While it was a blessing for the Leaf ninjas, it was a terror for rival ninjas.
Tanaka's clones, using the power of psychokinesis, were able to turn a simple action, like pulling a ninja's foot, into something fatal for the individual. Or even save a Leaf ninja who was about to be killed.
They were simple actions, but with deep meaning, that significantly changed the course of the battle.
Even upon realizing who was responsible for this, they couldn't do anything—not only because they were floating, but also because there was a barrier strong enough not to be destroyed, even when hit by kunai and shuriken.
Even a powerful A-rank jutsu couldn't undo the barrier that protected them.
"Who is this boy, after all?"
They didn't understand how someone so powerful had remained unknown until now.
On Tanaka's side, with Shiori, perhaps for the first time, he understood how dangerous the Uchiha could be.
The moment they used genjutsu with just a glance, it became fatal for a ninja. After all, only a few seconds were needed to decide a battle.
But since genjutsu didn't work on him, Tanaka never faced any real danger and couldn't grasp the full extent of what it could cause. An example of this was a group of three Uchiha with three-tomoe Sharingan defeating more than twenty ninjas above level 50.
Whether by reaction time or catching the enemy off guard with genjutsu, the Uchiha always had the upper hand.
However, watching the Uchiha and Hyuga fight against the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, he also better understood that if a ninja is talented and strong enough, they can guard against the Sharingan without being at a disadvantage. There was even a ninja whose eyes were closed.
"There they are!"
At that moment, the Uzushio ninjas also arrived.
"Oh, you finally made it." Shiori noticed them and commanded, "Alright, set up a camp nearby with the adamantine chains and help take care of the wounded."
"Shiori-sama, we need to protect you," one of them said, resigned.
"Protect me? Who? How? You?" Shiori laughed. "Look, it's not that I despise you or anything, but your strength lies in Fuuinjutsu, and I'm better than you in both Fuuinjutsu and hand-to-hand combat. Not to mention that Tanaka-kun is with me. And don't forget, you're here specifically to support Konoha in the war, not to protect me."
Feeling a tug on his arm, Tanaka turned to them and smiled awkwardly as he was pulled along by her. But he didn't deny it. After all, what she said was true.
If they really wanted to help, it would be by creating a secure base nearby to tend to the wounded.
Moreover, due to the risk of the Leaf camp being attacked, the current location was very far, making it difficult for ninjas to come and go. However, if the adamantine chains were used to create a barrier, it would be possible to set up a base much closer to the battlefield without fearing the enemy. After all, this type of barrier could withstand even attacks from a Bijuu.
Seeing that they were still hesitant to leave Shiori alone with him, Tanaka sighed and soon released his 'chakra': "Leave her to me. I won't allow anything that puts her life at risk to happen while I'm around."
Shiori, standing beside him, had a sparkle in her eyes as she looked at him.
With a smile on her face, she turned to them: "Did you hear? With Tanaka-kun's strength, you don't need to worry."
Feeling the pressure of Tanaka's 'chakra,' the Uzushio ninjas nodded, their pale faces revealing the impact that this display of power had on them.
It wasn't just a simple display of chakra pressure, but rather an amount as overwhelming as that of a Bijuu. Not to mention the intensity his chakra demonstrated, which was enough to make them break out in cold sweat.
Another ninja noticed an important detail: "By the way... why do I feel like the enemy ninjas are avoiding us?"
Shiori responded with a chuckle: "Haha, a few minutes ago, Tanaka-kun did something that scared them so much they don't even want to get close to him. That's why I said everything's fine as long as he's by my side. Next to him, I feel safer than anywhere else on this battlefield."
"Ohh, so Tanaka-sama is more skilled than we've heard. As expected of the man who saved the village!" Another ninja said with admiration.
Although none of them were present on the day Uzushio was nearly caught off guard and lost not only the village leader but also several renowned ninjas, they had heard of Tanaka's deeds. However, they didn't think he was on the same level as a Kage.
But seeing the reactions on the battlefield, they felt they needed to reassess this boy standing before them...
After they left, Shiori finally released Tanaka's arm and sighed.
Soon, she gave a mischievous smile and said: "Tanaka-kun, how about I take on that one? I feel that, although it's a challenge, I can handle it. What do you think?"
Looking in the direction of the ninja she pointed to, Tanaka assessed him.
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LV95 Jinin Akebino
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"Are you sure you can handle him? He seems stronger than you at the moment," Tanaka said.
"Mmm, I feel like I'm capable," she replied. "In the worst case, I'll use the adamantine chains."
After thinking for a bit, Tanaka took something out of his inventory. It was a Second Chance Ring.
"Take this." Tanaka handed it to her. "When you use it, say: Activate. When you do, most of your injuries will be transferred to the ring. But remember, it can only absorb up to 50% of your damage. After that, the ring will disintegrate."
Since he promised to protect her, at least she would have a trump card to preserve her life.
"Thank you, Tanaka-kun!" Her eyes sparkled as she received the ring. Without understanding why, her heart raced as she pressed the ring to her chest.
Meanwhile, Tanaka was using five of these types of rings, which, by the way, would only work for him for now. After he surpassed level 100, they would become useless items for him.
"The Konoha reinforcements from the Uzumaki Clan are here, be careful!" One of the Seven Swordsmen warned upon seeing Tanaka and Shiori approaching.
It wasn't hard to understand why they were feared. After all, although there were only two of them, if either or both could use the adamantine chains—and they got caught in them—death would be certain.
Beside Tanaka, Shiori murmured, "I am loyal to Uzushio, activate."
The moment she said that, a chakra cloak formed around her.
'Oh, so her father gave her one of those...' Well, it was to be expected. After all, this could help improve combat power, increasing her chances of survival.
Shiori looked at Tanaka and smiled, a little embarrassed. She thought what she said was a bit awkward, but couldn't deny how useful the chakra cloak surrounding her was. Now, she felt at least 50% stronger, a significant increase.
Meanwhile, behind them, a shout echoed: "Ohhh! The Uzumaki Clan set up a base here!"
This shout sparked many others. After all, the importance of having a nearby base was enormous. Not to mention that with the Uzumaki Clan's barrier, they would be safe while being healed. It was literally a safe zone, like in games.
There, they could recover in peace without worrying about being attacked.
Of course, there was still the risk of enemy infiltration, which is why the Uzumaki who created the barrier needed to be especially protected.
After thinking for a bit, Tanaka roared three times, activating buffs that not only enhanced himself but also boosted his allies. However, he deactivated the option to summon zombies when using one of the buffs, as it could attract unnecessary trouble.
"Is this..." Shiori was surprised to feel herself grow a bit stronger again, thanks to Tanaka's actions.
"It's a kind of technique that helps increase strength for a while," Tanaka responded to her curiosity.
She also noticed the aura around him, which resembled the chakra cloak surrounding her, but seemed more powerful. However, knowing his abilities and that Tanaka had created this skill, she figured it was due to an enhanced item and didn't think too much about it.
Now looking like a version of a Saiyan, but instead of golden, with a red aura, Tanaka turned his gaze in a specific direction.
Among the Seven Swordsmen, Tanaka's eyes locked onto Fuguki Suikazan—or more precisely, the weapon he was wielding.
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LV100 Fuguki Suikazan
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His strength was remarkable, but Tanaka knew that the weapon he carried was equally impressive, based on what he had seen in the anime.
"Whoosh!"
Using the Body Flicker Technique, Tanaka appeared in front of Fuguki. His speed was so ridiculously fast that it seemed like teleportation.
"Bang!"
"How—"
Before Fuguki could raise his guard, Tanaka struck him with a punch square in the face, sending him flying as he spun, his arms and legs flailing as he hit the ground, eventually crashing into a large rock that cracked upon impact, showing signs that it was about to crumble.