Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter 46: The Subtle Art of Exploding Tags

Hayama's speed exceeded what the eye could follow, alarming the Mist ninjas. Still, they remained composed. No matter how fast an opponent moved, they still had to get close to strike—and close combat was the Mist's forte. They were far from intimidated.

The Mist ninja wielding a weapon resembling a giant sliding door smirked. Since they couldn't see their enemy's movements, the best approach was to shield themselves and prepare a counterattack. Setting the blade upright in the water, he began forming seals. Moments later, a stream of water surged from his mouth, forming a protective wall around both Mist ninjas.

Hayama narrowed his eyes. This move had been within his calculations. A flick of his wrist sent several kunai, each wrapped with exploding tags, flying toward the water wall. His footwork shifted, preparing for an attack from another angle.

The kunai struck the wall, causing the tags to explode and rip through the barrier, exposing the Mist ninjas. One of them sneered. A diversion, no more—hardly worth worrying about.

As predicted, Hayama approached from behind, his short blade flashing like a snake as it slashed downward. The Mist ninja growled and parried the blow. Suddenly, several exploding tags appeared along his blade. Before Hayama could retreat, they detonated.

Boom!

The concentrated explosion tore through the weakened water wall, scattering debris. Hayama now stood to the side, squinting slightly, lost in thought. The Mist ninjas, however, had struck his earth clone.

In any fight, a good ninja would first gauge their opponent's abilities. Hayama wasn't reckless enough to rush in himself. By using a clone to probe their skills, he had drawn out some of their capabilities, enabling him to adjust his strategy accordingly.

Hayama instinctively moved to rub his shaved head, contemplating what he had just observed. If his hunch was correct, the ninja's sword could summon exploding tags—possibly even indefinitely. It might function by converting its wielder's chakra into tags, making it a seemingly endless resource. In other words, any contact would result in a burst of explosions.

After only one exchange, Hayama had deduced much of his opponent's ability. His sharp analytical skills and steady nature had kept him alive through countless battles, honing his tactical acumen along the way.

The unique properties of the Mist ninja's weapon intrigued Hayama. Exploding tags were among the most favored tools in the ninja world. Their power was reliable, and the chakra cost negligible. Often called "portable Fire Release," they were a staple of every ninja's arsenal. A blade that could generate them freely was undeniably practical, and Hayama couldn't help but envy such an ability. If only it were in his hands…

Hayama snapped back to reality as the Mist ninja advanced again, the strange, oversized sword roaring through the air. Its bulky size made its movements predictable, and Hayama sidestepped the swing easily. He countered by slapping two exploding tags onto the blade before kicking his opponent's arm, using the force to create some distance.

However, the ninja quickly neutralized the tags before they could detonate, further confirming that he was adept at handling explosive tactics. Hayama briefly considered seizing the weapon, but quickly dismissed the idea. Using an enemy's weapon mid-fight was risky—especially one as rare and valuable as this. It likely held traps or hidden mechanisms. The risk was not worth compromising his typically cautious approach.

As Hayama continued probing his foes, Minato's battle raged on nearby. A forest of crystalline ice trees sprouted from the water's surface, their shimmering forms both dazzling and deadly.

Returning his focus to his own fight, Hayama assessed his chakra reserves. His energy was still recovering. He twisted his neck, his joints cracking audibly, before weaving a string of hand seals. Blue lightning flickered to life around him. In a flash, he vanished from sight, leaving the Mist ninjas searching for him in vain.

The two Mist ninjas pressed back-to-back, eliminating blind spots as they scanned the area. But Hayama appeared before the heftier one, crouched low and swinging his blade toward the ninja's knees.

The bulky ninja grinned, baring sharp teeth as he positioned his wrapped sword to block the strike. As Hayama pulled back to reset his stance, he realized something was wrong. The lightning coursing over his body dissipated, and his internal chakra began to rapidly drain.

What's going on?

His gaze landed on the sword, and he immediately understood. It wasn't just a weapon—it was an anti-chakra tool. Withdrawing quickly, he tried to regroup, but the other Mist ninja seized the moment. Charging in, he swung his exploding-tag-laden blade straight for Hayama's back.

In moments of true peril, a ninja's instincts and adaptability are their greatest assets. Having faced countless life-or-death situations, Hayama's mind remained calm, even as his chakra reserves dwindled. With practiced efficiency, he released the chakra holding him on the water's surface. At the same time, he dropped his short blade and began rapidly forming seals. The turbulent chakra within him stabilized, channeling into a protective layer beneath his skin.

Boom!

The explosion struck Hayama, but the force pushed him underwater, leaving behind a trail of bubbles. The Mist ninja, confident in their victory, prepared their next move. Yet, hidden beneath the waves, Hayama had a plan. If there was one element he trusted to shift the tide of battle, it was Earth Style.

As the Mist ninja sent a school of water sharks hunting for their submerged target, Hayama executed a replacement technique, diverting the sharks to attack a decoy clone. Meanwhile, he moved silently through the earth beneath the water, circling around to approach the Mist ninja from behind.

Hayama knew that the anti-chakra properties of one ninja's blade neutralized Lightning Style techniques. But Fire Style—being a tangible transformation rather than pure chakra—was a different matter. With this in mind, he formed the necessary seals.

"Fire Style: Roasted Earth Technique!"

The Mist ninja didn't expect Hayama to reappear so close. Before they could react, a partial earth dome enclosed them, trapping them within a chamber that quickly filled with searing flames. The fire devoured oxygen rapidly, leaving them gasping and disoriented.

"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!" they shouted desperately, dousing the flames and breaking free from the earthen prison. But the damage was done. They stumbled out, faces flushed from heat exposure and clothing scorched. They had been caught off guard and had paid the price.

Just as Hayama prepared to press his advantage, a chilling presence made itself known behind him. A raspy voice whispered, "Hayama-kun, you really let your guard down."

A pale hand gripped Hayama's wrist. Then, a face appeared next to his own, its tongue flicking out for a taste.

Hayama froze. "..."

"How boring," the newcomer muttered, withdrawing their hand and tongue. Orochimaru turned his gaze toward the Mist ninja, his expression as cold and menacing as a serpent's.

"The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist?" Orochimaru asked, his voice dripping with disdain. The two Mist ninjas felt a wave of oppressive pressure, their instincts screaming at them to flee.

Hayama stood still, barely breathing. Orochimaru's presence was overwhelming. Even the Mist ninjas seemed shaken, their confidence crumbling under the weight of his killing intent.

Finally, Hayama broke the silence, cautiously asking, "Orochimaru-sama, may I ask what brings you here?"

"Because you've caught a few goldfish," Orochimaru replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Hayama forced a nervous laugh, unwilling to pursue the matter further. It was better to let Orochimaru handle things. After all, when a serpent moves in the grass, it's best not to provoke it.

"You go support Minato. Leave this to me."

Relieved, Hayama nodded, bowing respectfully before taking his leave. Orochimaru's arrival brought a glimmer of hope to the battlefield. With him present, the tide of battle might finally turn. And who knew? Perhaps the Mist's prized Three-Tails would soon have a new master.