Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 160: Kaguya!

A small squad of Anbu was clearly insufficient to pose a real threat to Tonari and Minato.

After quickly and decisively dispatching them, the two prepared for the more serious threats they had been expecting.

Both Tonari and Minato understood that anyone who could assassinate a Finance Minister under the protection of two Jonin would not face only one squad of Anbu.

The battle concluded, and the pair sought a brief rest.

However, the enemy was not about to grant them that luxury.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Dozens, possibly hundreds, of shuriken sliced through the air, aimed directly at the pair.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Minato swiftly formed hand seals, unleashing a powerful gust that blew away most of the projectiles. The few that remained were deflected by Tonari with his kunai.

"It's been a while since I've used kunai. I'm a bit out of practice," Tonari remarked, spinning the ring of the kunai around his finger in a casual flourish. Though his movements were nimble, they lacked the seamless precision he had with his short blade.

When the torrent of shuriken subsided, unfamiliar figures began to emerge from the shadows, surrounding them.

This time, the Mist ninjas didn't attack recklessly. The destruction in the forest and the bodies of their fallen comrades reminded them to exercise caution.

Tonari and Minato, equally wary, refrained from making any sudden moves.

For a moment, the two sides were locked in a tense standoff.

The sight of so many elite ninjas hesitating to engage two young adversaries would be a source of pride for most.

As more and more reinforcements arrived, both Tonari and Minato exchanged resigned glances.

In just a few minutes, over twenty ninja had gathered. Most were Chunin, but several Jonin were among them.

"We can't wait any longer. The more time we give them, the worse this will get. Let's strike now while their chakra reserves are depleted from the chase," Tonari suggested.

Minato nodded grimly.

Time was of the essence. Their advantage lay in the enemy's exhaustion, and every second they waited allowed the Mist ninjas to recover or for reinforcements to arrive.

"Let's move—now!" Minato called out.

The two burst into action.

Lightning chakra flickered across Tonari's body, forming his Lightning Release Armor. His kunai glimmered with sharp intent as he launched himself forward.

"We're going all out, Minato—no holding back."

"Understood. You'd better not hold back either, or we're both done for."

Within moments, another squad of Anbu arrived to join the fray.

"Go! Regroup at the border!"

With that, the pair accelerated to break through the encirclement, their speed leaving the Mist ninjas struggling to keep up.

Tonari and Minato split up to increase their chances of escape.

Tonari, focusing solely on his route, had no time to worry about Minato. Not that he needed to—Minato's strength was more than enough to ensure his survival.

"Third Gate: Gate of Life, open!"

Tonari activated the third gate of the Eight Gates, unleashing a surge of power.

Every second counted. Even a single hit from an enemy jutsu or weapon could spell disaster in their current situation.

Relying on his kunai, fists, and sheer determination, Tonari became an unstoppable force, cutting a path through the enemies in his way.

Each strike of his electrified kunai or punch powered by his enhanced body left a trail of fallen foes.

Wave after wave of attackers fell before his relentless assault, but their numbers seemed endless.

"Too weak... None of you can stop me!"

The muttered words, almost a mantra, carried a chilling conviction.

Tonari's overwhelming display of power began to draw more and more attention. The Mist ninjas, realizing the futility of their efforts, grew hesitant.

The remaining attackers no longer rushed at him but instead maintained a cautious distance, watching for an opening.

The Jonin among them, their faces pale with exhaustion, hesitated even more.

Chakra reserves drained by the chase, they had little left to mount a proper offensive.

"He's like a smaller version of a tailed beast—a monster with an indestructible body, endless chakra, and an unyielding will," one of the Jonin muttered, his voice tinged with fear.

Tonari grinned, recognizing their hesitation.

"Is this all Mist Village has to offer? Afraid to fight me head-on?"

Just as he thought he was about to break free, a mocking voice called out from the trees behind him.

"You're scared of a single kid? Pathetic."

The voice dripped with derision and scorn, aimed not at Tonari but at his fellow Mist ninjas.

Several of the Jonin winced, their expressions shifting to frustration.

"He's here?"

"At least he can match this guy's taijutsu. Let him handle it."

Though they disliked the newcomer, they couldn't deny the relief his arrival brought.

Emerging from the trees was a man with an unsettling appearance: long braided hair, twin red markings on his forehead, no eyebrows, and a manic grin.

Tonari's eyes narrowed as he recognized the clan symbol on the man's attire.

Kaguya Clan!

Of all the Mist's bloodline clans, the Kaguya was the one he least wanted to face.

It wasn't their strength alone but their sheer madness.

Known for their Bloodline Limit, the Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse), the Kaguya's warriors were brutal, battle-hungry maniacs who thrived on combat.

Even those without the Bloodline Limit inherited enhanced physical abilities and an insatiable lust for battle.

The newcomer was no exception.

"Kaguya Futogen," one of the Jonin murmured, watching the man with a mix of awe and unease.

Futogen's manic grin widened as he locked eyes with Tonari. "A Cloud ninja with the Lightning Release Armor? You'll make a fine opponent!"

Without hesitation, he leapt into the fray, throwing a straight punch aimed at Tonari's face.

Tonari braced himself, crossing his arms to block.

Boom!

The impact sent Tonari skidding backward, his feet carving deep grooves into the ground.

Futogen's laughter rang out, unhinged and wild. "Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! Come, show me your strength!"

"Damn lunatic," Tonari muttered, steeling himself for the next exchange.

The clash between the two was a spectacle of raw power.

Each blow reverberated through the forest, leaving the ground cracked and broken.

The watching Mist ninjas were left in awe, witnessing a fight of such intensity that it defied belief.

Tonari gritted his teeth. Though his body was enhanced by the Eight Gates and Lightning Release Armor, the Kaguya's unnatural resilience made it hard to gain an advantage.

"I don't have time for this," Tonari muttered, his eyes narrowing.

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

With a swift spinning kick, Tonari's foot connected with Futogen's crossed arms, sending the man flying backward.

But before Tonari could press his advantage, Futogen landed on his feet, seemingly unfazed.

The sight of his bloodied arms only seemed to excite him further.

"More! Show me more!"

Tonari clenched his fists. He didn't have the luxury of indulging this madman.

If this fight dragged on, he risked being overwhelmed by the other Mist ninjas once they recovered.

"Shadow of the Dancing Leaf!"

Tonari launched himself into the air, delivering a kick that sent Futogen soaring upward.

Without hesitation, Tonari followed, preparing to deliver the finishing blow.

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