A/N:- How's the story so far? Comment your precious feedback to help me improve.
In this novel, I am focusing more on details, so things might seem lengthy and wordy. It's the reason I increased chapter sizes to 2500 words to accommodate those changes.
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"Second Breath,"
-Inhale
The sand tornado grows larger with Yugo at the center of its eye. The tornado engulfs the surrounding sand, revealing the hard, rocky ground beneath.
"Third Breath,"
Bang… Bang…
The rock under his feet cracks open. His eyes turn white and his body emits a yellow aura.
HAAH…
Yugo releases a powerful roar, further expanding the massive sand tornado around him.
"Fourth Breath,"
-Inhale
BOOM…
A deafening sound echoes from within Yugo's body. His body releases a powerful force, blowing a three-meter radius crater around him. Steam rises from Yugo's body and the yellow aura around him thickens.
"FIFTH BREATH!"
-Inhale
A muffled sound escaped from his mouth.
BOOM…
A powerful shockwave, much fiercer than the last emit from his body. The radius of the crater expands to more than ten meters. His body unleashes a powerful shockwave, and the cracks on the ground spread to more than fifty meters.
Yugo's skin turns red. The intensity of the steam and heat increases, even melting the surrounding rocks. His upper garment turns into tatters, revealing a chiseled chest full of scars.
HAAH…
Yugo releases another roar, unleashing a burst of powerful chakra.
Boom…
The sand tornado explodes, turning into a massive hurricane. It moves towards the giant sandworms, blowing everything along its path.
GREEE…
The giant sandworm releases a shrill scream and opens its enormous mouth. Purple flames condense in front of its mouth and a large amount of lightning surges through its body. The sandworm channels the lightning to its mouth and fuses it with the purple flames, creating a mix of purple lightning flame.
Crackle… Bzzt…
It discharges the powerful beam of energy towards the incoming sand hurricane.
BOOM…
The lightning beam and the sand hurricane collide and powerful shockwaves spread across the desert, blowing several sand dunes and boulders into smithereens.
Rumble… Rumble…
Black clouds appear in the sky, and bolts of crimson and purple lightning discharge through them. Ishiko quickly distances herself from Yugo and takes shelter behind a large boulder while protecting herself with a barrier.
Haah…
Yugo clenches his fist and turns to the demon kin atop the giant sandworm.
Whoosh…
He leaps into the air, his body disappearing in an instant, leaving behind several afterimages.
Boom…
A deafening sound echoes throughout the desert as Yugo releases a barrage of punches in the air.
Bang… Bang…
Yugo's fists are set ablaze as he bombards the giant sandworm with several strikes. His powerful punches, akin to an air cannon, strike the giant worm at several spots.
Crack… Crack…
Several cracks appear on the massive sandworm's armor plate as the force from the Yugo's punches drills through its defenses.
Rumble… Rumble…
Intense shockwaves expand outward from the point of impact.
GREEEE…
The giant sandworm releases a shrill scream, full of agony and pain.
Clatter… Clatter…
Suddenly, the several scales on its body spin rapidly like gears. Multiple sharp, spiked teeth burst forth from the gaps. The spike teeth wind up and spin like a chainsaw, releasing a buzzing noise.
The piercing noise of grinding gears echoes everywhere and the massive sandworm bends its body at ninety degrees and spins the upper part of its body in a circle like a wheel.
The sharp, spiked, jagged teeth shred the nearby rocks to shreds and encompass Yugo in its range.
Bzzt… Crackle…
Lightning flashes through the body of the sandworm, making these spinning blades more deadly and dangerous.
HAAH…
Yugo grits his teeth, bleeding from his gums. He clenches his fist, compressing the surrounding air with a muffled groan. Some blood escapes from his body, tinting the thick yellow aura around his body with a tinge of red.
Bang…
The rocks around him shatter and his aura rises sharply like a spear. The hairs on his body rise sharply and several of his blood vessels ruptures. His eyes turn bloodshot as he gathers almost all of his chakra into his fists.
"Secret Senju Art: Tenryū no Yari," (Heavenly Dragon Spear)
ROOAR…
The phantom of a massive, one-eyed golden dragon manifests behind Yugo. The large phantom releases a powerful roar, blowing away the surrounding dust and debris. The shockwaves from its roar deflect several flying earth spears released by the massive sandworm using its earth-release chakra.
"Don't glance back! Run forward at full strength!"
Baru issues a stern warning, urging his comrades to rush forward.
"Once we are outside the desert, the sandworm won't chase us." He adds.
Using the opportunity given by Lady Ishiko and Captain Yugo, the group managed to outrun the frenzied attacks of the tens of sandworms and exit the desert.
Once outside the desert, an invisible force seems to act upon the sandworms, keeping them at bay. None of the sandworms chase them further once they are out of the desert. Despite the restrictions, several sandworms are still scurrying around in the vicinity of the desert, eyeing them like prey.
This action cuts off the group's hope to re-enter the desert and provide assistance to Ishiko and Yugo in their battle.
"We are safe!" Princess Natsumi and the merchants heaves a sigh of relief.
Poof…
Yugo's and Ishiko's shadow clones also disappear after ensuring the safety of the group. Princess Natsuki, the merchants, and several members of the Yugo's group slump on the ground, exhausted and battered by the ordeal.
However, instead of relief, panic and anxiety washed over Ritsu's face.
"MOM! Uncle YUGO!" He mutters while gritting his teeth and clenching his fists. However, instead of blindly charging forward like a fool, he patiently waits, praying for the safety of his mother and Uncle Yugo.
The group is unable to determine the events on the battlefield. Their field of view is blocked by the massive sandworms, sandstorms, and the heatwave of the desert. Even Kazetsu is helpless since his sensory technique is severely affected by the terrain of the desert and their group has already exited the range of battle for his sensory technique to determine anything. Despite these factors, they could still sense and feel the palpitating presence in the desert.
Rumble… Rumble…
The occasional shockwaves from the battle reach all the way to the outside of the desert, adding further to their worries.
BOOM…
Suddenly, the phantom of a massive one-eyed, golden dragon appears in front of the group.
"What's that?"
Ritsu's eyes widen in shock at the sight.
"That's the Heavenly Dragon Spear, a secret forbidden Taijutsu technique of the Senju clan." Baru and Kazetsu mutter, recognizing the massive phantom.
"This means…"
Their expression turns ugly, understanding the implication of this jutsu.
"Heavenly Dragon Spear?!" Ritsu turns towards them in confusion.
"It's a part of the secret Senju Taijutsu technique called the 'Seven Heavenly Breath'. It's a very advanced form of the Taijutsu technique and is one of the most prized techniques of the Senju clan. Only the members of the Senju clan can unleash the full potential of this technique. Even then, this technique requires years of hard work and training to master. The requirements to activate every breath rises sharply and only a few members are known to surpass the Sixth Activation. Lord Hashirama Senju, the first Hokage, was among those few." Baru explains the ins and outs of the technique in detail.
"Even then, only a few elite members of the clan could reach the Fifth Activation. Captain Yugo has only mastered the technique until the Fourth Activation before reaching his limit. However, seeing now, it looks like Captain Yugo has used some means to forcefully achieve the 'Fifth Activation'. This giant golden dragon is a manifestation of the technique achieved after releasing the 'Fifth Activation'." Kazetsu adds.
"Seven Heavenly Breath?!" Ritsu murmurs this name.
The name of this Taijutsu technique reminds him of the 'Eight Inner Gates' Taijutsu technique of the Might Gai. Both these techniques seem similar with perhaps some minor differences. However, this is not the time to think about such things. Ensuring the safety of his mother and uncle must be his priority. But he has no means or methods to achieve that.
Ritsu helplessly grits his teeth and observes the massive golden dragon phantom in the sky.
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Inside the desert,
Thump…
Yugo takes a combat stance, gathering strength in his right hand. He stretches one leg forward and pulls another leg backward. His entire body arches forward like a spear as he channels the power of earth through his body.
"Release!"
ROOAR…
Yugo unleashes the entirety of his body's strength in this single punch. The massive golden dragon roar releases a cry and its phantom fuses with Yugo's strike.
BOOM…
The air in front of Yugo's fist distorts, releasing a powerful sonic boom as Yugo's punch travels forward. The phantom of the golden dragon turns into a spear and shoots forward.
BOOM…
A massive pillar of sand and debris rises in the air.
Rumble… Rumble…
Surrounding ground explodes, sending chunks of sand, rocks, and other minerals flying outward. A massive crater, spanning hundreds of meters, rapidly erupts from Yugo's position.
Blood leaks from Yugo's twisted right arm and head. His fist connects with the flesh of the massive sandworm. The golden dragon pierced through the hard shell of the giant sandworm, striking its soft flesh and puncturing a massive hole through its body. Green blood splatters from the giant hole. The sandworm's flesh wriggles and squirms, trying to close the wound. However, the golden energy around the wound prevents it from regenerating.
Soon, a nauseating stench fills the air. Yugo's right arm limps on the side.
Bleugh…
Yugo pukes a mouthful of blood from the severe internal injuries within his body. His eyes turn white and his body drops to the ground, losing consciousness. Blood leaks from several ruptured blood vessels across his body. Soon, a pool of blood gathers around him as he slowly succumbs to his death because of the severe injuries.
Bang…
The massive corpse of the giant sandworm also crashes on the ground.
"Brother Yugo!" Ishiko mutters with a pained expression.
"BRAVO!"
However, before she could make a move, a mocking chuckle echoes in her ear.
The cloaked figure from earlier slowly walks from behind the giant sandworm's corpse with unhurried footsteps. A wicked glint flashes across his sharp purple eyes.
He glances at Yugo in surprise and amusement.
"Truly excellent! Haha…"
His sardonic laughter echoes through the vast desert. After the mocking praise, he turns his attention to Ishiko.
"Uzumaki woman! What are you going to do next?"
He takes slow, unhurried steps towards Ishiko. Ishiko takes a combat stance, summoning several fuinjutsu scrolls to aid her in battle.
Hiss… Hiss… Hiss…
Three large purple snakes made of demonic chakra escape from the cloaked figure's body. These snakes swiftly slither through the sand and reach the nearby sandworms.
Shua… Shua… Shua…
The demonic snakes slither across the massive sandworm's body and fuse with the sensory organ, near the head of the sandworms.
Shoom…
Suddenly, a thick purple demonic aura rises from the massive sandworm's body. A large reverse pentagram symbol appears on their chest.
"Akijutsu (Demon Arts): Demonic Puppet Control,"
The cloaked figure mutters as the crimson curse seal on his wrist releases a glow.
"You are the 'Puppeteer!"
Ishiko mutters with a cold expression as she recognizes the person in front of her. No, the thing in front of her is no longer a person, but a demon.
The Puppeteer is among the top twelve elite members of the Demon clans. He is a member of the Akuma clan, a master of Demonic Puppet Arts. This person alone has controlled several small nations and villages to do the bidding of their Demon Lord. And now, she has become his target.
Haha…
The Puppeteer chuckles maniacally and mocks Ishiko.
"I hope you will grace me with a good show!" He mutters.
He waves his fingers and the three sandworms of a hundred meters in length turn to Ishiko.
GREEE…
These sandworms hiss and snarl at her, ready to tear her apart anytime.
Swish… Swish… Swish…
After some initial hesitation, a calm expression appears on Ishiko's face. She tosses the fuinjutsu scroll in her hand in a small formation.
"Since you want a fight, then I will give you a fight! Today, I will show you why the members of the Uzumaki clan are feared throughout the shinobi world." Ishiko mutter.
She bites his thumb and drips a drop of blood on the scrolls.
Shua… Shua… Shua…
The fuinjutsu seal on the scroll releases a blinding light, revealing an Oni mask. Ishiko picks up the Oni mask and dons it.
Shiing…
The eyes of the Oni-mask release a deadly red glow. Visible plumes of life energy escape from Ishiko's body and enter the Oni-mask.
Swish… Swish… Swish…
Ishiko makes a series of hand signs and slams her palm on the ground.
"Uzumaki Forbidden Secret Art: Life Sacrificial Summoning Seal,"
Rumble… Rumble…
A giant fuinjutsu formation erupts from various scrolls and covers the entire battlefield. A bright light glows from the center of the seal, releasing a cloud of white smoke.
Rumble…
Suddenly, a towering, nightmarish creature, standing over a hundred feet tall, steps out from the large summoning circle.
Swish…
This giant creature waves its arm, dispersing the enormous cloud of white smoke to reveal its form in its full glory.
The towering figure exudes a formless pressure, filling the air with dread and a heavy, oppressive energy. Its skin is dark and ashen, marred with cracks and jagged fissures that pulsate with a faint, blood-red glow similar to molten lava. Its muscular and broad form radiates sheer power that seems to suffocate everything in its vicinity.
The figure has four massive arms, each rippling with thick muscles that exude pure strength. Sharp, spiky protrusions jut out from its forearm and shoulders. The lower set of its arms is slightly smaller, ending with razor-sharp claws. The upper set of arms is massive and more brutish, ready for wielding heavy weapons suitable for blunt and crushing strikes with devastating force.
The figure has three massive heads, each with a unique expression and feature.
The left head has a face twisted in rage, with eyes glowing with baleful crimson light. Large, curved horns jut out from its brow, spiraling outward like a crown. Its mouth is like a maw, filled with razor-sharp teeth. This head will occasionally emit a low, guttural growl that sends tremors across a person's soul.
The central head is calm and calculating, with a third eye in the middle of its forehead. This eye occasionally flickers with a sinister, sickly, greenish light that induces deep fears within a person's mind. This head has two long, straight horns, like an Oni.
The right head has a skeletal appearance, emitting a ghostly blue fire. Most of the features of this head are obscured, covered by a ghastly visage.
Chains and tattered remnants of armor hang loosely around its upper torso and neck. Several fuinjutsu talismans and seals with strange runes and symbols are etched on its body. Its every footstep releases a tremor as it slowly walks out of the giant fuinjutsu circle.
The eyes of the central head glow with a sinister glow as they turn to Ishiko.
Shua…
Suddenly, a large vortex of life energy escapes from Ishiko's body. The massive creature opens its central mouth and swallows the large vortex of the life energy.
[The contract has been set! The limit is five minutes.]
A muffled voice echo in Ishiko's head.