86 Chapter 86
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Was it dawn? Hizashi gazed back, as a red sun emerged on the horizon.
"Whose attack is this?!" he exclaimed, feeling a bit horrified as he activated his Byakugan to carefully observe.
"Kyomu?!" Hizashi's mouth hung slightly agape, his mind reeling. "He clearly resisted carrying out this mission just now. How...?"
The resistance stemmed from his concern for his teammates' lives, not from fear, a concept Hizashi couldn't grasp.
Despite his astonishment, Hizashi continued to run forward, drawing closer to the Konoha encampment.
Boom!~
A rumble, akin to spring thunder, echoed from afar, reaching Orochimaru resting in his tent. Exhausted from consecutive missions, rest had become a necessity for him.
However, the sudden commotion jolted him awake.
Orochimaru abruptly opened his eyes and agilely leaped out of the tent, scanning the source of the disturbance.
His golden snake-like pupils slightly contracted as Orochimaru subconsciously licked the corner of his mouth with his slender tongue.
"A powerful attack indeed, its potency rivals that of an A-rank ninjutsu, or even weaker S-rank ninjutsu," he murmured to himself, immediately striking the drum at the camp's center.
"Enemy attack! Prepare to meet the enemy within five minutes!" Orochimaru's command reverberated throughout the camp, prompting immediate commotion among its occupants.
"Lord Orochimaru, there are three teams of Suna ninjas six kilometers ahead, totaling two hundred and seventy-one people!" Hyuga Hizashi reported promptly upon his return.
"Suna ninjas hold me in high regard, sending such a large contingent as a welcoming gift," Orochimaru remarked icily, then turned his attention back to Hizashi. "Captain Hizashi, have the defenders been deployed?"
"It's been taken care of. It's Kyomu's squad leading the defense," Hizashi replied.
"Sakumo's disciple, Aragami Kyomu?" Orochimaru inquired, his thoughts drifting to his lifelong friend, Sakumo, so with a hint of impatience.
"Hurry up, everyone, even faster!" Orochimaru urged loudly, igniting another wave of activity in the camp.
For ninjas sprinting at full speed, covering six kilometers would take about three minutes, judging from Hizashi's report. Kyomu's squad had likely already engaged in battle with the Suna ninjas for at least two minutes.
Though two minutes seemed short, in close combat where the opposing sides vastly differed in numbers, it was ample time for the outnumbered side to suffer significant losses.
"I hope they can hold on," Orochimaru muttered, then signaled his guard ninja squad. "Follow me to the front to assess the situation."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"
Led by Orochimaru, a group of eighteen individuals dashed forward, aiming to arrive for support or interception within three minutes, buying time for their comrades in the camp to regroup.
---
Kyomu has been engaged in battle with the Suna ninjas for two minutes, and surprisingly remained in good fighting condition despite his injuries.
"The passive skill refreshed this month is truly useful!"
The captain of the Suna ninja team grew increasingly anxious.
Initially expecting the Konoha ninja squad to fall easily, they were instead halted by an unknown Konoha ninja for two minutes. Kyomu's appearance and formidable prowess had taken the Suna ninjas aback.
Had it not been for a dozen individuals collaborating to defend against his Earth Release: Earth Flow River, the casualties from that single strike would have been catastrophic.
Its power almost rivaled that of an S-rank ninjutsu!
Although Kyomu's potent attack was thwarted, the shockwave it generated inadvertently claimed the lives of three unnamed lower-ranking ninjas, inflicting unnecessary harm.
While the casualties were not substantial, Kyomu continued to fight and retreat with remarkable agility.
If they attempted pursuit, they would inevitably encounter the relentless assault of the crimson sword chakra, hindering their advance.
"Let's circumvent and leave that enigmatic brat to me. Focus on advancing!" the Suna ninja captain proposed, recognizing the challenge of confronting Kyomu head-on.
However, Kyomu, unwilling to engage the Suna ninja directly, adamantly opposed the plan.
Nonetheless, lacking consensus, there seemed to be no alternative. Even dividing their forces and pressing forward would not expose vulnerabilities to the larger enemy force.
With each strategic withdrawal, Kyomu's squad edged closer to the trap area devised by Duy and the others.
The numerous exploding tags momentarily impeded the advance of the Suna ninjas, providing Kyomu's squad with a crucial advantage.
Disregarding the renewed onslaught from the Suna ninjas, Kyomu issued commands, orchestrating a series of explosive tag traps set up within the past two minutes.
"Third team, divide into two groups and reinforce the first and second teams! Avoid direct combat and utilize ranged attacks while retreating!"
"Duy, stick with me, and retreat!"
Emphasizing retreat, Kyomu prioritized minimizing casualties among his subordinates during the initial encounter.
Alone, Kyomu would gladly weather two rounds of onslaught, but with his team in tow, he bore the responsibility of safeguarding his subordinates.
As they continued their strategic retreat, the Konoha camp drew nearer, merely two kilometers away.
"Kyomu, retreating in the face of the enemy," a cold voice rang out, causing Kyomu to break out in a cold sweat.
However, upon identifying the speaker as one of the three Konoha Sannin, Orochimaru, known as "Lord Cold," Kyomu's anxiety abated.
"Lord Orochimaru, my orders were to delay the Suna ninjas for five minutes, not engage in a deathmatch," Kyomu explained.
"A valid reason indeed," Orochimaru acknowledged, surveying the scene. "Your management of casualties has been commendable."
Before Kyomu could respond, Orochimaru leaped forward, executing Summoning Art.
The colossal snake body, though not completely obscuring the sky, stood at a towering height of at least ten meters, with its coiled tail extending behind.
Opening its massive maw, the snake spat words surprising to all present.
"It's been a while since I've had a feast. May I indulge in these... freely?"
"If you can handle all of them, I have no objections."
With that, Orochimaru leaped onto the snake's head. "With so many targets, can you manage them all?"
"Huh, Orochimaru, your tricks won't work on me!" the snake retorted. "I can reject your Summoning Art whenever I please."
Ryūchidō, along with the remaining two Summoning Beasts places, Myōbokuzan and Shikkotsurin, possessed the autonomy to reject summoning and dissolve the summoning at will.
Should they sense danger or sustain significant injury, they could escape at any moment. However, failing to react promptly would inevitably lead to their demise.
Consequently, the snake retained the ability to reject serving Orochimaru. Nonetheless, Orochimaru only required its imposing presence to hinder the enemy temporarily.
Furthermore, the massive snake battlefield prowess was unparalleled. With a single sweep of its tail, it could claim numerous lives.
The snake was a master of slaughter.
Sweeping its tail, the Earth Release defenses organized by the Suna ninjas crumbled instantly. Orochimaru, perched atop the snake's head, prepared to unleash a wide-range ninjutsu.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A tornado composed of innumerable wind blades surged forth, coupled with Manda' tail swipe, wreaking havoc among Chunin and lower-ranked ninjas.
"Is this the devastation wrought by an elite ninja aided by a Summoning Beast?" Kyomu pondered enviously. "If only I had a colossal beast like Manda, perhaps I could have prolonged the engagement with these Suna ninjas."
In addition to summoning beast, Kyomu took note of Orochimaru's adept utilization of Wind Release ninjutsu.
"Indeed, Orochimaru's chakra control and mastery of ninjutsu are formidable!"
Echoing Kyomu's sentiments were the same as the captain of the Suna ninjas.
Upon witnessing Orochimaru's iconic Summoning Beast, he realized the futility of their sudden assault mission.
Continuing the fight was feasible but would yield minimal results while incurring significant casualties. Encircled by the regrouped Konoha ninja forces, their small contingent faced certain annihilation.
"Retreat!"
With a heavy heart, the Suna ninjas opted to withdraw, while Orochimaru, standing atop Manda' head, made no move to pursue.
"I leave those Suna ninja bodies to you," Orochimaru directed before leaping down and walking toward Kyomu.
"An impressive display," Orochimaru remarked, his gaze drifting to the shadow at Kyomu's waist. "That's a fine blade. I assume it was responsible for the formidable attack earlier?"
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
"Inherited from Sakumo's ninjutsu?"
"Taijutsu."
"Ah?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, reaching out to squeeze Kyomu's shoulder.
A flicker of interest flashed across Orochimaru's face as he assessed Kyomu. "Your physical prowess is remarkable, so wielding such a sword is only natural."
With that, Orochimaru surveyed Kyomu's team. "There are strengths and weaknesses, but the former outweighs the latter. I will make note of this."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Orochimaru departed, leaving Kyomu's team beaming with pride and gratitude.
"Let's return to camp and rest," Kyomu commanded, acknowledging his team's efforts. "Our performance was commendable. We were the first to achieve merit."
"It's all thanks to Captain Kyomu."
Approaching, the chunin leading the third team praised Kyomu's remarkable attack. "That maneuver you executed earlier was incredible!"
"Our captain is undoubtedly the finest in the village!" Genma chimed in, a sense of admiration evident in his tone.
Encouraged by their leader's bravery and skill, the team members expressed their unwavering loyalty and determination to follow Kyomu into battle.
As they returned to camp, Kyomu's gaze lingered on each team member's face, noting their trust and resolve.
Having earned their confidence, Kyomu knew he could lead his team to victory on the battlefield.
Inside the tent, as Kyomu prepared to rest, he couldn't shake off the sense of responsibility weighing on his shoulders.
"Rest well, everyone," Kyomu said, his voice brimming with assurance. "Tomorrow, we'll face whatever challenges come our way with strength and unity."
With renewed determination, Kyomu's team settled in for the night, ready to confront the trials ahead and emerge triumphant.
(End of Chapter)
