"Indeed, you can't underestimate anyone!"
Seimei couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
At the same time, he thought to himself that if someone like Ao could detect something unusual about him using the Byakugan, then it made no sense that the Leaf, with so many Byakugan users, wouldn't eventually notice the growing signs as he used his Mangekyo Sharingan more frequently.
In fact, they may have already noticed but simply haven't said anything.
After all, over the past few battles, although he had activated his Mangekyo Sharingan discreetly, there were times when he couldn't avoid being seen.
For instance, during that ambush by the Hidden Mist's Anbu outside Eagle's Beak Cliff, if it hadn't been for "Heavenly Hand Power," he wouldn't have escaped the "Four Mist Sealing Formation."
At that time, there were Hyuga clan ninjas nearby.
And there were other moments he could hardly recall.
You can't always hope that those Hyuga clan members in the team just happened to miss seeing it, right?
Once two people know a secret, it's no longer a secret.
There's no guarantee that they won't leak it.
Even if they don't spill the beans, the higher-ups in the Leaf, especially the ones like Danzo with spies everywhere, are bound to wonder how he managed to escape from multiple enemy attacks and even defeat stronger opponents.
Once they start thinking about it, with all the information they have, the Leaf is likely to piece together the truth about what he's hiding.
Seimei figured the only reason no one had tried to probe him yet was because it was wartime, and unity was needed against external threats. Otherwise, he'd probably already have some spies circling him.
But these peaceful days would likely end as soon as the war was over.
A vague sense of urgency welled up in Seimei heart.
For now, the only thing he could be thankful for was that Ao hadn't told anyone else before investigating these matters.
And by the time he discovered Ao's secret, it was already too late to say anything.
For the time being, there was no need to worry about leaks from the Hidden Mist.
As for the Leaf…
Seimei had only one thought: to grow as strong as possible. Power is the foundation of everything. As long as his strength is great enough, he can keep any secret.
Otherwise, no matter how well he hides, he'll be nothing more than a rat running from the light.
He gathered his thoughts and stopped dwelling on it, focusing instead on combing through Ao's memories, hoping to find more valuable information.
However, much to his disappointment, certain classified information regarding the ongoing war had been sealed by the Hidden Mist with a special sealing technique, preventing him from accessing those memories.
Realizing there was no more use in keeping Ao alive, Seimei formed hand seals and released a large fireball to destroy the body.
After cleaning up the evidence, he contacted the shadow clone he had sent to the battlefield.
Soon, the "Communication Technique" connected successfully.
Through their exchange, Seimei quickly understood the situation on the nearby battlefield. After thinking for a moment, he activated "Wind Release: Wings of Wind" and flew towards the area.
…
Meanwhile, on the battlefield about 1.5 kilometers south of Blackstone Base, the Leaf ninjas were still fighting fiercely against the Hidden Mist ninjas.
Although Ao, the commander, had disappeared, which had a significant impact on the Mist ninjas, the presence of other Mist Jonin kept them from losing control of the situation.
Moreover, due to their superior numbers, they gradually gained the upper hand.
In contrast, the Leaf side, including both survivors from the previous battle and the hundred reinforcements that arrived later, were in poor condition overall.
Even though Uchiha Shisui, a top Jonin, was doing his best to rescue comrades across the battlefield, it was becoming difficult to hold the line.
As for Seimei…
He was just a shadow clone, with little impact on such a chaotic battlefield, and could be ignored.
Because of this, the casualty rate on the Leaf side had been steadily rising for several minutes.
It was clear that once they reached their breaking point, a large-scale massacre would be inevitable.
However, that breaking point wouldn't be reached.
Why?
Because the real Seimei had arrived.
Looking down at the chaotic battlefield, Seimei muttered, "This battle has gone on long enough; it's time to end it."
With that, he dived downward, dodging a few kunai and shuriken thrown his way before landing right in the midst of the Mist ninjas.
Moments earlier, they had just finished off several Leaf ninjas and were still basking in their excitement.
Now, cold sweat broke out on their foreheads.
Seeing Seimei suddenly appear, one Mist Chunin gulped, trying to suppress his fear as he shouted, "Kill him!"
With that, he led the charge towards Seimei.
The others, following his lead, also rushed forward.
However, Seimei remained unfazed by their attack.
First, he dispelled his shadow clone, restoring his full strength, then drew the long sword from his waist.
With a few swift slashes, he knocked aside the incoming shuriken and kunai.
In the next instant, a flash of blue light appeared—he had used the "Instant Sword Technique."
Seimei's speed skyrocketed to its peak, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing before the Mist Chunin who had just issued the order.
"Ah!"
The Mist Chunin was startled, but his combat instincts kicked in, and he instinctively thrust his kunai forward.
However, in Seimei eyes, the Chunin's movements were as slow as a turtle's.
Seimei raised his sword, blocking the kunai with ease.
Then, with his left hand, he formed a small, pale blue chakra ball and pressed it against the Mist Chunin's body.
*Thud*—
A spurt of blood shot from the Chunin's mouth, heading straight for Seimei face.
But by the time the blood reached Seimei, only an afterimage was left where he had stood.
The next moment, a scream erupted from nearby.
The Mist Chunin, using the last of his strength, turned towards the sound, only to see one of his subordinates, a Mist Genin, being impaled from behind by Seimei sword.
Sensing the Chunin's gaze, Seimei glanced at him briefly before continuing his relentless assault on the remaining enemies like a specter.
At that moment, the Mist ninjas finally understood why Seimei was called "Ghost Sword Seimei."
With his involvement, the Leaf side quickly stopped their retreat and began to counterattack.
During the battle, two Mist Jonin tried to hold Seimei back, but even at full strength, they were swiftly killed.
After that, the tide of the battle turned.
With Seimei and Uchiha Shisui, two elite Jonin, on their side, even the superior numbers of the Mist could not prevail.
In the end, after losing about 70% of their forces, the surviving three Mist Jonin led the remaining Mist ninjas in retreat.
(End of Chapter)