Chapter 59: Movements on All Sides
The Forest of Death, a perilous place filled with countless towering trees, had always been a required venue for the Chunin Exams.
Not only were there countless traps set by Konoha ninja, but even the unusually large beasts were not something an ordinary Genin could handle.
That was why this place had earned the name "Death."
At this moment, the three-person squad led by Kyosuke was rapidly making its way toward the other side of the Forest of Death.
"Yōmyō, check everyone's position," Kyosuke suddenly ordered as they were moving.
"Yes, Captain," Yōmyō replied coolly, then activated his Byakugan once again.
Instantly, the situation within a radius of several kilometers was laid bare before his eyes.
After a while, Hyuga Yōmyō suddenly spoke. "There's a squad two kilometers to the south. They're our mission target."
"Can you see which team it is?" Kyosuke asked.
"Hmm... it's the Waterfall ninja squad," Yōmyō confirmed after a careful observation with his Byakugan.
"Very good," Kyosuke said, pondering for a moment. He then said decisively, "Change course. We're hunting the Waterfall ninja squad."
The other two teammates nodded, and the three of them quickly sped off in the direction of the Waterfall ninja.
Meanwhile, five kilometers away from Kyosuke's team, the Mist ninja squad was also moving forward at high speed.
"Release your summoned beast. Confirm the Konoha squad's position," Mei Terumī ordered her teammate as she leaped between the trees.
"Alright," Ao replied. He then bit his finger and quickly formed a series of hand seals.
"Summoning Technique."
With a puff of smoke, a ninja bird suddenly appeared before them.
After a brief explanation, the ninja bird nodded and soared into the sky.
A moment later, Ao, with his eyes closed, suddenly spoke. "Found the target. They're five kilometers ahead of us, moving quickly toward another squad."
"Alright, let's go too," Mei said after a brief pause. She then led the way, advancing rapidly in the direction of Kyosuke's team.
As for Kisame, he had been following silently all along, offering no opinions.
After moving for a while, Mei suddenly said in a low voice, "I don't know why the Mizukage wants us to target the Konoha ninja. He even went so far as to forcefully bestow Samehada upon Kisame for this."
Ao silently shook his head, indicating that he couldn't figure it out either.
Just then, Kisame spoke. "Whatever the Mizukage-sama's purpose is, we just need to follow orders."
Hearing this, Mei's expression darkened slightly. She nodded and then dropped the subject.
That handsome Uchiha boy, I hope you can survive this.
At a location extremely far from both Kyosuke and the Mist's squads, the Sand ninja squad had already begun their battle.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."
Maki's hands suddenly clasped together, and a fierce gust of wind erupted from his palms, rushing toward the enemy.
"Quick, defend!" a Grass ninja shouted.
"Leave it to me," a man with long, straight black hair said, suddenly appearing in front of his comrades.
He looked at the approaching wind with a calm expression and then quickly formed a series of hand seals.
"Earth Release: Earth Prison Dome of Magnificent Nothingness."
As he released his ninjutsu, an earth wall suddenly shot up from the ground, completely enclosing them.
Just as his ninjutsu was completed, the fierce wind struck.
A Grass ninja, looking at the wall that was shaking but showed no signs of breaking, exclaimed with an excited expression, "Mui, your ninjutsu has improved again!"
The Grass ninja named Mui just smiled modestly and said nothing.
After the enemy's attack ended, he waved his hand and dispelled his ninjutsu.
Although the ninja of the Grass Village were weak, they were extremely skilled at studying the ninjutsu of other countries. Moreover, the Grass ninja were adept at using diplomacy to navigate between the great powers, securing benefits for their own survival.
This "Earth Prison Dome of Magnificent Nothingness" was obtained in such a way.
Having successfully defended against the enemy's ninjutsu, just as the Grass ninja were preparing to counterattack, a figure suddenly burst out from the ground beneath their feet.
The group reacted quickly, raising their kunai and stabbing at the figure.
Although they successfully hit "him," there was no joy on the faces of the three Grass ninja.
"Ugh..." one of the Grass ninja said, looking at the blade that had pierced not only the enemy but also his own abdomen. After a brief struggle, he slowly collapsed.
From the purple color of his lips, it was clear that the blade was coated with a deadly poison.
"Aaaah!!!" another Grass ninja screamed, watching his comrade die. He stumbled backward.
Then, he turned to flee.
"Calm down!" Mui's eyes also widened in terror at the sight of his comrade's death, but he had at least maintained his composure.
Seeing another comrade preparing to run, he couldn't help but shout, hoping to bring him back to his senses.
Although his intentions were good, it was too late.
Kuro suddenly appeared in front of the Grass ninja and, before the latter could react, slashed his throat with a kunai.
"Damn it," Mui cursed. Then, before the enemy's attack could arrive, he clasped his hands together again.
A long sword made of fire suddenly appeared in his hands.
"Fire Release: Heavenly Prison Fire Sword."
After forcing Kuro back with a swing of his sword, Mui looked at the relaxed Sand ninja trio. After a moment of silence, he suddenly took out the "Heaven" scroll and threw it at them.
His meaning was clear. Since he couldn't win, he might as well just surrender.
Maki caught the scroll and then turned to look at the somewhat silent Sasori.
Seeing that he had no particular thoughts, Maki turned back and looked at the fire sword in Mui's hand.
"You can go," Maki said coolly.
Hearing this, Mui first breathed a sigh of relief. He then watched them with a cautious gaze and carefully retreated.
After Mui had left, Kuro looked at Maki and suddenly asked, "Why did you let him go?"
Maki had already anticipated this question. He smiled slightly and said, "Now that we have the scroll, there's no need to waste any more time on him. Don't forget our purpose here."
Kuro pursed his lips but said nothing more.
Afterward, the Sand ninja squad set off again. And the direction they were heading was, of course, the same as Kyosuke's team.
❃❃❃
⤑ Show your support with Power Stones!
⤑ Unlock a Bonus Chapter every time we hit 100 Power Stones!
❃❃❃
♕ Get early access to 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
🔗 https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to open the link!)
💬 Enjoying the story? Drop a review!
Your support really helps the series grow—thank you!