The Flying Thunder God Technique activated, and Tsunade's squad appeared directly on the tree trunk where Kazuyama had been standing.
"Is this the Flying Thunder God Technique? It really is amazing."
After landing, Hizashi let out a sigh before immediately activating his Byakugan.
"Ninjas from Kumo are advancing around us one after another."
"It seems they've sent quite a large force."
"And right in front of us… whoa, that's an insane amount of chakra. Is this Kumo's A–B Combo, Kazuyama?"
The squad had been assembled specifically to take on the A–B Combo in a direct confrontation. Naturally, this was Kazuyama's idea. After all, aside from the A–B Combo, Kumo primarily relied on ninja with water and lightning affinities.
But whether it was the Inuzuka Clan's secret techniques or the Hyūga Clan's Gentle Fist, they didn't rely on elemental matchups—they simply attacked head-on.
"Lady Tsunade, should we take out the Kumo ninja around us first?"
Kazuyama flashed a sly smile. He was itching to use the One Thousand Years of Death technique—why else would he be the one to make the first move?
"Huh? You want to?"
"Heh heh heh... While we're on the offensive, our main goal is to buy time for the base. In that case, why not lead them on a merry chase?"
His laughter sent a chill down his teammates' spines.
Tsunade and the others suddenly realized—they didn't know Kazuyama as well as they thought.
Since when did this kid turn into such a weirdo?
Kazuyama: Damn it, what nonsense! This is just good strategy!
"That's a good idea. Let's get started."
"Hizashi, lead the way!"
Hizashi nodded before dashing forward, with Tsunade and the others following closely behind.
"Directly ahead—five enemies."
"I'll take two. You each take one. Any objections?"
Hearing Hizashi's report, Tsunade issued her orders. Kazuyama Gekkō and the others nodded in agreement.
Then, they charged at the Kumo squad.
Tsume Inuzuka was the first to strike.
"Ninja Art of Beast Mimicry! Four Legs Technique!"
"Kuromaru, let's go!"
The Four Legs Technique was an Inuzuka Clan secret technique that gathered chakra into the limbs, enhancing grip strength and attack power while transforming the user into a beast-like fighter.
In an instant, Tsume Inuzuka and Kuromaru lunged forward.
With their keen sense of smell, the duo locked onto a Kumo ninja and attacked.
"Damn it! Enemy attack!"
"Counterattack!"
Anyone capable of fighting had some level of strength.
Although Tsume charged in at high speed, her approach still alerted the enemy.
As soon as the Kumo ninja finished speaking, the woman and dog knocked him aside. The remaining enemies quickly drew their weapons and entered combat stance.
Seeing this, Hizashi wasn't about to be left behind. He sped up and charged at another enemy.
"Eight Trigrams, Vacuum Palm!"
With his Byakugan locked on, he unleashed a compressed blast of chakra, sending one of the ninjas flying. He then swiftly closed in, preparing for close combat.
"Damn, they're really going all out."
"Lady Tsunade, why don't you take a break and just let them handle it?"
Tsunade hadn't expected the two to be so eager for battle. As she hesitated, Kazuyama smirked.
"Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
Dozens of long snakes shot out from his right hand, lunging at the three Kumo ninja ahead. The serpents coiled tightly around their targets, blood-red mouths opening wide to bite.
Ever since Kazuyama realized the power of venomous snakes, his attacks had always carried poison.
The bitten ninjas immediately felt the venom coursing through their veins, leaving them paralyzed and unable to even scream.
"It's not over yet!"
"One Thousand Years of Death Rasengan!"
Kazuyama struck with the speed and ferocity of a cheetah. His combined attacks drew three agonized screams.
"Ahhh!!!"
Thud!
The cries of pain were cut short by the sound of bodies collapsing to the ground.
It had all happened in an instant—so fast that even Tsume and Hizashi hadn't finished off their opponents yet.
"This is impossible!"
The Kumo ninja engaged with Tsume gasped in shock at the sight.
Tsume's eyes narrowed in irritation.
"Losing focus in battle?"
"Die!"
Man and dog attacked in perfect sync, their claws tearing deep into the Kumo ninja, sending blood gushing out.
Kazuyama, having already eliminated his enemies, activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and instantly appeared beside Tsunade—just in time to block her view of Tsume's brutal attack.
"Lady Tsunade, that side's a bit gruesome. You'd better not look."
Tsunade hesitated for a moment before understanding Kazuyama's intent, silently appreciating the gesture.
Battlefields were always soaked in blood. Though she had grown braver, seeing it too suddenly could still shake her ability to fight.
"Eight Trigrams! Vacuum Palm!"
Boom!
Hizashi's roar echoed through the battlefield, followed by a heavy explosion. His opponent had clearly succumbed to the power of the Gentle Fist and had given up.
"Hmph, Kazuyama, where are the two enemies you promised me? You got the better of me in one go, didn't you?"
"And that last technique—did you learn it from Sakumo Hatake? Why would you even bother with that?"
Tsunade had seen Kazuyama's One Thousand Years of Death technique clearly, and it left her feeling exasperated.
"This technique is great! It hits the opponent hard—a double blow to the body and soul!"
Kazuyama laughed, looking completely shameless.
"Lady Tsunade, someone's approaching from our side, and there are quite a few of them."
"I think the earlier screams attracted them."
Hizashi, using his Byakugan, surveyed the area.
Tsume nodded in agreement. Her keen sense of smell also confirmed the presence of numerous enemies.
"Avoid them. Head for the Land of Hot Water!"
Tsunade made a decisive call, and the four immediately set off.
With their superior sensory abilities, they skillfully bypassed squad after squad, making their way toward the Land of Hot Water.
Before long, the Kumo squad they had just eliminated was discovered.
Firework signals shot into the sky above the forest, alerting the enemy.
Upon seeing the signal, A's body radiated a fierce killing intent.
"Damn you, Konoha rats!"
"Follow the fireworks! Omoi, use your sensing ninjutsu. The moment you detect them, tell me immediately."
A slightly plump ninja from the A–B Combo team nodded and began casting his sensory jutsu.
Meanwhile, Tsunade's team had just taken down another five-man squad.
Kazuyama struck first with snakes before finishing them off with a One Thousand Years of Death Rasengan, sending fresh screams echoing through the forest.
But this time, their attack didn't go unnoticed. The sensor ninja from the A–B Combo picked up on their presence.
Hizashi's Byakugan confirmed it—he could now see their A–B Combo team pursuers.
"Lord A, 500 meters to the northeast!"
"Lady Tsunade, 500 meters to the southwest!"
The two teams were finally about to clash.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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