Chapter 112: Suppression
Despite being the head of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi Hyuga was far from being just a strategist. As someone who had survived several shinobi wars, even a clan as bound by tradition as the Hyuga would never let someone weak take the position of clan head. Why had Hiashi once considered letting the younger Hanabi replace Hinata? Because Hinata's timid disposition and lack of strength even at an early age had been a significant concern.
Taking on Sasori alone was the product of Hiashi's battle-hardened instincts—but even he had underestimated Sasori's strength and tenacity.
"The real problem is the poison…"
Poison was a terrifying weapon. Poison specialists often had unique formulas that were nearly impossible to counter unless a sample was acquired. Even someone like Tsunade couldn't necessarily create a cure in time.
A so-called "universal antidote" didn't really exist. The best antidotes were just broad-spectrum at most. Mizuki's all-purpose serum accelerated cell division and metabolic rate, which meant most organic poisons would break down quickly or be expelled from the body rapidly. But as the original anime had shown when Sakura treated Kankurō, the poison created by Sasori required a very specific antidote.
This was why Hiashi was having so much trouble. Without an antidote, he couldn't risk fighting aggressively. Sasori's puppet armor, Hiruko, was strong on both offense and defense—and more importantly, it removed Sasori's inherent puppeteer weakness of having a vulnerable human body. That's why Sasori used Hiruko as his standard mount, armor, and weapon.
Hiashi fended off another barrage of needles and hidden weapons using Rotation, but the repeated use of such a high-cost technique drained his chakra heavily.
"Without cracking that shell, I can't touch him…"
Hiashi might have believed Gentle Fist was the greatest taijutsu style, but even he had to admit—sometimes raw power or an S-rank ninjutsu would be more efficient.
This wasn't even Sasori's full strength. He hadn't brought out his human puppets, Third Kazekage's Iron Sand, or the terrifying Hundred Puppet Army. Those abilities, paired with his regenerative core, would devastate this makeshift team. Without someone like the post-time skip Sakura—trained by Tsunade, capable of powerful strikes and healing, and working alongside Chiyo—they couldn't realistically defeat Sasori. Their goal should only be to repel him.
Hiashi gritted his teeth and prayed for backup from Mizuki's side.
Then, a scream rang out from the other end of the battlefield.
"That wasn't one of ours… Did they succeed? That fast?"
Hope bloomed in Hiashi's heart. With renewed confidence, he steadied his stance.
Back on the other front, Mizuki—having been cushioned by Gaara's sand—was quickly protected by Hyuga Ke, who cleared away lingering explosive clay.
"How are you feeling?" Hyuga Ke asked.
"I'll live. Just give me a minute to recover."
Mizuki's injuries from the earlier clash weren't superficial. The blast had rattled his internal organs severely. If left untreated, it could lead to lasting damage, like Moonlight Hayate's condition.
"Time to press the advantage," Mizuki said. "Go support the others."
As Hyuga Ke ran off, Gaara and Temari flanked Mizuki, keeping watch.
"Is every Konoha chunin this insane?" Temari asked, half-impressed, half-incredulous. "With that kind of power, if all Konoha ninja were like you, Suna wouldn't have dared to rebel."
Mizuki shook his head. "Not all, but you're right about one thing—Suna never had a chance."
"If it weren't for Orochimaru…"
Gaara interrupted. "Even so, we still had no chance."
Suna's small size and weak overall force had already put them at a disadvantage. Orochimaru's betrayal had just sealed their fate.
Now wasn't the time for small talk.
"Kurenai is likely still hiding," Mizuki continued. "Temari, support Hyuga Ke. If another large explosion comes, he might not be able to handle it."
Mizuki turned to Gaara. "That puppet master is the real problem. You're the only one who can support Hiashi."
"Shouldn't we take care of Deidara first?" Gaara asked.
"You're underestimating him. If Deidara goes all out and self-destructs, we all die."
Mizuki's warning was grave. Their job wasn't to kill Deidara or Sasori—just to repel them.
"Fine," Gaara agreed. "But we can't leave this area undefended."
"I'll handle it," Mizuki promised. "But be smart—use their focus on you to your advantage."
Despite his quiet demeanor, Gaara understood what Mizuki was saying. He nodded.
From the distance, Mizuki watched Hiashi's desperate fight. The fact that they needed Gaara's help just to hold off Sasori's first puppet form was a testament to the difficulty of the situation.
"Sand really is useful… Maybe I should try using water…?"
But Mizuki didn't have time to entertain such ideas. While healing himself, he saw Kurenai finally make her move.
Deidara, wounded from the earlier brawl, was ambushed by several kunai. He dodged most, but a few nicked him—he was clearly worn down.
"Can't let them control the pace anymore."
Deidara performed a hand sign.
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Submersion!"
He dove underground. After some time, he surfaced—only to be immediately caught by Hyuga Ke, who had been tracking him with his Byakugan.
"You thought you could escape underground from the Byakugan? Fool."
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