Chapter 160 - Wilderness Survival Master, Maruboshi Gōsuke (4)
In the Valley
The lake within the valley had gradually drained through the mountain fissures, spreading outward to the rest of the small island.
Watching the occasional bodies of Mist Genin float up from the lake's surface, Darui rubbed his temple and said to the Cloud-nin, "This is boring. Let's go forage for food first."
"In two more hours, the water here should be completely gone. Let's prep the food and set up camp. We'll continue hunting for Konoha ninja tomorrow. There can only be one winner in this Chūnin Exams… and it's going to be us—Kumogakure!"
He lifted his gaze to the clouds swirling above them.
It was about to rain.
Animals were always sensitive to weather changes. Once they sensed it, they'd surely hide away.
And judging from how thick these clouds were, this rain might last for days.
If they didn't act fast now, they'd be starving soon.
"Tch. What a pain."
Despite the grumble, none of the Cloud-nin showed any resistance to Darui's orders. They answered in unison and began moving as instructed.
Darui had always been recognized as a rising star among the Cloud-nin.
Even before the exams began, Killer Bee had instructed them to follow Darui's command.
Not to mention, after witnessing his earlier display of overwhelming strength, no one dared question him. Kumogakure revered strength above all.
But just as they exited the valley and prepared to act, Maki arrived with the Sand-nin. The two sides ran right into each other.
In truth, Maki had already guessed he was too late the moment he saw the valley quiet and devoid of battle noise.
Though he felt guilty for not arriving in time to aid their allies, their current condition was too dire. Another Sand-nin had collapsed from illness during the last few minutes alone.
They had to rely on their coastal allies now.
So with no better option, Maki pressed forward with the Sand-nin toward the valley.
Fortunately, after a long trek, they arrived just in time—only to bump into the food-foraging Cloud-nin.
Spotting the forehead protectors on their heads, Maki brightened instantly. Finally, they'd found their comrades. There was hope now—they might get help for their sick.
From the look of things, it must've been these Cloud-nin who eliminated those Konoha Genin. A shame they hadn't been able to help, but still—better late than never.
The Cloud-nin, meanwhile, were equally delighted to see the ragged group of Sand-nin.
They'd just finished off the Mist-nin, and now these weakened Sand-nin had wandered right into their hands.
Looking at their tired faces and the pale, unconscious teammates being carried on backs—it was as if dumplings had dropped from the sky. No way they weren't going to take a bite.
One of the Cloud Genin called out excitedly into the valley, "Big bro Darui! Everyone in the valley! Get over here quick!"
"The Sand-nin just walked right into us! Don't let them get away!"
The excitement in his voice poured cold water on Maki's cheerful mood.
This… didn't sound like a greeting between allies. It felt more like they'd just spotted prey.
Just then, a dead Mist Genin floated down the creek that flowed from the valley.
The forehead protector on the corpse erased any last sliver of hope in Maki's heart.
He raised his hand, halting the Sand-nin behind him, a drop of cold sweat trailing down his forehead.
Gesturing for them to slowly retreat, Maki said to the Cloud-nin, forcing a laugh, "Heh, sorry, brothers, we came the wrong way. You carry on. We'll be going."
The Cloud Genin's smile vanished. His eyes turned cold.
"Come and go as you please? What do you think this place is? You better stay. Our big bro's got something good for you."
As more and more Cloud-nin emerged, surrounding them in all directions, the Sand-nin quickly realized something was off.
And then, Darui himself stepped out from the valley.
Surrounded by his comrades, he walked up to Maki with a relaxed smile.
"Sand-nin friends, why leave so soon?"
"Since you're here, why not rest a bit?"
"We were just about to gather food. I see quite a few of your teammates aren't doing so well."
"Rest in the valley for a while. As allies, let us help you."
With that, Darui had his men open a path toward the valley.
His expression seemed sincere—but the way the other Cloud-nin eyed them like lambs, not to mention the Mist corpses floating from the valley—made Maki hesitate.
A fight was inevitable now. Maki wasn't one to back down.
But glancing at the exhausted Sand-nin behind him, he felt conflicted.
He believed in his own strength—maybe not enough to beat Darui, who wielded the rare Storm Release kekkei genkai—but at least enough to escape.
But the same couldn't be said for the Genin under his command.
Given the state of Sunagakure, every single Genin was precious. Rasa had entrusted over twenty of them to Maki. That was a sign of deep trust—and the Sand-nin trusted him too.
If he could, he would take every one of them home alive.
But the Cloud-nin's intent was clear. There would be no avoiding battle.
Damn it—if only this were in the desert.
Still, Maki was no indecisive man. If they had to fight, then so be it. Even if he died here, he'd make the Cloud-nin pay dearly.
"Then I'll trouble you."
His eyes flashed coldly, even as he smiled and gave a polite nod.
At the same time, he moved his left hand behind his back, signaling the Sand-nin to prepare for battle.
Darui didn't buy the act.
Their killing intent was practically written on their faces. Maki wasn't stupid—he had to know what was going on.
But it was too late for him to do anything now.
The reason Darui had stalled for so long was to give his men time to completely encircle the Sand-nin.
Though he had made up his mind to wipe out the Genin of the other four villages—including Konoha—it wouldn't do if the Sand-nin escaped and exposed them.
Last time, they had to let the Mist-nin go because they didn't get a clean surround. Not this time.
Once they were dead, they'd just blame Konoha. With no witnesses, who could refute them?
Maki moved toward the valley, pretending to go along—but he was already preparing to strike.
Among the Cloud Genin, Darui was the only one he couldn't confidently defeat.
Darui, too, had been ready to strike—intel from the village had marked Maki as a tough opponent.
Wind Release: Blade of Wind!
Lightning Release: Black Panther!
Just as the two were about to clash, a deep voice boomed from behind the Sand-nin.
"Everyone's here, huh? Were you waiting for us?"
The voice belonged to a large, imposing ninja—none other than Jiriku.
His sudden appearance froze both sides.
Though Darui and Maki still stared at each other with deadly intent, a new priority presented itself.
With Konoha's team walking into their trap, neither side wanted to let that prize slip away.
The Cloud-nin, still riding high from their earlier win against the Mist, didn't think twice about charging into battle again.
They had no fear—not even of the six Leaf-nin approaching.
The loudmouthed Cloud Genin from earlier jeered, "So many roads on this island, and you just had to charge into a dead end."
He turned to Darui, seeking direction—Sand or Leaf first?
Darui rolled his shoulders. Today must be his lucky day.
They'd complete their mission and eliminate rival forces in one go. Given the Sand-nin's poor condition, they posed no threat.
He gestured to his team: take out the Konoha-nin first.
The Cloud-nin raised fists, drew blades, and surged toward Jiriku's group.
More specifically—toward Kōsuke himself.
Most charged at the seemingly older, weaker ninja, hoping to overwhelm him quickly before focusing on the others.
Darui didn't move. He stayed behind, smiling coldly at Maki.
The Leaf-nin needed to die—but so did the Sand-nin. He couldn't let them slip away.
Maki, meanwhile, didn't order the Sand-nin to fight. He instead pulled them close, grouping them together.
If the Leaf-nin could hold out for a bit, it might create a window for escape.
But what happened next shocked even him—and wiped the smile clean off Darui's face.
~
Sigh…
Watching the Cloud-nin charge, Gōsuke let out a weary sigh.
Did he really look that easy to bully?
Still, since they were attacking, he had no choice.
Konoha Style: Willow Dance!!!
With a resigned expression, Gōsuke unsheathed his blade, waving it calmly in front of him.
A genjutsu fell silently over the enemy.
There was no way these Genin could see through it.
To them, Gōsuke's blade now fluttered like leaves dancing on the wind, becoming a blur of flashing steel.
His figure vanished, replaced by an overwhelming storm of sword strikes.
Realizing too late that they had kicked a steel wall, the Cloud-nin tried to retreat—only to find themselves immobilized.
They could only watch helplessly as Gōsuke's blade neared.
To the others—Darui, Maki, and everyone else—it looked like Gōsuke had simply drawn his sword and waved it a few times.
And then, as if possessed, the Cloud-nin froze in place—soulless, stunned—as Gōsuke calmly executed them, one by one.
Darui watched his comrades—who had just called him "Big Bro" seconds ago—fall like wheat before the scythe.
Rage twisted his face.
"You bastard! Stop!!!"
He charged, unleashing his rage.
But Gōsuke, hearing him shout, only moved faster—cutting down enemies with serene precision.
Aside from Jiriku and Might Guy—who already had suspicions—everyone else was floored.
Especially the three Uchiha Genin.
Watching Gōsuke smile serenely as he killed, they felt chills crawl up their spines.
They had treated him as the weakest in the group—a lifelong Genin only good for cooking.
Turns out, they were the weakest ones. For the proud Uchiha, this was hard to accept.
But seeing Gōsuke kill over ten Cloud-nin without a drop of blood on him—they decided to stay quiet for now.
Not out of fear, of course. Just out of basic respect for their elder.
Darui, eyes red with fury, charged.
Storm Release: Laser Circus!!!
He clapped his hands, sending bolts of blue lightning surging toward Gōsuke.
But the experienced Gōsuke had already predicted the move from Darui's hand signs.
With agile footwork, he dodged every bolt.
And before Darui could close in—
"Welcoming Approach: Thousand Armed Murder!!!"
Unable to hold back anymore, Jiriku joined in.
He raised his hand in front of him like a solemn Buddha.
Golden fists materialized in the air, crashing down like thunder onto Darui.