While Kurenai and the others were fighting, Kitazawa activated his Byakugan.
He looked around but didn't see any supply transport ships from the Hidden Mist Village. It seemed they still had some time before the ships arrived.
"You all did well." Deactivating his Byakugan, Kitazawa stepped into the outpost.
Three of the four Hidden Mist ninjas were already dead — only one Special Jonin remained alive.
However, he had been struck by a Rasengan and was now barely clinging to life, his breathing shallow and fading fast.
Imitation Technique!
Kitazawa extended his hand. Chakra enveloped the middle-aged ninja as a flood of information rushed into Kitazawa's mind. His body began to shift, gradually transforming into the very likeness of the man before him.
"You… you…"
The middle-aged ninja realized what was happening and tried to struggle, but Kitazawa didn't give him the chance. Drawing a kunai, he swiftly ended the man's life.
Putting the weapon away, Kitazawa crouched and pressed both hands against the ground. Earth-nature chakra surged outward, causing the soil to sink and form a deep pit.
"You all use the Transformation Technique to disguise yourselves as the other three," Kitazawa instructed, tossing the four Hidden Mist corpses into the pit.
"Torune, you don't need to disguise yourself," he added.
Kabuto thought for a moment and said, "When the time comes, you can hide in the shadows and support us with your Phosphorus Destruction Bugs."
Torune nodded. His strength lay entirely in those microscopic insects — as long as they were released, he could influence the battlefield without even showing himself.
"Understood."
Kabuto, Uchiha Izumi, and Kurenai immediately performed the Transformation Technique.
"Next, we wait for the supply transport ships to dock," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "Let's sit, relax, and have some tea."
"You're the first person I've seen this relaxed during a mission," Kurenai said, shaking her head as she sat opposite him.
"Kitazawa-sensei is incredibly strong," Kabuto said with a grin. "Even deep behind enemy lines, he can still chat and laugh."
"See?" Kurenai teased, resting her chin on her hand. "Do you always teach your students to flatter you like this?"
"I certainly don't," Kitazawa replied, blinking innocently.
"Kitazawa-sensei." Torune's voice came suddenly. "Two ships approaching from the east."
"What about the number of people?" Kitazawa asked, taking out a stack of explosive tags and placing them in hidden corners around the outpost.
"Three Jonin, nine Chunin, and four Genin," Torune reported.
"So many Jonin?" Kurenai frowned in surprise.
"Kabuto, you and I will handle the three Jonin," Kitazawa decided. "Kurenai, Torune, and Izumi — deal with the others."
"Yes," everyone replied in unison.
Though Kurenai still felt uneasy, there was no time for hesitation. Completing the mission came first.
"Torune, find a place to hide," Kitazawa said after finishing the traps. "We'll go meet them."
[You have encountered Ameyuri Ringo, who has come for you.]
[Current Mission: Protect the Reforged Lightning Blades(Kiba).]
[Mission Reward: One-fifth increase in Chakra capacity.]
[Do you accept?]
Kitazawa couldn't help but let out a quiet "Oh."
The mission caught him off guard.
Ameyuri Ringo — one of the Second Generation Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. In the Original work, the swords she wielded were none other than the twin Lightning Blades: Kiba.
It seemed, judging from the system prompt, that she had joined the war to reclaim her clan's weapon — the very one now in Kitazawa's possession.
In the original history, Ameyuri was a prodigy of both kenjutsu and Lightning Release, her power said to rival Kurosuki Raiga's.
But now that Kitazawa had seen the mission reward, he knew one thing — even the gods couldn't save her.
The group left the outpost and made their way toward the coast. Moments later, two large ships loomed out of the mist.
"Did you notify them?"
Standing at the bow of one ship was a young woman with long reddish-brown hair styled in vertical braids. Sharp teeth gleamed when she spoke. It was Ameyuri Ringo.
"No," said the middle-aged ninja beside her. "They probably saw our ships and came to greet us."
"Don't worry," said a confident young woman on Ameyuri's right. "This is our major rear base. There's no way Konoha ninjas could be here."
"That's true," Ameyuri said with a nod. "Dock the ships and rest for two hours."
The two vessels halted, and the Mist-nin began disembarking.
"Lady Ringo." Kitazawa stepped forward, greeting the three Jonin one by one.
He only truly knew Ameyuri — the other two were strangers to him — but thanks to the Imitation Technique, he recognized their faces perfectly.
"We've already prepared lunch at the outpost," Kitazawa said respectfully. "Please, this way."
"Everyone else, eat here," Ameyuri ordered before following Kitazawa with the other two Jonin.
They soon arrived at the outpost.
"Three adults, please go ahead first," Kitazawa said, bowing slightly.
Ameyuri nodded, stepping forward without suspicion.
"…Why do I smell something strange?" The middle-aged Jonin suddenly frowned.
"Scent?" Ameyuri's expression changed instantly. She inhaled sharply — and her eyes widened.
"It's explosive tags!" The words had barely left her mouth before the world exploded.
The outpost erupted in a blazing inferno, flames surging skyward and devouring everything within moments.
In the blink of an eye, the area was swallowed by fire and smoke.
"Quick, get out of the way!"
Ameyuri vanished from sight in an instant, using the Body Flicker Technique.
The middle-aged ninja reacted just as quickly — his hands blurred through seals before he spewed out a torrent of high-pressure water, extinguishing the spreading flames.
The young woman, however, had been standing closest to the explosion. She caught the full force of it and was hurled backward, her left side charred black.
"Ahhh!" She clutched her shoulder, shrieking in pain.
The explosion's roar had drawn the attention of the rest of the Hidden Mist forces. Faces darkened, they dropped their meal preparations and rushed toward the scene.
"Attack!" Kabuto's voice rang out. The team sprang into action.
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!
Uchiha Izumi leaned back and exhaled — a massive wave of flame roared forward, forming a blazing wall that halted the advancing Mist-nin in their tracks.
Chakra Enhanced Strength! Kurenai flashed to the nearest enemy and drove her fist forward.
The Mist-nin instinctively kicked out in defense.
A sickening crack followed. His leg was shattered instantly, and he was sent flying with a scream.
Secret Technique: Poison Dust Technique! From the shadows, Torune clapped his hands.
Clouds of Phosphorus Destruction Bugs burst forth, spreading unseen through the smoke and fire, ready to devour whatever they touched.
The melee had begun.
"I need an explanation!" Ameyuri's voice rang coldly.
She and the middle-aged ninja encircled Kitazawa, one on each side. Kabuto lunged forward to intercept, blades flashing.
"Because…" Kitazawa said calmly, releasing the Imitation Technique. His appearance reverted to normal. "…we are Konoha shinobi."
"You are… Kitazawa?" Ameyuri's eyes widened, then a thrill of recognition sparked across her face.
"You know me?" Kitazawa asked, raising a brow. He didn't recall meeting her.
"Your face has been circulating through the Hidden Mist these past two days," Ameyuri replied.
Indeed, Kitazawa's night raid had left a deep impression. The surviving Mist-nin had drawn his likeness, and under Ao's command, that information spread rapidly throughout the village.
It was standard practice among the great nations — after all, even Konoha had marked Kisame Hoshigaki as a priority target based on Kitazawa's earlier reports.
"Hand over the Lightning Blades(Kiba), and I'll make sure you die painlessly!" Ameyuri said, licking the corner of her mouth, her eyes glinting with killing intent.
"Ringo, don't underestimate him," warned the middle-aged ninja. "He's the one who killed Raiga."
"Hmph. If he weren't a few years older, those blades would've been mine already."
Kitazawa gave a faint smile. "Arrogance truly is a common flaw among geniuses."
He drew the Lightning sword from his back, the blade gleaming with pale blue chakra. "This is the reforged Lightning Blade: Kiba. If you've got the courage—come and take it."
"Very well!" Ameyuri flashed forward, blade in hand, closing the distance instantly.
The middle-aged ninja moved to assist, but Kabuto intercepted him, forcing him into combat.
"Be careful—he uses Water Release!" the man shouted.
Uchiha Style: Gale Sword! Kitazawa appeared behind Ameyuri in a flicker.
The Lightning Blade vibrated, releasing several dazzling arcs of flame-infused wind.
Ameyuri's eyes narrowed — her body responded on instinct. Lightning crackled violently across her twin blades as she twisted and slashed.
The collision of flame and lightning lit the battlefield in a blinding flash. Sparks and fire scattered wildly as both forces clashed.
Kitazawa pressed forward, forcing Ameyuri to retreat. Deep footprints formed beneath her steps as she slid back, realizing now that Kitazawa hadn't killed Kurosuki Raiga by chance.
Still, her pride burned fiercely. With a flick of her wrist, her blades flared with light. Three spear-like bolts of lightning shot forward, racing toward Kitazawa.
Heavenly Foot of Pain!
Kitazawa stomped the ground. The earth cracked violently — dust and debris exploded outward, blocking the lightning's path.
Ameyuri's instincts screamed. She leapt back just as Kitazawa vanished.
Konoha-style Body Flicker Technique!
His form dissolved into scattering leaves. In mid-air, Kitazawa raised his blade high.
Lightning Release: Lightning Strike! A blinding bolt descended from the heavens, splitting the air with thunder.
"Damn bastard!" Ameyuri snarled, fury flashing across her face. Seeing Kitazawa wielding her own weapon enraged her.
Lightning Release: Lightning Fang!
She formed a hand seal and leaped upward. Lightning surged around her body, dancing across her blades as she swung down at Kitazawa.
Lightning Release: Chidori!
A shrill chirping filled the air. Lightning converged in Kitazawa's left hand as he dashed upward to meet her strike.
The two attacks collided with a deafening crack.
Ameyuri's blades shuddered.
Numbness surged through her arm, and a tremendous force slammed her back toward the ground. She hit with enough impact to carve deep craters into the earth.
"Is that… Chidori?" Ameyuri gasped, disbelief flashing in her eyes.
The intelligence she'd received was wrong. Who said Kitazawa specialized in Water Release?
His mastery of Lightning Release rivaled her own—and he even knew Chidori, the legendary technique of Konoha's Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi.
Taking a deep breath, Ameyuri steadied her grip.
Her pride refused to accept defeat. And judging by their brief exchange, she still believed victory was possible.
Thunderswords Technique: Thunderbolt!
Ameyuri drove her twin blades into the ground. Lightning chakra erupted outward, surging like a tidal wave of pure electricity, engulfing Kitazawa in a storm of blinding light.
Uchiha-Style: Blazing Sword Meteor!
Before the two beams of lightning arrived, Kitazawa used the Body Flicker Technique to rush toward Ameyuri.
At the same time, the lightning in his hand emitted a scorching aura, and a layer of flame rose out of nowhere.
Ameyuri drew her Ninja Blade. She leaped, avoiding Uchiha-Style: Blazing Sword Meteor, and her blade thrust forward in a flash-like strike.
Kitazawa wanted to counterattack, but it was too late.
Just as Ameyuri thought her attack had landed, Zangetsu flew out.
Kitazawa gripped Zangetsu with his left hand, immediately blocking the descending Ninja Blade.
Seeing this, Ameyuri quickly retreated. After taking two steps back, she immediately formed a hand seal.
Lightning Release: Depth Charge!
A surge of lightning burst out from her entire body, wrapping around her like armor.
Seeing her use Lightning Release: Depth Charge again, Kitazawa simply flicked his right hand. The blade of lightning in his grasp erupted with violent thunder, meeting her attack head-on.
With a sharp clang!, the two blades collided.
The flashing lightning released a piercing shriek. Kitazawa, relying on his immense strength, forced a stalemate.
Lightning Release: Supervibrato Lightning Release Sword! Kitazawa raised Zangetsu in an instant.
Zangetsu vibrated at high speed and slashed down at Ameyuri's Ninja Blade.
With a snap!
Her blade broke cleanly in two.
"Wh-what…" Ameyuri's eyes widened in disbelief.
But before she could finish speaking, Zangetsu cut through her neck.
Lightning Release: Supervibrato Lightning Release Sword increased Zangetsu's sharpness and piercing ability. Furthermore, it was made of Chakra metal, making it incredibly durable.
Ameyuri's Ninja Blade was only a replica of the Lightning Blade: Kiba. Though the material wasn't bad, it was ultimately not Chakra metal.
She had not expected her blade to shatter — and thus met her demise.
"Ameyuri?!" The middle-aged ninja not far away noticed this scene and was immediately shocked.
Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere!
Seeing this, Kabuto didn't hesitate. He spat out a giant sphere of wind.
The wind howled fiercely! The middle-aged ninja's clothes and hair whipped in the violent gust.
In a desperate moment, he used the Body Flicker Technique to dodge left.
Kabuto immediately flashed forward to intercept him.
"Get lost!" The middle-aged ninja had already lost his will to fight.
Ameyuri was dead. The young woman was gravely injured. Now, only he — a Jonin — remained.
Kabuto's strength wasn't bad; he had Special Jonin-level mastery over Wind Release.
But Kitazawa was different. If he could kill Ameyuri, he could just as easily kill him, too.
Water Release: Water Fang Blade!
A spinning water blade surged from the middle-aged ninja's right hand as he slashed at Kabuto, trying to force him back.
But the next second, he froze. Kabuto neither dodged nor flinched — letting the water blade pierce his chest.
Blood gushed out.
The middle-aged ninja felt his water blade jam against something and couldn't push further.
Just then, Kabuto swung his right arm. A green Chakra Blade flashed and sliced open the ninja's throat.
It was the Chakra Scalpel.
"Madman…" The middle-aged ninja fell, eyes wide with disbelief. He had never imagined Kabuto would be so reckless.
"Why didn't you wait for me?" Kitazawa appeared in front of Kabuto in an instant.
Mystical Palm Technique! He extended both hands to heal him.
"I used Yin Healing Wound Destruction — I won't die," Kabuto said, his face pale. "And killing a Hidden Mist Village Jonin isn't a loss."
He had dared to do this only after calculating the risk.
Kitazawa's mouth twitched. No wonder you became the final big villain.
People ruthless to themselves often achieve great things.
While healing, Kitazawa glanced toward Kurenai and Uchiha Izumi.
Although their strength was good, they had faced more enemies — by logic, they shouldn't have won.
But with Torune among them, things were different. More than half of the Hidden Mist ninjas had been killed by his Phosphorus Destruction Bugs.
[Current Mission: Preserve the Reforged Lightning Blade: Kiba.]
[Mission Reward: One-fifth of Chakra Limit.]
[Host has completed the mission. Reward issued.]
Kitazawa felt the surge of abundant chakra within him and nodded with satisfaction. The duration of his Senju Chakra Mode could now be extended even further.
"All right, that's enough for now. I'll heal you properly when we get back," Kitazawa said, withdrawing his hands.
They were deep within Hidden Mist Village territory.
If they stayed too long, more Mist-nin might detect their presence — another reason he hadn't used Senju Chakra Mode.
After all, he'd fall into a weakened state once its duration ended. And honestly, Ameyuri's strength wasn't worth activating it for.
In the original records, Ameyuri's performance was on par with Kurosuki Raiga — but only when she wielded Lightning Blade: Kiba.
Without it, her strength dropped significantly. Moreover, she was still relatively young.
Kitazawa walked up to the severely injured young woman, finished her off, and then pulled out a summoning storage scroll.
Jonin were valuable — worth bringing back. He sealed the three Hidden Mist Jonin corpses into the scroll and put it away.
"Izumi, burn these two boats. We're leaving immediately," Kitazawa instructed.
"Yes," Izumi replied.
Uchiha Izumi exhaled two massive fireballs, engulfing the Mist Village boats in flames.
The group quickly departed.
---
Moments later, another team of Hidden Mist ninjas arrived — led by Mei Terumī.
She surveyed the battlefield, her expression shifting several times. This was clearly the supply transport team.
Three Jonin dead — including the genius Ameyuri?
For the Hidden Mist Village, it was yet another major blow.
"From the combat traces, it seems Ameyuri fought a powerful Lightning Release user," Mei Terumī muttered, frowning.
She knew most of Konoha's Jonin, but couldn't recall any with such overwhelming Lightning Release power.
Could it be… Konoha's Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake?
"Take all the bodies back," Mei ordered. "Have the analysis squad retrieve their memories."
Though the Mist's analysis division wasn't as capable as the Yamanaka Clan, they could still extract fragments of memory — enough to uncover what happened here.