NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Showtime
The true terror of Konoha's White Fang was finally recognized by Kazuyama.
In a complete rage, the White Light Chakra Sabre in his hands had transformed into the scythe of death. Lightning chakra coursed through his body, wrapping around him like an armor of destruction. This use of chakra couldn't help but remind Kazuyama of the Third and Fourth Raikage. Though the lightning attribute of Sakumo's chakra wasn't as overwhelming as theirs, it significantly enhanced his body, pushing his speed and lethality to the limit.
Even when surrounded by dozens of enemies, the white blur wove effortlessly through the center of the crowd, relying on superhuman speed. Shuriken, explosive tags, and jutsu were all rendered useless, cut down with a single, precise slash. Sakumo's blade techniques were devoid of unnecessary flair—each strike was meant to kill.
"Don't let his speed control the battle! Create distance and cover him with ninjutsu!"
Chiyo, the one most familiar with White Fang's power, wasted no time issuing the order.
At her command, the Sunagakure ninja scattered, attacking from every direction. A barrage of ninjutsu lit up the battlefield.
"Fire Release! Fireball Technique!"
"Wind Release! Wind Cutter Technique!"
"Wind Release! Dust Cloud Technique!"
"Wind Release! Great Breakthrough!"
The combined power of Wind and Fire Release unleashed devastating attacks, with Wind amplifying Fire to create a roaring inferno that engulfed the area around Sakumo. A blanket of flames consumed the battlefield, searing the ground with its intensity.
"Damn it, I have to help Lord Sakumo!"
Ignoring his injuries, Tsukiyuki lunged forward, intent on joining the fight.
But Kazuyama was quick to grab him, his sharp movements halting Tsukiyuki's advance.
"You'll just get in the way!" Kazuyama snapped. "With just Lord Sakumo, he can take a few of them down and break out easily! But if you go, he'll have to protect you too, and none of us will make it out alive!"
Tsukiyuki's anger simmered as Kazuyama's harsh words sank in, replaced by frustration and helplessness. His fists clenched as he spat out a curse. "Damn it!"
Kazuyama ignored the outburst, keeping his focus on the battle.
Sakumo stood before the towering flames, completely unafraid.
"Hatake Kenjutsu, First Form: Slash!"
The name is unremarkable, and so is the move. It's just a simple slash.
But if this slash comes from Sakumo, it's an entirely different story.
The legendary ninja blade, White Light Chakra Sabre, emitted a blinding light—the ultimate manifestation of concentrated chakra. The slash descended, and with it, the roaring flames vanished, and the raging winds stilled, silenced by its overwhelming power.
"Hatake Kenjutsu, Second Form: Sweep!"
From a vertical slash, Sakumo transitioned to a horizontal one. This strike carried supreme force, as if capable of cleaving everything in its path.
"Everyone, get behind my puppets!" Chiyo's voice rang out. "You can't block this attack!"
With her hands clasped in a prayer-like seal, her ten puppets immediately spread their arms.
"Puppet Technique: Mechanical Light Shield Block!"
In an instant, ten glowing blue shields materialized, forming a defensive barrier. The Sunagakure ninja quickly retreated behind the puppets, placing their lives in Chiyo's hands.
The slash was unleashed.
The devastating strike crashed against the shimmering shields with an ear-splitting roar. Chiyo trembled as she clenched her teeth, pouring every ounce of her chakra into maintaining the defense. Sweat trickled down her forehead as the immense force threatened to shatter the shield.
"Hmph!"
Sakumo's expression darkened as his second slash was successfully blocked. Dissatisfaction was written all over his face.
Just as he prepared to unleash a third strike, a voice echoed in his mind:
"Stop fighting! Take the opportunity to run!"
It was Kazuyama's voice, transmitted through Heichi Yamanaka's Mind Body Transmission Technique.
Sakumo gritted his teeth as the words sank in. Though he hated abandoning the fight, the strategy Kazuyama had laid out earlier left him no choice. His sharp gaze swept across the Sunagakure forces. He wanted nothing more than to finish them off here and now.
But he couldn't.
For the sake of his squad, he swallowed his frustration and forcibly suppressed the urge to continue the battle.
Sakumo channeled all his chakra into his feet and launched forward like a rocket.
"It's fine. Lord Sakumo has already left," Kazuyama said, letting out a sigh of relief as he watched Sakumo disappear into the distance. "Next, we just have to wait until he's far enough, and then I'll use the Flying Thunder God Technique to get us all out."
He couldn't deny it—he'd been worried Sakumo might change his mind and turn back.
"Damn Konoha White Fang! He actually ran away!"
Chiyo's angry shout rang out just as she withdrew her defenses, realizing Sakumo had retreated. Her expression darkened, and she clenched her fists in frustration.
"Bastard! Everyone, charge in and finish off the rest of them! And get Pakura back!"
Chiyo knew chasing down Sakumo was pointless. He was far too fast for any of them to catch up. For now, the mission came first.
Just then, a figure slowly emerged from the ruins. In his arms, he carried Pakura, the elite Sunagakure Jōnin.
"Hey, hey, don't do anything rash," Kazuyama warned, stepping into view. His voice was calm, but his stance was tense. A kunai rested against Pakura's neck, a clear threat. "I've got the person you want. If you come any closer, I'll do it."
He hadn't wanted to reveal himself, but buying time for his comrades took priority.
"Hmph! Konoha brats! Release Pakura, and I'll spare your lives!" Chiyo's sharp eyes narrowed as she raised her hand, stopping her forces from advancing. "Sakumo has abandoned you and fled! There's no reason for you to die for someone like him!"
Kazuyama didn't hesitate. His face twisted with grief and anger as he shouted, "You're right! Sakumo Hatake has abandoned us!" He trembled, his voice heavy with bitterness. "I despise being in the same village as someone like him!"
The performance was flawless.
"This honorable lady," he began, his tone shifting to a desperate plea, "now that it's come to this, do you think Sunagakure would accept us? We're nothing but outcasts. Rather than being abandoned by Konoha, I'd rather join Sunagakure!"
His tone grew fierce, his words echoing with raw emotion. "We'll take our revenge on Konoha together!"
His words stunned everyone. Even Chiyo paused, momentarily caught off guard.
Could a ninja really betray their allies like this, in the middle of a battle?
"Damn it! What are you talking about?!" Tsukiyuki roared from behind him, clearly blindsided.
On the other hand, Chiyo felt a flicker of relief. The boy in front of her was barely more than a teenager. It wasn't surprising that someone so young would choose survival over loyalty.
"Hmph! A Konoha ninja, and this is your backbone?" she sneered, disgusted by his apparent cowardice. "You're a disgrace to the Hokages who came before you!"
Kazuyama didn't flinch. Instead, his expression shifted. The grief and anger melted away, replaced by a sly, almost teasing smirk.
"Hey, hey, hey! Don't put it like that," he said casually. "I didn't disgrace any Hokage. I just bought us some time, didn't I? Don't you agree, Lady Chiyo?"
The sudden change in tone caught her off guard. Kazuyama's eyes sparkled with confidence—this was his moment. He could sense it. Sakumo had stopped running, and now it was his turn to take the stage.