221-225

Chapter 221: Cards on the Table—I’m Here to Cause Trouble 

“Well?” 

Yoru spoke up when Shinno  remained silent for a long time. 

“It’s severe, but if we can find the key ingredients and administer treatment, recovery is possible,” Shinno mused after a pause. 

“What are the key ingredients?” 

Hearing Shinno’s words, Yoru sensed hope and pressed eagerly. 

“Twin Blossom Fruit, Phantom Leaf Grass, and Five Venom Roots. Combined with a specific massage technique to activate the medicinal properties, a year of treatment would ensure full recovery—or at the very least, fifty years without relapse.” 

“Phantom Leaf Grass? Five Venom 

Roots?” Ruri interjected skeptically. “Those are highly toxic. Are you certain they should be part of the treatment?” 

Shinno’s expression darkened at the challenge to his expertise. “Then how would you treat it?” 

“Twin Blossom Fruit alone should suffice. The other two ingredients seem unnecessary,” Ruri countered. Yoru nodded in agreement—this matched his memories from his past life. Shinno’s proposed treatment was unfamiliar. 

“Twin Blossom Fruit can work,” Shinno conceded, his tone haughty. “But it’ll take ten years, the process will be agonizing, and the patient will lose all ability to use chakra afterward—rendered useless for life. Of course, if you insist on that method, I won’t stop you.” 

He turned to Yoru. “Now that I’ve examined the patient, I’ll take my leave. The orphanage has pressing matters.” 

Yoru smiled. “Rare as your visit is, why not stay a few days? Exchange medical knowledge with our shinobi healers. If there’s debate over the treatment, let’s study it further.” 

Shinno frowned. “Why are you so intent on keeping me here? Do you mean to imprison me?” His voice turned sharp. 

Yoru chuckled. “No need for hostility, Shinno-sensei. Let’s talk outside.” He guided Shinno out of the infirmary. 

Back turned, Yoru’s tone shifted entirely. “You’ve been in the Land of Water for quite some time. What are your… impressions?” 

Shinno tensed but kept his voice neutral. “Quite positive. Under the shogunate’s rule, the people thrive. The nation grows stronger—prosperous.” 

“Is that so?” Yoru turned, grinning. “Yet I see a country riddled with holes, infested with rats sowing chaos.” His eyes gleamed. “Rumor says you’ve colluded with a certain rebel faction here—even helped them grow powerful. Impressive work.” 

Shinno’s pupils contracted. The game was up. 

“Honestly, I didn’t plan to confront you so soon. The leader of the Hidden Sky (空忍村), a man with dreams of ruling the shinobi world—I expected more patience. You almost lived up to your reputation as a schemer.” 

Yoru’s smile widened. “But you’re in a hurry, aren’t you? Racing back to hide your research? Afraid someone might uncover it?” 

Shinno inhaled sharply. Yoru knew everything. How long had he been watching? The irony burned—he’d mocked Yoru’s ignorance, only to realize he was the one under surveillance. The thought chilled him. 

Dropping the act, Shinno smirked. “So what? Release me, and the people of Susetsu Town (宿澈镇) might be spared.” He leaned in. “I’ve left orders. If I don’t return in three days, my men will incite riots and unleash a plague there. Your healers won’t cure it. Imagine the outcry—those people trust me.” 

“Let me go, and I’ll withdraw from this country. I’ll even hand you the rebels’ names and hideouts. No further conflict. Deal?” His confidence oozed. 

Yoru sighed theatrically. “Always prepared, Shinno-sensei.” 

Shinno’s smirk deepened. Yoru’s resignation meant victory— 

“Too bad. I refuse.” 

Yoru laughed. “Notice how empty this infirmary is? Did you really think I’d invite you here without precautions?” 

Shinno scoffed. “Meaningless. Your men can’t counter my plague. Chaos will erupt—warlords will rise. Your fragile peace will shatter, setting this nation back decades. Or… we could both win. My intel lets you crush the rebels efficiently.” 

His grin screamed Cooperate! 

Yoru shook his head. “You think I investigated you but not the rebels? That your quick alliance with them was your brilliance?” He smirked. “Overestimating yourself, aren’t you?” 

Shinno paled. “You planted a spy among them?!” 

“Sharp.” Yoru sat cross-legged. “Truth is, I’ve watched you since your failed attack on Konoha . Life just got… busy, so you slipped my mind for a while.” 

Chapter 222: Yoru, You’re Digging Your Own Grave 

“But here’s the thing—just when I’d almost forgotten about you, my spy embedded in the rebel faction brought me some very interesting news. They’d stumbled upon a massive catch—you!” 

“Not only were you collaborating with them, but you were also helping them build an army. And on top of that, you were secretly conducting some extremely dangerous research!” 

“Rumor has it that if your research succeeds, it could shake the entire shinobi world to its core. Well, I can’t just let that slide, can I? I won’t allow anyone to bring chaos to the Land of Water!” 

As he spoke, Yoru’s face twisted into a sly, fox-like grin. 

“Heh. If you’re just gonna waltz right into my trap, I won’t hold back. A surprise catch is still a catch, right? And me? I’ve got a great appetite—I’m not picky at all!” 

Hearing this, Shinno’s scalp prickled with dread. 

He stared at Yoru in horror, realizing just how terrifying this man truly was. 

He never expected Yoru’s schemes to run this deep. Just moments ago, he’d thought he still held some bargaining chips—only to realize they were worthless in Yoru’s eyes. 

“So, Shinno-san, do you get it now? If you want to negotiate with me, you’re still way out of your depth.” 

“Tell me, Shinno-san—got any other cards to play? If not… well, Kirigakure’s ANBU would love to have you.” 

The moment Yoru finished speaking, four figures suddenly emerged behind him, surrounding Shinno. 

Yagura, Hoshigaki Kisame, Zabuza, and Momochi—all standing ready. 

“Tch. You think this lineup is enough to hold me? Don’t make me laugh!” 

Shinno smirked, completely unfazed by the four elite shinobi. 

“I’ll admit, I did underestimate you,” Yoru said coolly. “But are you really willing to gamble with the lives of those innocent people in Susei Town?” 

“Think carefully—no one but me can cure that poison. If they all die, your reputation won’t exactly stay clean, will it?” 

“Last chance. Make a deal with me, and we both walk away unharmed.” Shinno glared, still clinging to his final bargaining chip. 

But if Yoru was the kind of man to yield to threats… he wouldn’t be Yoru. 

“Guess we’re at an impasse. Then I’ll just have to capture you and rip the cure straight from your mind.” 

In a flash, Yoru struck first, hands flying through seals before slamming them onto the ground— 

“Kekkai-jutsu: Rokuchū Enjin!” (Barrier Technique: Six Pillar Flame Seal!) 

Six crimson pillars erupted, sealing the area within a hundred-meter radius in a blazing barrier. 

“No escape now, Shinno. Surrender while you still can.” 

The moment Shinno stepped out of Susei Town… he’d already lost. 

He stood alone—while Yoru had all of Kirigakure at his back. 

“You really think it’ll be that easy, Yoru?! Do I look weak to you?! Don’t dare underestimate me!” 

A vicious aura erupted from Shinno, so intense even Yagura tensed. 

“Nikutai Kassei no Jutsu!” (Body Revival Technique!) 

Black markings crawled across Shinno’s skin as his chakra surged violently—so powerful the very barrier trembled under the pressure. 

“Come on then! Show me what you’ve got!” 

His eyes blazed like twin infernos as he lunged straight for Yoru. 

“DIE!” 

His fist, wreathed in crushing air pressure, tore through the atmosphere— 

CLANG! 

Yoru’s blade met it head-on, the impact screeching through the air. 

“Oh? All that big talk, and this is all you’ve got?” 

Yoru smirked at Shinno’s snarling face. 

“Raiton: Raidan no Jutsu!” (Lightning Release: Thunder Bullet Technique!) 

A single fingertip aimed at Shinno’s forehead— 

A condensed orb of lightning, no larger than a pigeon’s egg, erupted into a storm of electricity. 

Shinno barely twisted away—only for Yagura to strike from behind. 

“Ninpō: Sango Shō!” (Ninja Art: Coral Palm!) 

Hard coral burst from Shinno’s back, locking his movements— 

“Heh. My turn!” 

Zabuza’s Kubikiribōchō (Executioner’s Blade) cleaved downward— 

Shinno barely dodged, but— 

“Samehada: Shokuki Zan!” (Shark Skin: Devourer Slash!) 

Kisame materialized like a ghost, Samehada slamming into Shinno’s side. 

The blade swelled, its jagged scales gnashing— 

“GAH—!” 

Shinno’s chakra plummeted, his enhanced form flickering unstably. 

“What’s wrong? Already out of steam? Where’s that arrogance from before?” 

Yoru’s blade flashed— 

A gash split Shinno’s chest, blood gushing. 

“Release the Zero-Tails. As you are now, you’re no match for us.” 

“I’ve heard it’s a monster with immense power. Well? Let’s see it!” Yagura grinned eagerly. 

“Zero-Tails, huh? Heh. Wonder how it stacks up against a real tailed beast.” Kisame licked his lips, Samehada writhing in hunger. 

Shinno… laughed. 

His face twisted into madness. 

“You’ll regret those words. The Zero-Tails is far stronger than you ever imagined!” 

“Negative emotions—GATHER!” 

From Kirigakure, streaks of red, black, blue, and purple energy surged toward him— 

Rage. Hatred. Sorrow. Jealousy. Every dark emotion, feeding him. 

“HAHAHA! Such pure negativity! I should thank you, Yoru—you’ve given me the perfect feast!” 

“Don’t worry… I’ll make sure to repay you properly!” 

Black energy erupted from Shinno’s body, morphing into writhing tendrils— 

A faceless mask formed— 

Then, his body swelled, transforming into a monstrous serpentine abomination, its massive form dwarfing a double-decker bus. 

The Zero-Tails—AWAKENS! 

Chapter 223: The Tailed Beast Calamity 

"ROAR!!!" 

In an instant, an overwhelming pressure descended, compressing the air around them. Everyone within a several-kilometer radius felt a sinister dread creeping over them. 

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! 

A group of figures suddenly appeared—all members of the ANBU. 

"Yoru-sama, what should we do?" one of the ANBU called out to Yoru, who stood inside the Six Pillars Flame Formation. 

"Alert the village. Tell everyone to stay calm and carry on as usual!" Yoru commanded. "Reassure the civilians to prevent panic. And all of you—keep your distance. Things are about to get intense here, and this is no place for ordinary shinobi." 

The ANBU immediately scattered to carry out his orders. 

"Yo, Yoru, you’re making quite the commotion!" 

Terumī Mei appeared atop a nearby rooftop, with Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, standing guard behind her. 

"Well, it’s a monster on par with a Tailed Beast. Did you expect anything less?" Yoru replied casually, showing no sign of tension—as if Zero-Tails wasn’t even worth his concern. 

"You dare underestimate me?! DIE, Yoru!" 

From within Zero-Tails’ maw, Shinnō’s furious roar erupted. The beast’s jaws split open, and dark chakra surged forth. 

"DIE!" 

A devastating energy cannon tore through the air, blasting apart the ground before anyone could react. 

"Watch out!" Mei shouted in warning. 

But Yoru didn’t even flinch. Instead, multiple crimson barriers materialized, dividing the space into isolated sections—completely trapping Zero-Tails. 

BOOM! 

The blast was catastrophic, shaking the earth for hundreds of meters. The barrier trembled violently, as if on the verge of collapse. 

Destructive energy raged inside, straining against the seals. 

Yet, no matter how much the barrier shook—it held. 

Even as faint cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, Zero-Tails remained engulfed in its own devastating power. 

"AAAAAHHH!!!" 

The beast’s agonized screams echoed from within the barrier. 

The shockwaves took a long, long time to settle. 

When the dust cleared, Zero-Tails lay collapsed in its isolated prison, steam rising from its scorched body—severely wounded. 

"Lightning Release: Raging Thunder Tiger!" 

Yoru formed hand seals, and an awe-inspiring aura erupted from him. Lightning crackled around him like a wrathful deity. 

A ferocious thunder tiger materialized, and the barrier that had withstood the energy cannon vanished instantly. The tiger lunged, clamping its jaws around Zero-Tails’ massive form before slamming it into the flaming barrier behind it. 

CRASH! 

The brutal impact, combined with the barrier’s searing flames and the tiger’s relentless lightning, forced another howl of pain from Zero-Tails. 

"Heh, my turn!" 

Kisame Hoshigaki grinned as the barrier before him dissolved. He swung Samehada, now swollen to several times its size, in a devastating arc. 

"YOU BASTARDS!!" 

"YOU THINK I’M SOME PUSHOVER?!" 

Shinnō’s voice roared from within Zero-Tails as its massive, whip-like tentacles—still crackling with residual lightning—lashed out in defiance. 

THUD! 

Miraculously, it blocked the strike! 

"Too bad Samehada’s specialty is devouring chakra," Kisame sneered, his grin widening. "And it’s really enjoying yours." 

In an instant, Samehada ballooned even larger—if it was the size of a brick before, now it was as big as a door, nearly matching Zero-Tails in scale. 

WHAM! 

Suddenly, a dark shadow crashed into Zero-Tails, slamming it against the barrier with enough force to sear its flesh with a sickening sizzle. 

Everyone turned to see the attacker—a Three-Tails monster, its massive chakra hand pinning Zero-Tails against the flames. 

"Sorry, but yeah—you are a pushover." 

A brutal slap in the face. 

Shinnō had just boasted about not being weak, and now Yagura was proving him wrong. 

"Bravo! Absolutely bravo!" 

Yoru, of all people, had the audacity to clap in mock admiration, rubbing salt in the wound with infuriating glee. 

"RRRAAAAAGH!!" 

The humiliation sent Shinnō into a frenzied rage. 

"YOU’RE DEAD!! PHYSICAL ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUE—RELEASE!!" 

BOOM!! 

A tsunami of crushing pressure exploded outward, shattering Yagura’s chakra hand. Both Yagura and Kisame barely managed to leap back in time. 

"RUNNING WON’T SAVE YOU!" 

Shinnō roared as two phantom tendrils shot toward them like spears. 

But two new barriers intercepted the attacks! 

CRACK! 

Even so, the sheer force dentED the barriers inward—proof of the attack’s terrifying power. 

Yagura and Kisame’s faces paled. 

"DAMN THESE BARRIERS!! BREAK!!" 

Frustration pushed Shinnō to the brink. 

He unleashed a storm of whipping tendrils, hammering the barrier like a frenzied beast. 

The seal warped, shuddered, and splintered—on the verge of collapse. 

Watching from a distance, Mei’s expression darkened. 

"This Shinnō… he’s strong. I’ve never seen anyone distort Yoru’s barriers like this before." 

Not even the Fourth Raikage and Killer B together had managed to bend the barrier, let alone crack it. 

That alone spoke volumes about Shinnō’s current power. 

"Lightning Release: Raging Thunder Tiger!" 

Yoru took a deep breath, then raised a hand to the sky. 

A gate opened in the barrier above, and a bolt of lightning shot upward. 

BOOOOM!! 

The sky darkened instantly. 

Yoru’s chakra surged into the clouds, turning them into a swirling storm of electricity. 

Then— 

FLASH!! 

A deafening thunderclap split the air as a gigantic thunder tiger descended from the heavens. 

The barrier above Zero-Tails vanished, and the beast slammed down like a meteor. 

KABOOOM!! 

The impact shook the entire Hidden Mist Village, fissures splitting the earth in every direction. 

The lightning pierced straight through the barrier, unleashing a cataclysmic shockwave that tore through the ground like paper. 

Yoru’s eyes widened. 

This is bad! 

He quickly formed new seals, expanding the barrier to contain the devastation. 

If he hadn’t, half the village would’ve been reduced to ashes—and even Kisame and the others might not have survived. 

Chapter 224: Do You Want to Be Traitors to the Nation?  

"Pfft—!"  

The backlash hit Yoru hard, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.  

"Gulp… We made it."  

Even Kisame Hoshigaki, standing just a wall away from the raging shockwave, couldn’t hide his relief. For a moment, he’d genuinely thought he was done for.  

The barrier was gone, replaced by a massive crater with concentric rings of destruction. The area was reduced to rubble.  

At the center lay a bloodied, burned, and broken man—Shinnō—barely breathing, his body immobile.  

"You lost," Yoru said, looking down at him.  

"Heh… So what if I did?" Shinnō grinned weakly, his voice ragged. "The people of Sokusetsu Town… will still die with me. I’ve already… erased all traces… of the antidote… from my mind."  

Yoru’s expression darkened. He immediately slammed a palm onto Shinnō’s chest—"Binding Flow Seal Jutsu!"  

"Too… late…" Shinnō chuckled as his body stiffened.  

"Take him away," Yoru ordered Zabuza. "Interrogation squad—scour his memories. There might still be clues."  

Zabuza nodded and dragged Shinnō off.  

"You won’t succeed. By now, Raiga and his team should’ve reached Sokusetsu. If we secure the orphanage, your plan fails."  

Yoru narrowed his eyes toward the distant town.  

"I never expected Shinnō to be this strong," Mei Terumī admitted, stepping beside him. "Without you, the Hidden Mist might’ve fallen."  

The thought sent chills down her spine. If Shinnō had grown unchecked, the Land of Water would’ve drowned in chaos.  

"This isn’t over. Stay alert—the Sky Ninja could strike anytime," Yoru warned.  

"The village is ready," Mei replied confidently. "Let them come."  

"Then we wait for victory."  

Yoru turned, surveying the hundred-meter crater. "I underestimated his limits. Thank the gods that monstrous form only lasted seconds."  

"Even so, it was terrifying," Mei agreed.  

Meanwhile, Across the Land of Water… 

"Kill them all!" 

"Crush the traitors!" 

"Restore peace to our nation!"  

War erupted without warning. Civilians, though startled, quickly followed evacuation drills—Yoru’s foresight had prepared shelters in advance.  

Still, curses flew at the rebels: "Why ruin our lives? What good does chaos bring?"  

The rebels never stood a chance. The Hidden Mist’s forces, backed by elite shinobi, crushed resistance effortlessly.  

"Damn Yoru!" a rebel leader roared. "He let us grow—just to slaughter us all at once!"  

The realization hit hard. They’d been fattened like livestock for slaughter.  

"Brilliant… utterly brilliant," another spat, wishing he’d never crossed Yoru.  

Sokusetsu Town 

"What’s the meaning of this? Why surround Dr. Shinnō’s orphanage?"  

The crowd erupted as Mist ninja and soldiers sealed off the building.  

"Shinnō conspired with rebels. Stand down—or face consequences," Raiga growled, his glare sharp as his blade.  

"Lies! Dr. Shinnō would never betray us!"  

The mob stood their ground, defiant.  

"Ten seconds to disperse," Raiga warned. "After that, you’re all traitors. And traitors… don’t get mercy."  

His voice dripped with menace.  

"Or did you not know?" he added, coldly tactical. "Shinnō conducted forbidden experiments. Defend him, and history will remember you as monsters."  

A ripple of doubt spread. No one wanted infamy.  

"Captain! Monsters inside!" Ao’s Byakugan flared. "They’re breaking loose—MOVE!"  

"The children are still in there! Let us evacuate them!" a villager pleaded.  

Most ignored him.  

"Nice try. We won’t fall for—"  

BOOM.  

A bestial roar cut through the orphanage. Children screamed.  

"They’re escaping! Seal the perimeter!" Ao barked. "You fools—are you trying to get those kids killed?!"  

Chapter 225: Are You Satisfied Now?  

Momochi Zabuza reacted instantly. Seeing the civilians still frozen in shock, he barked orders: 

"Squad One, breach and rescue! Squad Two, surround the orphanage!" 

"Hai!"  

The Kirigakure shinobi swiftly split into two groups and moved out.  

The civilians, meanwhile, stood dumbfounded—until the Kiri-nin shoved them aside. But they barely registered the pain, scrambling back up just in time to witness the horror inside.  

In the main hall, a monstrous creature covered in black fur had appeared out of nowhere, mercilessly slaughtering the children. Tiny, defenseless lives were torn apart—hearts ripped out, heads severed. Their terrified, helpless expressions stabbed like daggers into the onlookers' chests, stealing their breath.  

"Happy now, you bastards?!"  

The furious voice of Ao rang in their ears. Every last civilian hung their head in shame.  

"Did we lie to you? A minute ago, you all thought you were heroes, didn’t you?" 

"But to me, you’re just fools. Accomplices. Murderers!"  

No one dared argue.  

"Get the hell out of our way! How much longer are you gonna keep obstructing us?!"  

The crowd scattered like rats, not a single one brave enough to meet the glares of those around them. The weight of their scorn and disgust was unbearable.  

Inside the Orphanage 

"Protect the children! I’ll handle this thing!"  

Zabuza barked orders to his squad, unsheathing the Kubikiribōchō and slashing at the monster with brutal force.  

"BAM!"  

The creature clearly hadn’t expected Zabuza’s reckless aggression. It was sent flying—but in that same instant, a blur of movement shot toward him, aiming straight for his blind spot with deadly precision.  

"Die!"  

The attacker’s voice was shrill, their kunai glinting as it thrust toward Zabuza’s vitals.  

"You think hiding in the shadows makes you brave? Pathetic!"  

Zabuza roared, swinging the massive sword back in a wide arc to block.  

"CLANG!"  

The shadowy figure recoiled as their ambush failed, immediately retreating—but not fast enough.  

"Suiton: Suidanha (Water Style: Water Severing Wave)!"  

A Kirigakure ANBU struck, a razor-sharp jet of water piercing the attacker’s body and slamming them into the wall.  

Now visible, the figure wore a forehead protector with an unfamiliar insignia.  

Had Yoru been here, he’d have recognized them instantly—they were subordinates of Shinnō, ninja from the now-defunct Hidden Sky Village (Kumogakure no Sato).  

"You deal with this one!"  

Zabuza tossed the order to his men and charged back toward the monster.  

"RAAARGH!"  

The beast let out a guttural roar—then turned to flee rather than face Zabuza head-on.  

"Oh no you don’t!"  

Zabuza surged forward, closing the distance in an instant and swinging with all his might.  

"BOOM!"  

The monster rolled aside, dodging the slash, then twisted mid-movement like a hawk, its razor claws lashing toward Zabuza’s chest.  

"SCHLICK!"  

The strike landed—Zabuza’s heart was torn out.  

Or so it seemed.  

In the next second, his body dissolved into water. The monster barely had time to react before—  

"Suiton: Suirō no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Prison Technique)!"  

The "fatal wound" had been a feint. Using the water from his clone, Zabuza trapped the beast in a swirling, suffocating vortex.  

"GRRAAAH—GLUG—!"  

The creature thrashed wildly, but resistance was futile. The churning water robbed it of oxygen, then consciousness.  

"SCHLICK!"  

A final slash from Zabuza left it gravely wounded, and the ANBU swiftly sealed it away.  

Meanwhile… 

"Surrender! You’re finished!"  

The ANBU surrounding the shadowy assailant tightened their formation.  

"Surrender? Hah! You’re not worthy!"  

The figure let out a manic laugh as a black worm-like creature writhed in their grip. With a sickening crunch, they crushed it—  

"DIE WITH ME! LONG LIVE SHINNŌ-SAMA!"  

A billowing green mist erupted, spreading rapidly.  

The ANBU who so much as brushed against it clutched their heads in agony, stumbling back.  

"Hahaha! You can’t escape! This is Shinnō-sama’s neurotoxin—designed to liquefy the brain within an hour! Even he can’t reverse it quickly!"  

The attacker’s face—now visible—was deathly pale as they collapsed, their chakra fading. Yet their voice remained defiant:  

"Kirigakure is doomed! Our Sky Ninja forces are already en route… armed with this very poison!"  

Zabuza recoiled as the toxic fog spread. But before he could react, chaos erupted outside too.  

The same green mist was already consuming the streets. A dozen civilians lay dead, their skulls grotesquely ruptured. Strange worm-like corpses littered the ground beside them.  

Panicked screams filled the air as more victims collapsed, blood seeping from their eyes, ears, and noses.  

Worse yet—more black-furred monsters had emerged from the orphanage, their bestial roars mingling with the clashing of blades as Kiri-nin fought desperately to hold them back.  

"EVACUATE THE CIVILIANS! GET THEM AWAY FROM THE GAS!"  

Zabuza’s voice boomed over the mayhem.  

"Barrier Team, erect a containment field! Medical Unit, analyze this toxin—check for contagion, secondary vectors, ANYTHING!"  

The shinobi and Water Country soldiers mobilized instantly.  

But just as Zabuza turned to engage the remaining monsters—they dropped dead on the spot.  

From their corpses, black worms burst forth, exploding into more poison.  

Zabuza’s blood ran cold.  

"That bastard Shinnō… Is he trying to wage biological warfare?"  

A massive barrier seal flared to life, containing the gas within a several-hundred-meter radius. Medics rushed to treat the afflicted.  

Zabuza, meanwhile, turned to the surviving civilians—his voice icy.  

"Still think Shinnō’s a hero?"  

Silence.  

The answer was written in the carnage around them.