"Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma!"
With a low shout, a towering figure appeared before everyone.
Wearing a Leaf Village forehead protector, flowing white hair, and a robust, muscular frame, the creature's long, powerful tail swayed gently behind it.
The instant Monkey King Enma appeared, Yugito Nii's instincts screamed danger.
This summoning beast's reputation echoed throughout the ninja world. Once upon a time, it was this very creature who helped Hiruzen Sarutobi earn his title as a "Ninja Hero."
One could argue that half of Hiruzen's legendary status was thanks to this powerful summoning beast!
"Looks like we've gotten ourselves into trouble again, Sakura."
Enma crossed his arms, his sharp eyes sweeping quickly across the area.
Cloud shinobi. Konoha brats…
"Yes, Lord Enma."
"The enemy is the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki."
Sakura stood slowly from the rubble, her eyes calm as they met Yugito's, who was standing on the second floor, looking down from above.
This fight needed to end quickly.
Even if the enemy claimed it was a betrayal from a double agent, the timing was too perfect. Konoha had just finished a strategic meeting, and the enemy immediately launched an ambush using the logistics base as bait.
No way this was just coincidence.
"Two-Tails Jinchūriki, huh…"
"Interesting."
A wild grin spread across Enma's face. It had been far too long since he'd stood on a battlefield. Ever since Hiruzen had become Hokage, combat had been a rare indulgence. Lately, he'd only been summoned for a couple of clashes with Orochimaru.
But now?
Whether they could win or not—Sakura and Enma were in perfect agreement.
Two-Tails?
What a joke.
"Heh. You've got sharp eyes, I'll give you that."
Yugito didn't care that her identity had been exposed.
She had used her signature "Mouse Jade" technique earlier. Anyone familiar with it would immediately recognize her.
"But you think a little girl and a damn dead monkey can take me down?"
"Naive!"
Despite her mocking tone, Yugito crouched on all fours. Blue-black chakra ignited around her body like ghostly flames, and two chakra tails began to sway behind her.
"Looks like we're being underestimated, Sakura."
Enma's grin widened, his sharp fangs now fully visible—he looked like a beast on the brink of rampage.
"Yeah," Sakura nodded, her voice cold. "Just a little kitty cat."
She reached out her hand, and a jet-black staff with golden ends materialized in her palm.
Her jade-green eyes gleamed with ruthless determination. She gave the staff a light swing, producing a high-pitched metallic whistle through the air.
"You think you can beat me?"
"You're five hundred years too early!"
"Bring out the Eight-Tails!"
With a shout, the ground beneath Sakura shattered, erupting with a thunderous boom!
She launched forward like a human-shaped beast, charging toward the Two-Tails cloak-covered Yugito!
Each step she took left the earth broken, like a small earthquake beneath her feet.
"ROAR—!"
The partially transformed Yugito let out a low growl and rushed head-on to meet the charging girl!
---
"Ahhh, looks like those two ladies are already going at it."
Darui lazily swung his massive sword to parry the onslaught of the Uchiha youth before him.
"To be honest, I really hate fighting."
"How about we sit down, have some tea, and enjoy watching the catfight?"
The white-haired man joked lightheartedly, even as he retaliated with sharp, deadly counterattacks against Sasuke.
"Annoying."
Sasuke's expression was ice-cold as he stared at the man in front of him.
He could feel it—this guy wasn't even using his full strength. And even so, Sasuke was struggling to break through his guard.
So this is what a Jonin from one of the Five Great Ninja Villages is like?
Why does Kakashi seem so weak in comparison?
Sasuke hadn't used Chidori yet. His chakra reserves could only handle two uses, and even with Sakura's specially made soldier pills, he could maybe manage two more at most.
But landing a clean hit on this guy?
Not likely.
Suddenly, his scarlet Sharingan gleamed, the two tomoe within spinning rapidly.
"Hm? Sharingan?"
"Uh-oh!"
Darui instinctively made eye contact—and immediately realized his mistake.
Now!
Sharingan: Binding Illusion!
No hand seals, no chants—the moment their eyes locked, the illusion was triggered!
Poof!
Darui vanished in a puff of smoke—replaced by a wooden log!
Substitution Jutsu?!
When did he—?!
Sasuke's heart skipped a beat.
Everyone knew that Substitution Jutsu was most effective when the user greatly outmatched their opponent.
Against someone of similar or slightly lower strength, using it was like walking a tightrope—one misstep, and you'd hand your enemy the advantage.
And this Darui just used it mid-battle—as if mocking Sasuke, like a slap in the face followed by a spit.
It didn't hurt physically, but the humiliation was real.
"Whew, that was close."
"Almost messed that one up."
Darui's relaxed voice came from behind Sasuke.
As he turned, Sasuke saw the man standing casually, not even taking the opportunity to strike.
His expression darkened like a storm.
"Not attacking me now will be your greatest mistake."
Sasuke's voice was cold, and the blade in his hand began to crackle with blue-white lightning.
"Lightning Release, huh…"
"Not really my thing."
Darui gave him a sleepy glance, then picked his nose with his pinky.
But Sasuke had no interest in talking anymore.
In an instant, he exploded forward with incredible speed, charging Darui like a bolt of lightning!
Darui's black-and-white eyes followed his movement. His fingers began to form hand seals with lightning-fast precision.
Just as Sasuke was about to strike—
"Storm Style: Black Panther!"
Storm Style—a Kekkei Genkai formed by combining Water and Lightning Releases!
It fused the explosiveness and power of lightning with the control and flexibility of water. The more chakra you poured in, the stronger it became!
A black-and-white lightning panther roared into existence, leaping toward Sasuke with savage speed and power!
"What?!"
Sasuke's pupils shrank. Lightning surged through his sword as he instinctively infused it with Chidori!
The lightning panther and the electrified blade collided mid-air!
The sound of a panther's roar and the piercing screech of Chidori echoed across the battlefield!
"…Told you, I'm not great with Lightning Release,"
Darui's laid-back voice came from the distance, watching as Sasuke struggled to survive the clash.
---
(End of Chapter).