Chapter 62 - The discovered
'the scale of the catastrophe was overwhelming. More than half the city's population had been turned into puppets. These puppets were not only numerous but also incredibly powerful. Each puppet was a formidable foe, equivalent to a Chunin-level shinobi, while the puppets operating under direct command were as strong as Kage-level shinobi. The strength and coordination of these puppets were a testament to Anrokuzan's terrifying power, magnified by the Dragon Veins.The sheer magnitude of Anrokuzan's influence was evident in the strength of his puppets. Facing them required an unprecedented level of skill and strategy. As a Jonin-level shinobi, I could handle a small group of enemies, but confronting these puppets demanded at least two Kage-level shinobi. Anrokuzan's control over the puppets and the power of the Dragon Veins made him a nearly insurmountable threat.With the city in ruins and the odds against us, I knew that the fight ahead would be incredibly challenging. We needed to strategize carefully, leveraging every ounce of strength and cunning we had. As I prepared to venture out once more, the resolve to save more lives and counter Anrokuzan's malevolent plans steeled my determination'.
'With my Kioken ability back in action and under control, I had a crucial advantage. The energy coursed through me, heightening my senses and physical capabilities. I knew that I could maintain this state for a full five minutes without risking severe internal damage. It was time to make the most of this window'.
With the last of the citizens gathered, including Sara and Sēramu, I formed a tight-knit group ready to leave the city. The urgency to escape was palpable; the larger our group, the more we stood out, making our journey perilous.
As we navigated the dimly lit streets towards the city exit, I stayed on high alert. The city was eerily silent, broken only by the occasional murmur from the group and the distant, unsettling creaks of abandoned buildings. I knew that escaping such a large group unnoticed was nearly impossible.
Suddenly, a puppet emerged from the shadows. Without hesitation, I dispatched it with a single, precise strike, my reflexes honed by the Kioken's residual power. The puppet crumpled to the ground, but the disturbance did not go unnoticed.
Anrokuzan, sensing the loss of his puppet, was quick to react. The oppressive presence of his chakra loomed over us, a dark promise of imminent danger. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere as he prepared to strike.
"Everyone, stay close!" I shouted, my voice carrying a note of urgency. "We need to move quickly and stay alert."
The group quickened their pace, but the tension was palpable. Each step felt like it echoed through the silent city, drawing the attention of lurking threats. As we approached the city's edge, the dark sky seemed to close in, thickening with the weight of impending doom.
Just then, a shadowy figure leapt from the rooftops, landing gracefully before us. Anrokuzan had arrived, his eyes cold and calculating as he surveyed the group. His presence was suffused with an aura of menace, and it was clear he was not here to negotiate.
Without warning, he sent a wave of puppets toward us. They moved with a frightening speed and precision, their eyes glowing with the same malevolent energy that had turned the city into a nightmare.
I immediately sprang into action, engaging the puppets with everything I had. My attacks were fierce and swift, each blow designed to dismantle the puppets before they could reach the civilians. Despite my efforts, it was clear that Anrokuzan's puppets were a formidable force, each one a testament to his dark power.
Sēramu, though weakened, fought alongside me, her determination unwavering. Sara, clutching her mother's hand, watched with wide eyes, her fear momentarily forgotten as the battle unfolded.
"Keep moving!" I shouted to Sēramu, my voice cutting through the chaos. "Get everyone to safety while I hold them off!"
With a nod, Sēramu guided the group forward, pushing them towards the city's exit. I could see the strain on her face, but her resolve was unshakable. As she led the citizens away, I continued to battle the relentless onslaught of puppets.
Anrokuzan's attacks grew more intense, his puppets pushing harder with each wave. Despite my efforts, the pressure was overwhelming. I could feel the strain on my body, state becoming apparent as I fought to protect the group.
Finally, as the last of the puppets fell, I managed to catch a glimpse of Sēramu and the citizens making their way through the city's gates. The group was escaping, but the cost of their safety was clear. We had survived, but the threat of Anrokuzan loomed ever larger.
With the city now behind us, we could only hope that the path ahead would be less fraught with peril. As we regrouped and prepared for the journey beyond the city, the weight of our escape hung heavy in the air. The battle was not yet over, but for now, we had won a crucial reprieve.
I knew, this was the beginning of the destruction, this was the result of underestimating him.
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