The massive green snake crashed through Sunagakure's defensive line, its thick-scaled tail sweeping aside obstacles and clearing a wide space.
Seeing such a terrifying beast, the Sand Ninja momentarily abandoned counterattacks on the Konoha ninjas, focusing instead on the threat before them. They prepared to deal with the enormous python, ready to turn it into a deadly trap.
Recognizing the imminent danger, Hayashi quickly performed a summoning jutsu. There were far too many enemies nearby for him to risk his summon taking unnecessary damage. If Orochimaru had not advised him earlier, he might have used Manda for this mission—but discretion was necessary.
The charge was devastatingly effective. The defensive line shattered, creating a wide opening. Konoha ninjas surged forward, flooding into the camp with precision and speed. The stage was set for a massive melee.
As he entered, Hayashi deactivated his Chidori Current. The intense blue lightning release had made him an obvious target, like a dazzling figure in a crowd of Sand ninja. He wasn't looking for an early death; prudence was essential.
Alone, Hayashi would have relied heavily on Ninjutsu to obscure himself. Fire Release techniques like Hiding in Dust, Bringer-of-Darkness, and White Rage were all highly effective, and his Sharingan provided near-supernatural visual acuity.
With measured steps, Hayashi advanced into the camp, his ninja sandals tapping rhythmically on the ground. Each click-clack was deliberate, like a drumbeat guiding his movement. The pace was slower than in previous skirmishes, giving him control over timing and distance.
Sand ninja who surged from the smoke and dust encountered his advance. When multiple opponents converged, Hayashi accelerated, using his rhythm to disrupt their timing.
He spun gracefully, his left leg whipping down in a lightning-fast strike to the shoulder of the foremost enemy.
"Tenshu Kyaku!"
The Monstrous Strength coursing through him shattered the ground beneath and sent surrounding Sand ninja flying into the crowd. Those who remained stared in disbelief; this was a force beyond their expectations.
Hayashi didn't pause. Experience from the Second Great Ninja War had taught him the importance of constant motion. Stopping meant exposure, and in melee combat, hesitation could be fatal.
Sure enough, Kunai rained into the space he had just vacated. Two Hidden Sand Jonin charged toward him, while additional projectiles struck from either side.
Hayashi's expression remained calm. With the Sharingan, he anticipated the trajectory of every weapon. Leaping lightly, he twisted his body, catching incoming kunai and sending them hurtling back toward their attackers.
Puff, puff. Two small bursts of blood marked his counterattack. He swung his arms again, projecting kunai outward like petals of a deadly flower. Enemies further away were struck before they could react.
His Shuriken Throwing Technique was refined to a near-unblockable level; few could match it. The sound of blades striking flesh and armor punctuated his advance.
A Sand Jonin appeared, wielding a massive broadsword. Its descent whistled ominously. Hayashi acted nonchalantly, letting the blade come close before subtly spinning his Sharingan. The enemy froze mid-swing.
Hayashi grabbed the Jonin's right hand, twisted, and pulled him behind him, simultaneously blocking a fireball shot from an unseen source. The enemy collapsed, instantly charred. Hayashi's kick sent the discarded broadsword into the air, where it arced perfectly into his right hand.
With a swift, powerful motion, he swung the broadsword upward.
"Clang!"
Sparks flew as the blade collided with an attacking enemy's kunai. Another Jonin barely blocked the strike, pressing one hand to his wrist. He struggled to comprehend how the supposed attacker was overpowering him with ease.
Hayashi did not pause. The broadsword slashed in a semi-circle, cleaving through weapon and flesh alike. Blood sprayed in an arc, and within moments, his foes fell before him. The metallic clash echoed, deafening to anyone nearby.
Nearby Sand ninja, weakened and disoriented, halted in place. Hayashi discarded the blade and vanished, employing the Body Flicker Technique.
Flashes of motion turned him into a dark shadow, striking repeatedly. The Sand ninja caught in his genjutsu collapsed with fatal precision, leaving a growing trail of devastation.
Each movement Hayashi executed cleared a large area around him, like a flower blooming in blood. His presence alone radiated lethal efficiency.
In his mind, he whispered softly, almost playfully, "Facing the Shinigami, what will you say?"
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