Chapter Nineteen: Shadows of Sand and Blood part III
Kawa no Kuni (River Country)
Tazuki and Sai vs. The Monster of the Hidden Mist
Fist cocked back, the muscular man molded chakra in his tenketsu as he punched the ground with all his strength. They were too close to hold back now. A grin formed on Kisame's face as he leapt into the air, the terrain shifting and being ruined by a single punch. He swung his monstrous blade, cleaving the ink beast in half and absorbing its chakra as he did so. Molding chakra, Tazuki weaved a set of hand seals before striking the ground once more. "Kinzokuton: Tekkyū Rendan (Metal Release: Iron Ball Barrage)." The forest floor shook violently, confirming Tazuki's suspicions as old, rusted weaponry and raw metal erupted from the ground, forming into small spherical structures. With a gesture, they were sent barreling towards the monster of the Bloody Mist. A grin split Kisame's face as he descended, blade poised and chakra circulating. He cleaved through the metal balls like a knife through butter. Sweat beaded on Tazuki's brow as he continued weaving hand signs, tenketsu flaring as he slammed his palms against the ground. "Doton: Ishi no Toride (Earth Release: Stone Fortress)!" The earth molded and exploded into a sphere around the Konoha ANBU, but Kisame's Samehada cleaved through it effortlessly. As sunlight broke into the clearing, it illuminated an array of nearly finished explosive tags. Kisame's eyes glinted with recognition. "Clever bastard."
A large explosion rocked the forest as Tazuki appeared a short distance away, panting heavily. He hadn't been pushed this far in a while. His senses screamed danger as Kisame crashed through the trees, honing in on him. More inked beasts leapt from the forest shadows, fangs bared, but Kisame cleaved through them with ease. Sai moved like a shadow, his blade swinging. Kisame shifted his stance, and the ANBU's slash barely nicked him. With a burst of strength, Kisame brought Samehada down on Sai, who barely dodged in time. Tazuki's tenketsu exploded with chakra, metal shooting up from the ground around his fist. He dashed forward with a Shunshin, his fist colliding with Kisame's torso and sending him crashing through the trees. "Kinzokuton: Tekken (Metal Release: Iron Fist)!" Tazuki took a moment to catch his breath before helping Sai to his feet. Oppressive—the only word that could describe the overwhelming force of Kisame's chakra. It felt like a pebble against a tidal wave. Kisame stood with Samehada stabbed into the ground, slowly molding his chakra. His tenketsu flared as he placed his hand on a nearby pond. "Suiton: Senshokukō (Water Release: A Thousand Feeding Sharks)." He injected his chakra into the water, shaping it into a tidal wave of countless sharks that surged toward the two ANBU. This was the power of an S-rank ninja.
Tazuki and Sai steeled themselves as Tazuki signaled to Sai, who placed a hand on Tazuki, channeling chakra into his tenketsu. This jutsu required more power than Tazuki could muster alone. Placing his hand on the ground, he unleashed a torrent of chakra, molding the earth into a towering humanoid construct that barely stood above the oncoming wave of sharks. "Kinzokuton: Gōremu no Jutsu (Metal Release: Golem Technique)!" Tazuki panted, but Kisame only smirked. "Looks like the ANBU actually amounts to something for once! Let's keep the fun going," Kisame taunted, molding chakra again. The golem lumbered toward Kisame as he wove more hand seals, summoning another jutsu. "Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Dragon)." Three massive torrents of water erupted, coiling into dragons that matched the golem in size. Tazuki's heart sank. This isn't possible. Something like this shouldn't even exist. A grin split across Kisame's face as he directed the water dragons to attack. But just then, Tazuki and Sai sensed a surge of chakra behind them. Sai's tanto glinted as he infused it with wind chakra, aiming a fatal strike with the element of surprise. In one swift motion, he cleaved through the nuke-nin—only for Kisame to vanish in a puff of smoke. It was just another clone.
Desert Reapers vs Deidara
The forest was nothing but a wasteland. The nuke-nin floated above on his clay bird, surveying the devastation from his recent carpet bombing. This was art. Nothing compared to the aftermath of a masterpiece explosion. Shifting his posture, he dodged a set of senbon followed by kunai from another direction. Foreign chakra briefly invaded his system, but he quickly dispelled it as a blade aimed for his lung. He sidestepped smoothly, avoiding the strike. Three ninja engaged the explosion expert in unison, employing genjutsu and kenjutsu, yet nothing seemed effective. He danced around them with ease. Ghostblade placed his palm against the belly of the clay bird, encasing it in a cocoon of glass, sending it plummeting from the sky. As they descended, Deidara laughed, seemingly unbothered by the situation. They attacked again, but this time, it felt different. Scorpion swung low, while Serpent weaved another genjutsu—ineffective, but it was the split-second opening they needed.
As Deidara dodged, he reached down, gripping the blade as his body began to expand. All their eyes widened, and their chakra burst from their tenketsu, launching them away from the falling creature just as it was engulfed in a massive explosion. Their landing was graceful but purposeful, regrouping immediately as the ominous hissing of another explosive reached their ears. Small spiders, bugs, and birds alike descended on them, forcing them to scatter in different directions as the sky filled with explosions once again. "Art is an explosion!" Deidara laughed, exhilarated by the chaos he had wrought. He hadn't had this much fun in ages. Suddenly, his senses spiked as a set of kunai flew past him. Instinctively dodging, he glanced back to see Phantom standing there, hands at his sides.
"What are you going to do with those kunai?" Deidara scoffed. Phantom flicked his fingers, causing the kunai to whip back toward him. Deidara dodged again as chakra threads became visible, maneuvering the kunai to keep Deidara on the defensive. Then Deidara extended his palm, a mouth on his hand visible as he summoned another bird, sending it barreling toward the Suna ANBU. Phantom's eyes widened, but before he could react, Sakura darted forward, intercepting the bird mid-air. Chakra flared around her hands as the bird exploded, ripping into her flesh. Bones and blood were exposed, but she looked through her mask, activating her medical ninjutsu with a grim focus. "Wow, that's cool," Deidara taunted, "but what about this?" A creature emerged, climbing up Sakura and wrapping around her, the ominous hissing of an impending explosion echoing again. "That was way too easy—" Deidara started, but his world suddenly shifted. He found himself encased, facing a different figure from before. "Enjoy hell," she whispered. Sakura charged forward, a war hammer in hand. Deidara quickly canceled the jutsu, attempting to weave hand signs, but her weapon struck, slamming him into the ground. A puff of smoke marking that it was nothing but a clone, a clone that caused this much destruction. What were they really like?
With Naruto and Hinata
Through the dense canopy, Naruto and Hinata blurred forward, each footfall barely touching the forest floor as explosions and tremors shook the landscape. They were close; Naruto could sense it, and with a shared glance, he and Hinata picked up the pace. A massive blast ahead sent debris soaring, but they charged on, relying on Shunshin no Jutsu to arrive at the heart of the disturbance. In the clearing, the wreckage lay heavy under a blanket of smoke, dust, and scattered rubble. With silent steps reminiscent of the Silent Killing technique, they advanced through the haze. Hinata's instincts flared, and she ducked low just as a chain-bound blade whistled through the air. Naruto reacted instantly, chakra flaring in his palm as he caught the blade, pulling the enemy's attention as the smoke thinned to reveal Hanzo, kusarigama in hand, with Kabuto at his side holding the limp figure of Gaara. Silence fell over the field as Naruto and Hinata locked eyes with the Akatsuki operatives. "This is it? I expected the Kazekage to send more elite shinobi," Hanzo sneered, tightening his grip on his weapon. Hinata didn't flinch, drawing her tanto as Naruto's chakra surged, pooling around him. They both knew this was an impossible battle, but they had a mission to complete. Kabuto carelessly dropped Gaara's body and started to walk away. "I have other business to attend to," he called back, leaving Hanzo to face the Konoha ANBU.
In an instant, Hinata surged forward, lightning-charged chakra arcing along her body as she aimed a swift strike at Hanzo. He evaded, but the charge singed the air around him, his eyes gleaming with new interest. With a forceful yank, his kusarigama tore free from Naruto's grasp, and he swung the chain in a wide arc toward Hinata. She ducked just in time, her form blurring as a shadow clone intercepted the blow, only to disappear in a puff of smoke. Naruto, now flanked by a clone, rapidly weaved hand seals. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu! (Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu)," he called, unleashing an enormous fireball. "Fūton: Daitoppa! (Wind Release: Great Breakthrough)," the clone added, amplifying the fireball into a blazing torrent that spiraled high, engulfing the area in a vortex of searing flames. For a moment, the entire clearing was consumed by an inferno. Hanzo's sickle shot through the flames, slicing the clone in half. He laughed, the sound carrying through the roar of flames. "Impressive, boy! But not enough." With a deft motion, he summoned a giant salamander that expelled a cloud of purple poison, blanketing the forest with noxious fumes. Naruto's eyes narrowed as he barked, "Mask up!" Both shinobi slipped on their ANBU masks, chakra flaring as they prepared their next assault.
As the flames died down, Hanzo stepped forward, his cloak burned away but his stance unshaken. "You're from Konoha, aren't you?" he taunted. Naruto's chest heaved from momentary chakra overusage, but his resolve was unwavering. Electric-blue lightning flared around Hinata as she readied her blade, eyes piercing with her activated Byakugan, zeroing in on Hanzo's tenketsu. The Raiton chakra crackling along her body heightened her speed as she moved opposite Naruto, their blades glinting in perfect synchrony as they advanced from either side. Hanzo's expression sharpened, excitement flashing in his gaze. "The White Wolf, aren't you?" he smirked, recognizing Hinata. His chakra surged as he blocked her blade, sparks flying as her lightning-coated tanto clashed against his kusarigama. Each movement between them was a deadly dance of reflex and precision, her blade streaking towards his vital points with electrified speed. Hanzo barely evaded, his kusarigama whirling in response, the sound of metal scraping against metal ringing out as they clashed. Finally, Hinata broke through his defense, her blade slicing toward his shoulder. Hanzo's sickle deflected it just in time, a shockwave of lightning rippling along the chain. He grinned, more exhilarated than wary. "You're every bit as fearsome as I've heard," he chuckled.
"The White Wolf… they spoke of you in whispers, but I didn't think you'd live up to the reputation," Hanzo taunted, his voice dripping with excitement. His words were calm, yet his eyes remained locked on Hinata's every move. Naruto wasted no time, forming three shadow clones that fanned out, moving to encircle Hanzo from multiple angles. Each clone immediately prepared a different jutsu, their hands flashing through seals as they molded chakra. One clone prepared a Rasengan, while the others charged with kunai in hand, ready to strike if an opening revealed itself. Seeing the encirclement, Hanzo smirked, never one to back down. His tenketsu flared, expelling chakra in all directions and pushing the nearest clones back with a wave of raw force. But Hinata was unyielding. She moved like a whisper, dodging through the disturbance, her blade now slashing in a rapid flurry of strikes. Hanzo's sickle and chain became an extension of his own will, deflecting and countering each of Hinata's attacks.
Suddenly, Hanzo twisted his body, releasing his chain with a snap. It lashed forward, aiming for Hinata's weapon hand. In a split-second decision, Hinata released her grip, letting the chain wrap around her forearm instead, and with a deft motion, she yanked, pulling Hanzo toward her. Off-balance for a brief instant, Hanzo found himself face-to-face with the Hyuga prodigy. She seized the opportunity and thrust her palm forward, releasing a controlled burst of chakra directly into his chest, aiming to disrupt his chakra network. "Impressive," Hanzo muttered, staggering back a step as he felt the impact. But years of experience allowed him to mask his vulnerability, and with a sharp inhale, he steadied himself, smirking through the pain. "Now," Naruto's voice echoed, and in an instant, his clone with the Rasengan lunged forward, spinning the orb of chakra with ferocity. Hanzo barely had time to react as he threw himself to the side, the Rasengan tearing through a tree and leaving splinters flying in all directions. Using the confusion, Naruto's remaining clones launched themselves forward in a series of coordinated attacks, kunai glinting as they aimed for Hanzo's blind spots. Hanzo shifted his stance, moving with an agility that belied his age, deflecting the kunai while his sickle arced in a deadly counter. One clone narrowly dodged, while another was dispelled in a puff of smoke.
Hinata was on him again in an instant, her tanto channeling the faint blue crackle of Raiton chakra. Her eyes focused intently, tracking Hanzo's movements with Byakugan's enhanced vision, seeking out his slightest misstep. With a burst of speed, she lunged, her blade aiming for his tenketsu points in rapid succession, forcing Hanzo into an intricate defensive dance. Hanzo's laughter echoed through the clearing, sharp and taunting. "Yes! This is what I wanted. Finally, worthy opponents!" With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed a storm of shuriken, each one infused with poison, spinning towards the two shinobi with lethal precision. Naruto and Hinata leaped apart to avoid the barrage, Naruto landing in a crouch as he quickly flashed through hand seals. "(Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu) Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!" A rapid volley of small fireballs shot out, intercepting the incoming shuriken midair and creating brief explosions that sent sparks cascading down like rain. The clearing grew silent as the smoke settled, revealing Hanzo standing with a wild grin, his cloak in tatters, and a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "You've earned my respect," he said, his voice laced with genuine admiration, "White Wolf, and you, Sage of Shadows. Remember this day well, because one of us won't survive the next encounter. But I can't say here as those Iwagakure shinobi approach." They didn't stop the retreating form of Hanzo, he wasn't their mission.
As the leader of Amegakure disappeared into the distance, the rest of the squad flashed into the clearing, their arrival swift and silent. Phantom was the first to break the silence. "What the hell was that flaming tornado? And why are you both out of uniform?" he asked, his tone a mixture of confusion and irritation. They sheathed their weapons, but the tension in the air remained thick. Ghostblade's attention immediately shifted to the unconscious Gaara, his limp form now with Sakura, who was already assessing his injuries. Her hands glowed faintly green as she activated Shōsen Jutsu (Mystic Palm Technique), hovering them over Gaara's chest. After a tense moment, she looked up, her expression grim. "He doesn't have a pulse. We need to get him back to Sunagakure immediately." Without hesitation, Ghostblade carefully lifted Gaara's body. "We fought Hanzo the Salamander," Naruto explained. "Our ANBU masks had special filters for his poison, so staying in our mission attire was the only way to keep moving." He took a breath, his voice steady but urgent. "We're in the final stretch of the operation. We need to keep moving—Iwagakure shinobi are headed this way." The team shared a brief look of understanding, and in an instant, they were gone, moving in blurred shadows through the trees. They pushed hard, each member aware of the stakes and of the ominous force bearing down on them. But soon, a chilling sensation washed over them, something far heavier than they'd felt before. It was dark, potent, and undeniably demonic. A jinchūriki. The realization passed between them unspoken, but each ninja's face tensed with understanding. Glancing back, Naruto could see trees falling like dominos, steam rising as their pursuer carved a relentless path through the forest. "Pick up the pace!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the sounds of destruction approaching. Each of them poured chakra into their movements, flashing through the trees as they tried to outpace the juggernaut that hunted them.
Konohagakure no Sato - Hokage Tower - Hokage Office
Minato wasn't in a good mood. Even after finally resting, an unease lingered in his gut, telling him the operation would soon reach its apex. Yet, that wasn't the most troubling piece of news before him. He stared down at the parchment in his hands—a formal response from the Fire Capital. He reread the words carefully, his face unreadable, before sliding the message across his desk toward the masked figure seated across from him. However, Dragon, the Commander of the ANBU Black Ops, didn't reach for it; he already knew its contents. "He'd been gone for three years without my knowledge," Minato began, his voice tightly controlled. "But something tells me you already knew. I had some ANBU backchannel the intel without notifying you, since they answer to both you and me." With a flash of chakra, he ignited the message in his hand, reducing it to ash that scattered over the desk. "It turns out it wasn't just Orochimaru making routine visits to the Fire Capital. The Commander of my Black Ops has been going there regularly too—up until the end of my son's contract." Dragon lowered himself into the chair across from the Hokage, reaching up to remove his mask and placing it carefully on the table. Beneath it, Sakumo Hatake's face was calm, though a hint of steely resolve glinted in his eyes. "Sakumo," Minato's voice was low, barely concealing his anger. "What the hell is going on? I thought I could trust you." "Trust me to protect Konoha's interests, and I did," Sakumo replied, his tone measured. "Your son, Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto, has been assisting this village as a member of ANBU." Minato's restraint snapped, and his fist slammed down onto the desk. "What were you thinking! ANBU isn't something you just throw people into—especially not my son!" "That," Sakumo countered sharply, pointing at Minato. "You're thinking as a father, not as Hokage. Your son has proven himself time and time again, both in the light and in the shadows. Think about it, Minato. Consider who he truly is." Minato's anger faltered, his mind racing as the realization dawned on him. His eyes widened in recognition. "Kitsune…" he whispered, falling back into his chair, stunned. "Yes. This is why he didn't come to you," The White Fang continued, his voice unwavering. "Because you would hold him back—hold back one of Konoha's greatest assets. You tasked me with ensuring our village's safety, and I took that responsibility seriously." A heavy silence filled the room as Minato struggled to process the revelation. After a moment, Sakumo rose, reaching for his mask and placing it back over his face. "Now that you know the truth, Minato…how will you react? As a father? Or as the Hokage?" Without waiting for a response, Dragon disappeared into the shadows, leaving Minato alone with his thoughts, and the weight of his dual responsibilities heavy on his shoulders.
Kawa no Kuni - With the Jointed Squad
Naruto and his squad were close—so close to escaping—but so was the relentless Iwagakure contingent that hounded them through the forest. This constant game of retreat, while necessary, was wearing on him. His breaths were calm, measured, and his eyes flickered with resolve. "Falcon, you're in charge. I'll hold them off until you reach the border. From there, they won't chase you," Naruto commanded, voice steady. Sakura's head snapped up. "What? No—" "That's an order." Naruto's tone brooked no argument, and he glanced back at Phantom, who gave him a solemn nod. Naruto returned it. He only had a few minutes, but for once, he would be free to cut loose. He felt the thrill of battle ignite within him as he prepared for the confrontation. Naruto halted in the descending foliage, timing his descent perfectly. With the quiet of the forest broken by the sudden impact, he rocketed down to meet the charging Han, the steaming Jinchūriki of Iwagakure. Han's body radiated steam as his chakra boiled his tenketsu to near-breaking with every bound, powering his relentless advance. Naruto's chakra-enhanced kick collided with Han's torso with a thunderous impact, sending a shockwave through the ground and creating a crater beneath them as he flipped away, putting distance between them. Moments later, figures materialized around the lone ANBU. Han shook off the haze of Naruto's attack, readying himself, while another shinobi stepped forward. Her face was one Naruto hadn't forgotten—Kurotsuchi, her expression no longer carrying the arrogance she'd once shown during the Chūnin Exams. Beside her stood the towering figure of Kuro Taniguchi, Jonin Commander of Iwagakure, rumored to rival even the Tsuchikage in strength. "I know that mask," Taniguchi remarked, his tone cold. "You're the Sage of Shadows. Konoha is really sticking its neck out to protect the Sand Village?" Several Iwagakure shinobi moved to attack, but Naruto slammed his hand against the ground. "Kekkai: Shishi Kōyō (Barrier: Four Guardian Formation)," he called out, and seals sprang to life around him. The chakra barrier shimmered into existence, halting the Iwagakure shinobi in their tracks. "You'll have to go through me," he stated, his voice firm. Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed. "You heard him," she ordered. "Make it quick."
Deep within the forest, an unnoticed clone hidden from earlier battles opened its eyes, now slit-like and serpentine—a glowing golden-yellow, feral and sharp. The clone pulsed with an unfamiliar energy, its body encircled by a faint purple-green aura, an expression of rare power as it dispelled. This was Sage Mode, a well of strength Naruto rarely had the chance to tap into. His senses heightened as he gripped his blade, feeling the surrounding chakra signatures as if they were within his grasp. With blinding speed, he slashed through the approaching Iwagakure shinobi, his golden eyes piercing through his mask as he sheathed his blade, only to clasp his palms together once more. Han surged forward, steam pouring off him as he prepared to strike, while Kurotsuchi formed hand seals with quick precision. A clone appeared beside Naruto, empowered with Senjutsu, who in a flash shunshined above her and struck with a powerful kick, sending her sprawling against the barrier. In a blur the clone moved, summoning its bo staff. His body shifted the momentum playing a role as he dispersed the energy throughout its body, it swung sending a whirlwind strike at her temple and throat. Blood splattered as she choked, clutching her throat as the clone rendered her unconscious with a precise blow to her carotid artery. Around the clone, Iwagakure shinobi sprang into action. The clone dropped into a defensive stance, as the shinobi called out, "Doton: Gōremu no Jutsu (Earth Release: Rock Fist Jutsu)," as his hands moved in a blur. Shinobi after shinobi swung at him, only for their attacks to be redirected by the clone's swift and precise counters, his staff snapping upward in quick arcs, throwing them off balance. An explosion ripped through the air, as an explosive tag activated, scattering the attackers while the clone continued charging, targeting vital points to incapacitate without mercy.
Meanwhile, Han was charging up another devastating attack, steam and chakra boiling to a point that visibly distorted the air around him. "Futton: Kairiki Musō (Boil Release: Unrivaled Strength)!" he roared, fists swinging with bone-breaking power. But Naruto twisted and ducked beneath the barrage, his own chakra molding into the Earth Release: Earth Spear technique, hardening his fist as he delivered a crushing uppercut to Han's jaw, momentarily stunning the raging Jinchūriki. Steam engulfed the barrier as Han attempted to detect Naruto's movements, his senses on high alert. But despite his enhanced perception, Naruto moved through the steam like a shadow, landing a blow with his rattan sticks that sent Han stumbling back. Han countered with a powerful kick that connected with Naruto's torso, sending him skidding across the ceiling of the barrier. But Naruto's body twisted, sticking to the surface with chakra as he regained his footing, heart pounding with exhilaration. With a fierce, silent determination, he engaged once more. Han lunged at him, fist cocked back, the shockwave trailing behind his punch echoing through the enclosed space. But Naruto dodged, launching himself off Han's arm and bringing his rattan sticks down with force, driving the Jinchūriki into the ground below. The two forces collided in a tempest of chakra and skill, but Naruto felt a sense of freedom in the fight—a release he had seldom experienced. And though alone, he knew his team was safe, the distant border drawing nearer. He would hold them off, as long as it took.
With the Squad
The forest felt stifling, charged with remnants of chakra so thick it was almost tangible. Phantom, breathing heavily, felt the residual hum of Naruto's chakra alongside Han's oppressive demonic aura. They had seen Naruto in many battles, but this was different, a fierce and consuming energy that had shifted the very air. The border outpost came into view, but before they could even exhale in relief, they were surrounded by Sunagakure shinobi and a few familiar faces from Konoha. Maki stepped forward, her gaze sharp and unreadable. "State your identities," she ordered, though her eyes lingered on the sight of the Kazekage's son, limp in Phantom's arms. Phantom gave a slight bow, speaking quickly. "I am Phantom of the Desert Reapers, returning with the Kazekage's son. He needs Chiyo's aid immediately." As if summoned by name, the elderly healer appeared from the crowd, pressing her hand to the boy's chest and focusing as she worked to stabilize his injuries. Phantom nodded at Maki, who asked, "What's happening with that chakra storm back there?" A flicker of emotion passed over Phantom's face. "Our commander stayed behind to delay an Iwagakure contingent. He gave us orders to reach the border without looking back." Sai placed a hand on Phantom's shoulder, his face uncharacteristically grim. "It was his decision. We trusted him." Maki's face hardened as she assessed the team's weary condition. "Let's get you all some aid. This operation is over." But not everyone was willing to let it go. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, burning with resentment. His hands clenched, fingers twitching with unspent frustration. "No," he muttered, his voice laced with determination. "I'm not sitting around anymore." With a swift, practiced motion, he bit down on his thumb and slapped his bloodstained hand to the ground, invoking a cloud of smoke. "(Kuchiyose no Jutsu) Summoning Jutsu!" With a burst, he was on the back of a large, orange toad, leaping high above them. "Sasuke!" Shikamaru lunged, reaching out in a futile attempt to stop him. "Don't disobey orders!" But Sasuke was already too far, his focus set on the battle raging in the distance. Shikamaru turned back to Maki, bowing in apology. "I'm sorry for my comrade. He'll be disciplined upon returning." Maki scoffed, her voice laced with icy warning as she walked away. "If he returns at all, I assure you, this punishment won't be light."
The Battle at Kawa no Kuni Passing
Each swing of the clone's staff whipped through the air, but Turo was one step ahead, blocking and sidestepping each strike with expert precision. Just as Turo reached out and grabbed the staff, ready to put an end to the clone's resistance, the weapon split seamlessly in two, allowing the clone to slip free. With nimble efficiency, the clone struck Turo's back with a flurry of blows before retreating to regroup. As the clone formed a new copy of itself, the two stared down their target before flashing in opposite directions, preparing a coordinated assault. One of the clones reached the ground first, pressing a hand to the earth. "(Doton: Chidōkaku) Earth Release: Earth Moving Core!" In response, the ground surged upward, sending Turo rocketing into the air. The second clone leapt up to meet him, preparing a finishing strike—but Turo's smirk revealed that he was more than ready. He channeled chakra to his feet, anchoring himself as he activated his own technique. "(Doton: Saka no Taki no Jutsu) Earth Release: Reversed Landslide Jutsu!" With a ripple of energy, the earth shifted, realigning the pillar and causing the clone's blow to miss. Turo extended his hand, a pillar shooting forth from the structure and smashing into the clone, dispelling it in an instant.
The remaining clone looked on, frustration building in its eyes. This wasn't going to be easy. Before it could weave more hand seals, Turo was upon it, one hand seizing the clone's head with an iron grip. "Enough." With a brutal twist, he crushed the clone's skull, causing it to disperse as dust and rock crumbled around them. His gaze shifted to the real battle, where Naruto and Han were locked in a deadly dance. Turo's eyes narrowed as he noticed the form of Kurotsuchi, unconscious and vulnerable. In a flash of rock, he vanished. Naruto moved with precision, each movement more fluid as he adapted to Han's brute strength and monstrous chakra. Their combat was visceral, every strike and block woven into a life-or-death rhythm. Naruto sidestepped a blow, pivoting to hook his hand around Han's wrist and redirect the attack, sending the jinchūriki reeling. Turo, observing the exchange with cold calculation, chuckled under his breath. They took a moment to observe themselves, they floated above in the sky as a slight smirk formed on Kuro's face."So, Konoha did steal our techniques. Just another reason to reduce that cursed village to ashes."
Naruto, catching his taunt, spoke. "Want to see something else?" He formed two more clones, each vanishing instantly in a blur of motion. The first clone reappeared atop Han, his fingertips glowing with a golden light. "(Gogyō Fūin) Five Elements Seal!" In an instant, a complex array formed on Han's chest, and his chakra wavered as the link to his tailed beast weakened. Meanwhile, the second clone materialized behind Turo, wrapping its arms around him. A sealing array spread from the clone's hands as Turo's chakra flow stuttered. But as Turo's eyes widened, he glimpsed something in Naruto's palm—a shimmering, translucent cube, a perfected sphere at its core. Panic flickered in his gaze. "No, no, NO! That's ours! You thieves!" With a roar, Turo's chakra surged, breaking through the clone's seal as Naruto called out, "(Jinton: Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu) Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World!" But before the devastating attack could land, a large toad crashed onto the barrier, causing cracks to spiderweb across it before shattering entirely. In that brief instant, Turo seized his opportunity. He surged forward, dispelling the clone in a single motion and teleporting to Naruto's side. His palm glowed with malevolent chakra as he slammed it into Naruto's chest. The blow sent Naruto skidding back, his chakra pathways disrupted by the explosive strike. Turo, bloodied but victorious, rose above them, the unconscious forms of Han and Kurotsuchi beside him. He leveled a cold gaze at Naruto. "Remember this well, Sage of Shadows. My face will be the last thing you see when I return for you." With a final surge of chakra, Turo vanished, his vow lingering in the air. Naruto struggled to sit up, his rage simmering as he watched his enemy slip from his grasp. Sasuke, barely recovering, looked around at the destruction, then locked eyes with Naruto, who wore the fox mask of his ANBU unit. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" Naruto's voice was quiet, but the anger was palpable, sparking tension that filled the silent battlefield.
CHAPTER END