137 Chapter 137
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In the frontline camp of the Sand Shinobi, a momentary silence prevailed.
Breaking the silence, Rasa initiated, "Kyomu has returned. Let's discuss how we should deal with him."
Kyomu, now, is both a source of pain and a nightmare in the hearts of all Sand Shinobi. The mere mention of his name revives the memory of the slash he left within the Land of Wind's borders.
He sliced through a Tailed Beast Ball, creating a grand canyon, within which the remains of some comrades still lie unexcavated.
Moreover, the name 'Slash Gorge' has spread amongst the Sand Shinobi. Whenever they gaze upon that gorge, they are reminded of Kyomu.
Nightmares are inevitable.
Now, with the source of these nightmares returning, the attack plans previously decided have been forced to halt due to Kyomu's involvement.
Moreover, the morale among the Sand Shinobi on the frontline has visibly dropped.
For the Leaf side, the demoralization of the Sand Shinobi couldn't be better news. However, for them, it's a vexing issue.
Fearing a massive war is understandable, but fearing the name of an individual is something they find unacceptable.
Could Kyomu really stand shoulder to shoulder with Hashirama or Madara?
Absolutely not!
"Combining the intelligence from the Cloud battlefield, Kyomu has utilized four Forbidden Jutsu around us but hasn't used any since," Chiyo started, implying there were countermeasures against Kyomu despite his continued accomplishments on the Cloud battlefield.
Rasa nodded, indicating for Chiyo to proceed.
"Fourth Kazekage, we may respect Kyomu and his team, but we need not fear them," Chiyo laid out a combat strategy. "Considering the current Leaf frontline forces, Tsunade is the sole top-tier combatant. Without Forbidden Jutsu at his side, Kyomu is just a high-level force, becoming equivalent to a top-tier combatant only with others' support.
Thus, you will tie down Tsunade, while I lead the rest of our elites to suppress Kyomu and his followers. In the final moments..."
Chiyo glanced at Shukaku's Jinchūriki, "We could also execute a flanking maneuver, escorting Shukaku's Jinchūriki to within eight kilometers of the Leaf battle formation center, just outside the Hyūga clan's Byakugan maximum observation range, and hit them with a Tailed Beast Ball.
Given the Tailed Beast Ball's speed and range, the Leaf side will have less than ten seconds to react upon detection.
Ten seconds, without Forbidden Jutsu, what can Kyomu do?
Even if he possesses a strong defensive Jutsu against the Tailed Beast Ball, where could he possibly deflect it?
How would he manage the explosion's aftermath?
And furthermore..."
Chiyo deliberately paused, her cold smile unceasing, "The power of a mid-air exploding Tailed Beast Ball surpasses that of one exploding upon impact, and it's much harder to defend against.
Shukaku's Jinchūriki could fully coordinate with Shukaku to launch a mid-air exploding Tailed Beast Ball at the center of the Leaf battle formation.
Hehe, I can already imagine the scene. When the mid-air exploding Tailed Beast Ball arrives, what can Kyomu use to block it?
Without Forbidden Jutsu, he can't coordinate with his teammates in such short notice.
Thus, will Kyomu resort to physically enduring it?
Anyway, I don't believe Kyomu still has any means to defend against a Tailed Beast Ball."
Applause came from Rasa, who was generous in his praise for Chiyo, "Elder Chiyo, your wisdom is unmatched."
"Fourth Kazekage," Chiyo smiled back. "I've merely participated in one more war than you and accumulated some experience, nothing more compared to you."
The two exchanged compliments, lightening the mood in the tent.
No matter how formidable Kyomu might be, relying on Forbidden Jutsu, without it, how could he stand a chance?
No jokes here!
Thus, this time, we must win, no exceptions! —
At the Leaf camp, on the assembly ground.
After Tsunade delivered a brief speech, she invited Kyomu to the stage.
It wasn't that Tsunade particularly wanted to give Kyomu a chance to shine, but rather, her 'hemophobia,' a psychological disorder, severely impacted her combat ability.
Aside from Tsunade herself, only Orochimaru and Kyomu were aware of this condition; even Hiruzen Sarutobi and others were oblivious.
This is also why Orochimaru has consistently taken care of Tsunade, ensuring she remained behind the lines. Regarding spreading rumors, Orochimaru would not stoop to such actions.
Firstly, he had no conflict with Tsunade to prompt such actions, and secondly, such tactics were beneath Orochimaru.
Therefore, Tsunade would still command from the rear this time, possibly summoning Katsuyu to assist the Leaf Shinobi in battle, while serving more as a mascot.
Standing on the assembly platform, Kyomu surveyed the formation of Leaf Shinobi below, his heart filled with boundless enthusiasm.
Who says one can't aspire to lead a legion of Leaf Shinobi?
Even if not officially recognized, being in command in practice was sufficient.
"Ladies and gentlemen,"
Kyomu, with one hand on the hilt of Yoei at his waist, spoke softly, yet his voice clearly reached everyone's ears.
"I excel in charging into battle, in protecting comrades, and in executing flanking maneuvers. It seems there's nothing on the battlefield I'm not adept in."
Kyomu's opening was anything but humble. However, this was not the time for modesty. You needed to exude an aura of absolute confidence.
As his words fell, an immediate response came from the Leaf Shinobi below, their shouts deafening.
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
After echoing three times, Kyomu raised his hand to signal for silence, and the crowd immediately quieted.
"While I appreciate being called a 'Slayer,' I think the Sand Shinobi's naming sense is appalling. I want them to give me a new name.
After pondering, 'God of Death' seems pretty good, or perhaps there's something even better. Regardless, the Sand Shinobi are in for a tough time.
Last time, I split a Tailed Beast Ball and carved out a grand canyon. This time, I intend to vividly show them that nightmares always evolve and never become outdated."
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
"Kyomu-sama, invincible!"
Kyomu, watching the Leaf Shinobi below raising their right hands and cheering, smiled broadly, "Thank you for your trust. Thus, I, Kyomu, will certainly not let you down.
The strategy for this battle is simple.
I will tear through their defenses, attract their firepower, contain their elite forces, and guard against their One-Tail Jinchūriki.
Your sole responsibility is to advance, advance, and advance again, showcasing your spirit and momentum for victory!"
Jumping down from the platform, Kyomu led his team to automatically fall in line, centering around Kyomu, Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy, forming a spearhead formation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, follow me. I will lead you through the Sand Shinobi's main forces and then lead you to strike them down in two rounds!"
With a wave of his hand forward, Kyomu's voice thundered across the sky, "Ladies and gentlemen, follow me into battle! Achieve glory!"
As the troop set off, Tsunade stood in the rear, watching Kyomu's silhouette in the lead.
Though still growing, he had already achieved feats beyond the reach of most adults.
"This is a born hero," Tsunade murmured, as if recalling something, "If only you were from my era, perhaps..."
Holding the pendant at her chest, Tsunade's thoughts drifted.
This was a pendant given to her by her great-grandfather, but except for the strong, no one could bear the misfortune it brought.
"If it were you at that time, it would always be a blessing," she thought.
---
At the forefront of both armies.
No flags fluttered, but the air was thick with an unyielded aura of killing intent.
The number of Sand Shinobi troops remained more than double that of the Leaf forces, presenting an imposing sight that exerted tremendous pressure.
Yet, with Kyomu present, this pressure was somewhat diminished.
The Leaf Shinobi, following behind Kyomu, displayed calmness on their faces, placing their trust in the young man leading them.
He was their miracle, their pillar, their adversaries' nightmare.
---
Without any preliminaries, the Sand Shinobi launched a barrage of shurikens, kunai, and a multitude of exploding tags attached to the kunai.
Without any intention to block.
Kyomu swiftly pulled out a sealing scroll from his ninja tool bag, flicked it open with a flourish, and two Windmill Shuriken separated, each held in one hand.
Similarly, Obito did the same.
"Remember when we were kids?" Kyomu tossed the Windmill Shuriken into the air, forming hand seals while speaking to Obito, "Back then, your throwing skills were terrible, not befitting a member of the Uchiha."
"But now, it's different," Obito, tossing his Windmill Shuriken into the air, synchronized his hand seals with Kyomu, "I'm Obito, who has discarded his protective goggles!"
Shuriken Jutsu: Shadow Clone!
A flurry of Windmill Shuriken filled the sky, their might surpassing that of the Sand Shinobi.
Together, the duo countered the onslaught from at least six thousand enemy ninjas.
The dense swarm of Windmill Shuriken collided, deflected, and smashed through the Sand Shinobi's thrown weapons, continuing their relentless advance.
Raiton: Ground Walk!
The First Ninja Squad members simultaneously formed hand seals and struck the ground with a forceful tap.
Zap!
Kakashi's body crackled with electrical currents as he drove his Kunai into the ground, channeling the Raiton chakra honed from the Chidori to its utmost potential.
With a flick of his wrist!
The Kunai harnessed the chakra from the squad members behind him, transforming into a blade of thunder, coating the incoming swarm of Windmill Shuriken with a layer of electrical arcs.
The once dense clouds turned a bright blue, their electrically charged forms crashing into the Sand Shinobi formation.
"Defend!"
The Sand Shinobi, who had initiated the assault, found themselves in a position to defend.
Doton: Earth-Style Rampart!
Scores of special Jonin and higher-ranked Sand Shinobi slammed their hands to the ground, raising extensive walls spanning hundreds of meters.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
However, Raiton trumps Doton – a fundamental truth.
The Windmill Shuriken, empowered by Raiton chakra, bombarded the earth-style walls, creating large craters and nearly leveling the majestic defensive structures in no time.
Puff! Puff! Puff!
The few that breached the defenses inflicted significant casualties upon the Sand Shinobi.
Taking the initiative!
The Leaf side surged with morale, and without Kyomu's directive, their ranged attacks ensued.
Kunai, shuriken, and exploding tags followed suit, raining down on the Sand Shinobi ranks.
Rasa's forehead veins bulged, feeling the Leaf ninja army transform with Kyomu's arrival as if it were a different force.
If it were Orochimaru...
Without further ado, Rasa formed a single seal.
Jiton: Iron Sand!
Concentrated chakra morphed into Jiton chakra, turning the vast expanse of sand beneath into iron sand, shining with a golden gleam.
Boom!
Skyrocketing upwards, it swiftly formed a barrier, deflecting the Leaf Shinobi's long-range attacks.
But it didn't end there.
Jiton: Iron Sand Burial!
Plunging his hands into the ground, then abruptly lifting them, an even wider expanse of iron sand rolled like continuous golden waves, thunderously charging towards the Leaf side.
Honestly, in group combat, Rasa's not the least bit weak; on the contrary, he's exceptionally strong.
But what Kyomu fears the least is such wide-range techniques.
"Charge with me!"
Facing the tidal wave of iron sand, Kyomu's thoughts weren't on defense. Commanding the Leaf Shinobi, they showed no hesitation, immediately advancing.
Fūton: Great Breakthrough!
Receiving support from the squad members behind, Kyomu unsheathed his Yoei, summoning a gigantic blade of wind that, combined with his team's Fūton chakra, significantly expanded in size.
Slice!
The formidable iron sand was cleaved in half from the middle, allowing the distant adversaries to witness each other's emotions.
Kyomu was filled with unwavering confidence, while Rasa was struck with disbelief.
His wide-range attack, split in two?
But Kakashi and Taito wouldn't just stand by.
Katon: Great Fire Annihilation!
Both unleashed vast flames, with Kakashi's mask turning to ashes again – his face was now fully exposed.
Following up, Kyomu, having swung his blade, sheathed it and then his arm became a blur.
Channeling chakra into his Yoei, activating its wind-blowing capability inherited from the Three-Star Fan.
Face the gale!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Windswept flames merged with the incoming firestorm, elevating both the temperature and the scope of the flames.
"These youngsters' coordination..." Rasa was instantly troubled, "And Kyomu's blade, why does it bear the Three-Star Fan's power?"
Not just an influence, but the Three-Star Fan's direct contribution.
Shirohigi: Puppet Brigade!
Chiyo finally made her move, deploying ten distinct puppets into the air.
Shirohigi: Triple Threat Absorption!
A unique sealing technique belonging to the Puppet Brigade descended from the skies, suppressing and absorbing the incoming flames.
Shirohigi: Swift Assault!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A deluge of poisonous weapons fiercely targeted Kyomu and his companions. Yet, with a twist of his wrist, Kyomu's slash summoned a tornado, blowing away the dense poison-laden weapons.
"The Three-Star Fan suits you Sand Shinobi best!"
Kyomu shouted, causing Rasa, Chiyo, and the others to grimace.
Their divine artifact, the Three-Star Fan, indeed fell into this youngster's hands!
"Leave Kyomu to me!"
"Handle Rasa among yourselves; I'll deal with this Elder Chiyo!"
Kyomu swiftly assigned tasks, mirroring Chiyo's strategy, yet with its distinctions.
Kyomu commanded again, "During battle, try to seize every opportunity to use wide-range Jutsu, aiming to distract their top and high-tier combatants while inflicting effective damage on the Sand Shinobi's main forces."
"Understood!"
"Alright, the personal showcase begins. Whether you earn a distasteful nickname from the Sand Shinobi depends on you."
Kyomu left these words behind, leaped high into the air, and with a fierce slash forward, unleashed:
Blue Flame: Horizon Line!
(End of Chapter)
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Ps: About the change of name for the Blue Flame, looks like the author made a difference between both of them, Blue being weaker than Purple. Not enterally sure yet, as the author sometimes make small mistakes.
