Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

Chapter 186: Chapter 186: The Astonishing Strength of Ōnoki!



On the way to Iwagakure, Kazuki and Karin leisurely followed their usual travel routine, moving slowly and exploring the sights as they went.

Meanwhile, news of the complete annihilation of Sunagakure's leadership had spread across the ninja world. Many saw this as an opportunity to seize a valuable piece of territory. Iwagakure, being the closest to the Land of Wind, took a particularly keen interest, with Konoha trailing behind. However, Konoha's ambitions for the Land of Wind were mild. As the Fifth Hokage, Gekko Himan only wanted to protect his village. Even with an opportunity at his doorstep, he didn't bother.

Regarding the downfall of Sunagakure's leadership, Himan was pleased at the reduction of potential threats.

"Now we won't have to worry about Sunagakure causing trouble over Amegakure's issues!" He laughed. "Today, I'm in a great mood. Tell me if there's anything you want—I'll buy it for you!"

"Thank you, Hokage-sama~!" his aides chimed in cheerfully, as Nara Shikaku silently continued handling paperwork.

Shikaku now fully grasped Kazuki's prowess. A single ninja had infiltrated Sunagakure, eliminated its entire leadership, and escaped unscathed! Was he truly the reincarnation of the God of Shinobi?

Days later, Kazuki and Karin arrived at Iwagakure. Despite the events at Sunagakure, they entered the village without raising suspicion. The architecture of Iwagakure was distinctly stone-based, with many cylindrical structures crowned with cone-shaped roofs, a clear contrast to Sunagakure. Iwagakure's strength far surpassed that of Sunagakure. As they strolled down the village's main street, they occasionally spotted squads of seasoned shinobi, many appearing to be in their forties or fifties—veterans who had survived the last war.

After a customary visit to a local tavern, Kazuki and Karin drank till the evening before setting their plan into motion. Kazuki raised a barrier and activated Susano'o. Just as he prepared to wipe out Iwagakure's upper ranks, an aged voice rang out.

"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"

"What?"

Kazuki was caught off guard by Ōnoki's immediate response, who had, to Kazuki's surprise, already prepared a Dust Release attack, sending it directly at his barrier. Even Susano'o couldn't withstand such a jutsu. Kazuki quickly deactivated Susano'o, using Flying Thunder God to dodge. However, without Susano'o, the Dust Release punched a massive hole in the barrier, and Karin swiftly began patching it with chakra.

"Ōnoki! As expected from a survivor of countless battles—you're quite skilled," Kazuki remarked, eyeing the small, hovering elder seated on a rock.

"Hmph! Who are you?" Ōnoki demanded.

"A dead man doesn't need to know my name!" Kazuki replied, his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning.

"Amaterasu!"

In an instant, black flames consumed Ōnoki, setting the nearby Iwagakure building ablaze. Yet, Ōnoki's body crumbled into pebbles—he had evaded the attack with a substitution technique.

"An Uchiha, daring to stir up trouble in Iwagakure!" Ōnoki growled, gazing furiously at his charred comrades.

"Old man, worry about yourself," Kazuki warned. "My only target is you."

Kazuki continued his assault, directing his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan's technique at Ōnoki. Forced to dodge Amaterasu, Ōnoki responded with Dust Release, though Kazuki's superior speed kept him safe from the attacks. Their fight intensified, and soon the entire Iwagakure building was engulfed in black flames. Ōnoki's options for escape were dwindling.

"I have to retreat!" he thought, forming a cube of invisible chakra and launching it at Karin, hoping to destroy the barrier by targeting its source. But Kazuki intervened, rescuing Karin just in time.

Ōnoki's Dust Release pierced the barrier, creating a weak spot. His plan was to keep Karin from repairing it, forcing Kazuki into a defensive position. But Ōnoki had underestimated Kazuki's skill.

"Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Kazuki unleashed a flurry of Flying Thunder God kunai, darting around Ōnoki with Karin in tow, making it impossible for Ōnoki to keep up.

"Flying Thunder God?!" Ōnoki exclaimed, recognizing the legendary Fourth Hokage's famed jutsu. It was his first time facing this terrifying space-time technique, and he knew he was in deep trouble.

"Dust Release..."

"Perish!"

Kazuki appeared behind Ōnoki just as he began forming hand seals, slamming a Rasengan into him, blowing a hole through his torso with immense force.

"Finally, we got him!" Karin cheered, only for Kazuki to shake his head.

"No, it's not over yet. That old man is still kicking."

Ōnoki's figure reappeared in the distance. Kazuki realized just how resilient and perceptive the elderly Tsuchikage was. It was becoming clear why Ōnoki survived to fight in the Fourth Great Ninja War—his skills were exceptional across offense, defense, evasion, and perception. His combat focus and sensory abilities were sharp even at his advanced age.

Ōnoki, though feeling the strain of battle, hadn't survived by reflex alone. He'd preemptively substituted, wary of Kazuki's intentions. After all, a bit of chakra was a small price to pay for avoiding death.

"So you were responsible for the situation at Sunagakure too?" he chuckled. "I was wondering who'd been generous enough to leave such a prize wide open. And now, it seems you've come to turn Iwagakure into the next feast!"

"Life truly is full of surprises!"

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg


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