61-65

Chapter 61: Slapping the Faces of the Hidden Cloud Village 

All of Kazama’s attacks were infused with the scorching damage of his strange flames. As a result, Kuroya’s body was covered in burn wounds. The medical team nearby rushed to his aid, barely managing to save his life.  

This was only because Kazama had held back, not intending to kill him. After all, he had already taken down Kurumoku Ichiro earlier. If he kept killing in Kumogakure, it might jeopardize his plan to absorb the power of the Nibi (Two-Tails). No village would tolerate an outsider running rampant and slaughtering their people. 

Seeing Kazama’s performance, the Yondaime Raikage (Fourth Raikage) was quietly impressed. “This Kazama is something else. To think he blocked a shuriken infused with Raiton (Lightning Release) with just his body! He’s got shades of the Sandaime Raikage’s (Third Raikage) style!” 

“Lord Yondaime, you’re giving this kid too much credit,” one of his men replied. “How could he possibly compare to the Sandaime Raikage’s incredible defense? The Sandaime could withstand a full-powered strike from the Hachibi (Eight-Tails)! This Kazama is nowhere near that level.” 

What they didn’t know was that Kazama, now imbued with the power of Volcanic Stone Flame, could easily block a Tailed Beast’s full-force attack without a scratch. The Sandaime Raikage’s body, though tough, had been damaged by his own power. Kazama’s body? Not even he could harm it. 

“Who’s Kazama’s next opponent?” someone asked. 

“It’s our Kumogakure prodigy, Darui! That Konoha kid’s going down against our genius!” 

“Let’s hope so,” the Raikage muttered. He had always held Darui in high regard, but after witnessing Kazama’s display, he suddenly felt that even Darui might not be a match. Kazama’s terrifying defense alone was beyond anything Darui could muster. 

Without even a moment to rest, Kazama faced his next opponent. If he could defeat this one, he’d finally get to face Yugito Nii, the Nibi’s Jinchuriki (human host). According to the rules, Kazama was supposed to have a few hours to recover, but the Chunin Exam officials from Kumogakure deliberately made things difficult, denying him any break. They wanted to ensure his defeat. 

But their scheme played right into Kazama’s hands. He was eager to move on to the next fight and face Yugito sooner. Besides, with his infinite chakra physique, he could fight for a year straight without tiring. 

“Sanada Kazama versus Darui! Let the match begin!” 

“Darui, huh?” Kazama thought, eyeing the dark-skinned, white-haired ninja stepping onto the stage. “Darui’s the future Godaime Raikage (Fifth Raikage). I never thought I’d get to spar with him today. If I recall, he inherited the Sandaime Raikage’s Black Lightning and wields the Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limit) Storm Release. Perfect. Before I absorb the Nibi’s power, I’ll take your Storm Release first!” 

“Ugh, what a drag,” Darui said, rubbing his neck as he casually strolled up. “Sorry, but I’ve gotta win this one. I’m carrying the title of Kumogakure’s genius, so I can’t lose to you.” 

Kazama smirked. “First time I’ve heard someone call themselves a genius. Don’t you feel embarrassed saying that?” 

With a chuckle, he nodded at Darui. “Alright, bring it on!” 

As the match began, Darui struck first. He unleashed a Suiton (Water Release) technique, followed by a Raiton (Lightning Release) to electrify the water, creating a wide-area attack. 

“Kazama’s done for!” the crowd below jeered. “That’s Darui’s signature combo!” 

“This Konoha punk thought he could act tough after beating Kuroya. He’s delusional if he thinks he can stand up to our genius Darui!” 

“Big Bro Darui, crush this Konoha ninja!” 

Hearing their taunts, Kazama grinned. Time to shut them up again. 

Chapter 62: Preparing to Absorb Storm Release  

“Raiton: Kirin!”  

Without even moving his hands, Kazama unleashed an even more powerful Lightning Release technique that crashed down with a thunderous roar.  

Darui had been closely watching Kazama’s movements, wary of him forming hand seals for a counterattack.  

But now, Kazama stood completely still, yet somehow summoned a Lightning Release technique that surged toward Darui with deadly intent.  

Caught off guard, Darui was struck in an instant.  

The Kirin, being the pinnacle of Lightning Release techniques, was not only immensely powerful but also infused with the force of strange flames.  

As a result, the arena itself was reduced to rubble.  

“Holy crap! Is this guy even human? How can he unleash such a terrifying Lightning Release technique?”  

“Isn’t he a Konoha ninja? How does he know such a powerful Lightning Release jutsu?”  

The crowd, who had previously looked down on Kazama, was now left speechless, their jaws dropping at his performance.  

“This Kazama kid is something else!”  

Up in the stands, the Fourth Raikage was not only shocked by Kazama’s use of Raiton: Kirin but even more stunned by the fact that Kazama hadn’t formed any hand seals to perform the technique.  

“Did he form seals so fast I couldn’t see them? Or… no way! How could there be a ninja in this world who can cast jutsu without hand seals?”  

The Fourth Raikage pondered for a long time but couldn’t make sense of it.  

With no answers, he turned his attention back to the battle below.  

As the smoke cleared, Darui, who had been hit by Raiton: Kirin, was still standing.  

His body was now wrapped in crackling lightning energy.  

It turned out he had activated his Lightning Release Armor to block Kazama’s attack.  

But while he could fend off the Lightning Release, he couldn’t stop the strange flames attached to it.  

As a result, Darui’s body was covered in wounds, battered and bruised.  

“Sorry, I underestimated you earlier. Raiton: Black Panther!”  

A leopard-shaped bolt of black lightning shot toward Kazama.  

“He’s even using the Third Raikage’s Black Lightning! Looks like Darui’s been pushed to his limit by this opponent!”  

“Kazama’s done for! Darui inherited the Third Raikage’s Black Lightning. No one can withstand that technique!”  

The same person who’d been badmouthing Kazama now spoke with absolute confidence.  

“And what if Kazama doesn’t lose?”  

By now, some in the crowd had started rooting for Kazama, impressed by the incredible strength he’d shown.  

“If Kazama doesn’t lose, I’ll eat crap right here!”  

Ding! Successfully absorbed Raiton: Black Panther. Congratulations, Host, for acquiring Raiton: Black Chain Panther! You can now unleash multiple leopard-shaped black lightning bolts, with the number depending on the amount of chakra in your body.  

Ding! Absorb four more jutsu to unlock the eighth type of strange flame!  

“Now, let’s see how you like my Raiton: Black Chain Panther!”  

With a casual wave of his hand, Kazama summoned dozens of leopard-shaped black lightning bolts.  

“You! How can you use Black Lightning?”  

Seeing Kazama’s technique, Darui stumbled back several steps in shock.  

The Third Raikage’s Black Lightning was a technique only Darui had inherited.  

Even the current Fourth Raikage couldn’t use it.  

Yet here was a ninja from Konoha performing their village’s secret technique.  

How could Darui not be stunned?  

“Lord Fourth Raikage, this Kazama guy is using Black Lightning! Did he steal our Kumogakure’s secret technique? I’ll send someone to arrest him and interrogate him immediately!”  

“Calm down!”  

The Fourth Raikage quickly stopped his subordinate.  

“I can use Water Release. Does that mean I stole Kirigakure’s secrets too?”  

“But…”  

The subordinate was left speechless by the Raikage’s words.  

“The Third Raikage never left a single word about how to master Black Lightning. It’s a technique you can only comprehend on your own. How could a Konoha ninja steal it? He’s clearly just a genius with incredible talent, destined to master Black Lightning. Stand down!”  

Despite his rough appearance, the Fourth Raikage was remarkably open-minded, handling matters with reason and fairness.  

“Time to eat crap!”  

The crowd below the arena burst into laughter, mocking the ninja who’d made the bold promise earlier.  

“Where am I supposed to find crap here? Maybe another day!”  

“Another day, my ass! I’m feeling a stomachache coming on. Come with me, haha!”  

The crowd dragged the guy off, still laughing.  

“Attack!”  

With Kazama’s command, the dozens of leopard-shaped black lightning bolts shot toward Darui in an instant.  

Kazama’s main goal now was to force Darui to use Ranton (Storm Release) so he could absorb it.  

Otherwise, he could’ve ended the fight with a few punches and kicks, knocking Darui out of the arena long ago. 

Chapter 63: Preparing to Absorb the Power of the Two-Tails 

As dozens of leopard-shaped black lightning bolts surged toward him, Darui had no way to dodge. He quickly unleashed his Ranton (Storm Release) to counter.  

“Ranton: Reizā Saikōsu!” (Storm Release: Laser Lock) 

Hundreds of laser-like lightning beams not only shattered Kazama’s black lightning leopards but, under Darui’s command, shot straight back toward Kazama. 

“Sorry, I told you I can’t lose!” Darui shouted. 

“Sorry, but you’re the one who’s done for!” Kazama retorted. 

Spreading his arms wide, Kazama let the hundreds of lightning lasers strike him. The crowd below, who had been watching the match, fell silent. No one dared to predict the outcome or underestimate Kazama anymore—especially since the last guy who did was now eating dirt nearby. 

Ding! Successfully absorbed Ranton: Reizā Saikōsu. Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Ranton: Raiun Kyōha! (Storm Release: Thundercloud Cavity Wave) 

Ding! Absorb four more ninjutsu to unlock the eighth strange flame! 

“Alright, mission complete! Now I can move on to absorbing the Nibi’s power. Darui, see ya!” Kazama said with a grin. He unleashed his Ranton: Raiun Kyōha, enveloping Darui in a storm of energy. 

“So, you gonna surrender now, or take a hit from my Ranton first?” Kazama taunted. 

“Damn it! How is this guy so strong?” Darui muttered. Kazama’s Ranton was somehow several times more powerful than his own. Though reluctant, Darui had to admit he was outmatched. 

“How dare you mess with Darui? You really think there’s no one in Kumogakure who can take you down?” a female voice interrupted. A ninja kicked away the Ranton surrounding Darui and stepped in front of Kazama. With straight beige hair and a haughty expression, her queenly aura commanded the entire arena. 

“Finally, you’re here, Yugito Nii!” Kazama thought, thrilled as he recognized her. She was Kumogakure’s village flower and the Jinchuriki of the Nibi (Two-Tails). 

“Thanks, Yugito!” Darui said, breathing a sigh of relief. He was sure Yugito would avenge him and take Kazama down. 

“Next up, it’s you and me, Konoha kid!” Yugito declared. 

“Tell the referee Kazama can rest for a day before the duel,” the Yondaime Raikage ordered his attendant. Though he wanted his village’s ninja to win, he didn’t believe in taking advantage of an exhausted opponent. Kazama had just fought two grueling matches back-to-back, which was blatantly unfair. Even if they won, it wouldn’t be an honorable victory. 

“Lord Raikage, Kazama says he doesn’t need a break. He’s ready to fight now!” the attendant reported. 

“What?! This kid’s tougher than I thought!” the Raikage said, his interest in Kazama growing. “But you’re up against the Nibi’s Jinchuriki now, not just any ninja. Just how strong are you, Kazama?” 

The Raikage’s eyes returned to the arena below. 

“I know you’re strong, so I’m not giving you any openings. I’m going all out from the start!” Yugito announced. With that, she began her Bijūka (Tailed Beast Transformation). Two tails sprouted behind her, blue chakra patterns spread across her body, and her hair floated upward as her eyes turned from black to white. 

In this Bijūka state, Yugito’s abilities were drastically enhanced. The Nibi Matatabi’s chakra would also continuously heal her wounds, making her nearly immune to battle damage. 

“I’ve got the Nibi’s abilities too, but…” Kazama thought, deciding against revealing his own Matatabi powers in front of Kumogakure’s crowd. That was his trump card, and he wasn’t about to show it off. 

Instead, to counter Yugito’s full-force attack, Kazama unleashed his Strange Flame: Fūryū En (Wind Fury Dragon Flame). A massive fire tornado, dozens of meters wide and resembling an ancient beast, roared toward Yugito. Infused with both Katon (Fire Release) and Fūton (Wind Release), the flames fed the wind, and the wind amplified the flames. Even the spectators nearby felt the heat. 

“Quick, set up a barrier!” the Raikage commanded. The guards scrambled to erect a protective barrier, barely containing the residual power of Kazama’s attack. 

At the center of the storm, Yugito, even with the Nibi’s power, was scorched and battered by the Fūryū En. The attack’s destructive force was so immense that even Matatabi’s healing chakra struggled to mend her wounds. 

“Just how much power is Kazama hiding? He’s got even Yugito on the ropes!” the Raikage muttered. Even he, with all his experience, couldn’t gauge Kazama’s true strength. 

“Yugito, if you don’t go full Nibi mode soon, you’re gonna lose!” Kazama called out. 

“Hmph! You’re nowhere near beating me! Come forth, Nibi Matatabi!” Yugito roared. 

With a furious cry, the Nibi’s true form broke free from Kazama’s flames, its massive body looming before the crowd. 

“Finally, I can absorb the Nibi’s power!” Kazama thought, not intimidated but elated as Yugito unleashed Matatabi’s full form. 

Chapter 64: Successfully Absorbing the Power of the Two-Tails  

“Oh no! Yugito has unleashed the Two-Tails, Matatabi! If she loses control and kills Sanada Kazama, won’t that start a war with Konoha?”  

“Relax! Yugito has long since gained full control over the Two-Tails.”  

The Fourth Raikage quickly signaled the guards to calm the restless crowd.  

“And besides, that Sanada Kazama kid isn’t going to die so easily.”  

“Lord Raikage, aren’t you giving Kazama too much credit? He’s just a genin. Can he really withstand an attack from a Tailed Beast?”  

As the crowd buzzed with debate, Yugito, now fully transformed into the Two-Tails, launched a Tailed Beast Ball toward Kazama.  

“Damn it! Yugito’s lost her mind! She’s actually using a Tailed Beast Ball!”  

The Fourth Raikage hadn’t anticipated Yugito would go straight for such a lethal move.  

He immediately prepared to leap into the arena to save Kazama, convinced the young ninja had no chance of surviving a Tailed Beast Ball.  

But at that moment, Kazama completely abandoned his defensive stance.  

Instead, he charged straight toward the incoming Tailed Beast Ball.  

“Has Kazama gone insane too? What the hell is he trying to do?”  

Kazama’s reckless move stunned not only the onlookers but even the Fourth Raikage, who froze in place.  

In that split second of hesitation, Kazama collided head-on with the Tailed Beast Ball.  

“Looks like Kazama’s done for. No one can survive a Tailed Beast Ball!”  

As the Fourth Raikage sighed to himself, a sudden wave of gasps and shouts erupted from the crowd.  

“That kid from Konoha is still alive!”  

“What?! That’s impossible!”  

The Fourth Raikage immediately looked back at the arena.  

Ding! Successfully absorbed the Two-Tails’ Tailed Beast Ball. Congratulations, Host, for acquiring the power of the Three-Tails, Isobu! You can now transform into the full form of the Three-Tails, Isobu!  

Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Fire Cloud Water Flame, Sea Heart Flame, and Fallen Heart Flame!  

“Holy crap, I got three strange flames at once!”  

Kazama had assumed that absorbing the Two-Tails’ chakra would be like absorbing the One-Tail’s, granting him only two strange flames.  

But now, he’d unexpectedly gained three strange flames.  

And among them was the Fallen Heart Flame he’d been dreaming of!  

With the Fallen Heart Flame, Kazama could now use Izanagi, Izanami, and the ultimate genjutsu, Kotoamatsukami, an unlimited number of times.  

Better yet, his eyes wouldn’t go blind, and there’d be no cooldown period.  

“I get it now! The number of strange flames I gain matches the power of the Tailed Beast I absorb. If I absorb the Three-Tails’ chakra and gain the Four-Tails’ power, I’ll get four strange flames, and so on. This is awesome! Collecting all twenty-two strange flames won’t be so hard after all!”  

Kazama was so thrilled he started dancing on the spot.  

Meanwhile, the Fourth Raikage and the crowd, seeing Kazama not only survive the Tailed Beast Ball but also muttering to himself and dancing, assumed he’d been driven mad by the attack.  

Only Yugito, who was closest to Kazama, knew the truth: Kazama hadn’t been driven mad by her Tailed Beast Ball.  

In fact, he had absorbed it.  

Though Yugito didn’t know what kind of ninjutsu Kazama had used to absorb her Tailed Beast Ball, she knew she was now fully transformed into the Two-Tails, Matatabi. If she still couldn’t defeat Kazama, wouldn’t that bring shame to Kumogakure?  

With a furious roar, the Two-Tails Matatabi, controlled by Yugito, prepared to attack Kazama again. 

Chapter 65: The Raikage’s Request 

Having achieved his goal, Kazama saw no need to keep fighting Yugito Nii just to prove a point. He didn’t want to humiliate Kumogakure too much, especially since this was their village’s Chunin Exams. Besides, he’d already won two matches in a row, making a name for Konohagakure.  

So, Kazama leaped out of the arena, cupped his hands toward Yugito, and said, “I surrender!” 

“What?!”  

Yugito had expected Kazama to fight her to the death, given his strength. His sudden surrender left her stunned, wondering what kind of game he was playing.  

The referee, eager for Kazama to lose, rushed to the stage and declared Yugito the winner. But Yugito, still in her Nibi Matatabi form, kicked the referee off the platform.  

“Are you deliberately letting me win?” she demanded. She knew Kazama hadn’t gone all out and wanted to keep fighting. 

Kazama couldn’t help but chuckle. “A female ninja this competitive? How’s she ever gonna find a husband?”  

He faced Yugito again and said, “I’m really no match for you. I gave it everything I had, no holding back, I swear.” 

“Cut the nonsense! Today, it’s you or me!” Yugito snapped. 

“Enough, Yugito. Pull back the Nibi’s chakra,” the Yondaime Raikage ordered, stepping in front of her.  

No matter how frustrated she was, Yugito couldn’t defy the Raikage. Reluctantly, she backed down. 

“Not bad, Konoha ninja. You’re as impressive as expected!” the Raikage said, about to praise Kazama further when a panicked subordinate rushed over. 

“Lord Raikage, it’s bad! The Hachibi inside Lord Killer Bee is going out of control—it’s about to go berserk!” 

“What?!” Kazama and the Raikage exclaimed in unison. 

“All ninjas, follow me to suppress the Hachibi!” the Raikage commanded. Yugito, Darui, and the others immediately followed him. 

Kazama frowned. “I thought Killer Bee and the Hachibi got along great, like they were in perfect sync. Why would it suddenly go berserk?”  

Shaking his head, he muttered, “Whatever. Kumogakure’s problems aren’t my business as an outsider.”  

Finding a quiet spot, Kazama began studying his three newly acquired strange flames. “Hiyun Suiyan (Fire Cloud Water Flame) and Kaishin En (Sea Heart Flame) can boost my Suiton (Water Release) attacks to the max. But this Enraku Shin’en (Fallen Heart Flame) is insane—it can ignite an enemy’s inner fire, burning them to ashes from the inside out. Totally unstoppable!” 

As he toyed with the flames, a loud roar echoed nearby. Activating his super perception, Kazama realized the Raikage and his team were battling a berserk Killer Bee, whose chakra had reached the seven-tail level. 

“Raigoku Suirei Sendaimai!” (Lightning Oppression Horizontal Thousand Generations Dance) 

“Ranton: Reizā Saikōsu!” (Storm Release: Laser Lock) 

The Raikage tried using his signature Raiton (Lightning Release) technique, alongside Darui’s Ranton Kekkei Genkai, to knock out the rampaging Killer Bee and reinforce the Hachibi’s seal. But Darui’s strength was no match for a Tailed Beast-transformed Bee. In a single clash, Bee sent Darui crashing to the ground. If not for the Raikage’s lightning-fast speed, Darui would’ve been killed by the mindless Killer Bee. 

“Lord Raikage, what do we do now?” someone asked. 

“We need someone with even stronger Ranton to help me, or we’ll never subdue Killer Bee!” the Raikage said. 

“That’s gonna be tough!” the group replied, skeptical. In all of Kumogakure, only Darui could use Ranton, and his current strength was clearly insufficient. 

“There’s one other person!” the Raikage declared. 

“Who?!” 

“Sanada Kazama!” 

The crowd gasped in shock at the Raikage’s words.