to the ground. After uttering these words, it turned into white smoke and vanished.
The battle between the giant python and Might Dai raged on, the water waves it pushed away making it difficult for the surrounding ninja to maintain their balance.
The Baku also attacked from the sidelines, not to mention Tokukaze, who was equally threatening.
To be honest, even after absorbing Chakra from Kushina and the Nine Tails, the giant python felt somewhat overwhelmed facing attacks from three directions.
A thunderous roar, like rolling thunder, emanated from the Baku as it clashed with the python.
"At this rate, it doesn't seem good. Father, should I use my Sage Mode Form?" Raimei Maru was eager to try.
Powerful attacks continued to collide, creating a storm that even drowned out the sounds of a raging rain.
Lightning flickered in the sky, stirring the blood within Raimei Maru.
Shiraishi remained extremely calm and said, "There's no need to use your Sage Mode Form. While your abilities are enhanced in this weather, Konoha still has some tricks up their sleeve. In the Ninja world, the power of jutsu doesn't determine everything. The ability to strike decisively with a single blow is the true measure of strength. That's why intelligence is so crucial."
Gathering intelligence was a fundamental skill for Ninjas, as well as the most important ability.
Moreover, their side was almost at its limit.
Absorbing more Chakra from the tailed beast would exceed the python's inherent limits. Without the assistance of the Water Clone, battling these opponents head-on was too strenuous.
Just the unpredictable Minato Namikaze, who might launch a surprise attack from anywhere, was causing him a headache.
Even though his Sensing Ninjutsu had been focused on Minato, Minato's Space-Time Ninjutsu didn't involve any movement, and he could strike in the instant he appeared, requiring extraordinary reflexes to defend against.
On their side, only Ruri and Shadow Dancer could react quickly enough. Shiraishi, Raimei Maru, and Ameyu all lacked the speed to keep up with such lightning-fast attacks.
But there was also a fatal flaw: using Space-Time Transfer required a special kunai as a medium.
Amidst the rumbling waves that engulfed the forest, a figure descended and knelt on the python's head.
The vacuum water sphere moved up and disappeared, allowing Shiraishi to contact the outside air. He asked Ruri, who appeared somewhat disheveled, "Are you okay?"
She nodded slightly. "Dealing with them alone is indeed a bit tricky."
At this point, Hiruzen arrived at the frontlines. Four identical clones of him appeared beside him with a series of loud bangs.
"That is..."
Danzo was taken aback for a moment, clearly understanding Hiruzen's plan, and immediately ordered his Baku to step back.
At the same time, The Baku's long trunk curled up Might Dai, who was in the state of the Seven Gates, and moved aside.
"Danzo-sama?"
"It's time to leave."
Danzo didn't explain much, just kept urging Baku to leave.
"Hokage-sama, what is that..."
The Anbu members were also calling out, their spirits lifted.
Ruri squinted her eyes, quickly rolled up her sleeves, revealing the bracelet-shaped chakra limiter on her wrists.
With a couple of clicks, the metal rings were undone.
Hiruzen and his four clones immediately formed hand seals, each with a different seal, but all were Five Nature Transformation seals.
Ruri was just using the Fire Release seal, accumulating natural energy and chakra in her mouth, merging them into Senjutsu Chakra.
Both sides were preparing for their most powerful attacks, releasing them in their prime state.
"Five Release Great Combo Technique!"
Hiruzen and his four clones simultaneously exhaled, each releasing a large-scale ninjutsu of a different nature.
A raging tsunami.
A roaring pillar of devouring fire.
A terrifying mudslide.
Lightning piercing through the air.
And a storm engulfing everything.
The five nature transformations merged into one ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
Ruri's Fire Release was also released in one breath.
The temperature around them was rapidly rising, and the air was filled with intensely dry heat.
Waves of fire surged like a tsunami, dancing wildly, turning the night into a crimson sea.
Through the air, everything before their eyes was burned and twisted to a grotesque degree.
The water surfaces they passed by continued to evaporate, and the trees floating on the water turned into flying dust in an instant.
A terrifying collision and entanglement of overwhelming attacks filled the sky, followed by a earth-shattering explosion.
Scattered flames, thunder, storms, rocks, and water waves.
Konoha ninjas watched all of this in shock. They couldn't believe this was a battle between ninjas.
What was even more astonishing was that Ruri, facing their Hokage's most powerful attack, managed to withstand it, evenly matched.
"Is this... still a battle between ninjas?"
Many Konoha ninjas swallowed hard. No, they couldn't interfere in a battle of this level at all.
Entering this battlefield, it was only a matter of time before they were drawn into the humblest death, which was completely normal.
This place was simply an arena for monsters.
"Truly deserving of the Professor, my strongest Fire Release had no effect at all."
Ruri's expression remained calm.
Shiraishi looked around, somewhat speechless, as he noticed the water level continuing to drop.
"Continuing like this, it feels like this forest with a radius of ten kilometers isn't enough for all this turmoil."
Hiruzen focused intently. Although he still had plenty of chakra left, he felt that this stalemate wasn't a solution. It seemed like there was only one option...
Just as he was about to take action, Shiraishi made a new move. There was a surge of water within the giant snake, and Kushina was separated from it, falling at Shiraishi's feet.
Shiraishi picked up Kushina by the collar and then turned to the astonished Konoha ninjas.
"Let's call it a day, shall we? I have no interest in the Nine Tails. I'm done with this woman, so I'll return her to you."
With that, he tossed Kushina without any hesitation.
Thrown out? Hiruzen and the other Konoha ninjas were somewhat incredulous. Wasn't that the Nine Tails? Wasn't the power of a tailed beast enticing to him?
Was he really discarding her so casually?
"Kushina!"
A figure flashed into the air, and Minato caught Kushina as she fell.
Splurt!
Crimson sprayed out!
Minato's body stiffened, and he looked down. A pitch-black blade of shadow extended from Kushina's body, piercing through his heart.
"Cough!"
He coughed up blood, and his vision blurred. As he descended, his eyes met Shiraishi's, who, beneath the pouring rain, had emotionless eyes.
"A ninja's secret lies in concealing information, striking enemies with a single blow. Revealing this crucial ability carelessly to your enemy is equivalent to foolishness. But being able to eliminate the most threatening ninja and exposing this important ability is completely worthwhile. You are the most troublesome one, Minato, compared to the stagnant higher-ups."
Shiraishi slowly turned his back, and the corner of his eye could still catch Minato's falling figure.
In the midst of the pouring rain, the splattering blood was so beautiful and alluring.
"Farewell, Minato. I apologize... I'll mourn you later."
The giant python turned to dust on the water's surface, and the rest of the people also disappeared in the smoke.
"Minato!"
"Damn it!"
"Where are the medical ninjas? Someone who knows medical ninjutsu, hurry!"
"Where's Lady Tsunade?"
In the dark night, only the frantic and anxious shouts of the Kinoha ninjas remained.
...
As dawn approached,
The torrential rain continued within the Konoha.
Uchiha Rindo, having recovered from his injuries, walked through the streets of the Uchiha Clan. The pervasive sadness that hung over the village had nothing to do with him.
He arrived at an old-style mansion within the clan, and the maids who passed by him bowed in respect.
Passing through the corridor, the courtyard was shrouded in gloomy rain.
Soon, he reached the door of a room, where two Uchiha Jonin stood guard as protectors.
Without a word, Rindo gestured to them and entered the room.
An elderly man lay beneath the covers.
Hearing someone enter, he opened his eyes drowsily and asked weakly:
"Is that you, Rindo?"
He inquired.
"Yes, Elder Sora, it's me."
"How are things going?"
Rindo softly reported to Elder Sora at his bedside:
"As you expected, Ruri led a group of our people, and they've safely left Konoha."
---------
Patreon. com/chizihn
Read latest chapters at f(r)eewebnov𝒆l Only