The Tailed Beast Ball was actually cut in half mid-flight with a Single Blade Strike by White Fang's blade.
The concentrated chakra scattered—one stream soaring into the sky, the other crashing to the ground—triggering endless explosions and blinding light across the battlefield.
Amidst the deafening blast, high above in the air, a short figure sneered coldly at White Fang, who had yet to recover from his previous strike. "[Dust Release, Original Severing Technique.]"
Anya was stunned upon witnessing this Ninjutsu—it was unlike anything he had ever heard of. Could it be a Kekkei Genkai?
A clear cube-like barrier exploded into existence midair, instantly trapping White Fang inside.
Unfazed even while trapped inside the Dust Release, White Fang looked up at the short man and said, "Hiding in shadows and launching sneak attacks—don't you think that's beneath someone of your status as the Tsuchikage?"
The small man laughed heartily. "You have to play smart and keep a low profile. If it means winning the war, leading my people to better land is worth it—who cares about a little ambush?"
White Fang felt his chakra draining fast inside the Dust Release. He slashed at the barrier with all his might—but that thin wall didn't even crack.
"This technique was originally meant for Hiruzen Sarutobi, but since you're here instead, it works just fine on you too."
The Tsuchikage clasped his hands together solemnly, preparing to seal the jutsu and activate its explosive power.
At that moment, a voice rang out from afar: "[Lava Release, Blazing Inferno.]"
A ninja completely engulfed in flames crashed straight into the transparent cube. The previously intact Dust Release enclosing White Fang immediately developed cracks.
Seeing this, White Fang quickly activated his chakra-coated tanto blade which flashed with electric sparks, allowing him to escape swiftly through the fissures.
This sudden twist nearly made the Tsuchikage lose his balance in shock. He roared furiously, "Roshi, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?"
The chakra-enveloped figure retorted, "Even during war, we should fight face-to-face. Sneaking around doesn't count as real skill. Real strength comes from fighting honorably."
"You blockhead!" The Tsuchikage above practically fumed with rage.
As the two argued, White Fang, now free, sharply commanded, "Retreat."
Like receding tide, the Konoha ninja withdrew from the battlefield. Before leaving, White Fang cast a deep glance toward the Tsuchikage and turned away.
Anya hurried over to support him. "Teacher, are you hurt?"
Shaking his body slightly, White Fang replied grimly, "I'm fine, though my chakra is almost completely drained—I feel exhausted. That Dust Release used by the Tsuchikage is terrifying; I nearly couldn't return."
Curious, Anya asked, "What exactly is Dust Release? Is it a Kekkei Genkai?"
"Not quite," White Fang answered. "The Hokage once told me—it's a Kekkei Tota, a kekkei genkai surpassing even normal bloodline limits, created by the previous Tsuchikage. I never thought such a technique could be passed down. This is the first time I've encountered it—I underestimated it."
With the Tsuchikage, two tailed beast Jinchuriki, and the home advantage of Iwagakure, despite both sides suffering similar casualties today, Konoha has clearly fallen into a severe disadvantage.
Anya asked, "Has the Hokage already left?"
"Yes."
"White Fang sighed, 'The Hokage must consider more than just this battlefield. Hanzo's Rain Village (Amegakure) is at war with Sunagakure. Once the outcome becomes clear, Konoha will surely face another wave of battle. Mist, known as the Bloody Mist Village, always involves itself in every war—it's something we can't afford not to watch out for. Finally, there's Kumogakure; their Raikage might currently be the strongest among the five Kages and the one whose forces have sustained the most strength throughout the conflicts. So tell me, wouldn't they also feel tempted to get a share of the spoils?'
Anya sucked in a sharp breath upon hearing this. No wonder relations between the Five Great Nations were so complicated during wartime—no wonder the Third aged so quickly. He must've been constantly preoccupied with these concerns.
However, without dealing with Tsuchikage's Dust Release, this stalemate could only lead to Konoha's inevitable defeat. Anya asked anxiously, 'So what should we do now?'
'This is exactly why I called you here,' White Fang replied meaningfully. 'I'm assigning you an S-rank mission—to lead the squad you've brought and infiltrate Iwagakure from within, creating chaos. Ideally, use Lightning Release.'
Anya instantly understood, grinning, 'Teacher, you're quite the schemer.'
White Fang responded expressionlessly, 'Deception is part of warfare. Besides, tensions already exist between the nations—just a little provocation could spark conflict. We don't need to engage them head-on like this.'
This reasoning was sound. Battlefield situations constantly shifted. However, strengthening oneself while weakening enemies remained an unchanging truth. Even if Konoha won against Iwagakure in direct combat, it would still result in a costly victory—one that wasn't worth winning.
Anya readily accepted, asking, 'When shall we depart?'
'Tomorrow,' White Fang replied. 'I'll go challenge Iwagakure directly, drawing their focus onto this upcoming confrontation. That's your opportunity to slip inside.'
Startled, Anya questioned, 'Don't you need some recovery time? Are you rushing into another challenge already—or did you discover a weakness in Dust Release?'
Smiling mysteriously, White Fang replied, 'The person I intend to challenge isn't actually the Tsuchikage; it's that jinchuriki (a host vessel containing a tailed beast) who saved me today.'
Anya understood White Fang's strategy but raised another concern. 'But what if the Tsuchikage refuses to let him fight?'
Confidently, White Fang responded, 'That's precisely an open and honest scheme. Whether he fights or not makes no difference—internal problems will definitely emerge.'
Anya couldn't help but nod in admiration at White Fang's plan. Clearly, this plan had formed immediately after his rescue. Indeed, being quick on one's feet was a mark of a true master with a blade—Tsuchikage was certainly about to face discomfort.
After separating from White Fang, Anya found the three members of her squad and informed them about the mission assigned by White Fang. None of them showed any fear; instead, excitement gleamed in their eyes.
Quickly forming a plan, Anya said, 'Minato, you'll lead the others in infiltrating first. Then Kushina, you'll be responsible for setting up the [Sealing Formation] to conceal everyone.'
Dan Kato asked, 'What about you then?'
Slowly taking out a Kumogakure ninja forehead protector from his coat, Anya put it on and grinned, 'As for me, I'll confront them directly and test their strength. The rest is up to your team. Remember—create as much chaos as possible.'
After hearing this, Minato interjected in disagreement. "Let me draw the fire on the front line. I can get out safely."
Anya thought carefully for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I should do it. After all, this mission is to divert both sides' attention. My Lightning Release is more suitable. Besides, your golden hair stands out too much — they'll instantly know your origin."
Everyone else agreed and started to rest and recover their strength, readying for tomorrow's big battle.
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