The scene shifts back to Natsuhiko.
With the sound of an explosion, intense flames illuminated the surrounding forest.
A charred, still-burning corpse fell from the smoke, landing with a thud on the grass below.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
Veins of anger bulged on Yawai's forehead, but he didn't stop, continuing to leap forward.
If he stopped here, everyone's sacrifices would be in vain!
He took a deep look at the fallen subordinates behind him and then turned his gaze back to Natsuhiko, his heart filled with boundless killing intent.
Another series of explosions sounded from behind.
Yawai knew it was the sound of the exploding tags attached to the kunai he had dodged earlier.
At this moment, he realised that the white-haired youth's previous actions were all an act, laying the groundwork for the kunai with the invisible exploding tag! The technique must be similar to the illusion trap with the exploding tags from before.
What kind of jutsu is this?
It can create the illusion of exploding tags out of nowhere and then hide the real exploding tags, catching people off guard.
Although this method might not work on experts, it's challenging for ordinary ninjas who need more experience and sensory abilities to counter it.
Yawai could easily imagine the trouble this technique would cause the enemy in war.
And this white-haired guy is still young. Who knows what more disgusting uses he might develop in the future?
Not to mention the propulsion device that allows for rapid movement...
After analysing this guy's peculiarities in his mind, Yawai quickly made a decision.
He couldn't let him continue to grow!
This idea took precedence in his mind, even over capturing the future Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
"I wanted to save chakra just in case, but now isn't the time for such concerns..."
Yawai raised his right hand and formed a seal.
This time, he didn't cancel it after a few seconds but continued to use it.
"Now, all his tricks are useless against me."
Yawai's face was deep, with a slight sense of relief in his heart.
"Encountering me before fully growing up is bad luck for him."
"Moreover, he's already used up all his ninja tools. I should be able to catch up with him soon."
Just as Yawai was thinking this, he saw Natsuhiko pull out a card, and with a puff, another ninja tool bag full of ninja tools appeared...
Yawai: "..."
It seemed this battle wouldn't end quickly.
...
Yawai was right; this chase ended slowly but entered overtime.
Under the silver moonlight in the forest of the Land of Fire, an unusual duel was fiercely underway.
Yawai, skilled in sensory ninjutsu and never failing in tracking and seeking;
Natsuhiko is proficient in creating illusions and unparalleled in escape techniques;
Their duel was like the sharpest spear against the strongest shield. Tonight, one of their undefeated legends would come to an end!
Though his projection technique was restricted by the opponent's constantly active sensory ninjutsu, Natsuhiko barely managed to hold on, thanks to various ninja tools and his invented gadgets. He had not been caught yet.
However, in terms of stamina, Natsuhiko was slightly inferior and eventually stopped in an open space, panting heavily with his hands on his knees.
"Finally stopped running?"
Yawai also landed heavily in the clearing, slightly out of breath.
His body was fine, but he was mentally exhausted.
After all, he had to constantly guard against the opponent's endless strange tools and use sensory ninjutsu to distinguish which ninja tools were fundamental, which were projections, and which hid explosive traps.
Of course, Yawai didn't show this but sneered:
"I perfectly counter your abilities. Stop resisting meaninglessly."
"I was only saving chakra earlier, not using sensory ninjutsu constantly, giving you some opportunities."
"But now I'm serious. Your little tricks are obvious under my sensory ninjutsu!"
He deliberately glanced around:
"I even know you stopped here not only due to exhaustion but also because you had that little girl set traps here in advance!"
Seeing Natsuhiko's face changed slightly, Yawai sneered and looked at the big tree behind Natsuhiko:
"And that little girl is hiding behind that tree, right?"
Hearing a faint noise from behind the tree and seeing Natsuhiko's hideous expression, Yawai felt a surge of satisfaction.
Yes, this!
The feeling of having everything under his control was why he worked hard to learn sensory ninjutsu.
"So surrender. Both of you are rare talents, but Konoha would only limit your potential."
"Only in Kumogakure can you fully realise your talents!"
"Even if you want to resist to the end, as long as I keep using sensory ninjutsu, you have no chance of winning."
At this moment, Natsuhiko's previously ugly face suddenly relaxed, even showing a playful smile.
"Not necessarily~"
"Thanks to your long speech, my ultimate array is finally complete."
Yawai was slightly startled, but after analysing, he still couldn't think of any way the opponent could turn the tables, believing it was just a bluff.
But seeing Natsuhiko's leisurely expression, he felt a slight unease and decided to end it quickly, planning to capture them first.
Without further ado, he drew the ninja sword from his back for the first time and instantly charged at Natsuhiko.
"Yunryū: Cross Slash!"
At that moment, Natsuhiko suddenly whispered:
"Now, Kushina!"
"OK!" came Kushina's response from behind the tree.
"?"
Yawai felt increasingly uneasy.
The next moment, a visible chakra wave expanded from behind the tree.
Before Yawai could react, his brain buzzed as if a massive amount of information flooded in, making him feel dizzy.
"What... what did you do to me?" Yawai staggered back, looking horrified.
Why does everyone think I would tell them the answer?
Natsuhiko thought sarcastically.
Ignoring the question, he smiled slightly:
"You can ponder that in the afterlife."
"Final strike!"
Natsuhiko's hands, previously hanging naturally, slowly formed a hand sign with heavy afterimages in front of his chest.
A giant wooden statue with countless arms emerged from behind him...
"Wood Release??? No, it must be another illusion!"
"But why can't I distinguish it?"
Yawai instinctively used sensory ninjutsu, resulting in another wave of brain pain.
"Right, it's my sensory ninjutsu..."
Yawai finally understood. The trap they set here interfered with his sensory abilities with high-powered chakra waves!
But before he could figure out the details, the countless fists of the statue rained down on him.
"Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands!!!"
Boom, boom, boom, boom...!!
Countless fists pounded Yawai. Though he guessed most were illusions, without sensory ability, he couldn't tell the real from the fake...
At this moment, Kushina's head peeked from behind the tree, and she watched Yawai being battered by the thousand-armed statue. While she admired Natsuhiko, she also felt a bit speechless.
She knew Natsuhiko's move was just his Flower Clone Technique: Flower Branch Mode with a different skin...
Moreover, he could only control four tendrils.
So out of the thousand arms, only four were real...
...
Meanwhile, Minato was still rushing towards them at full speed.
(End of Chapter)
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