Chapter 10: Hozuki Mangetsu’s Request for Aid

When Yoru stepped out after undoing operation that night, a bandage was wrapped around his right eye.

This situation made everyone present a bit tense, especially Yayoi and Yukiko, who nearly rushed forward to inspect Yoru’s condition. However, due to his imposing demeanor, they could only pull Yumi aside and ask quietly.

“What's wrong with Lord Yoru’s eye?”

“Yumi, did you even treat Lord Yoru? Why is his eye still wrapped in a bandage?!”

As Yoru’s teammates, they were well aware of Yumi’s abilities.

At only thirteen years old, this girl had mastered exceptional medical ninjutsu. Her sealing techniques and chakra control were so advanced that even within the entire Hidden Mist Village, few could rival her.

The most critical aspect was that Yumi had an extraordinarily unique constitution.

No matter how severe the injury, as long as it wasn’t instant death, a single bite from her would fully heal any wounds.

However…

This ability was reserved solely for Yoru. Even if others were gravely injured, Yumi wouldn’t offer them the same treatment.

Don’t ask why. The answer is simple: she has a cleanliness obsession.

“Well…”

When her teammates pressed for answers, Yumi hesitated, unsure of how to explain. After all, the matter of implanting a Sharingan wasn’t something Yoru intended to reveal, so Yumi didn’t feel it was her place to respond.

“No need to worry.”

Yoru waved his hand. “Just a small experiment. There’s nothing wrong with my eye.”

Upon hearing this, everyone finally relaxed. Still, Yayoi and Yukiko’s gazes lingered on the bandage wrapped around Yoru’s eye.

Especially Yukiko.

Such a bandage couldn’t hinder her at all.

Her crimson eyes could easily see through the bandage, observing the changes in Yoru’s eye.

Though surprised to see that Yoru had replaced his eye with a Sharingan, Yukiko chose not to comment, respecting Yoru’s silence on the matter.

The others also knew better than to ask further questions.

Suddenly, with a “boom,” a special firework exploded in the distant sky.

“A distress signal?”

Yayoi was startled. “Is that from Mangetsu?”

“It’s our squad’s special distress signal, no doubt,” Yoru said, frowning slightly as he looked toward Yukiko.

Yukiko understood immediately. She activated her red eyes and scanned the direction where the signal flare had burst.

The location of the flare wasn’t far from them, well within the range of her visual perception.

But with just one glance, Yukiko’s face was filled with shock.

“Such... such terrifying chakra!”

“The intensity of this chakra... it’s like a monster…”

A look of fear appeared on Yukiko’s face. “Even the Seven Swordsmen can’t compare. This chakra’s strength rivals that of the Mizukage!”

“What?!”

Fine beads of cold sweat formed on Yukiko’s forehead. The sheer power of the person fighting Mangetsu was beyond her expectations.

Mangetsu won’t be able to hold out against such an opponent!

“It seems he’s encountered a formidable enemy.”

Yoru murmured, then spoke decisively. “Yayoi, Yukiko, Yumi, the plan has changed. You three, take your teams and head to Tsumamura Town to rendezvous with Lord Yagura.”

“But Lord Yoru—”

“Whoosh!”

Before Yayoi could finish, Yoru’s figure had already vanished, disappearing with a Shunpo technique.

Seeing this, Yayoi and the others exchanged glances.

“Damn it, Lord Yoru must have gone to save that idiot Mangetsu!” Yayoi grumbled, her face full of frustration. “He couldn’t even deliver intelligence properly. Useless!”

But in reality, Yayoi knew this wasn’t Mangetsu’s fault.

Facing an opponent as powerful as the Mizukage, escape was impossible. The only outcome was death in battle.

The people of the Bloody Mist Village weren’t afraid of death, but Mangetsu was carrying the intelligence that Yoru had just intercepted—the “detailed deployment of Konoha’s frontline forces.”

This information could affect the outcome of the upcoming war, and he had to get it back. That’s why he had fired the distress signal.

Still, Yayoi didn’t care about all these complicated reasons. What she cared about now was that Lord Yoru was facing a monster as strong as the Mizukage. If things went south, it would be Lord Yoru in danger!

“We should go help… no, wait.”

Yayoi took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

Against such a monster, their assistance would be meaningless. Yukiko was a reconnaissance and support-type ninja. Yumi, although proficient in sealing techniques, was primarily a medical ninja. Yayoi was the only one with combat prowess.

But even if she went, how much help could she provide to Yoru or Mangetsu?

She would only be a burden!

With cold, rational thoughts racing through her mind, Yayoi quickly made up her mind.

“Tsumamura Town isn’t far from here. If we hurry, we can get there in about ten minutes! Let’s go to Tsumamura Town and rendezvous with Lord Yagura first. He can provide support to Lord Yoru!”

“Got it!”

Yukiko and Yumi exchanged a serious look, nodded in agreement, and within moments, they all used Shunshin techniques and disappeared.

…

Meanwhile, on the other end…

Following Yoru’s orders, Mangetsu, who was preparing to deliver the intelligence on Konoha’s frontline deployment to Yagura, found himself facing an immense crisis.

While heading toward Tsumamura Town, he suddenly heard rustling noises from the bushes behind him.

In the next moment, a swarm of insects surged out of the bushes like a whirlwind, rushing toward Mangetsu!

“Secret Technique: Insect Tornado!”

The sound of the insects’ wings gave Mangetsu just enough time to react.

In the instant the swarm attacked, Mangetsu’s body turned into water, allowing him to avoid the oncoming swarm.

But before he could reform his body, a cold voice came from the bushes, and an even larger swarm of insects emerged like a flood, swarming toward Mangetsu.

“Secret Technique: Parasitic Destruction Insects!”

“So, it’s the Aburame clan.”

A look of seriousness appeared in Mangetsu’s eyes.

The Hozuki clan’s Hydrification Technique was incredibly powerful, allowing the user’s body to turn into liquid, making them nearly immune to physical attacks.

Its weakness was lightning-based techniques, which could paralyze the body and prevent full liquefaction. But facing certain secret techniques could also be troublesome.

And clearly, this Aburame clan member was one of Mangetsu’s worst enemies.

The Aburame clan’s parasitic destruction insects could devour the target’s chakra entirely.

These insects, which fed on chakra, were a natural counter to the Hydrification Technique. After all, without chakra, the technique would fail.

However, Mangetsu wasn’t the type to just stand there and take a hit.

As the swarm of parasitic insects surged toward him, Mangetsu clenched his fist. His arm suddenly swelled, and he leaped into the air, his fist clenched tight before he unleashed a powerful punch!

“Great Water Arm: Water Cannon Fist!”

In an instant.

A torrent of water shot from Mangetsu’s fist, blasting out like a cannonball and crashing into the swarm.

The insects, unable to dodge, were shattered by the powerful water fist.

But in the next moment, Mangetsu suddenly found himself immobilized by an unknown force.

At some point, a shadow had extended from beneath his feet, stretching back into the bushes.

And with the connection of this shadow, several figures slowly emerged from the bushes.

Along with a low voice.

“Shadow Imitation Technique.”

“Success!”

(End of Chapter)

---