Chapter 293: Kazekage Captured
Land of Wind, western side of the Sea of Death, late at night.
A cold moon hung high in the inky blue sky, casting its pale glow over the endless sea of sand.
Sand dunes cast twisted, elongated shadows under the moonlight, like lurking giant beasts.
A Sand Village ninja force of about two hundred was using the cover of night to move quickly and silently through the shadows between the dunes.
Their movements were swift, yet carried an indescribable sense of repression and tension.
At the forefront of the team were the two leader Jonin, Yakura and Ryosuke.
Yakura, the elite Jonin renowned for her Scorching Release bloodline limit, had a calm expression at the moment, but her eyes were even deeper and more inscrutable than the desert night. For some reason, the closer she got to the Land of Stars, the more uneasy she felt.
Ryosuke appeared even more vigilant, his gaze constantly scanning the deathly still darkness around them, his kunai always half-gripped in his hand.
In the team, ninjas occasionally looked up instinctively toward the heart-palpitating direction deep in the Sea of Death.
Under the moonlight, the outlines of two unimaginably massive giant beasts faintly appeared, like ancient mountains supporting the heavens and earth, emanating suffocating pressure that instilled fear in the heart.
Each of their low, rumbling breaths seemed to cause the entire desert to tremble slightly.
“Th… those are what kind of monsters exactly?” A young Sand Ninja finally couldn’t hold back, his voice trembling uncontrollably as he whispered to his companion beside him.
Ryosuke whipped his head around, his stern gaze sweeping over the team as he hissed in a low voice: “Shut up! No discussing! Maintain silence, full speed ahead!”
He forcibly suppressed the palpitation in his own heart; the existence of those two Tails was a nightmare that even the high-level officials of the entire Sand Village were unwilling to mention.
Yakura said nothing, merely silently quickening her pace.
Her silence was interpreted by her subordinates as dread of that unknown monster.
The Sand Ninjas could only bury their fear deep in their hearts and press on, hoping to quickly leave this unsettling area.
They did not know that every one of their movements had long been exposed.
Meanwhile, inside the moon far beyond the Ninja World.
Within a temple-like building, countless precision instruments emitted a low hum.
At the center, an enormously massive sphere emitting soft, sacred golden light was slowly hovering and rotating.
Giant Tenseigan!
Its light passed through the complex Chakra system, clearly projecting scenes from the Ninja World land onto dozens of huge display screens around it.
Dozens of technicians wearing white research uniforms and special sensing devices on their heads were operating the consoles tensely and orderly.
They were a special force proficient in Sealing Jutsu, Barrier Ninjutsu, and cutting-edge technology. After the Otsutsuki Branch Family on the moon was taken over by Menma, they had been deciphering the heritage left by the Otsutsuki Branch Family here.
“Report! Western side of the Sea of Death, north latitude XX degrees, east longitude XX degrees, large-scale Chakra reaction cluster detected! Approximately two hundred in number, moving due west, approximately three hours until entering Land of Stars territory!” An operator quickly locked onto the target and zoomed in on the screen.
The screen clearly displayed the marching trajectory of Yakura’s force; even at night, each figure was faintly discernible.
“Analyze Chakra patterns… Confirmed as Sand Village ninjas. Judged as enemy raid force. Immediately encrypt and transmit intelligence to Star Capital General Command!” The person in charge calmly issued the order.
The information instantly crossed vast distances through the special Chakra Network, arriving at the Star Capital.
………………
Western edge of the Sea of Death.
A twelve-person Star Ninja squad was advancing quickly over the dunes under the moonlight; it was the flank detachment led by Jonin Hotaru.
The team included Oyakushiro Chino, as well as Shita Junhito, Murahashi Hazuki, Otsutsuki Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun, and other young but already promising excellent Chunin.
In addition, there were a few other team members, including a Hyuga Clan ninja and a Uchiha Clan ninja, all elites who had been tempered by battle.
During the march, the two Byakugan users in the team, Otsutsuki Toneri and that Hyuga Clan member, were handling the main reconnaissance duties.
Their division of labor was clear: the Hyuga Clan member maintained 360-degree all-around perception, alert to any movement within one kilometer around the team; while Otsutsuki Toneri concentrated the eye power of his Byakugan like a searchlight, deadlocking on a specific distant direction straight ahead, with a reconnaissance range reaching an astonishing eight kilometers!
The team spread out in an alert formation, moving silently and efficiently.
Despite it being a nighttime forced march, the team members’ faces showed little fatigue; instead, they carried the tension and excitement of first entering the battlefield.
“Hey, Toneri, any discoveries?” Shita Junhito, wearing the standard deep blue Kinetic Armor of Star Ninjas, was full of energy, maintaining speed while calling out to the somewhat short white-haired figure at the front of the team.
Otsutsuki Toneri, already a Chunin, had faint veins bulging around his pure white eyes as he fully activated his Byakugan, his gaze piercing through the heavy night curtain, scanning the distant sea of sand.
He didn’t turn his head, his voice youthful yet calm: “Within eight kilometers, no anomalies for now.”
On the other side of the team, the Hyuga Clan Chunin also nodded slightly, affirming Toneri’s reconnaissance results; he couldn’t help but glance at Toneri a few more times, his heart filled with astonishment.
This child’s Byakugan purity and reconnaissance range far exceeded ordinary Hyuga Clan members, even comparable to the Main Family!
Hizashi Clan Head’s pre-war instructions echoed in his ears: “Toneri comes from an ancient family of the same origin but different from ours; be sure to show respect, no conflicts.”
“Hey! This time we have to make a big achievement! See if that guy Kimimaro can still be smug! This time my military merit will definitely surpass his!” Shita Junhito waved his fist, brimming with fighting spirit.
“Junhito, here you go again.” Murahashi Hazuki, with her light tea-colored short hair nearby, couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head upon hearing this.
She knew that Shita Junhito had regarded that year’s top student Kimimaro Kaguya as his goal and competitor since Ninja Academy days, always desperately chasing.
“Hmph! So what! I will definitely surpass Kimimaro!” Shita Junhito pouted.
Petite Oyakushiro Chino immediately switched to her daily bickering mode, pouting and saying in a somewhat childish but unceremonious tone: “Hmph, idiot Junhito, stop dreaming! Kimimaro has already been promoted to Special Jonin! If not for his age being too young, with his strength he’d have been a Jonin long ago! I heard this time he’s leading a detachment on a mission all by himself!”
“You…!” Shita Junhito was poked at his sore spot, his face flushing red with anger as he stuck out his neck: “Just wait and see! After this war, I, Shita Junhito, will definitely become a Jonin!”
Hotaru listened to the boys and girls bickering nearby, a faint, imperceptible smile appearing on her face.
Her gaze swept over this young team, a sigh in her heart.
Besides Chino, Junhito, and Hazuki being members she had led long-term, Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, and Sato Sayun were all excellent new generation graduates from last year, students of her wife Natsuhi.
These children, though young, all possessed strength above Chunin level, and had seen blood and experienced slaughter in previous missions; they were definitely not greenhouse flowers.
Suddenly, Toneri, who had been silently focused ahead, had his pure white eyes abruptly contract!
“Detected large Chakra reactions! Dead ahead, eight kilometers! Number… over two hundred! Sand Ninjas! They’re heading straight toward us!” Toneri’s voice instantly became urgent and grave.
All laughter vanished in an instant, the atmosphere suddenly tensing!
Hotaru’s eyes sharpened, and she ordered without hesitation: “All members! Highest alert! Immediately move at full speed to the sand valley at three o’clock direction! Seize advantageous terrain, set up ambush! Move!”
“Yes!” Everyone responded in unison with low shouts, their figures instantly accelerating like arrows loosed from strings toward the designated sand valley.
En route, Hotaru used the communication device to add in a low voice: “Remember! Intelligence indicates this Sand Ninja force may contain our spies. During combat, if you encounter Sand Ninjas with special markers or behavior, hold back, prioritize capture! Repeat, possible friendlies!”
“Understood! Captain!” The team members were startled but immediately complied solemnly.
Spies in war could reduce many casualties for the team, but often meant sacrifice and unpredictable variables.
Soon, the Star Ninjas silently infiltrated the shadows on both sides of the sand valley, quickly setting up simple traps and ambush points, holding their breath in concentration like a pack of leopards awaiting prey.
Not long after, the figures of the Sand Ninja force appeared at the entrance of the sand valley.
Yakura and Ryosuke led the way, the team maintaining vigilance, but the long journey and fear from the giant beasts behind had inevitably caused a slight lapse in their perception.
A sensor ninja in the team seemed to detect a faint anomaly and had just opened his mouth to warn—
“Something’s off! Problem!”
From both sides of the sand valley, the Star Ninjas’ attack erupted suddenly!
“Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!”
“Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!”
“Earth Style: Earth Dome Spear!”
Several Star Ninjas formed hand seals simultaneously, blazing fireballs, violent whirlwinds, sharp stone spears blasting from both high sides into the Sand Ninja marching formation!
At the same time, several kunai guns fired together, special kunai bound with explosive tags raining down like a storm on the densest areas of Sand Ninjas!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Rumble—!!!
Deafening explosions instantly tore through the desert’s silence!
Firelight soared to the sky, sand and stones flying!
Screams, cries of alarm, explosion sounds mixed together! The Sand Ninja team plunged into extreme chaos in an instant, the first wave of strikes causing heavy casualties!
“Enemy attack!! Ambush!!!” Ryosuke roared hoarsely, desperately blocking a explosive kunai aimed at him; the blast wave hurled him flying, landing in a wretched heap.
“Don’t panic! Find cover!” Yakura’s voice rang out, high-temperature Scorching Release fireballs appearing around her, shooting down several kunai.
“Kill!” Hotaru’s figure charged from behind the dune, her ninja sword aimed straight at a Sand Village Chunin!
Shita Junhito roared angrily and followed closely, Earth Style hardening jutsu covering his body as he charged into the enemy ranks like a wild bull, punching a panicked Sand Ninja flying!
Murahashi Hazuki nimbly weaved at the battlefield’s edge, her kunai gun precisely targeting Sand Ninjas attempting hand seals, disrupting their casting.
Oyakushiro Chino’s petite figure was exceptionally conspicuous; her purple eyes instantly turned blood red, pupils morphing into eerie “I” shapes!
Blood Dragon Eye, activate!
“Blood Release: Blood Dragon Technique!” She formed hand seals, blood from wounds of several recently fallen Sand Ninjas surging out as if summoned, coalescing before her into three ferocious roaring blood-colored giant dragons carrying a heavy blood scent, pouncing toward the Sand Ninjas!
“Mon… monster!” This eerie and terrifying ninjutsu instantly dealt a massive psychological blow to the Sand Ninjas!
Otsutsuki Toneri activated his Byakugan, using taijutsu with some Gentle Fist forms to precisely strike pressure points; each strike disrupted a Sand Ninja’s Chakra, causing them to collapse limply.
Suzuhara Ai followed closely, handling cover and medical support; her Mystical Palm Technique glow lit up intermittently, healing injured teammates.
“Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!” Sato Sayun roared, spewing scorching Fire Release to suppress a Sand Ninja squad attempting to regroup.
The Hyuga Chunin did not plunge deep into the enemy ranks but occupied a high point, focusing his Byakugan vision in one direction; his kunai gun shot like a sniper rifle.
Every gunshot inevitably knocked a Sand Ninja’s ninja tools away or forcibly interrupted a preparing ninjutsu, creating prime opportunities for his forward teammates.
The Uchiha ninja fought fiercely and madly, with taijutsu, Fire Release Ninjutsu, plus Sharingan and Illusion Technique, already invincible; the boost from Chakra Kinetic Armor made them even more unstoppable, like berserkers no one could block.
The other Star Ninjas coordinated seamlessly, well-equipped, individually powerful, instantly beating the numerically superior Sand Ninja force into a wretched, retreating mess!
“Damn it! Intelligence leaked! They were prepared!” Ryosuke wretchedly dodged a heavy punch from Shita Junhito, looking at his subordinates’ heavy casualties around him, his heart turning ice-cold.
He desperately moved toward Yakura: “Yakura! Come to me! We must link up and break out!”
Yakura’s eyes flickered upon hearing this.
Three Scorching Release fireballs orbited her body as she slowly approached Ryosuke.
Ryosuke was overjoyed to see her coming, just about to say something—
Sudden change!
Yakura’s eyes suddenly lost their luster; those three originally defensive Scorching Release fireballs abruptly blasted at point-blank range toward the unprepared Ryosuke with astonishing speed!
“Scorching Release: Super Steam Kill!”
“What?! Yakura you—!” Ryosuke’s pupils shrank to pinpoints, his face full of disbelief and horror!
He instantly understood everything.
Why their team was ambushed so precisely, why Yakura had been so silent the whole way!
She wasn’t scared by the monsters at all; she had long ago… betrayed the Sand Village!
But Ryosuke, having understood everything, had no time for any effective defense!
Pfft—!
The high-temperature fireballs instantly engulfed Ryosuke!
The terrifying heat wasn’t burning but instantly evaporated all moisture in his body!
Ryosuke didn’t even manage a scream before turning in that instant into a withered, charred husk, maintaining a shocked expression as he toppled stiffly, shattering upon hitting the sand!
This sudden backstab from the commander was like the final straw breaking the camel’s back, utterly destroying the already crumbling morale of the remaining Sand Ninjas!
“Lord Yakura she…!”
“Why?!!”
“Ryosuke Jonin!!”
“Traitor! She’s a traitor!!”
The remaining Sand Ninjas let out despairing, furious roars, morale completely collapsing!
Several Sand Village Special Jonin attempting to organize resistance were stunned by the turn, then swiftly killed by Hotaru, Shita Junhito, and others seizing the moment!
The battle quickly turned into one-sided suppression and capture.
Half an hour later, the sand valley returned to silence, leaving only lingering blood scent and gunpowder smoke.
The two-hundred-strong Sand Village raid force had over a hundred killed or severely wounded; the remaining nearly one hundred, with their captain defected and morale shattered, chose surrender and became captives.
Yakura stood in place, her surrounding Scorching Release fireballs long dissipated.
She looked at the wreckage everywhere and the Sand Village captives gazing at her with hatred and confusion, her eyes dull and face expressionless; a faint red mark on the back of her hand flickered slightly before vanishing.
She silently removed her headband, then walked toward Hotaru.
“Good work, leave the rest to us.” Hotaru nodded slightly to her, asking no more, just directing team members to clean the battlefield and round up captives.
Yakura nodded, silently stepping aside, like a puppet.
Though the Star Ninjas had fought a fierce battle, thanks to equipment, tactics, and individual strength advantages, casualties were minimal.
Shita Junhito panted heavily, watching the captives being escorted away; he wiped sweat and sand from his face, excitedly saying to Murahashi Hazuki beside him: “Haha, I killed eight Sand Ninjas this time, definitely big military merit!”
Oyakushiro Chino, who had only killed seven Sand Ninjas, lifted her head and huffed lightly: “Hmph, count yourself impressive.”
“Alright, I know you two are both awesome.” Murahashi Hazuki smiled at her two companions, then helped tally numbers and casualties, confirming their side had only a few lightly wounded, no deaths.
Nearby, Toneri was helping Suzuhara Ai bandage the arm of the injured Sato Sayun.
At the same time, Suzuhara Ai complained that Sato Sayun was a bit reckless, otherwise the wound wouldn’t be so deep, making Sato Sayun embarrassedly scratched his head.
…………
Land of Wind, Sashin Oasis Star Ninja camp.
Morning sunlight dispelled the desert chill, but the camp was a scene of bustling activity.
Two Star Ninja detachments on peripheral interception missions returned almost simultaneously, escorting large groups of dejected Sand Ninja captives.
Shita Junhito had just finished handing over nearly a hundred captives brought back with his teammates, wiping sweat, when he saw on the other side, the detachment led by Kimimaro Kaguya also approaching with captives.
He counted the captives behind Kimimaro—about fifty or so—his eyes lighting up as he hurried over with some mischief and competitive intent, asking:
“Hey, Kimimaro! Didn’t you encounter many Sand Ninjas? How come only this many captives? How were your gains this time?”
Kimimaro stopped, his Byakugan faintly sweeping Shita Junhito, tone calm and flat as if stating a trivial matter: “Two hundred, these are what’s left.”
“Two hundred?!” Shita Junhito’s smile froze instantly, eyes bulging round, voice unconsciously rising: “You… you killed the remaining one hundred fifty-plus?!”
Kimimaro frowned slightly, seeming impatient with Shita Junhito’s fussing, coldly saying: “What else? Invite them for tea?”
A chill instantly shot up Shita Junhito’s spine from his feet; looking at Kimimaro’s matter-of-fact cold expression, he subconsciously swallowed.
He recalled rumors of the Kaguya Clan’s battle maniacs, his competitive thoughts instantly vanishing, leaving only awe for this sharp killing aura.
‘This guy… is a real battle lunatic…’
Soon, Kimimaro and Hotaru handed captives and wounded to logistics personnel, then headed straight to the main command tent at the camp center to report results.
Inside the tent, the atmosphere was solemn and filled with fighting spirit.
West Line General Commander Uchiha Hikari sat at the main seat, scanning the map on the table.
Deputy General Commander Hyuga Hizashi stood beside her, informing Uchiha Hikari of intelligence line news that the Sand Village seemed to have dispatched reinforcements.
On both sides sat Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Inabi, Hyuga Tokuma, Gōta, and other core Jonin.
After listening to Kimimaro and Hotaru’s detailed report on the complete annihilation of two Sand Ninja raiding units, Hizashi Hyuga steadily began his analysis: “According to intelligence from our embedded spies, combined with the battle statistics from the past few days, Sand Village has already suffered approximately seven to eight hundred ninja casualties on the main frontal battlefield. Now adding these two raiding units that were completely wiped out, their total losses in manpower have exceeded one thousand two hundred!”
His finger tapped on the marker representing the Sand Ninja main force on the sand table: “Currently, the main force troops available to Rasa number just over one thousand at most. Even if they mobilize all their lightly wounded personnel, they can at best muster around one thousand two hundred in combat power. Even if they desperately dispatch garrison troops from the rear Sand Village on an emergency basis, the reinforcements that can reach the front lines in a short time won’t exceed five hundred.”
Hizashi raised his head, his Byakugan looking toward Uchiha Hikari: “More importantly, the continuous setbacks from several days of attacks, along with the total annihilation of the raiding units, have caused the Sand Ninja morale to plummet to an extreme low, with complaints everywhere. In contrast, our army has won victory after victory, with morale at its peak! With this shift from decline to prosperity, now is the perfect opportunity for us to switch from defense to offense and annihilate their main force in one stroke!”
This was precisely the core tactic that Menma had emphasized before the battle — ‘One push forward with full momentum, then weakening on the second, exhaustion on the third.’
Using solid defense and localized counterattacks to continuously consume the Sand Ninja’s living forces and combat will at the smallest cost, and when they are exhausted and morale collapses, launch a total assault with thunderous momentum to completely crush them!
Uchiha Hikari nodded slightly, a flash of resolve in her eyes.
Menma was currently in the core area of the Sea of Death, accompanying and guarding the Dark Nine-Tails as it absorbed the Ten-Tails; this process could not be disturbed, especially by that hidden Ten-Tails original owner who might appear at any time, representing a massive potential threat.
They must quickly resolve the war with Sand Village and thoroughly crush them in order to focus on any larger crises that might emerge.
“Command!” Uchiha Hikari stood up, her voice clear and cold yet filled with authority, instantly spreading throughout the entire camp tent: “The entire army is to immediately begin pre-battle preparations, replenish supplies, and in one hour, launch a total assault on the Sand Ninja main force camp!”
Her gaze turned to Hotaru and Kimimaro, who had just achieved great merit: “Hotaru, Kimimaro, you two will each lead your branch units as the left and right flanking forces, responsible for encircling the rear flanks of the Sand Ninja main camp, cutting off their retreat routes. Ensure that key targets like Rasa and Chiyo do not escape!”
“Yes!” The two responded in unison, their eyes burning with battle intent.
With the command issued, the entire Star Ninja camp operated like a precision machine at high speed.
The ninjas quickly checked and replenished Military Rations Pills, ninja tools, especially the small ninjutsu scrolls and large quantities of specially made kunai and explosive tags distributed by the scientific ninja tools department.
These pieces of equipment had played a huge role in the previous defensive battles and were now indispensable weapons in the offensive.
Aside from the wounded and a few garrison personnel, nearly four hundred Star Ninjas assembled the entire army, a solemn and uplifting momentum soaring straight to the clouds.
……
Meanwhile, inside the Sand Ninja main camp.
Fourth Kazekage Rasa was discussing operational plans with Advisor Chiyo.
They had just received a reinforcement unit of about five hundred urgently dispatched from Sand Village, mostly genin and mobilized retired ninjas, but it temporarily alleviated the pressure from continuous troop consumption.
“Let the new troops rest for half a day first to adapt to the environment. We’ll launch another round of attacks in the afternoon.” Rasa rubbed his throbbing temples, his voice weary.
“After several days of strong assaults, the Star Ninjas must be fatigued too. We’ll pretend to hold position this morning or send out scattered units to harass, keeping their nerves taut all morning, then suddenly attack in the afternoon — it might achieve surprising results. It can also buy time for more reinforcements we might gather from the homeland later…”
His calculations were sound, attempting to use psychological warfare and delay tactics to reverse the declining situation.
However, before he could finish speaking, the tent flap was violently flung open, and Baki rushed in with a face full of anxiety, not even having time to salute as he urgently reported: “Lord Kazekage! Elder Chiyo! The Star Ninjas… the Star Ninjas have launched a full army assault! The front lines have already engaged, their offensive is extremely fierce, our defenses… are in dire peril!”
“What?!” Rasa and Chiyo both paled simultaneously.
They never imagined that the Star Ninjas, who had adopted a defensive stance for several days, would proactively launch such a ferocious full-frontal assault right when their reinforcements had just arrived and were not yet settled!
This completely disrupted their deployments.
Rasa had no time to think deeply and could only roar hoarsely: “Quick! Elder Chiyo, Baki, immediately organize everyone who can fight for a counterattack! Send up all the lightly wounded too! We must hold the line!”
……
On the vast desert battlefield, over two thousand ninjas fiercely collided together.
After receiving five hundred reinforcements and mobilizing some lightly wounded, the Sand Ninjas deployed all ninjas who could still move, about one thousand seven hundred.
On the Star Ninja side, the assaulting forces still numbered less than four hundred.
However, the combat power unleashed by these four hundred Star Ninjas once again filled all Sand Ninjas with despair.
The Star Ninja chakra-powered armor gleamed with a cold, hard luster under the sunlight, providing powerful protection and mobility for the Star Ninjas.
The kunai guns in their hands continuously spat out, shooting kunai bound with explosive tags like raindrops toward the Sand Ninja formations, causing continuous explosions and chaos.
What made it even harder for the Sand Ninjas to cope was that many Star Ninjas could use the scientific ninja tools built into the armor to instantly release various small-scale fireballs, wind blades, earth walls without hand seals or with only minimal gestures. Though the individual power wasn’t too strong, in high-speed movement and close-quarters melee, this rapid jutsu release brought overwhelming tactical advantages.
Chiyo stood at the rear, her withered fingers dancing as chakra threads precisely manipulated the remaining five Chikamatsu Collection puppets, while also multitasking to control dozens of ordinary puppets to join the battle.
Her puppet technique was at its peak, causing considerable trouble for the Star Ninjas’ advance, but that was all — it couldn’t reverse the declining trend of the overall battle situation.
Suddenly, a green blade light flashed like lightning, precisely shattering three oncoming puppets!
Shisui Uchiha’s figure appeared in the center of the battlefield, dressed in Star Ninja uniform, his Sharingan and the Star Ninja headband on his forehead particularly striking under the sunlight.
Appearing with him were Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Inabi, Tokuma Hyuga, Hizashi Hyuga, and other jonin powerhouses from the Star Ninja side.
Their entry into the battle was like dropping a heavy weight onto an already tilting scale.
“Uchiha Clan… Hyuga Clan…” Chiyo looked at this group of ninjas who should have been allies, a complex glint flashing in her turbid old eyes.
She looked at Shisui Uchiha, who had a gentle demeanor yet carried a firm killing intent, and rasped: “Konoha’s ‘Shisui the Teleporter’… no, now you should be called Star Ninja Shisui. This old woman is very curious — what exactly caused your great ninja clans to abandon the Konoha you personally established and defect to this Land of Stars?”
Shisui Uchiha shook his head, his gaze clear and candid: “Elder Chiyo, you may have misunderstood. It wasn’t the Uchiha who betrayed Konoha, but Konoha… who betrayed the Uchiha first.”
His words carried a hint of heaviness, the Sharingan returned by Menma slowly spinning, revealing a Mangekyo pattern.
Chiyo was slightly stunned upon hearing this, her gaze sweeping over the silent yet resolute-eyed Hizashi Hyuga nearby.
Sand Village had no ninja clans with histories as long and powers as vast as the Uchiha or Hyuga, so she truly found it hard to fully understand such complex grudges.
In the end, she just sighed: “Family disputes… this old woman doesn’t quite understand. But it seems you’re quite troublesome now.”
She said no more, controlling the remaining five strongest Chikamatsu Collection puppets to charge toward Shisui Uchiha like five ghostly shadows.
These five puppets coordinated seamlessly with fierce offensives, enough to easily shred a jonin squad.
However, Shisui merely flickered, instantly creating multiple phantom clones indistinguishable from the real one.
Phantom Body Flicker Technique!
These clones nimbly weaved through the gaps in the puppets’ attacks, not only easily restraining the five puppets but even finding openings to counterattack, killing or forcing back the surrounding elite Sand Ninjas trying to approach.
At the same time, Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Inabi acted like two sharp daggers, cooperating on the flanks of Shisui’s clones. Their Sharingan precisely predicted enemy movements, combining Fire Release Ninjutsu with exquisite sword technique to slaughter the Sand Ninjas trying to support Chiyo, forcing them into steady retreat.
Baki led the remnants of Sand Village Anbu against Hizashi Hyuga and Tokuma Hyuga.
The Byakugan’s insight and Gentle Fist’s precise meridian strikes made the Sand Village Anbu, skilled in Wind Release and assassination, feel utterly helpless — their ninjutsu was often seen through and interrupted before fully executed.
Seeing Shisui’s true body about to break through the puppets’ entanglement and close in on Chiyo, Rasa, who had been observing the battle, finally couldn’t sit still.
“Magnetic Release: Gold Dust Tsunami Wave!”
Dazzling sand gold surged skyward like a real ocean wave, carrying a heavy whistling sound as it blanketed the sky and smashed toward Shisui Uchiha, attempting to block his advance.
Shisui abruptly halted, his Sharingan instantly locking onto weak points in the sand gold wave, his ninja sword tracing a path to forcibly deflect part of the sand gold.
However, Rasa’s killing move followed immediately!
“Magnetic Release: Gold Dust Mausoleum of Entombment!”
More sand gold extended like living tentacles from all directions, instantly engulfing Shisui and rapidly condensing and compressing into a massive, gold-gleaming pyramid-shaped sand tomb!
“Success?!” A glint of hope flashed in Chiyo’s eyes.
She knew the power of Rasa’s technique — once fully sealed and detonated, even the One-Tails would be suppressed!
A ruthless expression appeared on Rasa’s face as he formed hand seals, madly channeling chakra, preparing to detonate the Gold Dust Mausoleum of Entombment and bury this powerful Uchiha ninja completely.
However, just as the energy inside the sand gold pyramid was about to reach critical point—
Buzz—!
A massive green chakra erupted violently from inside the pyramid!
This chakra instantly shattered the sand gold restraints, first forming a huge green skeletal frame, then rapidly covering it with flesh and meridians, ultimately transforming into a complete green giant clad in armor, with wings on its back and wielding a massive spiral sword.
Susanoo!
“What?!” Rasa’s pupils contracted sharply, staring in disbelief as his strongest sealing jutsu was forcibly broken in such a barbaric manner!
Chiyo also drew in a sharp breath, her aged face filled with shock: “The Uchiha Clan’s… Susanoo!”
“To think that after Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha Clan still has someone who can use this ultimate dojutsu!” Chiyo, who had lived over sixty years and experienced the era of Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara, naturally knew the terrifying strength of Uchiha Madara.
“Susanoo?” Rasa’s voice was dry as he looked up at the towering green giant — a terrifying power he had never seen before.
The green Susanoo loomed like a deity descended to the mortal world, overlooking the entire battlefield from above.
The oppressive pressure from its massive body made every Sand Ninja who saw it tremble and despair from the depths of their hearts.
Shisui stood in the diamond crystal on Susanoo’s forehead, his Sharingan indifferently surveying the battlefield below.
He manipulated Susanoo, raising the massive green spiral sword.
“Susanoo: Ninety-Nine!”
Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh—!!!
Countless green chakra arrows shot out from the spiral sword like a violent storm and rain, blanketing a large swath of the Sand Ninja positions ahead!
These chakra arrows were immensely powerful, each one landing like a small ninjutsu explosion, instantly blasting the Sand Ninjas in that area into chaos with heavy casualties!
The horrific scene like rocket artillery saturation fire completely destroyed the last shred of resistance courage among the Sand Ninjas.
“Mon… monster!”
“Run! We can’t win!”
“Lord Kazekage, save us!”
Collapse spread through the Sand Ninja army like a plague.
On a distant sand dune, Uchiha Hikari stood with arms crossed, her three-tomoe Sharingan quietly watching Shisui’s Susanoo wreak havoc across the battlefield.
She knew this battle was over.
Rasa and Chiyo clearly had no ability to suppress Shisui with his Susanoo activated, not even qualifying to force her to personally intervene.
Indeed, with the full participation of Star Ninja jonin like Shisui, Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Inabi, Gōta, Hizashi Hyuga, and others, the already crumbling Sand Ninja defensive line completely collapsed.
While trying to evade Susanoo attacks, Rasa was caught in a flaw by Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Inabi, who attacked from both sides, and one of his arms was severed at the shoulder by Uchiha Izumi’s ninja sword!
This girl, who once loved sweets and admired Itachi Uchiha, had become one of the top experts in the Uchiha Clan after the Night of the Uchiha Clan Downfall, second only to Hikari and Shisui.
“Argh!” Blood spurted from the severed arm as Rasa let out a shrill scream of agony.
“Lord Kazekage!” Jonin Sabaku desperately blocked in front of him, taking Uchiha Inabi’s fatal strike.
“Lord Kazekage!” Baki’s eyes nearly split with rage as he rushed forward to support the gravely wounded Rasa.
Chiyo looked at the battlefield collapsing like a landslide and the critically wounded Rasa on the brink of death, a trace of sorrow flashing in her eyes.
She hoarsely shouted to Baki and the few surviving jonin: “Take the Kazekage and go! Hurry! This old woman will cover the rear!”
Before her words finished, Chiyo’s hands suddenly formed seals, and her storage scroll released countless puppets.
“Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets! And… the final deadly poison!”
She summoned all the still-functional puppets she had cherished, totaling over a hundred, all at once!
These puppets charged fearlessly at the pursuing Star Ninjas like suicide attackers, while thick purple poison mist began emanating from their joints, rapidly spreading outward in an attempt to block the Star Ninjas’ pursuit with this toxic gas field.
The Star Ninjas, seeing this, had to temporarily halt their advance, donning gas masks and cautiously dealing with the poison mist and puppets’ suicide attacks.
Baki and the few Sand Ninja jonin, tears in their eyes, seized the chance to carry the heavily wounded and unconscious Rasa, fleeing desperately into the desert depths while trying to rally the routed Sand Ninja remnants.
However, their escape did not last long.
Just a few kilometers from the main battlefield, atop a tall sand dune, two Star Ninja branch units suddenly appeared, blocking their path.
Though numbering less than thirty, the leaders were Kimimaro Kaguya, covered in bone spikes, and Hotaru.
Behind them, Shita Junhito, Oyakushiro Chino, Otsutsuki Toneri, Hyuga ninjas, Uchiha ninjas… the gazes of numerous bloodline limit wielders coldly locked onto them.
Looking at this Star Ninja squad assembled with Corpse Bone Pulse, Byakugan, Sharingan, Blood Dragon Eye, and other bloodline limits, the last trace of color drained from Baki’s face. He closed his eyes in despair, his kunai clattering to the sand.
Resistance was utterly meaningless.
……
Shortly after, a Star Ninja Anbu knelt on one knee behind Uchiha Hikari and respectfully reported: “Lord Hikari, Chiyo has been confirmed dead. The poison mist she released is being handled by the medical squad and sealing squad. Fourth Kazekage Rasa and his personal guards have been captured by Kimimaro and Hotaru’s branch unit. The Sand Ninja main force has been completely routed; we are clearing remaining enemies and gathering prisoners.”
Uchiha Hikari lightly hummed, not surprised by this outcome.
She gazed remotely at the faintly visible silhouettes of the two tails beasts deep in the Sea of Death, her heart slightly settling.
With Rasa captured and Sand Village’s main force annihilated, the western front battle could be considered settled.
If she wished, the Star Ninja army could march straight in at any time, reaching right under Sand Village or even the Capital City of the Land of Wind.
How many days had passed since Sand Village declared war?
Five days?
She was just preparing to head to the core area of the Sea of Death to rendezvous with Menma and deal with the possible appearance of the Ten-Tails original owner when—
A communications ninja rushed over, his face bearing unprecedented gravity:
“Lord Hikari! Urgent telegram from headquarters! Eastern front emergency intel! Land of Earth Stone Village, Third Tsuchikage Onoki personally leading, full mobilization! Over ten thousand Stone ninjas are rapidly advancing toward our eastern border! Expected to reach the borderline by vanguard units at latest tomorrow evening!”
A chill flashed in Uchiha Hikari’s scarlet Sharingan.
“Stone Village… that old fox Onoki finally couldn’t hold back, huh?”
【PS: Taking a break, another ten thousand words tomorrow daytime. You should have guessed what Onoki is about to face.】
【PS: Today’s illustration, big sister Mizukage.】
