131 Chapter 131
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In the Cloud Ninja camp, the morale wasn't as dismal as a downpour, but it was nowhere near as high as before.
The mishap of Killer B assisting the Leaf ninjas—a blunder truly devastating to their spirit—had taken its toll. Though many had fallen by the hands of Leaf ninjas, these were honorable scars from the frontline.
However, witnessing imminent victory only to be betrayed by a Tailed Beast Bomb from behind was a different sore altogether. Without warning, the destruction brought by a single Tailed Beast Bomb surpassed the total casualties inflicted by Leaf ninjas.
"Killer B, that traitor, must be severely punished!"
"The scars on our back are a man's disgrace, yet this disgrace was inflicted by one of our own!"
"Was Killer B fully dominated by the Eight-Tails? Otherwise, how could he commit such an act?"
"I've always said, Jinchuriki are ticking time bombs within the village. It wasn't the first time they've caused chaos."
"I swear, if there's a war with a Jinchuriki involved again, I'm not participating. I refuse to die by the hand of one of our own."
As Cloud Ninjas licked their wounds and rested, their discussions brimmed with dissent towards the Jinchuriki, unavoidably reaching the ears of the Third Raikage.
Bang.
The Third Raikage smashed a fist through a table, "Look at the mess you've made, Killer B!"
"Lord Raikage, I... I didn't anticipate Kyomu would employ that tactic," Killer B apologized.
The Raikage, though furious and finding it hard to forgive, couldn't simply execute Killer B, nor could his rage bring back those lost to the Tailed Beast Bomb.
"Tomorrow, you will redeem yourself by breaking through Leaf's defenses alone," the Third Raikage decreed, "Dodai and I will join you."
Calling his son, "A, you and Killer Bee are to protect our rear. Be wary of Leaf's elite infiltration units."
"Father, I'd rather confront that Kyomu," A refused, seeking a challenge, "Please, grant me an opportunity to grow by battling the strong."
After a moment's silence, the Third Raikage grinned, "Fine. Your and Killer Bee's 'AB Combo' should indeed make a name for itself on the battlefield."
Turning to Dodai, "You'll oversee the frontline troops. Once Killer B breaches Leaf's defenses and silences their ninjutsu artillery, that's your cue to charge. Our momentum today was commendable, but with Killer B involved, we needn't suffer unnecessary losses." (Remember there are 2 Killer B, and Killer Bee, which is the one appearing in the anime, Killer B is the Jinchuriki before him)
The Cloud's fearless, tank-like charges could indeed stir the blood, showcasing their true spirit.
But a loss, especially one marred by Killer B and Kyomu, turned a potential saga of bravery into a foolhardy blunder.
Facing another setback at the hands of the Leaf, the Cloud quickly adjusted their strategy.
Thinking the Leaf's ninjutsu artillery too fierce? Let them face a Tailed Beast Bomb from five kilometers away and see whose firepower prevails.
Indeed, the Leaf had Kyuubi, but if they wouldn't deploy it, the Cloud would gladly leverage their own.
Caught in a dilemma after winning the first battle, Jiraiya predicted, "Kyomu, I suspect the Cloud will deploy Killer B early tomorrow for a sweeping Tailed Beast Bomb assault on our frontlines."
Jiraiya's plan was sound, assuming all went as envisioned, but bypassing a critical hurdle seemed improbable.
After some thought, Kyomu nodded, "If Killer B fully transforms tomorrow, I'll lead the First Ninja Squad to delay him."
"Just delay him?"
"We could try to defeat him, even force the Eight-Tails into a rampage, but that requires fulfilling two conditions," Kyomu seized the moment to state his terms.
Jiraiya, without hesitation, agreed, "Whatever it takes, be it manpower, resources, or anything else, I'll provide."
Though Jiraiya could potentially overpower Killer B with Sage Mode, his responsibilities were too vast for a single-minded battle against Killer B.
With Kyomu by his side, Jiraiya naturally prioritized him.
"I may need the Four Red Yang Formation to seal the battlefield, and the Five Elements Seal could be useful tomorrow," Kyomu revealed his needs.
"The Four Red Yang Formation and the Five Elements Seal?" Jiraiya pondered briefly, "The latter is straightforward, and with your talent, you'll master it quickly. But the former requires four individuals in sync and abundant chakra. Even if you're capable, finding three others is a challenge."
Kyomu was well aware of the difficulty and chakra demands of the Four Red Yang Formation, intending it more as a precaution.
"As you wish," Jiraiya nodded, trusting Kyomu's judgment and began to explain the specifics of both techniques.
After absorbing Jiraiya's insights, Kyomu convened the First Ninja Squad for a knowledge transfer on the Four Red Yang Formation, sparing the Five Elements Seal for later.
As the sun set, Kyomu concluded, "This high-level sealing technique doesn't require immediate mastery. Show me progress within a week. If not, it means it's not suited for you, which is fine."
With instructions left behind, Kyomu retired to his tent, joined by Kakashi, Obito, and Guy.
"Looks like we'll be facing the fully transformed Eight-Tails tomorrow. Ready?" Kyomu rallied his group.
"Of course," Obito confidently replied, "My eyes can handle most problems. A mere Tailed Beast is nothing."
"Stop boasting," Kakashi eyed Obito, "Tomorrow's battle will be a true test."
"Youth fears no trial," Guy clenched his fists, "I can open up to the Sixth Gate, ready to assist."
"Then let's strategize, waiting for dawn to confront Killer B," Kyomu gathered his team, whispering their plan under the night sky.
---
The next morning, the Cloud Ninjas, despite yesterday's setback, launched a renewed assault. Leading the charge were just three individuals: Killer B, A, and the peculiar rapper Killer Bee.
Upon receiving this intel, Kyomu didn't hesitate to lead his First Ninja Squad, jumping out of the defensive line to meet them.
Three kilometers behind Killer B and his companions, led by Dodai, waited the Cloud Ninja army, ready to pounce once Killer B cleared the way with his Tailed Beast Bomb.
Boom.
The ground trembled as Killer B completed his full Tailed Beast transformation. The Eight-Tails, towering like a small mountain, stood imposingly between heaven and earth.
Roar!
With a sound wave-imbued roar, the Eight-Tails readied a massive Tailed Beast Bomb in its mouth.
Without a hint of courtesy, from three kilometers away, the Eight-Tails launched the Tailed Beast Bomb towards the Leaf ninjas' defensive line.
Swoosh.
The Tailed Beast Bomb tore through the sky, hurtling towards its target with incredible speed and urgency.
Summoning Jutsu: Five-Layered Rashomon!
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang
.
Once more, five demonic-faced giant gates rose, with Kyomu again opting to change the angle, hoping to replicate the Tailed Beast Bomb's trajectory alteration.
But the Cloud wouldn't fall for the same trick twice; they kept their distance, ensuring they were out of harm's way, even if the bomb's course was altered.
Kyomu aimed merely to divert the Tailed Beast Bomb from its intended target, not necessarily to send it back into the Cloud's ranks.
Boom!
A chakra explosion's wide-range shockwave detonated in the distance, with a mushroom cloud testifying to its power.
The Eight-Tails, far more formidable than the One-Tail Shukaku, prepared for confrontation.
"Onward!"
Blocking the Eight-Tails' first Tailed Beast Bomb, Kyomu led his team forward as the fully transformed Eight-Tails also advanced, each step causing the earth to quake under its immense power.
As they neared, Kyomu and his team evaded the Eight-Tails' massive tentacle strikes, but the earth suffered, cracking and collapsing under the beast's might.
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!
After dodging, Kyomu, Kakashi, and Obito combined their efforts, trapping the Eight-Tails in a quagmire, momentarily immobilizing the colossal beast.
Yet, this didn't hinder the Eight-Tails' tentacles, which remained a threat.
Summoning Jutsu: Aoda!
Kyomu wasted no time in pressing the attack.
"I see two people protecting the Eight-Tails' sides."
Kakashi, atop the Aoda, pointed out A and Killer Bee, preparing their teams for interception.
Seconds later, Kakashi and Guy clashed with their respective targets, while Kyomu and Obito continued to confront the now free Eight-Tails.
"Stick to yesterday's plan."
"Understood!"
With Obito's nod, he and Kyomu charged towards the Eight-Tails, while their teammates readied their jutsu.
Fire Release: Flame Bullet!
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
Combining these two C-rank jutsus at a 45° angle, they soared into the sky.
Kyomu then leaped, coating Yoei with Scorch Release Chakra, absorbing the combined jutsu's power.
The merging of forces caused the flames to change color to sky blue, increasing in temperature.
Behind Kyomu, a hundred-meter-long sky-blue blade light, nearly matching the Eight-Tails in size, formed.
As Kyomu reached the apex, he swung down at the Eight-Tails, the blade light deepening to purple, its temperature soaring.
Sizzling, the Eight-Tails' horns bubbled under the intense heat even before the blade struck.
Looking up in terror, the Eight-Tails recalled the man whose presence had once petrified the Tailed Beasts.
Could it be the same power as the Susanoo's wielded by that fearsome man?
(End of Chapter)
