belamy20

196-200

Added 2024-11-15 04:33:32 +0000 UTC

*Chapter 196: The Mizukage's Resolve*

The Tailed Beast Bomb was blocked, causing the people of the Hidden Mist Village to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Oh? It seems there are still some talented individuals in the Hidden Mist Village," Obito remarked, expressionless as he watched the scene.

However, none of this really mattered to him. Tonight's events were nothing more than a spur-of-the-moment interest.

In the shadows, Deidara was stunned.

"So this is the power of a Tailed Beast? It's really something else. Even my Number 18 couldn't produce this kind of power."

Deidara had never seen a Tailed Beast Bomb before. Even when he later faced Gaara and the Three-Tails, they hadn't used it.

Since being defeated by Naruto, Gaara had always been cautious of the power of the One-Tail, fearing he might lose control and end up hurting those around him, just like before. So, during his battle with Deidara, he relied solely on his own strength.

Gaara had never used the two great abilities of a jinchūriki—transforming into a Tailed Beast or the Tailed Beast Bomb. As for the Three-Tails that Deidara took down in seconds, it goes without saying.

Witnessing the terrifying power of the Tailed Beast Bomb, Deidara didn't feel fear; instead, he felt excitement.

"This is true explosive art! If I can apply the principles to explosive clay, it'll definitely increase its power!"

Long ago, Minato Namikaze saw the Tailed Beast Bomb and developed the Rasengan. Now, Deidara sees it and gains inspiration for his own explosive creations.

Deidara's mind was filled with inspiration, and he couldn't wait to create something new. This trip to the Hidden Mist had been incredibly rewarding for him.

Meanwhile, Kimimaro, who was hiding in Ishida's shadow, wore a puzzled expression.

"Yagura has gone berserk? Could this be Obito's doing? Whatever, if not him, who else could it be? If that guy is planning something, why did he have Deidara and me come here? To be spectators?"

Kimimaro felt powerless to complain. Tonight's operation seemed to have turned into a joke. With the way things were going, there was no way he could take action against the Three-Tails' jinchūriki.

Not that he ever intended to take action in the first place. Kidnapping someone else's Kage alive in their own village? Ridiculous. It was practically the same as challenging an entire village single-handedly. Assassinating someone and taking them alive aren't even on the same level.

Only a ridiculous village like the Hidden Sand could let something like that happen. Kimimaro still couldn't understand the logic of the Hidden Sand's leadership.

Actually, he found much of the logic in this ninja world incomprehensible. The thoughts of these ninjas often went against human nature.

Seeing the current chaos, Kimimaro decided to leave. Let the Hidden Mist clean up their own mess.

He quietly left Ishida's shadow, without disturbing anyone. Then, activating his Byakugan, he searched for the locations of Obito and Deidara.

"These two really know how to enjoy the show," Kimimaro thought as he saw Obito overlooking the Hidden Mist from a high point, almost like a god surveying everything below. He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the village.

After being toyed with by Obito for so many years, it was a miracle the Hidden Mist still stood.

Deidara, meanwhile, looked as if he had just had a revelation, making Kimimaro even more confused.

"Watching a Tailed Beast Bomb made him happier than celebrating the new year? This guy is definitely not normal."

Kimimaro thought sarcastically as he watched the battle between the Mist ninjas and the berserk Three-Tails reach a critical point.

"We can't keep this up. We have to calm Yagura down soon. If he uses the Tailed Beast Bomb a few more times, I won't be able to stop it," Mei Terumi said, her expression heavy as she looked at the rampaging Three-Tails.

Facing an out-of-control Tailed Beast, unless you had some means to counter it, there was no way to stop it. The only techniques capable of countering a Tailed Beast were Sealing Jutsu, the Sharingan, and Wood Release.

In the ninja world, these three were the key to defeating a Tailed Beast. Even the Third Raikage, a man capable of taking on ten thousand ninjas at once, could only manage to fight the Eight-Tails to a draw with his Lightning Release.

Mei Terumi was no Third Raikage, so she was troubled. The Hidden Mist wasn't skilled in Sealing Jutsu, so in order to re-seal the Three-Tails, they'd have to subdue it first.

However, Mei Terumi's techniques were all large-scale attacks, which obviously couldn't be used within the village. Otherwise, the villagers would suffer casualties even if the Three-Tails didn't.

"If only we still had the Ice Release of the Yuki Clan or the Shield Hat of the Hozuki Clan. These two abilities could help against the Three-Tails."

With that thought, Mei Terumi sighed. There was no use lamenting over people who were no longer there.

"Lady Mei, we can't continue like this. We have to find a way to wake Lord Yagura up. The Three-Tails is likely under genjutsu control," Ao said anxiously, activating his Byakugan to focus on the Three-Tails.

"Genjutsu again? Could it be that bastard who controlled Yagura before?" Mei's face darkened.

Time and again—what did that bastard see the Hidden Mist as? An amusement park?

"It's the same chakra. It should be the same person," Ao confirmed.

"Damn it," Mei cursed, biting her lip as she thought of what to do.

At that moment, the Three-Tails began forming another Tailed Beast Bomb!

"Again?"

The Hidden Mist ninjas felt their hearts tighten. Everything was happening too quickly, and they had no time to move the battlefield.

"We have to fight for our lives! No matter what, we have to drive the Three-Tails out of the Hidden Mist first!" Mei made up her mind, a resolute look in her eyes.

In this situation, the only choice was to fight to the death.

Just as the Mist ninjas were about to act, the Tailed Beast Bomb suddenly vanished! At the same time, the massive body of the Three-Tails also disappeared.

"What is..."

Everyone was shocked.

Mei Terumi quickened her pace and rushed to where the Three-Tails had disappeared.

High above, Obito's eyes showed a hint of surprise.

"He actually managed to suppress the berserk chakra of the Three-Tails through sheer willpower. The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, really is something. But how long can you keep this up? Heh."

In a flash, Mei had arrived at Yagura's location. He was lying on the ground in pain, looking like he could go berserk again at any moment.

"Yagura," Mei called out softly, and Yagura looked up at her.

By this time, Ao and Chōjūrō had also arrived.

"Lord Fourth!"

Ao looked at Yagura, his face full of worry.

"Quick! Kill me! I can't hold on much longer! If I go berserk again, the village will be destroyed! Ahh!"

Yagura cried out in pain.

As the Fourth Mizukage, he knew very well that the Hidden Mist couldn't seal the Three-Tails again in its current state. The only solution was to destroy both himself and the Three-Tails.

The Three-Tails could be reborn after death. If they could locate where it would reappear, the Hidden Mist still had a chance to reclaim it.

The decision had to be made. If they hesitated, not only would they lose the Three-Tails, but the entire Hidden Mist Village could be lost.

This was the last thing Yagura could do for his village.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 197: Tailed Beast Clay Cannon*

“No! Lord Fourth, you can’t do this!”

Ao was shocked when he heard this and immediately refused.

“Do it, quickly!”

Yagura struggled to suppress the Tailed Beast Chakra inside him, unable to speak further. He could only shout.

The Three-Tails' Chakra grew more restless, and Yagura felt he could barely hold on.

Three seconds!

Only three seconds left!

At this moment, Mei Terumi made a quick move and appeared in front of Yagura, a kunai in her hand, which she drove straight into his heart.

Killing didn’t require any fancy ninjutsu—a simple kunai was enough.

In fact, a sharp weapon was faster than any jutsu.

Compared to fire-style ninjutsu that looks impressive but often fails to kill, a kunai was far more reliable.

A strike to the heart—aside from some monsters, no one could survive that.

Yagura’s struggle ceased.

He looked at Mei Terumi, who was just an arm's length away, with a look of relief in his eyes.

“Mei Terumi, thank you. I leave the village in your hands from now on...”

With those words, Yagura quietly fell, a slight smile at the corner of his lips.

At this moment, he was freed.

He died quickly—too quickly to give any information about Obito.

And the vast Chakra of the Three-Tails also dissipated at this moment.

Looking at Yagura’s lifeless body, Mei Terumi’s eyes held a hint of sorrow.

What had Kirigakure been doing all these years?

Nothing but internal strife, it seemed.

And now they had even lost the Three-Tails.

If war broke out with another village, what could Kirigakure do now?

They might not even be able to defeat Sunagakure, the weakest of the villages.

Of course, they still had an advantage.

As long as they didn’t leave the Land of Water, they were safe.

The Land of Water was surrounded by water and mist—an innate barrier. None of the other four great ninja villages would dare attack without absolute certainty.

“Lord Yagura! Lord Yagura!”

Ao held Yagura’s body, his face full of grief.

But he also knew that there had been no other way to resolve the village's crisis.

“The chaos in Kirigakure must end.”

Mei Terumi held the blood-stained kunai firmly, her eyes full of determination.

Now, she needed to take on Yagura’s resolve as well and reorganize Kirigakure.

“This isn’t the time for grief. Someone used genjutsu to control Yagura again, leading to this tragedy. That person must not have gotten far. Ao, use your Byakugan to find that person!”

Hearing this, Ao temporarily restrained his sorrow, forced himself to stay alert, and said, “Yes, Lady Mei!”

Activating his Byakugan again, he began to search for the source of the genjutsu Chakra.

“Everyone else, don’t stand idle! Search the village! The intruder must have left some clues behind. We need to find them! Even if it’s just knowing their gender or age.”

“Yes!”

Under Mei Terumi's orders, everyone sprang into action.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for Kirigakure.

While the village was in chaos, Kimimaro and the others had already left Kirigakure and regrouped outside the village.

“I never expected to come all this way just to watch a drama,” Kimimaro said, shaking his head.

“Yeah, yeah. Who would’ve thought the Fourth Mizukage would suddenly lose control? But the power of the Three-Tails was really something. Deidara-senpai, Kimimaro-senpai, it’s terrifying to think you’ll be dealing with creatures like that in the future,” Tobi said, flailing his arms dramatically.

“With the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki dead, capturing the Three-Tails will have to wait until it revives. But finding the place of revival won’t be easy. Tobi, that’s your intel team’s job now,” Kimimaro said, looking at Tobi.

“Kimimaro-senpai, don’t worry. Our intel team excels at this, especially Zetsu-senpai. His ability to gather information is unbeatable.”

“Good.”

Kimimaro then turned to Deidara, who had been silent and deep in thought.

“What are you thinking about?”

At that, Deidara burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Kimimaro, I’ve figured it out! I’ve figured it out!”

“Figured what out?”

Kimimaro was puzzled.

“A new form of art, of course! The Tailed Beast Bomb is truly amazing, fitting for a Jinchuriki’s signature move. I have a new idea now—I’ll call it C5! Tailed Beast Clay Cannon!”

Deidara was thrilled.

Kimimaro silently offered condolences to Sasuke.

The enhanced Deidara was already tough enough, and now he’d created a new move inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb. If Sasuke had to face him again...

“Deidara-senpai is such a genius! Developing a new jutsu even now!” Tobi exaggeratedly praised him, making Deidara quite pleased.

“Hahaha, it's nothing special. Thanks to you for bringing us here, Tobi, or I wouldn’t have witnessed such an amazing display of explosive art.”

“Deidara-senpai, you’re too kind! It’s what I should do.”

Seeing the two of them enjoying their conversation, completely forgetting where they were, Kimimaro had no choice but to interrupt.

“I think we should leave here as soon as possible. The Mist Shinobi are currently grieving. If they find us, it’ll be a real problem.”

Deidara and Tobi immediately became serious.

“You're right, let’s go quickly. I wonder how the Fourth Mizukage lost control—could it be that the sealing technique of Kirigakure was too weak?” Deidara mused.

Tobi, of course, feigned ignorance.

Kimimaro knew the truth but said nothing.

The three, each with different thoughts, moved on. Deidara was clueless, while the other two had much on their minds.

“Deidara-senpai, forget it for now. The three of us together are too conspicuous. We should split up. We’ll regroup at the port of the Land of Water in a day,” Tobi suggested.

“Alright.”

Deidara had no objections.

If alone, he could use his Earth Dragon Hiding Technique—very convenient.

Kimimaro pondered briefly but didn’t reject the suggestion.

He felt that Obito must have something to do, hence separating them on purpose.

“Then let the escape race begin! Run!”

Tobi shouted, taking off at full speed.

The way he ran was purely for comedic effect.

“Sometimes I really doubt Tobi’s professionalism. I’d love to see what kind of silly face hides behind that ridiculous mask,” Deidara muttered, shaking his head before looking at Kimimaro.

“Brother, I’m off. See you tomorrow.”

With that, he vanished underground using his technique.

“The Akatsuki members are really each unique in their own way.”

Kimimaro looked back at Kirigakure, his Byakugan revealing that the Mist Shinobi were now fully mobilized.

“Kirigakure…”

He had a thoughtful expression before transforming into someone else and sprinting into the distance.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 198: Civilian Player Orochimaru

With the abilities of the Hidden Mist Village, finding Kimimaro and his companions was naturally unlikely.

So the three of them successfully left the Land of Water and escaped the tracking range of the Hidden Mist Village.

"Deidara-senpai, Kimimaro-senpai, I've learned a lot this time. Trust me, I'll soon become a core member and then join you all again in action. Well, goodbye!"

Tobi waved his hand in farewell and then ran off.

Kimimaro and Deidara didn’t try to stop him.

"Tobi really is a good kid."

Deidara had a pretty good impression of Tobi.

"I'm curious, though—how did someone like him get into the Akatsuki?"

Kimimaro couldn't help but comment.

He knew Tobi's true identity, so it wasn't strange to him.

But why did Deidara seem to approve of Tobi?

Doesn’t he find Tobi an odd fit for the Akatsuki?

"Tobi's personality is strange, yes, but it's not that bad."

Deidara also found Kimimaro’s comment a bit odd.

At this moment, Kimimaro understood.

Compared to Tobi, Deidara was not that different either.

Shaking his head, Kimimaro chose not to say anything more.

After they left, Tobi mysteriously reappeared on a tall tree.

His mask revealed his right Sharingan eye, staring closely at the two.

In the next moment, Zetsu also appeared beside Tobi.

"This Kimimaro really isn’t simple," Zetsu said slowly.

"What did you discover?"

Obito’s voice rang out.

"The way he infiltrated the Hidden Mist Village was peculiar. He moved around in front of a strong individual like Mei Terumi without revealing any flaws."

"Oh?"

Obito's visible eye narrowed slightly.

"For someone pursuing a cure to survive, to possess such incredible infiltration skills? It is indeed surprising."

Obito felt even more uncertain about Kimimaro.

"Based on our previous investigation, he possesses quite a few strange techniques. It seems he learned a lot of theory during his time with Orochimaru. For him to master it all to this degree—he is a true genius."

"Hmph, a genius? After joining the Akatsuki, he’ll be nothing more than a pawn. Zetsu, keep a close eye on him."

"That might be difficult."

"Difficult? Why?"

"Because his sensory abilities are also very strong. I can monitor him from afar, but once I get closer, he might notice."

Zetsu seemed rather helpless.

"Even you can’t keep track of him?"

"I'm not omnipotent. Against highly perceptive types, it’s indeed troublesome."

"Just how much does this Kimimaro know?" Obito couldn’t help but feel more wary of Kimimaro.

He hadn't initially considered this young man to be such a problem.

"From what we know now, Kimimaro likely harbors no malice toward the Akatsuki. You previously worried he might have connections with Itachi. But it’s almost been a year since he joined, and they haven’t had any interaction.

I think the previous speculation doesn’t hold up. Itachi was just Kimimaro's excuse to join the Akatsuki. Now, we should be more suspicious about what Kimimaro and Orochimaru are trying to do together.

Given Kimimaro's abilities, if Orochimaru wanted to kill him, it would come at a huge cost and might not even succeed.

It’s more likely they’re collaborating. And their goal might be the Akatsuki itself. But Orochimaru is hard to read. Is he interested in the Rinnegan, or is he fixated on Itachi’s Sharingan?

Or has he somehow gotten wind of the Akatsuki’s ultimate objective and sent Kimimaro to infiltrate us? We can’t be sure yet."

"Orochimaru? Hah, what a joke. If he really dares target the Akatsuki, Nagato will deal with him before I even need to lift a finger.

"In terms of power, Orochimaru is no match for Nagato. But as for Nagato actually killing Orochimaru? That might not be possible. The man is more resilient than a cockroach."

Zetsu sighed helplessly.

He had lived for thousands of years but had never encountered a ninja with such tenacious vitality.

A ninja delving into science—this was truly a first for him.

Orochimaru had touched on areas even Zetsu was unfamiliar with.

Obito pondered for a moment before saying, "Before we start the plan officially, let’s avoid alerting them. Let them carry on. They are in the light, and we are in the shadows—we hold the advantage. If, in the end, Orochimaru still has value, I wouldn’t mind collaborating with him."

"Collaborate?"

Zetsu was a bit surprised.

"With both Orochimaru and Kimimaro, they already qualify for collaboration with us. Besides, you investigated before—there are several strong ninjas in the Sound Village. Though not at Kage level, together they could match two or three Kage, right?"

"That’s true. Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Neji are growing at an incredible pace. Members of the Uzumaki Clan, the Hozuki Clan, and the origin of the Curse Mark are also developing rapidly.

In addition to other talents, the Sound Village indeed has potential. By the time we initiate our operations, they will be a terrifying force.

If anyone can rapidly cultivate talent, it’s definitely Orochimaru.

He may use any means necessary, but his methods are undoubtedly effective. Under him, potential is fully realized—Kimimaro is a perfect example.

Moreover, the Curse Mark, aside from Orochimaru’s control, is genuinely a powerful asset."

Zetsu couldn’t help but marvel that Orochimaru had turned being a “civilian player” into an art form.

If Orochimaru had been the reincarnation of Asura or Indra, the whole ninja world would be in serious trouble.

"Keep a close watch on Orochimaru’s actions. Let’s see what he’s really up to," Obito instructed Zetsu.

Zetsu nodded in agreement.

Investigating Orochimaru was indeed a challenging task.

Elsewhere, at the Sound Village...

Orochimaru looked at Sasuke and Neji before him, his golden pupils filled with delight.

"Hey, Orochimaru, we’ve finished today's training. Isn’t there a more challenging regimen?" Sasuke asked, his red Three Tomoe Sharingan glinting with dissatisfaction.

"Is this level of training supposed to look down on us?"

Next to the Sharingan, there was a pair of white eyes with a faint purple glow.

The speaker was Neji.

At this moment, the aura of these two was equally matched.

And on Neji’s neck was also a curse mark.

However, unlike Sasuke’s, Neji’s curse mark was a white three-tomoe design.

This curse mark wasn't placed by Orochimaru—it was from Kimimaro!

To control Neji, Kimimaro naturally left a failsafe.

This Curse Mark was one such measure.

Although Kimimaro hadn’t yet fused the Curse Mark with the Yin Seal, he was still able to place a curse mark on others.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 199: Sasori Emerges*

Of course, Kimimaro placing a curse mark on Neji also had the purpose of protecting him.

By marking him with his own seal, even if Orochimaru desired Neji's body, he wouldn’t make a move.

After all, Orochimaru's obsession with acquiring other people's bodies was a habit he couldn’t shake, at least until he discovered that White Zetsu was the most suitable vessel.

Looking at the two geniuses in front of him, growing at an exaggerated speed, Orochimaru was very excited.

“Sasuke, Neji, there's no need to rush. This is only the first stage of training. You've both performed outstandingly. Now, the training will move into the second phase. You should be prepared for serious injuries at any time.”

“As long as I can gain immense power, nothing else matters.”

Sasuke's face was cold.

“I hope tomorrow's training won’t disappoint me.”

Neji was equally indifferent.

Having expressed their dissatisfaction and received a satisfactory response, the two left together.

Watching their departing backs, Orochimaru licked his lips.

“Sasuke’s progress is impressive, but I didn’t expect that the one Kimimaro chose, Neji, would also have such talent. The gap between them hasn’t widened at all.

“Instead, their rivalry seems to be accelerating their growth.

“Heh, how interesting.”

Orochimaru was indeed intrigued by Neji.

Unfortunately, Neji already belonged to Kimimaro, otherwise, he wouldn’t mind having an extra backup vessel.

Just then, Kabuto Yakushi knocked and entered.

“Orochimaru-sama, there's news from Kimimaro.”

“Hm?”

Kabuto held a small snake as he approached Orochimaru.

The snake opened its mouth and spat out a scroll.

A summoning snake from Ryuchi Cave!

In order to maintain contact with Kimimaro, who was infiltrating the Akatsuki, Orochimaru generously taught him the Ryuchi Cave summoning technique.

Orochimaru opened the scroll. Besides a few words from Kimimaro, it was filled with a series of cryptic characters.

Yet, upon seeing it, Orochimaru’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

“I didn’t expect Kimimaro, even while undercover in the Akatsuki, to have time for research. Heh, quite an interesting idea.”

As Orochimaru spoke, he formed hand seals to release the seal in the scroll. A vial appeared before him.

“Is this… Hashirama cells?”

Kabuto immediately recognized the contents of the vial.

There were also a fair number of these in the Sound Village, and he often used them for research.

“These are indeed Hashirama cells, but there’s something different about them.”

Orochimaru's gaze was fixed on the white substance in the container.

“What’s different about it?” Kabuto asked curiously.

Orochimaru didn’t answer immediately but instead opened the container directly.

The next moment, the white substance seemed to come to life, jumping out and landing on Orochimaru's hand.

A miraculous scene unfolded.

The white substance wrapped around Orochimaru's right index finger, forming a white glove-like covering.

“What’s going on? Have the Hashirama cells come to life?” Kabuto was shocked.

“You could say that. Kimimaro managed to create a symbiotic version of the Hashirama cells. Covering the body with it can enhance one's strength.”

As Orochimaru spoke, he pointed his index finger at the table.

With a gentle push, his finger pierced through the table.

“It can be used like this?” Kabuto was astonished.

“It’s certainly a bold approach, though not yet perfected. Kimimaro gave me the sample because he wants me to help refine it. After all, the equipment I have here can’t compare to what he has in the Akatsuki.

“Those brutes have no understanding of the importance of scientific experimentation. For Kimimaro to achieve this much in such a crude environment, it truly shows his capabilities.”

Orochimaru's eyes were filled with admiration for Kimimaro.

Even while undercover, he never forgot his research—truly a kindred spirit in pursuit.

---

Meanwhile, Kimimaro was watching a "fireworks show."

Of course, this wasn't an ordinary fireworks show—it was Deidara's explosive clay show.

“Hah!”

With each shout from Deidara, a three-tailed patterned clay bomb exploded in the air.

“The explosion range is getting more outrageous.”

Watching the tailed beast clay bombs' expanding radius, Kimimaro couldn’t help but comment.

“What do you think?” Deidara asked excitedly.

“Not that great.”

“Huh? Why?” Deidara was doused with cold water.

“The attack range is sufficient, but the power is diluted. What you’re lacking isn’t a wide-range jutsu, but a focused, lethal one. If you could concentrate the power of the tailed beast clay bomb, now that would be terrifying.”

“Concentrate it on one point?”

Deidara was deep in thought.

He already had large-scale attack techniques.

C3 Number 18 had a wide range.

If that wasn't enough, there was always C0 Self-Destruction, which had an even greater blast radius.

If C5 only pursued a wide range, it would be redundant.

Deidara didn’t want his art to be redundant.

“You’re right! I should concentrate the power of the tailed beast clay bomb. You truly understand the art of explosions.”

Deidara was ecstatic.

“It’d be even better if you added a tracking function,” Kimimaro added.

“Yes, yes!” Deidara became even more excited.

He was ready to start a new round of research.

But at that moment, a ninja hawk landed on his shoulder.

“This is Sasori-senpai's hawk; has he completed his retreat?”

Deidara removed the message from the hawk's leg, confirming his guess.

“Sasori-senpai really is back. Kimimaro, let's go see what new art he's created.”

Deidara rubbed his hands together in excitement.

Seeing him like this, Kimimaro figured he was more interested in showing his new art to Sasori.

An hour later, they arrived at a secluded cave.

“Sasori-senpai, I'm here.”

Deidara shouted loudly.

As soon as he spoke, the cave door opened.

A handsome red-haired young man stepped out.

It was none other than Sasori's true form.

“Hm? What's he doing here?” Sasori frowned, showing some displeasure upon seeing Kimimaro.

“Sasori-senpai, while you were away, the leader assigned Kimimaro to team up with me for missions.”

“You teamed up with him? What about me?” Sasori's eyes flashed coldly.

“Well... we'd need to ask the leader about the arrangements. Maybe we'll be a three-person team?”

Deidara was torn.

On one hand, he had his respected art mentor; on the other, his artistic brother.

He genuinely didn’t know whom to choose.

Ideally, they could all team up so he wouldn’t have to pick.

He wanted both.

“Ask the leader? No need. I just have to kill him, and there won’t be an extra person. A guy from Orochimaru's Sound Village? He can't be anything good.”

The Third Kazekage puppet appeared.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 200: Azure Dragon Break!

“Hey, hey, Sasori bro, calm down,” Deidara quickly tried to dissuade Sasori after noticing his genuine fury.

However, at this point, Sasori’s rage wasn’t something Deidara could easily quell.

Sasori had always loathed Orochimaru, so he had a very poor impression of Kimimaro, who came from the Sound Village. It was one thing when they hadn't met, but now Kimimaro had actively come knocking and even wanted to take Sasori’s spot.

How could Sasori tolerate that?

Thus, in almost an instant, Sasori developed a killing intent toward Kimimaro.

The fact that he summoned the Third Kazekage puppet right away showed just how furious he was.

Yet, Kimimaro showed no fear—if anything, his interest grew.

Sasori was the last of the “immortals” within the Akatsuki that interested Kimimaro.

Sasori turned his body into a puppet, allowing him to keep an unaging appearance.

He also converted his life force into a core that could regenerate, thereby achieving an immortal state.

Immortality and eternal youth—Sasori had already achieved these.

However, Kimimaro found that method unacceptable.

What was the joy in being alive if you turned into a puppet devoid of any sensations?

Of course, just because Kimimaro wouldn’t accept it didn’t mean it wasn’t a useful reference.

The regeneration core, for instance, was an excellent reference point.

Actual combat was the fastest way to understand Sasori’s techniques.

So he didn’t mind fighting Sasori, if only to see the effectiveness of that regeneration core.

The Third Kazekage puppet had already spewed out iron sand.

The black iron sand looked exceptionally cold, likely mixed with the blood of countless people.

“Oh no, Sasori bro’s serious now. Kimimaro, maybe you should back off for a bit?” Deidara worried for Kimimaro’s safety.

He had sparred briefly with Kimimaro before and knew he wasn’t weak.

But this was Sasori they were dealing with—a formidable opponent even Deidara admired. If they really fought, Deidara didn’t think Kimimaro would stand much of a chance.

Sasori wasn’t the kind to hold back. For all Deidara knew, Sasori might even want to turn Kimimaro into a puppet.

“No need to run. I also want to see the techniques of the legendary Puppet Master,” Kimimaro said calmly.

There was no way Kimimaro would flee without a fight.

Not only was he interested in Sasori, but he also didn’t believe Sasori could prevent his escape.

Deidara sighed in exasperation as both men faced off against each other.

“Both sides are like family to me, and neither will listen to reason. What am I supposed to do now?” Deidara was conflicted.

It was at this moment that Sasori made his move.

His ten fingers moved in unison.

The Third Kazekage puppet charged at Kimimaro like it had come alive.

Its speed was so fast that it left only afterimages.

“Sasori bro!” Deidara tried to dissuade Sasori again, but Kimimaro pushed him away with a palm strike.

The strike was strong, yet gentle.

Though Deidara was pushed back tens of meters, he wasn’t injured, only left bewildered.

“This Kimimaro…” Deidara felt even more helpless.

He knew now that he alone couldn’t prevent this battle.

Besides, his own jutsu wasn’t suitable for stopping a fight.

In the blink of an eye, the Third Kazekage reached Kimimaro.

Iron sand followed closely, forming a black armor.

As the distance closed, the puppet opened its mouth, shooting out dozens of iron sand senbon!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

From just a few meters away, the iron sand senbon reached Kimimaro almost instantly.

At that moment, a bone sword emerged from Kimimaro’s right hand.

Rotating Shield!

With inhuman speed, Kimimaro drew a circular arc with his sword.

The shield of light not only blocked all the iron sand senbon but also sent them back.

The senbon aimed at the Third Kazekage puppet, but the iron sand armor blocked them.

Besides a few sparks, there was no other damage.

Kimimaro was unsurprised by this.

This move wasn’t meant to break the Third Kazekage’s defense.

However, being this close was a good opportunity to attack.

As he swung his right hand with the bone sword, his left index finger pointed out.

“Hado #4, Byakurai!”

A white lightning bolt shot from his fingertip.

Zzzt!

Lightning flashed, striking the Third Kazekage’s head.

From less than half a meter away, the iron sand was directly pierced, but that was the extent of it—the attack couldn’t go any further.

The iron sand armor was broken, revealing the puppet’s expressionless face.

Having been made into a puppet, it naturally had no extra emotions.

The lightning strike breaking through his iron sand defense surprised Sasori.

He hadn’t expected Kimimaro’s attack to be so swift and effective.

While defending, Kimimaro also counterattacked.

Sasori pulled back with both hands, making the Third Kazekage retreat at an even faster speed, escaping Kimimaro’s attack range.

“I underestimated this guy. Although just Orochimaru's disciple, his strength is no less than Orochimaru's,” Sasori thought to himself, beginning to take Kimimaro more seriously.

Meanwhile, iron sand was amassing in the sky.

“That defense just now was pretty fast. Let’s see how you defend against this! Iron Sand Drizzle!”

The iron sand descended like a torrential downpour.

Its speed far surpassed that of hailstones, with many times the destructive power.

“Bakudo #39, Enkosen!”

A round defensive shield appeared above Kimimaro.

No matter how the iron sand struck, it couldn’t shatter the shield.

“This guy… he’s like a turtle!” Sasori frowned. He hadn’t expected to defeat Kimimaro with that move, but the ease with which Kimimaro defended was surprising.

And those unfamiliar techniques—had Kimimaro developed his own jutsu?

“I refuse to believe you can block everything. If Iron Sand Drizzle isn’t enough, then let’s use something stronger!”

After having his attacks blocked multiple times, Sasori grew angrier.

With Sasori’s control, the iron sand quickly formed into a large triangular spike.

“Go!”

The iron sand spike fell from above, aiming to shatter Kimimaro’s defense in one strike.

Kimimaro narrowed his eyes slightly.

Against an attack of that magnitude, Enkosen wouldn’t be enough.

In that case, there was no need to defend.

Sometimes the best defense was a strong offense.

Kimimaro gripped his bone sword tightly, holding it horizontally before him.

Then, he spoke slowly, his voice calm.