Rumble, rumble...
Under Natsuhiko's control, a massive water tornado swiftly took shape, instantly engulfing Kakuzu in a vortex of white foam.
The scene bore a striking resemblance to a washing machine in action...
Except, this ninjutsu—infused with the lingering resentment of a "Type 3 Grudge"—was far beyond the power of any household appliance.
The storm alone, spawned by the water tornado, swept up branches and stones from the surroundings, while some trees bent precariously, creaking under the strain.
"Hey, hey, what's going on in there?"
The mist conjured by Natsuhiko lacked physical substance, so it wasn't blown away, continuing to obscure the view of onlookers.
However, the strong winds and pelting rain, combined with the incessant roars from within, painted a terrifying picture in their minds of what was happening in the fog.
"Is this really a battle between ninjas?"
In disbelief, astonishment spread across the faces of the crowd.
As ordinary people, they rarely witnessed battles between truly powerful ninjas, the kind capable of reshaping the terrain itself!
Some couldn't suppress their curiosity and attempted to peer through the dense fog.
But after only a few steps, a falling tree trunk landed before them, scaring one person so much they collapsed onto the ground before fleeing in panic.
This incident spurred others to reconsider staying, realizing that this level of combat was beyond their place.
Among them, the debt collectors' subordinates appeared especially stunned.
Their leaders had dared to scheme against such a terrifying individual—where had they found the courage?
Unbeknownst to them, their bosses and companions were still hanging mid-air inside the nearby arcade.
As the water tornado wreaked havoc, the arcade shook violently. Those hanging in mid-air swayed and collided with one another, groaning in pain.
Not far from them, Kakashi cautiously observed the situation from the arcade entrance.
Despite the mist blocking his sight, Kakashi could deduce from the changes in the surroundings just how intense the battle ahead was.
"What an incredible Water Release technique. No… it might even incorporate Wind Release."
Analyzing the situation, Kakashi's expression grew increasingly grim.
The critical question was: Who unleashed such a terrifying jutsu?
As far as he knew, Teacher Natsuhiko primarily used precise and energy-efficient ninjutsu. Judging by the scale of this technique, the situation was troubling…
Yet Kakashi couldn't have guessed that this jutsu was a collaborative effort between Natsuhiko and Kakuzu, resulting in its immense power.
Feeling ever more concerned, Kakashi yearned to rush in and assist his teacher.
But he knew better—charging in would only drag Natsuhiko down.
Taking one last, deep look at the thick mist, Kakashi gritted his teeth and turned back toward the lounge.
"I wonder how far Lady Tsunade has gotten with the invention Sensei left her. Judging by the current situation, Sensei won't be able to hold out for much longer…"
What Kakashi didn't know was that Tsunade, the one he had high hopes for, was facing a difficult choice of her own.
In the lounge, Tsunade sat with a grave expression, staring at a young, white-haired man in traditional onmyoji robes who bore a slight resemblance to Natsuhiko.
Her shocked and wary demeanor made it clear she had no idea why this man had suddenly appeared.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Welcome to the world of onmyoji. My name is Ōmoku."
Ignoring Tsunade's guarded expression, the strange man smiled and nodded at her.
Before Tsunade could respond, he pulled a red-and-white sphere from his sleeve and tossed it lightly. The sphere opened mid-air, releasing a large, yellow mouse!
Despite its adorable appearance, the sudden commotion startled Tsunade, almost prompting her to ready for battle.
"What's wrong, Lady Tsunade?"
Shizune, standing nearby, asked in confusion, seemingly unaware of the white-haired man or the yellow mouse.
Realizing this, Tsunade quickly removed the red glasses perched on her nose.
Once she scanned the room again, she was astonished to find both the man and the mouse had disappeared!
"A projection jutsu… No, that's not it…"
Muttering softly, Tsunade held the glasses up to her eyes.
Sure enough, the white-haired man and the yellow mouse reappeared—not in reality, but within the lenses of the glasses!
Tsunade realized they weren't projections visible to everyone but rather figures that only appeared on the glasses' lenses. Their size and shading made them seem vividly lifelike to the wearer.
Reassuring the concerned Shizune, Tsunade explained, "It's nothing. I've just figured out how to activate Natsuhiko's invention. It surprised me."
Turning her attention back to the smiling white-haired man, she murmured, "But now the question is… how exactly is this thing supposed to help me?"
The glasses, a secret weapon from Natsuhiko passed to her through Shizune, were said to temporarily help her overcome her hemophobia and unleash her full strength in battle.
However, with time pressing, Natsuhiko hadn't been able to explain its use in detail. Tsunade had to figure it out herself and had only just activated it—only to be greeted by this peculiar man.
Ōmoku, oblivious to their conversation, continued, "In this world, mystical creatures called yokai reside everywhere.
"As onmyoji, it is our job to capture them and turn them into our shikigami.
"I am a mentor for novice onmyoji like you, guiding you on this path…"
Though his words were cryptic, Tsunade began to piece things together.
After all, she'd spent enough time in Natsuhiko's arcade playing various games.
Many games immersed players by introducing a fictional world and backstory.
This device, while different in form, seemed to function similarly to the arcade machines.
Still, she couldn't fathom how it could help her overcome her hemophobia.
Trusting in Natsuhiko's genius inventions, Tsunade forced herself to proceed.
Ōmoku then announced, "Now, you will make the first—and very crucial—choice in your journey as an onmyoji…"
He tossed out three red-and-white spheres. When they opened, three adorable creatures appeared: a small red lizard, a blue turtle, and a green… garlic-shaped turtle?
Ōmoku smiled. "Please, choose your first shikigami."
Tsunade: "???"
When Kakashi entered the room, he found Tsunade deep in thought.
It wasn't that she was engrossed in the "game."
It was just that Ōmoku's seriousness made her hesitate.
After all, who knew if only one of these creatures could help her overcome her fear of blood?
(End of Chapter)