Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji's faces were grim.
Haku and Karin exchanged subtle glances.
Though Hiruko hadn't made many moves, his displayed strength was no less than Shinno's—perhaps even greater—leaving everyone quietly shocked.
"Dark Release, Swift Release, Steel Release…"
Shinji analyzed the Bloodline Limits Hiruko had fused with the "Chimera Technique" based on his recent actions.
This shinobi world had diverged significantly from the original timeline, so Shinji could only use his original knowledge as a reference, not a certainty.
From what he'd seen, Hiruko's chosen Bloodline Limits seemed unchanged, still including "Dark Release," "Swift Release," and "Steel Release."
"'Dark Release' is likely a fusion of Yin Release chakra and Wind Release chakra."
"'Swift Release' is probably Yang Release chakra combined with Wind Release chakra."
"'Steel Release' is likely Earth Release chakra mixed with Water Release chakra."
"Of the seven chakra natures—Yin, Yang, and the five elements—only Lightning Release and Fire Release are missing. It's highly likely his remaining two Bloodline Limits are 'Storm Release' and 'Sharingan.'"
Hiruko seemed to relish the shocked expressions of his enemies. He advanced slowly toward Yakumo, saying, "Let's make you the first Leaf ninja to die by my hand post-ritual!"
Before Yakumo could respond, Shinno, leaning against the tree, shouted, "Hiruko, stop wasting time—let's get out of here!"
Hiruko chuckled lightly. "Relax, this'll be over soon!"
Shinno, both anxious and exasperated, said, "Those Leaf brats aren't simple, especially that Uchiha kid—he's strong!"
Shinno's blunt assessment surprised Hiruko. He knew Shinno's current strength, and for Shinno to give such praise meant the opponent was indeed formidable.
His gaze shifted from Yakumo to Shinji.
Though Shinji hadn't activated his Sharingan, the Uchiha fan crest on his clothing marked his identity.
Hiruko asked with interest, "You're Uchiha Shinji?"
Shinji merely stared at him coldly, showing no intent to engage.
"Won't talk, huh?" Hiruko smirked. "Then I'll make you speak my way!"
With that, he flashed forward, throwing a punch at Shinji.
Shinji didn't dodge or flinch, his expression unchanged.
Snap.
With a soft sound, a hand caught Hiruko's fist.
Hiruko's face darkened as he looked at the hand's owner—a black-haired boy with clear eyes, hardly resembling a ninja trained for killing.
Yet this unassuming boy had blocked his ferocious punch.
Hiruko's gaze returned to Shinji, astonished to find the Leaf's Uchiha remnant utterly unfazed, as if he'd known his teammate would intercept the blow!
Whoosh.
At that moment, Karin, standing on Shinji's other side, launched an attack.
Hiruko broke free from Haku's grip, leaping back while casting a deep glance at Shinji, fending off Haku and Karin's combined assault.
Almost simultaneously, Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji joined the fray, teaming up with Haku and Karin to besiege Hiruko.
"That idiot!"
Seeing Hiruko engage the Leaf ninja, Shinno was on the verge of tears.
He knew how tough these Leaf brats were—especially Uchiha Shinji, who still sent shivers down his spine.
With Hidden Cloud ninja present, it meant their main force was nearby. The longer they delayed, the harder it would be to escape.
In the air.
"Hm?"
Kurozumi Raiga, standing on the fusion beast's back, let out a soft gasp.
He had been observing the battle below, noting every person's demeanor and actions.
Normally, facing a ritual-completed Hiruko, even an elite like Raiga, a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, wouldn't dare underestimate him.
The others below reacted as expected—Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud ninja all looked as if facing a formidable foe.
Only Uchiha Shinji, whom Hiruko had tested, remained utterly composed, reminiscent of another Akatsuki Uchiha—Itachi.
Staring at Shinji, Raiga spat lightly, "Tch, these damn Uchihas are so annoying!"
"He's strong."
A voice sounded in Raiga's ear.
"Oh?"
Raiga was surprised.
The voice continued, "Not just him—several of those Leaf ninja are strong! Some have chakra levels surpassing yours!"
Raiga's face showed disbelief. "No way!"
"My Hogan won't lie!"
The soft voice emphasized.
Undoubtedly, the voice belonged to Ranmaru, the last of the Hogan clan, whom Raiga had taken in and carried on his back.
On the battlefield.
Though it was five against one, Hiruko held his own. The synergy of "Swift Release" and "Steel Release" made his taijutsu formidable.
This was despite Haku, Karin, Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji all being skilled in taijutsu and coordinating well. Otherwise, they'd have suffered the same quick defeat as Darui and Kurotsuchi.
"Heh, you brats are pretty good! Looks like the Leaf's ninja academy isn't as useless as before!"
Hiruko smirked.
Haku, Karin, Yakumo, Kimimaro, and Neji remained focused, unaffected by his taunts.
If they could fight freely, they wouldn't fear Hiruko. But under scrutiny, limited to techniques shown at the academy, they struggled to counter him.
Seeing the five Leaf ninja holding Hiruko at bay, Darui and Kurotsuchi, now recovered, joined the fight.
Darui formed hand signs, shouting, "Storm Release: Laser Circus!"
Whoosh.
Several energy beams shot out, streaking toward Hiruko like lightning.
Hiruko's brows furrowed. He judged that his no-seal "Dark Release" couldn't fully absorb this technique, and forming seals would take too long. So, he activated "Swift Release," dodging Darui's thunderous strike.
"What a pity…"
The group besieging Hiruko sighed inwardly.
Hiruko slowly raised both arms, smirking. "Let me show you what real Storm Release looks like!"