The most embarrassing aspect of this jutsu is that future generations of internet users mockingly referred to it as the "Wood Release: Three-Bedroom Apartment Technique."
Kakuzu had no intention of recreating such a meme-worthy moment, so he modified the technique slightly. The final result—
"AAAAAAAHHHH!!"
"You bastard! How do you know Wood Release?!"
It wasn't just that wooden spikes were piercing his flesh—the real issue was that his chakra was being drained at an alarming rate. A flood of unpleasant memories surged into the Eight-Tails' mind as he recalled a certain man from the past. The dual torment of physical pain and mental anguish left him momentarily dazed.
When he regained his focus—
"You…!"
Kakuzu was already standing on top of the Eight-Tails' massive head.
"Your good friend the Five-Tails asked me to say hello."
His right hand had transformed into a gleaming silver Steel Release arm, and a sharp horn had formed on his hand—an exact replica of the Five-Tails' horn.
"Symmetry is a fundamental aspect of beauty in this world. Eight-Tails, your lopsided look is just too hideous. Allow me to fix it."
Kakuzu's eyes locked onto the two horns on the Eight-Tails' head—one was broken, while the other remained intact. The imbalance was truly unsightly.
With a powerful shout, Kakuzu swung his Steel Release-enhanced fist—imbued with the genetic traits of the Five-Tails—directly at the Eight-Tails' remaining horn.
Just as the Five-Tails' power was about to clash with the Eight-Tails'—
Whoosh!
Kakuzu's punch struck nothing but air. Looking down, he saw the Eight-Tails' massive body twisting and rapidly retreating into Killer B's form.
"You bastard, I'll remember this! My horn isn't a renewable resource! If you think you can take my power, keep dreaming!"
In the blink of an eye, the Eight-Tails completely merged back into Killer B. A moment later, dark red chakra flickered around him before vanishing completely.
Kakuzu leaped lightly through the air and landed in front of Killer B. He nudged B's body with his foot.
"You're not dead, are you?"
...
A few days later, in a small inn in the Land of Hot Water.
Sunlight streamed into the room as Kakuzu slowly opened his eyes. He stretched his neck from side to side, got out of bed, and began his morning routine. Once he was ready, he slid open the door and stepped outside.
The courtyard was spacious and empty—except for one tall figure in the center. The man was rapping strange lyrics while making odd hand gestures.
"B, feeling better?"
Hearing Kakuzu's voice, Killer B turned around.
"Oh! It's Kakuzu-sama!" B quickly jogged over.
"You've got plenty of injuries yourself. You're not holding a grudge against me, are you?" Kakuzu asked with a smirk.
"Don't say that! It's normal for a ninja to get injured in battle. Besides, my brother rented out the whole inn so I could recover properly. I'll be fine in a few days."
"That's good. By the way, where's your brother, A? I haven't seen him around."
"Heh, our father found out about what happened here, and he was furious. He ordered my brother to handle the situation personally and make sure there's no diplomatic incident between Kumogakure and the Land of Hot Water."
Kakuzu nodded in understanding. Causing damage meant paying compensation. As a major village, Kumogakure had the sense to take responsibility for its actions. As for Kakuzu's involvement—well, it didn't really matter. With Kumogakure taking the lead, he was content to let them deal with the fallout.
As Kakuzu and Killer B chatted, the atmosphere was lighthearted. But then, Killer B's expression grew noticeably serious.
"What's wrong?" Kakuzu asked.
B lowered his head, as if hesitating. After a few seconds, he looked up again, the lenses of his sunglasses unable to hide the determination in his eyes. For once, he wasn't speaking in rhymes. Instead, he spoke in a solemn tone.
"I have a request. You're incredibly powerful. Even my father has never truly subdued the Eight-Tails in direct combat, but you managed to do it. Would you be willing to take me as your student?"
Kakuzu's expression turned strange at the request.
"This…"
It wasn't entirely unexpected. People tend to think of Kumogakure as a village full of muscle-headed brawlers, but they weren't just mindless brutes. Their warrior culture emphasized respect for strength, and Killer B had undoubtedly been shocked by the sight of Kakuzu besting the Eight-Tails. Moreover, Kakuzu's status as a leader of Ryūgakure gave him a unique position—forming a connection with the A-B brothers could be advantageous for Kumogakure.
Kakuzu studied Killer B for a moment and quickly made up his mind.
"I've never considered taking on a student before. But, Killer B, I have to admit—you have talent. I'll teach you a technique."
B's face lit up with excitement. "Kakuzu-senpai! Will this technique help me defeat the Eight-Tails?!"
"No. But it'll help you beat your brother."
"Oh yeah!"
B clenched his fists in excitement. Having endured his brother's iron-fisted training for years, the thought of finally getting one over on Ay was thrilling.
"Kakuzu-senpai, when can we start?"
"No rush."
Kakuzu's lips curled into a knowing smirk. He lifted a finger and pointed at Killer B—
"The reason I say you have exceptional talent is because your rap skills are truly surprising. Now, give me another verse."
Killer B didn't quite understand what Kakuzu meant, but he still followed his instructions. Another round of rap burst forth—though to anyone listening, it might have sounded more like incomprehensible gibberish.
Kakuzu chuckled. He had no clue what Killer B was saying, but that didn't stop him from offering some guidance.
"Killer B, listen up. There's a taijutsu style that can be incorporated into your rap, making you unbelievably powerful. I'll teach it to you now."
"Turn your back to me, then shrug your left shoulder…"
"No, that's not right. You need to bend your knees slightly, keep your hands in front of you, then shrug your left shoulder."
"…Yes, just like that. Now, when you finish, jump into the air and spin around."
By the time Killer B completed the entire routine, he was visibly exhausted. He wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Kakuzu-senpai, I've never seen this taijutsu before. What's it called?"
Kakuzu stroked his chin, gazing up at the sky in thought.
"…Acrobat."
"Huh? Acrobat?" Killer B quickly pulled out a notepad and jotted down the name. But he couldn't help voicing his doubts.
"Is this Acrobat really that powerful?"
Kakuzu merely smiled.
"B, remember this: 'A hundred refinements forge steel.' A man who knows ten thousand martial arts isn't as terrifying as the one who has mastered a single technique ten thousand times. As long as you practice this routine every day, over and over, one day, it will unleash power as unstoppable as a tidal wave."
Killer B nodded solemnly, taking Kakuzu's words to heart. He adjusted the black-framed sunglasses resting on his nose.
"Kakuzu-senpai, I understand now! I'll integrate this taijutsu into my rap. I'll make it my signature style—never stopping, never backing down!"
Seeing this, Kakuzu nodded in satisfaction.
Not bad. One day, Killer B would become a true master.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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