The first to react was naturally Aburame Ryoma.
This Jōnin, already on alert, had been watching the water clone battle closely. The moment the real body was destroyed and the clones collapsed, he instantly used his clan's insect swarm to track the origin of the chakra and rushed toward the source.
Fengjiansi had already left.
He had never planned to face Aburame Ryoma head-on, nor did he have to. All he wanted was to retrieve the "seed"—and that was enough.
As for the others? They were still caught up in shock.
"So that's what was going on…"
"A water-style corpse puppet… was that thing controlling all the clones?"
"No wonder… we thought we were dealing with a Kiri elite jōnin, but it was just one dead body. Still, that level of jutsu is terrifying even after death…"
"Not quite."Aburame Ryoma spoke in a calm voice after returning from his pursuit.
"I examined the battlefield. That corpse was indeed producing clones, but the chakra flow suggests it wasn't acting on its own."
He looked toward the forest's depths.
"Someone else placed that corpse there and activated it with a special technique. And that person—must have left already."
The others were stunned.Someone could use a corpse like that?
"If they're from Kirigakure, then the Bloody Mist is even more terrifying than we imagined…"
"No. Not Mist."Aburame Ryoma shook his head. "Not their style. And if they had someone like that, they wouldn't have needed to use puppets in the first place."
"But if not them, then who?"
"Unknown."
Ryoma raised his hand, and countless insects returned to his body.
"However… I've already marked them. If we meet again, I'll know."
— — —
Far from the battlefield, in a hidden clearing, Fengjiansi had already rejoined the medical corps.
He calmly took out a sealed jar and looked at the contents with satisfaction.
Inside floated the shriveled corpse from earlier—the "puppet" that had controlled all those water clones. Now, its chakra was completely extinguished, like a broken tool.
But Fengjiansi's expression showed delight.
"This is a precious sample. Even though it wasn't a true zombie, the techniques used to animate it and produce clones are very interesting. If I study it carefully, I might be able to replicate it using my own zombie methods…"
He paused, then took out a scroll and carefully recorded a few notes.
"I'll call it: Wet Zombie Clone."
"Not bad… Once I perfect it, I could create mass-produced disposable zombies with water-style attributes… even give them clone-making capabilities. Wouldn't that be an army-making machine?"
He smiled.
But then—
"Fengjiansi."
A voice came from behind.
He quickly hid the scroll and turned around calmly.
It was Tsunade.
The medical unit leader had a serious look in her eyes.
"I need to speak with you. Come with me."
Fengjiansi's heart sank a little—but he followed without resistance.
As they left the medical camp, Tsunade didn't say a word until they reached a secluded glade. Then she turned around sharply.
"You encountered something strange in the forest, didn't you?"
Fengjiansi stayed silent.
Tsunade's gaze was like a blade."That corpse… I saw it. Don't tell me it wasn't your doing."
For a moment, the air was heavy.
But then, Fengjiansi chuckled. "Lady Tsunade, if I could use a water-style corpse puppet like that, do you think I'd still be in the medical unit?"
Tsunade stared at him.
Fengjiansi's smile didn't fade.
After a while, Tsunade snorted. "Fine. You're smart—and cautious. But if I find out you're hiding something dangerous to Konoha…"
She didn't finish the sentence.
She didn't need to.
Fengjiansi bowed deeply."Of course, Lady Tsunade. I'm loyal to the village."
As he watched her walk away, he finally let out a long breath.
"That was close…"
(To Be Continued)