With Natsuki's help, research into the Magnet Release heart-core advanced smoothly.
Tenten could already picture the future—herself and Natsuki unleashing Magnet Release together. Surely, the whole shinobi world would be green with envy.
And it wasn't just the Magnet Release heart-core. Tenten also planned to copy Sasori's compression devices—storing Fire and Water under pressure, then releasing them as high-pressure flamethrowers and water cannons. Their force wouldn't lose to normal Katon (Fire Style) or Suiton (Water Style) jutsu, perfectly covering her weak point in ninjutsu.
One could only say: Sasori truly was a genius.
From now on, if she ever wanted to invent new ninja tools, she could probably just reference (or copy) Sasori's designs.
One day, she would absolutely become a legendary ninja tool master!
After a full day of research, Tenten was very satisfied. Naturally, she didn't forget to satisfy a certain boyfriend with expectant puppy-dog eyes… though from now on, they might need to buy more umbrellas.
Less than a day later, Tsunade had already prepared five coffins and a stack of powerful sealing talismans.
Five coffins would be enough for now; more could always be arranged later.
The Special Operations Unit—Sasuke and Neji—had also gathered. With Kakashi joining, the full squad was assembled. Wasting no time, Natsuki used Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God) to bring the three to the Land of Lightning.
"So this is the Land of Lightning? The environment's completely different from Konoha," Neji remarked, activating Byakugan to scan the area.
"What's the plan?" Sasuke asked.
"We'll head straight to the Cloud shinobi and explain our purpose. They're the ones who asked for help," Natsuki replied, locking onto Kumogakure's location on his map.
He and Tenten had spent plenty of time roaming the Land of Lightning after getting the Sage's Treasures, leaving Flying Thunder God marks everywhere. Now, he teleported them to the nearest marker to Kumogakure.
Kakashi, though, was puzzled. "Natsuki… with your power, why did you even bring me along?"
Apparently Tsunade hadn't explained. Kakashi had thought his mission was to protect Gaara and guide Naruto's training. Suddenly being thrown into the Special Ops team felt… off.
"You'll understand soon enough. Let's move."
Natsuki led the way.
By chance—or maybe luck—they soon came across a battle. From afar, they could already see Kabuto pushing up his glasses with a smug grin, flanked by three cracked-faced, elderly shinobi.
Natsuki instantly recognized them: "The bandaged one is Second Tsuchikage, Mū. The guy with the thin mustache and high-collar coat is Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Gengetsu. And that golden-haired, bearded muscle mountain is Third Raikage, A. All of them, reanimated by Kabuto!"
Kakashi's face darkened. "As I feared, he inherited Orochimaru's legacy. We should've hunted him down back then, or we wouldn't be stuck with this mess now."
Sasuke, on the other hand, felt excitement stir. Fighting the strong was what he lived for.
Especially when it meant standing against Akatsuki.
Neji remained silent. His Tenseigan power was nearly complete. If this battle forced his hand, he might have to reveal it. After that, he'd finally confront the Hyūga main house.
He almost looked forward to seeing those smug, arrogant faces crumple into humiliation.
At the battlefield, Darui and his men were struggling against the three Edo Tensei Kage. One by one, his squad was wiped out, leaving only Darui still standing, barely holding on.
"Ranton: Laser Circus!"
ZAP ZAP ZAP!
Ten laser beams fired from his crossed fingers at lightning speed. Yet the Third Raikage evaded with sheer speed, then flattened Darui with a single Rariatto (Lariat).
Darui's face twisted with despair. His foes were far too strong—there was no hope of lasting until reinforcements.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses with a smirk. "Tell me where the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki is. Do that, and I'll spare you."
Darui, exhausted, replied flatly, "You think I'd tell you that? How about you ask me something else… like what I like. I like napping."
"Hmph! Then go die!" Kabuto's eyes hardened, and the three Edo Tensei lunged.
But in that instant, three new figures appeared in front of Darui and struck at once—
"Jūken: Hakkeshō Renpūshō! (Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Continuous Palms!)"
"Raiton: Chidori Eisō! (Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear!)"
"Katon: Tōkaku! (Fire Style: Head Carving!)"
Neji, Sasuke, and Kakashi launched their attacks, forcing the three Edo Tensei Kage back.
Kabuto's gaze sharpened as he recognized the newcomers. "You again?! Damn Konoha shinobi—do you have to meddle in everything?"
His irritation was justified. Ever since Orochimaru's downfall, his own plans had been repeatedly disrupted.
He'd tried to seal the Three-Tails—only to discover it was gone. He'd sought the Sage's Treasures and the corpses of the Gold and Silver Brothers—also gone.
Everything, everything, was Konoha's fault!
Kabuto knew well that Konoha's shinobi were formidable. Alone, he wasn't enough. That was why he'd joined Akatsuki, knowing how strong their members were.
Now, capturing Jinchūriki was both the organization's mission and his own way of researching Tailed Beasts' power—his path to ultimate evolution.
But then—
"Kabuto… you're still hurting others, huh?"
Natsuki's voice cut through the air. "You might've heard the saying: speed is power. So tell me… have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
Before the last syllable faded, he had already blurred past the three Edo Tensei, appearing at Kabuto's side. His foot, glowing with laser light, smashed into Kabuto's waist.
BOOM!
Kabuto was sent flying, crashing into a boulder that exploded into rubble.
The three Edo Tensei Kage only reacted after the fact, their eyes widening in shock as Natsuki had already returned to his spot.
"So fast! Youngsters these days are remarkable," Gengetsu marveled.
"Konoha, eh? No wonder it produces geniuses," Mū muttered.
"Wait—hey, Darui! Isn't Storm Release your unique thing? How does some Konoha brat use it too?!" the Third Raikage bellowed, incredulous.
Darui was speechless. How the hell should I know? And who said Storm Release was my exclusive move?!
Kakashi, stunned, turned to Natsuki. "Natsuki… you can use Ranton too?"
Natsuki answered as if it were obvious. "It's just Lightning and Water chakra combined. Isn't it just common sense?"
(End of Chapter)
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