Kitazawa and his group headed toward the sea.
Although Itachi and the Anbu were moving with them, they remained unseen. Like Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs, they scouted the area for Fuguki's Ninja team.
After walking for a while, Kitazawa leaped onto the top of a tree. Taking advantage of the distance between himself and Kurenai, he activated his Byakugan.
At the same time, he pretended to use a Sensory Ninjutsu to mask the Chakra fluctuations of his Byakugan.
He scanned the area, then deactivated his Byakugan and continued forward.
Soon, they arrived at the sea. This was a dangerous area, and most battles between Konoha Village and Hidden Mist Village had taken place here.
The Hidden Mist Ninja held the terrain advantage. They were in an active offensive state; if they failed, they would retreat to the islands.
Konoha Village Ninja generally did not pursue them into the sea, as Water Release gave the Hidden Mist Ninja too much of an advantage. This was why Hidden Mist Village could engage in prolonged battles with Konoha Village.
Of course, many powerful Konoha teams also attacked islands to occupy outposts and strongholds.
"We just received intelligence. Ten minutes ago, Fuguki's team appeared and attacked the northern outpost." Itachi suddenly appeared before Kitazawa and the others.
"Let's go!" Kitazawa said without hesitation, accelerating toward the north. Their speed was impressive, and they reached the target outpost in five minutes.
But unfortunately, they were a step too late. The Konoha Village Ninja stationed at the outpost had already been killed. Fuguki's team had not occupied the outpost—they had only struck and left.
"There's no trace of them nearby," Torune reported, based on what his Phosphorus Destruction Bugs had observed.
"What a pity," Itachi said with a slight frown. "We can't catch up now."
"I think we should change our strategy," Kitazawa said after a moment of thought. "A slow start leads to a slow pace throughout; it's too passive."
"What do you suggest?" Kurenai asked, watching him.
"Fight fire with fire," Kitazawa replied. "We'll do exactly what Fuguki's team does."
"This method can be tried," Itachi mused. "With our strength, we can inflict greater losses on Hidden Mist Village."
"Indeed," Kurenai agreed. "Then Fuguki's team will actively come looking for us."
"Our team will handle the right side, and your team, Itachi, will handle the left," Kitazawa said, spreading a map over the sea. "Once we encounter Hidden Mist Village Ninja, eliminate them immediately."
"These are Anbu signal flares," Itachi handed Kitazawa two of them. "We will come over as soon as we see the signal."
"Understood," Kitazawa nodded. "Be careful, everyone." Itachi immediately vanished from sight.
"Torune, conduct wide-range reconnaissance," Kitazawa instructed.
Torune raised his hands, and two plumes of thick smoke erupted—a spectacle formed by the gathering of massive numbers of Phosphorus Destruction Bugs. The smoke dispersed into the air, and the bugs flew in all directions.
Kitazawa climbed to the top of a tree, wearing sunglasses as he activated his Byakugan.
"Torune, there's an island in that direction," he said, raising his hand.
Torune immediately sent his bugs flying. A moment later, he reported, "There's a Hidden Mist Village outpost on the island, with one Special Jonin and three Chunin inside."
"Let's go directly," Kitazawa said, walking across the water. The others quickly followed.
"They've discovered us," Torune warned.
Kitazawa looked up and saw four Hidden Mist Village Ninja standing ready on a nearby island. He calculated the distance and formed hand seals.
The sea surface suddenly vibrated. Under the guidance of the Water Release Chakra, seawater surged from below, forming a ten-meter-long giant dragon.
"De-defense!" The four Hidden Mist Ninja shouted, startled.
They had never seen such a terrifying Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu. In panic, they attempted to counterattack, raising two water walls and an earth wall, while launching a massive fireball.
But the giant dragon extinguished the fire and broke through all three walls, scattering the Hidden Mist Ninja.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!
Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere!"
Uchiha Izumi and Kabuto simultaneously formed hand seals. The fire, fueled by the wind, engulfed the four Hidden Mist Ninja.
"To the next location," Kitazawa commanded, not going ashore but instead turning to leave.
"Kitazawa-sensei's Water Release is truly invincible at sea," Kabuto said, awed. Izumi nodded.
Their Ninjutsu only served as finishing blows, as Kitazawa's Water Dragon Jutsu had already incapacitated the Hidden Mist Ninja.
Even with four strong opponents, the technique dominated. With weaker Ninja, they wouldn't have even needed to waste Chakra on finishing moves.
"You should use the word 'invincible' less often, lest something bad happens," Kitazawa said casually.
Kabuto blinked, confused.
"Two o'clock direction," Torune reported after ten minutes. "A Konoha Village outpost is currently under siege by Hidden Mist Village Ninja."
Kitazawa immediately accelerated. Moments later, a battlefield surrounding the outpost appeared.
The Hidden Mist team had the upper hand—their captain was a Jonin, while the strongest Ninja in the Konoha team was only a Special Jonin.
Even with the outpost's terrain advantage, they were being pushed back.
Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!
Kitazawa looked at the Hidden Mist Village Jonin, and a roaring water dragon flew out.
The warring parties immediately noticed Kitazawa and the others who had suddenly appeared.
"It's Kitazawa-sama!" The Konoha Village Special Jonin recognized Kitazawa and said with a look of surprise, "We're saved!"
"Kitazawa?" The Hidden Mist Village Jonin immediately shouted, "Retreat!"
While he spoke, he didn't forget to form hand seals. A water wall rose, blocking their path.
The other three Hidden Mist Village Chunin, hearing this, abandoned the fight without hesitation and ran away.
During this time, Kitazawa and his team had a strong presence and were widely renowned. It was difficult for Hidden Mist Village to find a Ninja who didn't know him. Therefore, the Hidden Mist Village Jonin decisively chose to flee.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. Their escape, however, made things easier for him.
Water Release: Water Formation Pillar!
Kitazawa looked up and spat out a large water sphere. At the same time, the water dragon had already broken through the water wall.
The large water sphere, no longer obstructed by the water wall, slammed into the Hidden Mist Village Jonin at an extremely fast speed.
The Hidden Mist Village Jonin sensed danger. He formed hand seals, turned around, and a water dragon flew out.
The large water sphere hit the water dragon and immediately burst like a balloon, scattering a large amount of water that rushed towards the Hidden Mist Village Jonin.
"Is this Water Release: Water Formation Pillar?" The Hidden Mist Village Jonin finally reacted.
Water Release: Water Formation Pillar was a Water Release technique of Hidden Mist Village. The Hidden Mist Village Jonin subconsciously thought Kitazawa wouldn't know it, so he only regarded the large water sphere as an ordinary Water Release.
The water flow covered him like a downpour. The Hidden Mist Village Jonin was washed several meters away.
Fortunately, he himself was very skilled in Water Release and was not seriously injured. But with this delay, he no longer had time to run.
A scream rang out. The Hidden Mist Village Jonin subconsciously looked and saw that his three students had all died under the combined attack of Kurenai and Kabuto.
The next second, his heart trembled. He saw darkness descend all around him, and he lost all sight.
"What kind of Ninjutsu is this?" The Hidden Mist Village Jonin instinctively ran outwards. The sound of rushing wind came from behind him.
Water Release: Water Formation Wall!
The highly focused Hidden Mist Village Jonin quickly turned around and created a water wall. The kunai was blocked and fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
Uchiha Style: Gale Sword!
Kitazawa appeared behind him and swung his sword. A huge blade of flame immediately tore him apart.
He then dispelled the Infinite Darkness Genjutsu. Because he was a Hidden Mist Village Jonin, he took out a storage scroll and stored the body.
"Lord Kitazawa! Thank you so much!" The Konoha Village Special Jonin said gratefully, "If you hadn't saved us, we would probably be corpses by now!"
"You all clean up the battlefield; we'll be heading out first." Kitazawa waved his hand and left with Yuhi and Kabuto.
Time slowly passed.
With the help of Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs and Kitazawa's Byakugan, they demonstrated astonishing efficiency.
In less than half a day, they had already eliminated seven Hidden Mist Village Ninja teams. Coupled with the actions of Itachi Uchiha and other Anbu, the Hidden Mist Village suffered heavy losses in just one morning.
On a certain island. Fuguki's team was resting and preparing lunch. Suddenly, the sound of rushing wind rang out.
Fuguki's face showed vigilance. He only relaxed after clearly seeing that the newcomers were Hidden Mist Village Anbu Ninja.
"Lord Fuguki." The Anbu Ninja bowed slightly, took out a scroll, and said, "This is what Lord Ao asked me to deliver to you."
"What mission does he have now?" Fuguki snorted lightly and opened the scroll. He was very dissatisfied with Ao.
Firstly, because Ao had been dragging out the fight with Konoha Village, which was a waste of time. Secondly, because Ao had snatched his position as the frontline commander.
Their statuses in Hidden Mist Village were similar, so either of them could have become the frontline commander.
However, Fuguki had not yet returned to the village at that time, and with the strong recommendation of Genshi and others, Ao gained the upper hand.
"That brat!" Fuguki's face showed a sinister smile. "He dares to imitate me?"
"Who?" A middle-aged Ninja asked curiously. He specialized in Earth Release. Fuguki casually tossed the scroll to him.
"Kitazawa?" The middle-aged Ninja's expression darkened as he said, "This brat is clearly provoking us; we must teach him a harsh lesson!"
Kitazawa and the others' goal was to attract Fuguki's attention and make him reveal himself. Therefore, their actions were very high-profile, without any concealment.
The news quickly reached Ao. So Ao assigned this mission to Fuguki, tasking him with stopping Kitazawa and his team.
"Since he's delivered himself to our doorstep, we certainly can't miss this opportunity." Fuguki stood up, grabbed Samehada, put it on his back, and said, "We'll eat after we deal with Kitazawa's Team."
"Yes!" The other three Hidden Mist Village Ninja answered in unison. The four of them left the island and headed straight northwest.
Without Fuguki's reminder, a young Ninja proactively formed hand signs and cast a sensory Ninjutsu. Half an hour later, he suddenly spoke: "They are two thousand meters ahead."
"Prepare for battle." Fuguki reminded them, "There's an Aburame Clan Ninja in Kitazawa's Team; we'll be discovered as soon as we approach them."
"Four Hidden Mist Village Jonin are heading our way!" At the same time, Torune suddenly stood up, his face serious, and said.
"I'll hold off Fuguki." Kitazawa immediately fired an Anbu signal flare and said, "You all focus on defense and wait for Itachi and the others to arrive."
He didn't need to ask to know who the four Hidden Mist Village Jonin were. Clearly, their strategy had worked; Hidden Mist Village could no longer allow them to continue like this.
Kurenai and Kabuto nodded. They were facing all Jonin, and with their strength, they naturally couldn't win, so they could only buy time.
"They're here!"
As soon as Kabuto saw Fuguki and the others, he immediately formed hand signs. A translucent, giant wind sphere flew out like a cannonball.
Fuguki gripped Samehada tightly. His right hand trembled, and the bandages wrapped around Samehada instantly disintegrated, revealing its true form.
This was a dark blue blade with barbs, not made of metal, but looking more like some kind of living organism.
Fuguki slashed at the giant wind sphere with his blade. Samehada suddenly opened its large mouth and swallowed the giant wind sphere at an incredibly fast speed.
"Is this Samehada, which can absorb Ninjutsu?" Kabuto's heart trembled, and he couldn't help but ask.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were famous, and so were their seven blades.
Konoha Village had detailed records of the functions of all seven blades. Among them, Samehada was the most unique; it was a living entity that could absorb Chakra.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears!
The Hidden Mist Village middle-aged Ninja stopped, pressing both hands to the ground.
The ground where Kitazawa and the others stood instantly swelled with countless sharp rock pillars, as if countless spears were trying to pierce them.
Heavenly Foot of Pain! Kitazawa stood still and stomped his foot down.
The terrifying force caused the rock pillars to break, and cracks appeared all over the ground. In the blink of an eye, the area around him was pitted and uneven.
"Tsunade's Chakra Enhanced strength?" Fuguki suddenly accelerated. He appeared before Kitazawa like a flash of lightning.
He then leaped into the air, gripping Samehada with both hands, and brought it down like a Mountain crushing its target. The air was torn, emitting a whistling sound.
Uchiha-Style: Blazing Sword Meteor! Kitazawa drew Zangetsu and blocked Samehada.
With a bang! The ground where Kitazawa stood sank. His clothes flapped loudly in the wind.
"Good strength." A hint of surprise flashed in Fuguki's eyes.
Most Ninjas would be more or less injured by such a strike from him. Only Kitazawa seemed unaffected.
But then, remembering that he was Tsunade's student and had learned Chakra Enhanced strength, it didn't seem so strange anymore.
"Samehada!" Fuguki shouted, pressing both hands down.
And Samehada bit Zangetsu. The flames on Zangetsu's surface were quickly absorbed by it, becoming dim.
Lightning Release: Supervibrato Lightning Release Sword! Kitazawa, without changing his expression, injected Lightning Release Chakra into Zangetsu. Lightning flashed.
Samehada felt Zangetsu become very prickly in its mouth. If it didn't let go, its teeth would be chipped. Samehada quickly released its bite.
"What?" Fuguki's pupils involuntarily constricted. It was the first time he had seen Samehada react like this.
Chakra Enhanced Strength! Kitazawa clenched his left fist and swung it out.
Fuguki quickly retreated, blocking the punch with Samehada. Even so, the immense force still left his hands aching and numb.
Uchiha Style: Gale Sword! Kitazawa appeared behind him and slashed with his blade.
A scorching blade of flame flew from Zangetsu's edge. Fuguki turned around, and Samehada immediately opened its mouth.
Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken! Kitazawa flicked his left hand, aiming a shuriken at Samehada's mouth.
Samehada quickly closed its mouth. As long as it's a living creature, its interior is often the most fragile, and it was no exception.
Fuguki couldn't help but frown. The usually invincible Samehada had been thwarted twice in a row by Kitazawa.
Water Release: Water Formation Wall! Fuguki reacted quickly, and a wall of water rose.
While blocking the blade of flame and the Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken, he leaped up, creating distance.
The next second, the water wall shattered. But the blade of flame and the Wind Release: Shuriken also missed their target.
Kitazawa took a moment to check on Kabuto and Kurenai's situation. They were clearly at a disadvantage against the three Hidden Mist Village Jonin.
Fortunately, the Hidden Mist Village Jonin were somewhat wary of Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs. But that was the extent of it.
As Kitazawa's team quickly gained fame, their five members' information also became familiar to Hidden Mist Village, including Torune's Phosphorus Destruction Bugs.
After understanding the intelligence beforehand, it was difficult for the Hidden Mist Village Jonin to fall into their traps. However, the Phosphorus Destruction Bugs were still sufficiently threatening.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze. Kurenai and Kabuto could hold out for a minute or two without much problem.
The time was short; they might not be able to hold out until the Anbu team arrived for rescue. But it was already enough time for Itachi Uchiha to arrive.
"Brat, you should worry about yourself!" Fuguki sneered, and Samehada in his hand swung horizontally, whistling as it smashed towards Kitazawa.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!
A wall of earth blocked Samehada. Fuguki exerted a little force and shattered the earth wall.
The next second, a bolt of lightning fell from the sky. Fuguki leaped forward, looking at the second blade Kitazawa had drawn. It was Lightning blades.
With the same lightning-attracting ability as Kiba, it was very likely the reforged Lightning Blade(Kiba).
As his thoughts raced, he twisted Samehada's hilt, and a chain extended, sending the blade flying towards Kitazawa at an incredibly fast speed. This was Samehada's Flying Chain Slash.