Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 88: Water Blade Strikes, Undying Berserker!

When Shikamaru eliminated Hidan, he used pre-arranged explosive tag wires, wrapping them around Hidan's body and detonating them, blowing him into pieces to complete the takedown.

Uchiha Ci didn't have explosive tags; he had already used them up during the earlier wall-clearing skirmish.

But he did have wires and expert control over them. By manipulating the Earth Grudge Fear threads with precision, he could stretch and snap them into razor-sharp blades, sharp enough to slice through a body.

In the original story, it was proven that while immortality could prevent death, a dismembered body was extremely difficult to restore.

Uchiha Ci didn't have time for a prolonged fight.

Thus, from the very beginning, he went all-in with a lethal move.

This attack completely caught Hayato Tōgō off guard. His so-called immortality was flawed, requiring Hidan's Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood for sacrificial rituals.

As an elite ninja of a small nation, his combat strength was concentrated in his hands. Losing them would render him unable to form hand seals and cast jutsu, leaving him as helpless as a lamb awaiting slaughter.

---

Outside the Barrier

The Uchiha onlookers were dumbfounded by the sight, their eyes blinking in disbelief.

As Sharingan users, they could naturally perceive the concealed killing intent behind Uchiha Ci's graceful yet deadly dance-like movements. They were equally amazed at the difficulty of such complex techniques.

Even Uchiha Fugaku wore an expression of surprise.

Despite having already been impressed by Uchiha Ci's shuriken skills when examining the battlefield remnants earlier, witnessing this live performance left him in awe as an expert observer.

"This kid has flaws in his basic taijutsu, but his shuriken throwing angles and wire manipulation are nearly perfect!"

"Such mastery of Uchiha-Style Manipulated Shuriken Jutsu… Only the Elder Uchiha Setsuna could reach this level."

He frowned. "Could it be that this kid is secretly the Elder's grandson, trained in secret?"

The more Fugaku pondered, the more plausible the idea seemed, and his gaze toward Uchiha Ci subtly shifted.

---

On the Battlefield

In an instant, Hayato Tōgō realized that in pure taijutsu, he—an elite jonin from a minor nation—was no match for a two-tomoe Sharingan Uchiha.

The killing intent was palpable.

His attempts to counter with a black spear failed to block the incoming wires completely.

Seeing this, Hayato immediately released his spear and began forming hand seals.

With a swift sequence, he sank into the ground and vanished.

Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage!

This C-rank jutsu allowed him to liquefy surrounding earth with chakra, enabling him to glide through it as though swimming.

Uchiha Ci's Sharingan instantly detected a chakra flow moving underground.

Sliding forward in pursuit, he created a trail of water beneath his feet while pulling out his last kunai and forming hand seals: Rabbit → Ram → Snake!

Water Release: Water Fang Blade!

With hands clasped and drawn apart, a spiraling blade of water materialized in his grip.

Uchiha Ci locked onto the underground target, leaping forward like a shadow and plunging the blade into the earth.

The blade struck true, piercing Hayato Tōgō's skull, ripping through his face, mouth, and jawbone.

Hayato's scalp tingled with fear as his wide eyes darted, twisting his head to redirect the blade, which tore a gash across his face.

Bang!

He burst out of the ground, his forehead drenched in blood. Glaring viciously at Uchiha Ci, he growled, "You brat! You forced me to this!"

But Uchiha Ci wasn't interested in listening. Twisting his foot for momentum, he leapt forward, aiming a downward slash at Hayato's neck.

Hayato narrowly dodged, sidestepping while multitasking—evading and forming hand seals simultaneously.

---

Close-Combat Swordplay

As their blades clashed in close quarters, Uchiha Ci relentlessly targeted vital areas, his strikes carving arcs of cold, blue light.

However, the Uchihas observing from above began to frown.

One commented, "Who taught this kid swordsmanship? He's terrible!"

"If he used proper Uchiha-style sword techniques, that ninja would've been dead by now."

Fugaku shook his head, critiquing, "His fundamentals are weak. He doesn't understand the purpose of wielding a blade.

"This kid likely copied these moves after awakening his Sharingan, combining various techniques randomly—one moment a basic slash, the next a rogue's kick to the head."

"If he doesn't change his approach..."

Fugaku furrowed his brow. "He's in danger."

---

On the ground, Hayato Tōgō exhibited his experience as a jonin. While sealing with his hands, he dodged Uchiha Ci's strikes with head tilts, leaps, flips, and sidesteps.

If he weren't preoccupied with seals, he could've counterattacked with some dirty moves like elbow strikes or groin kicks.

Yet his primary goal was creating distance from Uchiha Ci, whose shuriken techniques combined with wire manipulation posed a significant threat.

Soon, Hayato completed his seals.

Water Release: Water Formation Wall!

Leaping back, he unleashed a torrent of water that not only acted as a barrier but also pushed Uchiha Ci away with immense force.

As the waves surged, Hayato followed up with Lightning Release: Lightning Shock!

An arc of lightning streaked across the water, striking Uchiha Ci.

Though his movements slowed from the paralysis, Uchiha Ci endured.

Seizing the moment, Hayato hurled two black spears, impaling Uchiha Ci's chest and leg, pinning him to the ground.

Panting heavily, Hayato stared at his immobilized foe and muttered, "That should do it."

Yet, recalling the boy's regenerative ability, he remained cautious, forming more seals.

Lightning Release: Four Pillar Bind!

Earth rose to form four massive columns, discharging electricity toward Uchiha Ci. Hayato grabbed another spear and hurled it toward the boy's head.

The spear hurtled forward.

From above, the observing Uchihas tensed, ready to intervene.

But Fugaku raised a hand, stopping them. "Wait. Let's watch."

"Captain, what are we waiting for? He's about to die!"

Despite the protests, Fugaku's crimson Sharingan glowed ominously as he coldly ordered, "Watch."

---

As the black spear pierced Uchiha Ci's head, the boy should have died.

Instead, his eyes snapped open, their crimson glow intensifying.

Ignoring the spears in his head, chest, and leg, he stood, to the shock of everyone present.

Pulling the spear from his skull, he shattered one of the lightning pillars and sneered, bloodied but defiant.

"I told you—your fake immortality is a joke!"

Laughing wildly, he taunted, "Running around like a coward? Pathetic!"

In full view of the stunned crowd, Uchiha Ci pulled out all three spears. His wounds rapidly healed, leaving no trace.

With a feral grin, he charged at Hayato, roaring, "My turn!"