Hinata had already destroyed Sasori's transformed body clone, but his real body had pursued her relentlessly. Determined to settle the score, he intended to fight both Hinata and Granny Chiyo to the death.
But at that very moment—
A deafening explosion suddenly shook the heavens and the earth!
Although they were nearly ten kilometers away, all three of them felt an overwhelming sense of dread.
"What was that?!" Granny Chiyo exclaimed in shock.
Hinata instinctively raised her hands to shield her face as the violent shockwave swept across the battlefield. The fierce winds sent her long hair flying while her clothes fluttered violently.
Sasori of the Red Sand seemed to realize something.
Despite his cold and emotionless nature, a subtle change appeared on his expression.
"Was that... Deidara?"
"Could it be..."
"Did he self-destruct?"
"No... Even self-destruction shouldn't produce such terrifying power."
"It seems you've encountered a truly formidable opponent..."
Sasori understood that regardless of who Deidara had fought, the outcome was likely the same.
He was probably dead.
That realization deepened the emptiness that already consumed Sasori's heart.
Deidara was perhaps the only person he could truly call a comrade—or even a friend.
Had he really disappeared as well?
Sasori slowly raised his head and gazed at the blazing light rising in the distance. His eyes were filled with endless emptiness.
"Come, old woman... and you, little girl."
"Let's settle this once and for all."
"Let this technique decide who lives... and who dies."
"Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets!"
Before the astonished eyes of Hinata and Granny Chiyo, Sasori unleashed his ultimate secret technique.
Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets!
As a master puppeteer herself, Granny Chiyo immediately understood what this meant.
"He has surpassed not only me, his own teacher, but every puppeteer in history."
"He truly deserves the title..."
"The greatest Puppet Master—Sasori of the Red Sand."
Hinata, however, wasn't focused on Sasori.
She was worried about the distant battlefield.
Within that terrifying explosion, she had clearly sensed Naruto's chakra.
"...Naruto-kun..."
Granny Chiyo gently reminded her,
"Hinata, I understand how you feel. But worrying won't help him."
"Calm yourself and focus on the battle before you."
"Only by defeating your enemy can you go and support the person who means the most to you."
Hinata blushed slightly as she realized Granny Chiyo had seen right through her feelings.
She nodded firmly.
"I understand, Granny Chiyo."
Granny Chiyo smiled warmly.
"I've lived long enough to understand these things."
"In the end, everyone needs something to keep living."
"For me, it was the hope of seeing my grandson one last time."
"But now... even that hope is gone."
"So I'll personally sever these lingering attachments."
"White Secret Technique: Chikamatsu's Ten Puppets!"
She unleashed her own ultimate technique.
Sasori gave a faint nod of acknowledgment.
"Monzaemon Chikamatsu's Ten Puppets..."
"A truly remarkable masterpiece."
"But compared to my Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets..."
"...it still falls short."
"Old woman, I know you once used those ten puppets to conquer an entire fortress."
"But my Hundred Puppets..."
"...once destroyed an entire nation."
Granny Chiyo and Hinata frowned deeply.
Neither of them had any intention of retreating.
"Hinata," Granny Chiyo said softly, "this is our final battle."
"Are you ready?"
Hinata clenched her fists tightly.
"I won't die until I see Naruto-kun again."
"And I refuse to be defeated by anyone!"
A gentle smile appeared on Granny Chiyo's face.
For the first time, she looked truly kind and peaceful.
"Very well."
"I'll wager this old life to protect your dream."
"Because... you've also protected mine."
"Let's go, Hinata!"
"Yes, Granny Chiyo!"
...
At the same time...
Meanwhile, Kitsuchi's team, after defeating Kisame Hoshigaki's transformed body clone, joined forces with Team 10, led by Asuma Sarutobi, who had defeated Konan's transformed body clone. Together, they quickly advanced toward the battlefield.
Suddenly, everyone came to an abrupt stop, stunned by the earth-shattering explosion in the distance.
"What was that?!" Ino exclaimed, covering her mouth in shock.
Asuma Sarutobi frowned.
"It looked like an explosion, but I've never seen anything that powerful before. And..."
"I can sense an incredibly strong Wind Release chakra within it. Could it be...?"
Shikamaru immediately understood what Asuma was implying, and his expression changed.
"Are you saying... Naruto caused that explosion?!"
Everyone froze in disbelief.
Choji's bag of potato chips slipped from his hands and fell to the ground.
"Is that really possible?!"
"Has Naruto become that strong already?!"
"That kind of power could destroy the entire Hidden Leaf Village!"
Even Kitsuchi was visibly shaken.
"Was that Uzumaki Naruto?"
"I never imagined his strength could increase so dramatically in such a short time."
Shikamaru quickly regained his composure.
"Whether Naruto caused it or not, someone with such overwhelming Wind Release power must be involved. We need to get there immediately!"
Asuma nodded firmly.
"Shikamaru's right. Everyone, move out at full speed!"
"Yes, Asuma-sensei!"
---
Elsewhere, Sasuke continued pursuing Itachi Uchiha.
Despite moving as fast as he could, he couldn't catch sight of Itachi.
Because someone stood in his way.
Kisame Hoshigaki.
"Move," Sasuke said coldly.
Kisame grinned wickedly as he pulled Samehada from his back and slammed it heavily into the ground.
Boom!
"You're just as impatient as ever."
Sasuke's eyes grew colder.
"The only person I intend to kill is Itachi Uchiha. If you value your life, get out of my way."
Kisame simply smirked.
"Meeting Mr. Itachi isn't that easy."
"He said you aren't qualified to face him yet, so he told me to keep you here."
The veins on Sasuke's forehead bulged as he clenched his fists.
"I won't repeat myself."
Kisame laughed.
"And I'm not interested in listening to your nonsense."
"Mr. Itachi told me not to kill you because he wants to do it himself..."
"But cutting off a few of your limbs shouldn't be a problem."
Without another word, Kisame swung Samehada forward.
Boom!
The massive sword crashed into the ground with overwhelming force.
Just as Sasuke prepared to counterattack, a green figure suddenly burst onto the battlefield.
A powerful kick struck Samehada, sending both the sword and Kisame flying backward.
Kisame steadied himself after landing and narrowed his eyes.
"Who's there?"
The newcomer flashed a dazzling smile, struck a dramatic pose, and proudly declared,
"The Beautiful Green Beast of Konoha—"
"Might Guy!"
Kisame frowned before grinning once again.
"So it's you again, my precious beast."
"This must be the countless time we've met."
Guy blinked in confusion.
"Huh? Have we met before?"
Moments later, Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, and Tenten arrived beside him, all letting out helpless sighs.
Kisame laughed mockingly.
"As expected... your memory is as impressive as that of a beast."
Rock Lee immediately defended his teacher.
"Don't say that! Guy-sensei just isn't very good at remembering people's faces!"
Guy waved dismissively.
"Forget about that, Sasuke. Naruto was right. You're still no match for Itachi Uchiha."
"Don't rush into this. Come back!"
But Sasuke had finally found Itachi again.
There was no way he would give up.
His voice was filled with determination.
"I must kill Itachi Uchiha."
"Since you're here, keep him busy."
"I'm going after Itachi!"
With that, Sasuke instantly disappeared.
Naturally, Kisame wasn't about to let him escape.
He swung Samehada once more, aiming directly at Sasuke.
Guy immediately stepped forward and intercepted the attack with a powerful kick.
The two instantly engaged in fierce combat.
Taking advantage of the opening, Sasuke sped away.
Guy called out anxiously,
"Lee! Neji! Tenten!"
"Understood, Guy-sensei!"
Without hesitation, the three of them immediately set off in pursuit of Sasuke.
________________________________________
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