[New Fanfic Is UP!! Uma Musume: Rising From the Countryside to Legend!!]
Shino casually ripped off the now-lifeless Ukon head from his shoulder and tossed it aside, even thoughtfully offering an explanation:
"Head parasitism is indeed dangerous… but it was also your downfall. Trying to recklessly fuse with a member of the Aburame clan was courting death. And your other head wasn't very smart either. I deliberately showed a weakness to lower your guard. The moment you slowed down and got close—that's when I sent my parasitic mega bugs into your body!"
Still writhing in agony, Sakon heard Shino's words and felt like his intelligence had been utterly insulted.
His head lolled to the side.
Dead.
At that moment, Kakashi landed beside Shino and smiled. "Shino really is reliable. Having you around puts people at ease."
Shino accepted the compliment without modesty. "Yeah. Natsuki praises me like that all the time."
Kakashi blinked—then chuckled helplessly.
Kids these days sure were confident. But confidence wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
The two then turned their attention to Sasuke, who was still evading the three massive seishin enerugī daija (spiritual energy serpents), looking for an opening to strike at Tayuya.
But those serpents were dangerous, and Sasuke didn't dare get careless.
And with Tayuya manipulating them so tightly, there was no clear chance to attack. A swift victory seemed impossible.
Kakashi called out, "Sasuke, need a hand?"
"Urusai!"
Sasuke didn't even look back. "This enemy—I'll defeat her myself!"
He had his pride. He could acknowledge Shino's strength, but he wasn't going to accept being weaker than him. Since Shino had already defeated two Sound ninja, he had to at least beat one. Otherwise, wouldn't he look pathetic?
Kakashi and Shino understood what was going on. That's why they hadn't stepped in.
Kakashi's question was just to give them an excuse for not helping. Since Sasuke had declined assistance, it wasn't like they were abandoning a comrade—they were just respecting his wish.
Still, they kept a close eye on the battle. The moment Sasuke showed signs of struggling, they'd jump in without hesitation.
Tayuya's flute played faster now. The serpents' speed increased as well, no longer content with just defending. They wanted to devour Sasuke.
She was clearly getting desperate. After all, she was the last one standing among the Four. And despite all her power, she still couldn't take down Sasuke. Two strong Konoha ninja were waiting for her to fall. She could feel the end coming.
But she was proud. Since escape was no longer possible, she'd take down a Uchiha genius with her—prove her worth before dying.
She wouldn't allow herself to vanish in mediocrity. If she had to die, she'd die with glory—by defeating Uchiha Sasuke!
"Damn it!"
Sasuke clenched his teeth, thinking hard for a solution.
As the serpents got faster, he was being forced farther away from Tayuya. Attacking her was getting harder and harder.
This couldn't go on. He had to end it quickly. Shino had already taken down two enemies—if Sasuke couldn't even land a hit, wouldn't that be embarrassing?
Fortunately, Sasuke was no slouch in battle tactics.
As he darted past a tree, he quickly used Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique), letting the clone keep dodging the snakes.
The plan worked. Tayuya, hellbent on winning, didn't notice. The clone looked no different from the real one.
The serpents chased the clone farther away. A smirk formed on Tayuya's lips—clearly thinking the Uchiha wasn't all that.
But at that moment, Sasuke's real body appeared.
Using Rai Shunshin (Lightning Body Flicker), he reached her in a literal blink—just ten meters away.
Tayuya was startled. Her flute faltered.
The snakes were too far. She couldn't summon them back in time to protect her.
"You sly Uchiha!"
Tayuya cursed—but instead of dodging, she charged forward. In her Juin Nii Sutēto (Curse Mark Level Two State), her speed and strength were vastly enhanced. She was confident she could overpower Sasuke in a head-on clash.
But Sasuke had no intention of testing taijutsu with her.
He raised his hand—and a Raiton: Chidori Eisō (Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear) formed.
"Take this! Raiton: Chidori Eisō!"
"N-No—!"
Zzzzzztt! Shunk!
The lightning spear pierced through Tayuya's chest. Her vaunted speed couldn't help her at all.
She coughed up a mouthful of blood, her curse mark fading, her strength draining away.
She was unwilling—but what could she do?
As death crept in, her eyes suddenly widened.
As if she saw something… impossible.
"Y-You… Why are you here?! What… What's going on?!"
A gentle male voice answered her. Sasuke tensed up immediately.
A tall man in a kimono with long white hair and crimson dot-shaped eyebrows walked over slowly. His presence was serene—but heavy, oppressive.
Shino and Kakashi landed beside Sasuke.
"I saw this guy coming a while ago," Shino said calmly. "But I didn't interrupt your fight. Kakashi-sensei and I were ready to act."
Sasuke nodded. He knew Shino wouldn't be careless. Still, this white-haired man gave off a dangerous aura—one they couldn't ignore.
Is he an enemy? Another one of Orochimaru's men? But why didn't Natsuki send intel about him?
Sasuke remained alert, questions swirling in his head.
The man's gaze swept over the scene—Kidōmaru, Sakon and Ukon already dead, Tayuya moments from death. Jirōbō? Clearly didn't make it either.
"Tayuya," the man said softly.
"I… Why… Why are you here…" Her breath was faint.
"Orochimaru-sama sent me to assist."
The man—Kimimaro—shook his head slowly. "But it seems you've lost… utterly. Even your life. Like a withered blossom. Leave the rest to me. Rest easy now."
Tayuya made no reply. She was dead.
Only then did Kimimaro turn to the trio, his gaze locking on Sasuke.
His voice, tinged with unrecognized envy:
"So you're the Uchiha Sasuke that Orochimaru-sama has chosen? To defeat all of them… I must admit, your potential is impressive. But you displease me."
"I wanted to be Orochimaru-sama's vessel. But I wasn't worthy. And he chose you. You, who resist him."
The trio gave him weird looks.
This guy's nuts.
Who in their right mind would want to become that snake's vessel?!
"You don't understand Orochimaru-sama's greatness! But it doesn't matter. Today, I will take you back myself!"
As he spoke, bones burst from his shoulder, tearing through his skin. Calmly, he pulled one out—it became a sleek, deadly honeken (bone sword).
Sasuke, Shino, and Kakashi tensed, readying for battle.
But then—a cry from above.
A fierce eagle screech echoed, and three figures dropped from the sky.
"HAHAHA! The Blue Beast of Konoha has arrived! Prepare yourselves!"
Guy landed dramatically, striking his "cool" pose. Tenten and Neji stood behind him with faces full of awkward resignation.
The entire scene went awkwardly silent.
So… very awkward.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]