66-70

Chapter 66: Susanoo vs. the Eight-Tails Gyūki   

“That Sanada Kazama is a Konoha ninja, and our Kumogakure has always had tense relations with Konoha. Will he really help us?”   

“He definitely will!”   

At that moment, the Fourth Raikage ordered his men to set up a barrier to contain the rampaging Killer B while turning to Darui. “I’m betting Sanada Kazama hasn’t left Kumogakure yet. Find him immediately and convince him to help me restrain Killer B. If he agrees to help, Kumogakure will make sure he’s well rewarded!”   

“Well rewarded, huh? So, what kind of reward is the Fourth Raikage planning to give me afterward?”   

It didn’t take long for Darui to find Kazama in the forest.   

“No time to waste, little brother Kazama. Come with me to help out! Don’t worry, the Fourth Raikage always keeps his word. Kumogakure’s got plenty of wealth, so whatever you want, we’ll make it happen!”   

“Alright, fine.”   

Seeing the usually prideful Fourth Raikage lower himself to ask for help, Kazama knew the situation must be dire.   

And since there was a reward involved, he figured it was like getting paid for his efforts.   

But when Kazama followed Darui to the site where they were trying to subdue Killer B, he realized things were far worse than he’d imagined.   

Killer B had fully transformed into the Eight-Tails, Gyūki.   

Not only had he broken through the barrier set up by the others, but he was even overpowering the Fourth Raikage, forcing him to retreat again and again.   

“How did it come to this?”   

Seeing the Eight-Tails Gyūki in its full form, Darui trembled in fear.   

He’d seen Yugito’s Two-Tails, Matatabi, before, but the power of the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails weren’t even in the same league.   

The sheer pressure from Gyūki’s presence was enough to paralyze everyone around.   

“Damn it, Killer B! Snap out of it!”   

At that moment, Yugito, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, transformed into Matatabi in an attempt to stop Gyūki.   

But in the face of the Eight-Tails, the Two-Tails’ power was like an ant’s.   

In just a few exchanges, Gyūki knocked Yugito’s Matatabi to the ground.   

Then, opening its massive mouth, it prepared to unleash a Tailed Beast Ball on the fallen Yugito.   

If that attack hit, not only would Yugito and the Two-Tails be killed, but everyone else in the area would be obliterated as well.   

“Little brother Kazama, I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect things to escalate this far. Get out of here now before you get caught in the Eight-Tails’ attack!”   

Hearing the Fourth Raikage’s shout, Kazama couldn’t help but feel the man had a strong sense of loyalty.   

He decided to help them get through this crisis.   

After all, Kumogakure would one day be an ally of Konoha.   

“Running’s probably not an option at this point. And since I’m here, I can’t just do nothing, right?”   

As soon as he spoke, Kazama activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.   

An aura no less intense than the Eight-Tails’ erupted from him instantly.   

Then, a towering, mountain-like Complete Body Susanoo took form.   

With a single swing of its sword, Kazama sliced the Tailed Beast Ball in Gyūki’s mouth clean in half, rendering it powerless.   

Even the massive Eight-Tails Gyūki stood a head shorter than Kazama’s Complete Body Susanoo.   

Its presence was completely overshadowed.   

“Is this the legendary Complete Body Susanoo that can rival a Tailed Beast?”   

Seeing Kazama’s technique, the Fourth Raikage and the crowd were frozen in shock, utterly dumbfounded.   

“That Kazama guy… I knew he was holding back before!”   

Yugito, now saved, stared wide-eyed at Kazama’s Susanoo.   

She couldn’t help but think back to their earlier match in the arena. If Kazama had used this technique against her, even in her Two-Tails Matatabi form, she’d have had no chance of resisting. 

Chapter 67: Almost Killed the Eight-Tails 

“Get back, quick! Don’t get caught in the crossfire between me and the Hachibi!” Kazama shouted. 

Snapped out of their daze, the crowd scrambled to retreat. 

ROAR! 

The Hachibi, now consumed by bloodlust, charged at Kazama’s Susano’o. The impact seemed simple but carried the full force of the Eight-Tails. Even Kazama’s complete Susano’o was sent flying backward. 

“Hmph, not bad. It’s been a while since I faced an opponent this strong,” Kazama said, grinning instead of getting mad. 

With ten strange flames at his disposal, he had no reason to fear the Hachibi. Add to that his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, and Kazama was more than equipped to take on the beast. 

He coated his Susano’o entirely with the ten strange flames and infused its twin swords with their full power. His complete Susano’o was now a fortress of ultimate defense and offense. When the Hachibi charged again, Kazama easily blocked it. With a swing of his Susano’o’s swords, the earth shook, and the Hachibi’s nearly indestructible body was slashed deep enough to expose bone. 

Tailed Beasts could heal automatically, and the Hachibi’s wounds closed almost instantly. Seeing its near-immortal nature, Kazama decided he didn’t need to hold back. He went all out, slashing, stabbing, and weaving through the Hachibi’s counterattacks. His Susano’o was pure offense, untouchable by the Hachibi’s strikes. 

Furious, the Hachibi unleashed dozens of Bijūdama (Tailed Beast Bombs). Kazama didn’t flinch. He deflected some, batted others back, and kept pressing forward. After a few exchanges, the once-ferocious Hachibi was retreating, battered by Kazama’s relentless Susano’o. 

“This is awesome! I haven’t felt this pumped in ages. Let’s see what ninjutsu can do in complete Susano’o mode!” Kazama said, knowing techniques cast through Susano’o were even more powerful. 

“Raiton: Kirin!” (Lightning Release: Kirin) 

“Ranton: Raiun Kyōha!” (Storm Release: Thundercloud Cavity Wave) 

“Suiton: Tenkyū!” (Water Release: Heavenly Weeping) 

“Mokuton: Jukon Bakusō!” (Wood Release: Tree Root Explosion Burial) 

The barrage of ninjutsu left the Hachibi battered and barely clinging to consciousness. 

“Time for the strange flames!” Kazama declared, ready to test all ten on the Hachibi. 

But Darui, watching from below, urgently shouted to the Yondaime Raikage, “Lord Raikage, stop him! If he keeps going, the Hachibi will die, and if that happens, Killer Bee-sama will…” 

“Right!” The Raikage, who’d been stunned by the battle, snapped back to reality. He rushed to the foot of Kazama’s Susano’o. 

“Hey, Kazama, little brother, rein it in! Killer Bee’s my brother—you can’t kill the Hachibi!” he pleaded. 

“Damn it! I totally forgot!” Kazama muttered, caught up in the heat of battle. He’d meant to subdue the Hachibi, not destroy it. 

Scratching his head awkwardly, Kazama cast Tsukuyomi, a powerful illusion, on the weakened Hachibi, forcing it back into Killer Bee’s body. 

Chapter 68: The Two-Tails Jinchūriki Likes Me   

“That Kazama kid is just too terrifying! He took down the Eight-Tails all by himself!”   

Darui, who was considered a genius himself, suddenly felt utterly inadequate compared to Kazama.   

“Compared to the Eight-Tails, I’d say Kazama’s the real monster!”   

Even the Fourth Raikage felt a twinge of fear toward Kazama.   

But what they didn’t know was that Kazama still hadn’t gone all out.   

If the Fourth Raikage hadn’t stepped in to stop things, Kazama was about to unleash Izanagi, Izanami, and Kotoamatsukami on the Eight-Tails.   

Ever since he gained those three techniques, he hadn’t had a chance to test them.   

He really wanted to try them out on the Eight-Tails.   

Unfortunately, the Eight-Tails was too weak and went down before he could even get serious.   

“Impressive, absolutely incredible!”   

The Fourth Raikage rushed over to Kazama, showering him with praise.   

“With a genius like you in Konoha, I bet Konoha’s going to dominate the Five Great Shinobi Nations in the future!”   

“Lord Raikage, you’re giving us too much credit. Konoha doesn’t have such grand ambitions. We’d rather live in peace with the other great nations.”   

“Well said! Peaceful coexistence—peace is what matters most!”   

Hearing Kazama’s response, the Fourth Raikage’s worries eased.   

After witnessing Kazama’s terrifying strength, he’d been genuinely concerned that Kazama might team up with Konoha to dominate the shinobi world.   

If that happened, even he might have to bow down.   

Kazama’s power was so overwhelming that even the Raikage had to admit he was outmatched.   

“Lord Raikage, now that the Eight-Tails in Killer B has been resealed, about that reward you mentioned earlier… how exactly are you planning to thank me?”   

Though Kazama was a righteous guy, since the Raikage had promised him a reward, he wasn’t about to let it slide.   

“Oh, right, right! Look at me, getting caught up in talking and forgetting about your reward, little brother Kazama. Darui, take Kazama to our treasure vault right away. Let him pick whatever he wants, no limits!”   

“The treasure vault! That’s gotta be where Kumogakure keeps all their secret jutsu and ninja tools. Awesome!”   

Kazama was secretly thrilled.   

“Wait, let me take Kazama instead.”   

At that moment, Yugito stepped forward.   

Ever since Kazama saved her from the Eight-Tails and she witnessed his true strength, the way Yugito looked at Kazama had changed.   

Gone was her usual cold demeanor; now, she was much warmer toward him.   

On the way to the vault, she kept asking him all sorts of questions, acting like a curious, innocent girl.   

“Lord Raikage, I think Yugito might have a thing for Kazama!”   

After Yugito and Kazama left, Darui leaned in and whispered to the Fourth Raikage.   

“Is that so? Well, that’s great news! If Yugito can win Kazama over and get him to join Kumogakure, our village’s strength would skyrocket!”   

“But what if Kazama ends up stealing Yugito away to Konoha?”   

“Uh… that probably won’t happen, right?”   

Darui’s words made the Fourth Raikage worry about losing more than he gained.   

“Kazama, do you have a girlfriend?”   

“Sis, I’m only thirteen. Where would I get a girlfriend?”   

“Don’t call me ‘sis’! I’m only fifteen, you know.”   

“Oh, my bad.”   

“So, Kazama, is there a girl you like?”   

“I…”   

On the way to the treasure vault, Kazama was nearly overwhelmed by Yugito’s barrage of questions.   

“What’s up with Yugito today? I remember her being this cool, icy queen before. Why’s she so chatty now?”   

Kazama felt helpless just thinking about it.   

Before long, Yugito led him to Kumogakure’s treasure vault.   

“Alright, time to raid this place for treasures, haha!”   

Kazama pushed open the door, but the moment he stepped inside, he nearly fainted.   

“That sly old fox, the Fourth Raikage! No wonder he said I could take whatever I wanted. There’s nothing here! This is just a damn storage room!”   

Looking at the rickety shelves with a few tattered books scattered on them, Kazama realized he’d been completely duped by the Fourth Raikage. 

Chapter 69: The Fusion of Sacred Treasures 

“Are you telling me this is Kumogakure’s so-called treasure vault? Is the Raikage messing with me or what?” Kazama asked, turning to Yugito Nii with a frustrated sigh. 

“Uh, well…” Yugito, sensing his irritation, gave an awkward smile. “Kazama, you gotta understand, Kumogakure’s not as wealthy as Konoha. Plus, the Third Shinobi World War took a toll on our vault. A lot of stuff got destroyed. But even so, the techniques stored here are top-tier in the ninja world!” 

“Fine, whatever,” Kazama said, relenting at her earnest explanation. 

He picked up the few remaining ninjutsu scrolls. Raiton no Yoroi (Lightning Release Armor), Raiden Senkō (Lightning Flash)… all lightning-based techniques, and all S-rank. Outside, people would kill for these, but Kazama wasn’t impressed. His own ninjutsu were far stronger, and since he could absorb enemy techniques, he had no interest in learning these step-by-step. 

“What’s this?” Just as he was about to give up and leave the “treasure vault,” Kazama spotted a yellowed booklet in the corner. It described a technique for turning ninja tools into chakra, merging them with the user’s own chakra, and summoning them as weapons at will. 

“Huh, this is pretty unique!” Kazama’s interest was piqued. 

When he’d first come to Kumogakure, he’d planned to bring his Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword) and Samehada (Shark Skin Blade), but their bulk made them a hassle for the long journey, so he left them at home. “If I master this technique, I won’t need to lug weapons around. I can just summon them anytime. It’s not the most powerful jutsu, but it’s super convenient!” 

Kazama waved the booklet at Yugito, signaling he’d take it.  

Yugito grinned. “You’re pretty lucky! That technique in there? It’s one-of-a-kind in the ninja world!” 

“Yeah, right,” Kazama scoffed. “You’re just worried I’ll feel shortchanged and go back to the Raikage for more goodies, aren’t you?” 

“No, seriously, I’m not lying!” Yugito said, her tone turning serious. “You know Uchiha Itachi, right?” 

“Itachi? What’s he got to do with this?” Kazama asked, puzzled by the sudden mention. 

“Everything! Years ago, Uchiha Itachi snuck into our village and used his Sharingan to copy the contents of that booklet. Then, based on what he learned, he tracked down the Jūken Tō (Ten Fists Sword) in the Land of Roots and the Yata no Kagami (Eight Span Mirror) at Ise Shrine. That means Itachi must’ve used this technique to fuse those two sacred treasures into his chakra. Think about it—a technique even an S-rank rogue ninja like Uchiha Itachi valued. Isn’t that proof it’s amazing?” 

“Oh, I get it now!” Kazama said, the pieces clicking together. That’s why Itachi’s Susano’o could wield the Jūken Tō and Yata no Kagami—he’d fused those sacred treasures into his Susano’o using this technique. 

If Kazama learned it, couldn’t he fuse Kusanagi no Tsurugi and Samehada into his Susano’o too? It’d not only boost his Susano’o’s power but also enhance the weapons themselves. Plus, his complete Susano’o was a three-headed, six-armed behemoth, but it only came with two Susano’o swords. Sure, they were strong, but it looked a bit underwhelming.  

And according to Yugito, the booklet also listed the locations of other sacred treasures. Kazama’s excitement skyrocketed. 

“Alright! With this technique, I’ll fuse Kusanagi no Tsurugi and Samehada into my Susano’o. And I can use the book to track down other sacred treasures for fusion too!”  

Kazama couldn’t believe his luck. What he’d thought was just a handy trick turned out to be a game-changer. 

Chapter 70: The Two-Tails Jinchūriki Yugito’s Confession  

“Kazama-kun, I like you!”  

“Huh?!”  

Kazama, who was deep in thought about how to fuse various divine artifacts in the future, nearly fell on his butt when he heard Yugito’s words.  

“What’s wrong? Is my confession that scary?”  

Seeing Kazama’s over-the-top reaction, Yugito’s face turned red as she spoke.  

“It’s not that your confession is scary—it’s just so sudden! I wasn’t prepared at all!”  

Kazama awkwardly scratched his head.  

“So, can you accept my feelings? Would you go out with me?”  

“I…”  

Faced with Yugito’s full-on romantic offensive, Kazama was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.  

He was even more puzzled about why Yugito would like him.  

Back during their arena match, she’d been cold, even hostile toward him.  

But ever since Kazama saved her from the Eight-Tails, Yugito had fallen for him.  

“I know you’re so amazing, Kazama-kun, and there must be tons of girls in Konoha who like you. You might not be interested in me now, but I’ll work hard to make you like me someday!”  

“Uh, sure, okay.”  

Kazama had planned to turn her down gently, but he didn’t want to hurt her feelings.  

Left with no choice, he gave an awkward nod.  

“Oh, by the way, I’ve got some urgent business back in Konoha, so please say goodbye to the Fourth Raikage and the others for me!”  

Kazama quickly changed the subject.  

“Alright. But will you come back to Kumogakure to see me?”  

Yugito was clearly reluctant to see him go.  

“Definitely!”  

Kazama wasn’t lying.  

He knew it wouldn’t be long before Akatsuki’s Kakuzu and Hidan came to capture the Two-Tails.  

To keep Yugito from dying, Kazama would have to return to Kumogakure to help her when the time came.  

The only problem was that he didn’t know the exact timing of Kakuzu and Hidan’s mission, so he’d have to wait for news from Itachi.  

“Oh, right!”  

Kazama pulled out a scroll and sealed a wisp of his Fallen Heart Flame inside it.  

“If you’re ever in mortal danger, open this scroll right away. The flame inside will protect you for a while, and I’ll sense it and rush to help you as fast as I can.”  

Since the Fallen Heart Flame was a heart-based flame, Kazama would immediately feel it if Yugito used it.  

That way, he could come to her aid and fend off those zombie ninjas, Kakuzu and Hidan.  

“Okay, I’ll keep it with me always.”  

Taking the scroll from Kazama, Yugito’s eyes welled up with tears, clearly treating it as a token of affection.  

Seeing her expression, Kazama hurriedly said his goodbyes.  

If he didn’t leave now, she might confess again.  

It wasn’t that Kazama didn’t like Yugito—he just didn’t have time for romance. His main focus was finding divine artifacts, absorbing Tailed Beast powers, and getting stronger.  

“Haha! I knew Yugito would get shot down!”  

Seeing Yugito return alone, Darui smirked and chuckled.  

“Lord Raikage, Kazama said he has urgent business and needs to return to Konoha, so he won’t be coming to say goodbye.”  

“Oh, no problem. What jutsu did he pick?”  

“It’s the one Uchiha Itachi copied back then.”  

“You mean the one that records the divine artifacts of the shinobi world and how to infuse them with chakra? That Kazama kid’s got an eye for value!”  

Darui winced, clearly reluctant to part with it.  

“Don’t worry, I made a copy of that scroll long ago. Besides, most of the divine artifacts listed in it have been lost to time. We’ve searched for years and found nothing. Better to give it to Kazama as a favor. After all, he helped us suppress the Eight-Tails in Killer B. Without him, Kumogakure might’ve…”  

“You’re right, Lord Raikage. With someone like Sanada Kazama in Konoha, we should definitely try to build ties with him. His strength could shake the entire Five Great Shinobi Nations!”  

“Well said!”  

The Fourth Raikage immediately ordered emissaries to be sent to Konoha to request an alliance, and he had the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning send envoys to the Land of Fire as well.  

When the Third Hokage and the Land of Fire’s Daimyō received the messages from Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning, they were shocked.  

The Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire had been at odds for years, their relations extremely tense.  

Yet now, the Land of Lightning was proactively seeking an alliance—a boon for the Land of Fire.  

Seeing the sincerity of Kumogakure’s emissaries, the Third Hokage quickly realized this was all thanks to Kazama.  

He’d originally sent Kazama to show Kumogakure his strength, hoping to deter them from causing trouble at the Land of Fire’s borders.  

But Kazama’s performance had far exceeded his expectations.  

Even the stubborn Fourth Raikage was now personally proposing an alliance with Konoha.  

The Third Hokage couldn’t stop grinning, praising Kazama endlessly in his heart.  

The Land of Fire’s Daimyō, upon hearing the news, rewarded the Sanada clan with a million taels of gold and thousands of acres of fertile land.  

The Sanada clan, which had been weakened by Danzō’s attack, quickly rose back to prominence with the support of the Third Hokage and the Daimyō.  

The clan members were deeply grateful to Kazama, even reserving the position of the next clan leader for him.