Chapter 120: None of You Think About Escaping
"Why... why couldn't I save you..." Shikamaru whispered, his hands clenched into fists, pounding the ground. He felt powerless, unable to change Asuma's fate or stop the Akatsuki's conspiracy.
However, Shikamaru's despondency did not last long. After calmly re-examining himself, he and the members of Team 10 reached a conclusion—they could not stagnate because of Asuma's sacrifice. Asuma's last wish was to protect the Village and his friends; they had to inherit Asuma's will and continue the mission to pursue the Akatsuki.
"We can't let Asuma sacrifice himself in vain!" Shikamaru said firmly. "We must move forward for him and for Konoha!"
After learning of Team 10's determination, Byakuya thought carefully and decided to let Kakashi join their ranks to fill the void left by Asuma and continue the mission to pursue the Akatsuki Organization. At the same time, Team 37 would also serve as their support team.
"Kakashi, you are experienced. I hope you can lead them to complete this arduous task," Byakuya said in a deep voice, his eyes revealing determination and trust.
Kakashi nodded silently and took on the task. He understood that this was not only a recognition of his ability but also a tribute to Asuma's sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Team 7 also received their mission—to help Naruto complete his new technique within twenty-four hours so that he could participate in the operation to pursue the Akatsuki as a supporting force.
"Naruto, are you ready?" Kakashi came to Naruto's training ground and watched him training while drenched in sweat.
"Of course I'm ready!" Naruto replied firmly, although a hint of anxiety still showed in his eyes. He knew that this mission was not only about the Village's safety but also about avenging Asuma.
Under Kakashi's guidance, Naruto began his final sprint. He kept trying and failing, but he never gave up. He knew that only by mastering this new technique could he better protect the Village and his friends.
Time passed minute by minute, and Naruto's training entered a fever pitch. His eyes became more and more determined, and his movements became more and more skilled. Finally, with only a few minutes left before the deadline, Naruto successfully completed the new technique!
"I did it!" Naruto shouted excitedly, his voice full of power and confidence.
Kakashi nodded with a smile. He knew that although this mission was difficult, with Ninjas like Naruto and a team like Team 10, they would surely be able to fulfill Asuma's final wish.
"Shikamaru, act according to the plan!" Kakashi said in a low voice, his sharp gaze fixed on the forest ahead, where there were traces of the Akatsuki Organization members Hidan and Kakuzu.
Shikamaru nodded, flicking his finger. Ino and Choji immediately understood his meaning, and the three quickly dispersed, surrounding Hidan and Kakuzu in the middle.
"Attack!" At Shikamaru's command, the three launched their assault simultaneously, attempting to seize the initiative. However, their attacks were all easily neutralized by Kakuzu.
"What a boring attack," Kakuzu sneered, his voice raspy and low, like a demon from hell.
Kakashi's brow furrowed; he realized Kakuzu wasn't that easy to deal with. He quickly analyzed Kakuzu's abilities, trying to find a flaw. However, Kakuzu seemed to see through his thoughts, reacting ahead of time every time.
"Kakashi, your attacks are ineffective against me," Kakuzu sneered. He suddenly vanished from his spot and reappeared behind Kakashi, launching a fierce assault.
Kakashi dodged quickly while activating his Sharingan, trying to track Kakuzu's movements. However, Kakuzu's speed was simply too fast, his attacks as swift as lightning, making it difficult for Kakashi to hold his ground.
"Kakuzu, who exactly are you?" Kakashi asked coldly, realizing Kakuzu was no ordinary enemy.
"I am Kakuzu, a monster with five hearts," Kakuzu sneered. He suddenly revealed his true form, five hearts beating around his body, emitting a terrifying aura.
Kakashi's expression changed; he realized his attacks had been in vain. Kakuzu's five hearts granted him powerful regenerative abilities and a variety of Ninjutsu, making him almost immortal.
"Shikamaru, we must find a way to destroy his hearts!" Kakashi shouted, realizing that only by destroying Kakuzu's hearts could they defeat him.
Shikamaru nodded in understanding, but he also knew it wouldn't be easy. Each of Kakuzu's five hearts possessed a different attribute; destroying them all was an almost impossible task.
"Hidan, we're withdrawing!" Kakuzu said suddenly. He realized that the combination of Byakuya and Kakashi was not something they could easily handle... especially Byakuya, who gave him an inexplicable sense of pressure.
"Why? We haven't lost yet!" Hidan roared, unwilling to give up just like that.
"Byakuya's strength is unfathomable. Along with Kakashi and Team 10, our chances of winning are slim. We withdraw first and find another opportunity," Kakuzu analyzed calmly.
However, Hidan did not listen to Kakuzu's advice. He was already blinded by rage, only wanting to have a final showdown with Byakuya.
"Hmph, none of you are getting away!" Byakuya said coldly. He formed Hand Seals, preparing to launch an attack.
Hidan roared and charged at Byakuya, his scythe gleaming with a cold light. However, before he could even get close to Byakuya, he was repelled by a powerful force.
"What is this?" Hidan asked in shock.
"Sealing Jutsu!" Byakuya said calmly. The marks in his hand emitted a dazzling light, firmly sealing Hidan's body.
Kakashi's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Byakuya to know Sealing Jutsu as well. Moreover, judging by the power of the technique, Byakuya's strength was even greater than he had imagined.
"Kakuzu, it's your turn!" Byakuya said coldly, turning toward Kakuzu to launch the next round of attacks.
Kakuzu's face darkened; he knew things wouldn't end well today. But even so, he wouldn't give up easily. He let out a roar, and all five hearts attacked simultaneously, trying to withstand Byakuya's offensive.
"Your opponent is me!" Naruto blocked the way in front of Kakuzu. "Let's use you for the first experiment of my new jutsu!"
As a roar echoed around them, Byakuya, Kakashi, and the others were surprised to find that Naruto's new jutsu actually possessed a powerful suction. Byakuya nodded inwardly; it seemed that adding the Nature Transformation of Wind-natured Chakra was the right path!
Kakuzu also sensed extreme danger, but before he could react, Naruto's new jutsu, under his control, flew directly toward Kakuzu.
However, although the power of this new jutsu was immense, it hadn't been fully mastered yet. It lost control and exploded before it could hit Kakuzu.
"I actually missed..." Naruto said, somewhat unwillingly.
"Naruto, are you okay?" Byakuya came to Naruto's side.
"I'm fine, Boss Byakuya. Give me one more chance; I can definitely do it this time!" Naruto said firmly.
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