Kai Uchiha's words dripped with arrogance, but he knew exactly what he was doing—they were less about ego and more a tactic to boost his allies' morale and intimidate the enemy.
The Iwa-nin who had fallen to Kai's hand wasn't weak. Far from it. But even elite shinobi fear ambushes—especially from someone bearing the Uchiha name.
Even Madara Uchiha, as powerful as he was, had a tragic past full of loss and betrayal. And the guy standing before Kai? He didn't even recognize the name Uchiha Kai—that ignorance might just get him killed.
Kai was exceptionally skilled in telekinetic techniques, his control of chakra sharp and efficient. Kakashi's appearance had also disrupted the enemy's focus, and with several Konoha shinobi suddenly entering the fray, the enemy's confidence shattered, giving Kai the perfect opening.
But now, with the enemy regrouped and prepared, the fight wouldn't be as easy.
Still, Kai didn't panic. After all, he had two trump cards—his Mangekyō Sharingan and the ability to summon Namikaze Minato.
Though there was always a risk summoning Minato wouldn't work in a critical moment, Kai believed the Yellow Flash would come if truly needed.
And as for what counted as "critical"? That was up to Kai's judgment.
"As long as I use my power wisely… there's no way I can't handle you,"
Kai thought, narrowing his eyes as the Iwa-nin began to charge.
He didn't flinch. Calm and precise, Kai pulled several kunai from his pouch and hurled them toward the oncoming enemy. The Iwa-nin charged directly at him—too directly. All the projectiles struck, but something wasn't right. Kai instinctively leapt back.
Sure enough, the enemy dissolved into mud—a Doton: Earth Clone. He'd seen this trick before.
The moment his feet touched the ground again, they sank. A swamp had appeared beneath him.
> Doton: Yomi Numa.
Kai recognized the jutsu instantly. It wasn't his first time encountering it. But this time, something was different. The chakra signature was stronger. Before he could fully regain balance, a massive dragon of earth rose from the swamp.
Kai frowned—but didn't panic. Chakra surged to his Sharingan, and he immediately read the flow of the technique.
With a twist of his body mid-air, Kai dodged the dragon's head, then stepped off its spine, launching himself out of the swamp with perfect control.
He landed gracefully, like a dragon bursting from water. The earthen beast, once a threat, was now just a dramatic backdrop to his maneuver.
While Kai looked unbothered, his comrades—Hyuga Aya and the others—weren't so lucky. Covered in mud and scrambling for cover, they cast him envious glances while trying to survive their own battles.
The Iwa-nin who cast the swamp technique scowled. His jutsu had done nothing to this Uchiha. And of course—how could he forget?
Facing a Sharingan user meant genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu could all be read and countered.
Even if the Uchiha was just a Chūnin, no one took them lightly—unless they had incredible speed, resistance to illusion, or a jutsu capable of overpowering the Sharingan's analysis.
This Iwa-nin didn't believe he had the speed to match Kai. And his earth techniques weren't enough—unless he went all-out.
A flicker of concern crossed his face, but also… curiosity.
> "Who are you?" he asked, voice low. "Why haven't I heard of someone like you? Just entered the battlefield?"
Kai gave a small smirk.
> "No. I've been here for a while."
He was stalling to regain some chakra. Why not chat a little?
"Who are you?"
The Iwa-nin looked stunned.
> "You don't know me?" he said with a chuckle. "Then let me introduce myself. No point dying without knowing who killed you."
His expression turned deadly. Through his Sharingan, Kai could see it—an enormous chakra signature, suffocating in intensity.
> Who the hell is this guy? Kai thought, startled. That chakra… don't tell me—he's from the Tsuchikage's bloodline?
The thought clicked.
Though the man before him didn't resemble the old, hunched Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, there was a resemblance… enough to stir memory.
The Iwa-nin clenched his fists.
> "My name… is Kurotsuchi no Ni"—
He stopped himself.
Then exploded into motion, launching a powerful punch.
> "I'm Akatsuchi's son. Name's Kitsuchi!"
Kai's eyes widened.
> "Damn it!" he cursed, dodging just in time.
The blow cratered the earth, sending shockwaves through the field. If Kai had reacted a second later, he might've been vaporized.
But Kitsuchi wasn't done. He came at Kai again, relentless, each punch earth-shattering—literally.
Kai couldn't keep trading hits like this. Kitsuchi's style ignored chakra conservation, aiming for overwhelming force. Kai's own chakra reserves were draining fast.
And with his shadow clones starting to disappear across the battlefield, it meant the enemy was closing in.
> Once they confirm this location through spirit communication, Kai thought grimly, they'll know this is the real front.
Even summoning Minato might not help by then.
Kai's hand subtly brushed the hilt of a special kunai.
And then—
A sound. Sharp and electric, like a thousand birds screaming at once.
> Chidori?!
It came from behind.