Kurotsuchi looked even more pleased after hearing Shinju's question.
Oh, Shinju, Shinju… even someone hailed as the super genius of the ninja world still has blind spots in ninjutsu knowledge.
Immediately, Kurotsuchi began explaining the Rock Techniques to Shinju.
"The technique I'm talking about," she said, "is Iwagakure's Earth Style: Light-Weight Rock Technique. It can reduce the weight of an object."
"Grandpa is extremely skilled in Earth Release—he can even use this jutsu on himself to make his body lighter, allowing him to float in midair. And this technique can greatly boost his movement speed."
Shinju listened and suddenly understood.
So Iwagakure really has taken Earth Release to the next level—they can even manipulate gravity now.
After hearing that this jutsu allowed one to fly freely in the sky without any external aid, Shinju's curiosity was instantly piqued.
"I want to try it."
Kurotsuchi frowned. "Forget it. That jutsu was developed by the Second Tsuchikage himself. It's not easy to learn."
"Besides, what we should be focusing on right now is tracking down the jinchūriki—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Shinju's voice came from nearby.
"Is this what it's supposed to look like?"
Kurotsuchi looked up in confusion… and froze.
Shinju was floating in midair!
He was actually hovering without any support!
W–What?! How could he have learned it so quickly?
Ten seconds?!
He mastered one of Iwagakure's secret techniques in the time it took her to finish one sentence?!
Beside her, Akatsuchi wore the same expression: total shock.
Even for a genius, that learning speed was monstrous!
It made lifelong Earth Release users like them feel utterly useless!
Nearby, Shinju—having successfully replicated the technique—used Wind Release to accelerate himself.
"Whoosh!!"
In an instant, his body flickered a hundred meters away, leaving a faint afterimage in the sky.
After having his fun, Shinju floated back to them and smiled.
"The Second Tsuchikage of your village was really something. To come up with such a fun ninjutsu… and if I'm not mistaken, Dust Release was also his creation, right?"
"Anyway, back to business. I'll take you both down there with me."
Saying that, Shinju grabbed the two of them and gently descended.
...
The three of them landed quietly in a dense forest outside one of the Akatsuki's hideouts.
They crouched behind the bushes, carefully observing the situation ahead.
At the moment, only a single cloaked man stood guard at the entrance.
Shinju took the initiative. "I'll go take him out."
"Hey!" Kurotsuchi protested. "We should at least discuss a plan first!"
But Shinju's gaze was resolute as he walked toward the sentry—as if saying: Plan or no plan, I'm taking that guy down!
When he was less than a hundred meters away, Shinju slowly drew the Kusanagi Blade. Holding it like a sniper rifle, he took careful aim.
Behind him, Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi were both dumbfounded.
"What's he doing?" Akatsuchi muttered. "Casting a long-range jutsu?"
Kurotsuchi sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"I have no idea. This genius from Konoha never does things by the book."
The next moment—
A flash of silver light burst through the forest!
"Shing!!"
The Kusanagi Blade in Shinju's hand extended instantly—stretching out to a hundred meters in less than half a second!
"Slash!!"
Blood sprayed through the air.
The blade pierced straight through the sentry's temple and came out the other side.
Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi were speechless.
So that's how you use the Kusanagi's extension ability?!
Shinju calmly retracted the blade and flicked the blood off its edge.
Clearly, he was very satisfied with this sniping sword's performance.
It had the range of a gun and the stealth of a blade, a perfect assassination weapon.
No wonder Orochimaru loved swords so much.
"Let's move."
After taking care of the sentry, Shinju waved to the other two.
The trio advanced cautiously for another fifty or sixty meters until Shinju spotted the hideout's stone gate.
Closing his eyes, he activated his chakra sensing.
As he suspected—there were no chakra signatures inside.
The same thing had happened the last time he went after the Four-Tails.
It seemed the Akatsuki had developed specific countermeasures against his abilities.
If they could already block his chakra sensing, who knew what they'd manage next—perhaps even suppressing his chakra control entirely.
One thing was clear: the Akatsuki were not to be underestimated.
Just then, while his chakra perception was still active, Shinju's expression suddenly changed.
He sensed something strange nearby—an unfamiliar chakra presence!
"This chakra… it's from the Stone of Gelel?!"
Realizing something was wrong, Shinju's eyes snapped open. He grabbed Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi.
"Something's off—run!!"
The next instant—
"Buzz—"
Several formation barriers materialized out of thin air, trapping the three inside!
Then a voice shouted from the woods:
"Water Style: Feeble Rain!"
Inside the rectangular barrier, a small rain cloud appeared, and soon, light drizzle began to fall.
Shinju instantly sensed something was wrong with the rain. He unfolded an Ice Shield to block the raindrops.
But the moment the rain touched his shield, he was shocked to feel his chakra rapidly draining away through it!
"What the… this rain can drain chakra?!"
He frowned in confusion.
At that moment, a cloaked figure stepped out of the forest, smiling.
"Of course normal rain wouldn't affect your chakra," the man said.
"But this rain is mixed with my special potion—it causes your chakra to leak away rapidly."
"I should really thank Orochimaru-sama for the inspiration. I just improved upon his old research."
Shinju looked up and recognized the man—it was Kabuto Yakushi!
Shinju narrowed his eyes. "And this formation?"
Kabuto answered, "I took a few fragments of the Stone of Gelel you brought back to Konoha and studied them for a while."
"This unique mineral contains chakra—it perfectly powers the formation, saving me the trouble of manpower."
Shinju chuckled. He'd once considered using those stones for formations himself but never bothered to test it. He didn't expect Kabuto to beat him to it.
He continued, "So this formation of yours… it's custom-made, isn't it?"
Kabuto replied politely, "Indeed. This array suppresses the growth of Wood Release trees—it's tailored specifically for you."
"I know this little trick won't hold you for long, but combined with the chakra-draining rain, it should keep you busy for a while."
"As long as I delay you until Akatsuki finishes extracting the tailed beasts, that's enough."
Shinju frowned. "So you've allied yourself with Akatsuki now?"
"I thought Orochimaru didn't get along with them?"
Kabuto's expression turned serious.
"Because right now, we share a common enemy."
...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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