Chapter 126: The Key to Breaking the Enemy's Ninjutsu
Kakashi took the crystallized Kikaichu from Shino and observed it carefully, his brow furrowed.
"This kind of crystallization reaction... I've never seen it before," Kakashi said. "We must let Hokage-sama see this as soon as possible."
With that, he immediately summoned his ninken Pakkun, handed the crystallized Kikaichu to him, and ordered him to deliver it to the Hokage Residence with all haste.
Shino watched Pakkun's departing figure, his heart filled with worry.
"I hope Hokage-sama can find a solution," he said.
"Shino, don't worry too much for now," Byakuya comforted him. "Kakashi has already gone to fetch Hokage-sama; she will definitely have a way."
Just then, Shino suddenly discovered something.
"Wait!" he shouted. "There are still a few Kikaichu alive!"
Hearing this, everyone hurried over. Shino held a few surviving Kikaichu in his hands; although they were also covered in the strange crystallization, they were still struggling tenaciously.
"These Kikaichu might have come into contact with the enemy's Ninjutsu, but they are still alive!" Shino said excitedly. "If we can find the secret to their survival, maybe we can find a way to counter the enemy!"
After saying this, ignoring everyone's attempts to stop him, he turned and ran outside, deciding to continue searching for surviving Kikaichu to find insects with antibodies.
After Shino found the Kikaichu with immunity, he rushed without stopping to regroup with Kakashi and the others.
"Kakashi-sama, I found them!" Shino held up a vessel containing the special Kikaichu, his face full of joy. "These Kikaichu are immune to that crystallization!"
Kakashi took the vessel and carefully observed the Kikaichu inside: "Excellent, Shino. Your discovery is vital to us. These Kikaichu might become the key to breaking the enemy's Ninjutsu."
However, Shino looked troubled: "But to mass-produce these immune Kikaichu, I need time..."
Kakashi nodded: "I understand, Shino. You go and breed the Kikaichu first. We will temporarily disengage from the front lines to buy you time."
Through Shino's efforts, a large number of Kikaichu immune to Crystal Release were bred.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and the others had already delivered the crystallized Kikaichu to Tsunade for analysis.
"This is a very rare Ninjutsu..." Tsunade's brow was tightly furrowed. "It's called 'Crystal Release,' and it can crystallize objects."
"'Crystal Release'..." Kakashi repeated the name. "In that case, our previous opponents were Ninjas who used this kind of Ninjutsu."
Tsunade nodded: "Correct. Furthermore, this Ninjutsu isn't something Orochimaru is skilled in. This makes it even harder for us to figure out his goals and movements."
Kakashi and the others fell into deep thought upon hearing this.
Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Kakashi and the others were being trapped by the opponent's Crystal Release technique.
"Damn..." Kakashi looked at the surrounding trees that were gradually crystallizing. "This Ninjutsu is truly troublesome."
Just as they were at their wits' end, Shino arrived with his Kikaichu.
"Kakashi-sama, I've come to support you!" Shino scattered the Kikaichu toward the crystallization. "These Kikaichu are immune to Crystal Release; they can help us break this Ninjutsu!"
As the Kikaichu crawled over it, the once indestructible crystallization began to crack slowly before finally collapsing with a loud crash.
"Well done, Shino!" Kakashi shouted, seizing the opportunity to break out of the predicament.
However, just as they thought they were out of danger, urgent news came from the support team led by Yamato. "Our path is blocked by a massive Crystal Release barrier!" Yamato's voice sounded hurried and tense over the communicator.
"What?" Kakashi's expression shifted. "We're coming to support you immediately!"
On their way to provide support, Naruto suddenly came to a halt.
"Naruto, what's wrong?" Sasuke asked.
"I just finished training a new Ninjutsu," Naruto grinned. "Now is the perfect chance to test it out!"
With that, he took a deep breath, and his hands began to condense Chakra. As he gave a low shout, a giant toad emerged from behind him and spat out a powerful wave of energy forward.
"Toad Flame Bomb: New Jutsu!" Naruto shouted.
The energy wave slammed into the Crystal Release barrier, triggering a violent explosion. When the dust cleared, everyone was shocked to find that the previously indestructible Crystal Release barrier had been blasted with a massive hole.
"It worked!" Naruto shouted, pumping his fist.
They quickly passed through the gap to rendezvous with Yamato and the others. However, just as they breathed a sigh of relief, shocking news arrived: Hinata had been trapped by the enemy's Crystal Release.
"Hinata!" Naruto's face paled. "We have to go save her!"
Kakashi nodded. "Indeed, we must act quickly. Shino, can your Kikaichu be of use again?"
Shino nodded. "No problem, but a large Crystal Release barrier like that might require even more Kikaichu to break."
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