Walking along a shaded forest path, Aoyama's straw hat swayed with the breeze, the little wind chime hanging from its brim jingling softly — ding-ding-dang-dang. It almost made him appreciate the Akatsuki uniform.
But after a while, he felt it — killing intent. Clear, sharp, and drawing closer. He could even count how many people were tailing him.
Aoyama muttered to himself, "Bounty hunters? No, wait… wrong channel. Guess I should call them bounty ninja. Coming to hunt me down? Hah, not bad. My first hunt as a rogue ninja — feels pretty nice."
Defectors weren't just chased by their village's ANBU; they also had bounties placed on their heads. Rogues who lurked in the shadows often hunted these targets for cash.
And since Aoyama was traveling alone, he looked like easy prey. Most wandering ninjas hunted in teams, so by the numbers, he was at a disadvantage.
But ninja battles weren't about numbers. A truly strong shinobi could stand against entire units.
He wasn't on the level of the Third Raikage, who once fought an army single-handedly, but a few rats trailing in the bushes? Hardly worth worrying about. He just wondered how long they'd wait before springing their trap.
Soon, the killing intent grew heavy. The forest fell silent. No birds sang — so quiet he could hear his heartbeat.
Animals could sense bloodlust better than humans. Even the birds refused to land, circling above rather than risk flying into a forest about to erupt in battle.
The tension became almost tangible. Aoyama was about to get bored and strike first when the ambushers finally made their move.
"Fire Release: Flickering Candle Flame Jutsu!"
In one enemy's hand appeared a wavering flame, like a candle struggling against the wind.
"Ninja Art: Discordant Beast Roar!"
The second unleashed a chaotic chorus of beastly cries, dozens of animal voices roaring at once, grating on the nerves and shattering focus.
"Water Release: Surging Stream!"
A torrent of water burst forth, not as massive as Water Wall, but enough — a solid C-rank technique.
Three jutsu, one after another — a coordinated strike. Three attackers leapt from hiding, while a fourth lingered in the shadows, waiting as backup.
Aoyama lunged forward, smashing the candle flame apart with a single punch. For the cacophony of beast roars, he simply opened his mouth and bellowed — a raw, bestial scream that drowned the illusion beneath sheer force of will.
Two techniques shattered instantly. His strength was undeniable.
But when faced with the water torrent, Aoyama didn't try to punch it. Water couldn't be broken; it was smarter to dodge.
A taijutsu user against ninjutsu was always at a disadvantage — unless they had Might Guy's Eight Gates, enough raw force to boil an ocean with a single strike. For anyone else, dodging was the only option.
The three hunters spread out, forming a triangle formation around him, each keeping him in their sights. Their eyes flickered, measuring him up, searching for weaknesses.
Aoyama arched a brow. "That's it?"
They didn't answer, but their shifting gazes betrayed hesitation.
"That B-rank Fire Release got shattered by a fist… This Leaf defector, Aoyama, isn't to be underestimated. I'll need the perfect opening."
One attacker subtly slid to the side, clearly avoiding confrontation. The burly one in the middle was the source of the maddening beast roar.
Aoyama sized them up. After gauging their level, he dismissed the idea of summoning his monsters. Calling out Godzilla and Kong just to crush three small fry? Overkill.
The burly man roared again, charging with the speed of a leopard, fists swinging. His punch clashed with Aoyama's. The collision cracked like thunder.
Aoyama grinned wickedly. "Not bad. You've got enough strength to take one of my punches. You're a real man."
The brute didn't answer. He strained, trying to overpower Aoyama. But no matter how hard he pushed, he couldn't move that unmoving fist blocking him.
Meanwhile, the third hunter's hands blurred through seals. He slammed his palms to the ground.
"Water Release: Pool of the Fish!"
At once, moisture gathered beneath Aoyama's feet, spreading into a slick puddle. His legs sank into the water as if it had a will of its own.
The brute shifted from grappling fists to a crushing bear hug, arms like iron bands locking Aoyama's arms against his sides. At the same time, the water surged upward like a pool with its drain reversed, tugging him deeper.
His movements dulled. The water dragged him down. The brute's grip kept him from striking back.
Then the fire user finished his seals, bent back, inhaled deeply, and snapped forward.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball roared forth — the iconic Uchiha technique, so common it was practically mass-produced in the shinobi world.
Aoyama cursed under his breath. "Seriously? Almost losing to three small fry? Guess pure taijutsu isn't enough in this world."
But luckily, he had his cheat. The Monster Book.
No hand signs, no theatrics. Just a thought.
Summon: Godzilla.
"ROOOOAAAR!"
The colossal beast emerged instantly, swiping a massive claw through the Great Fireball. Like a dragon of legend, Godzilla's thick hide and natural magic resistance shrugged off the flames. The fireball shattered, bursting into harmless embers.
Aoyama's eyes narrowed. With another thought, he called out his second guardian.
Summon: Kong.
The brute holding him froze as a towering simian thundered into the clearing, pounding its chest. Fear flickered in his eyes, and his grip weakened.
Kong bellowed and charged at the water-user. The panicked ninja barely managed a hand sign, shouting:
"Ninja Art: Bewitching—"
BAM!
Kong leapt, swung, and smashed his skull with a single colossal fist. The sound was like smashing a watermelon — pulp spraying in every direction.
This wasn't some minor summon. This was Kong — a natural-born apex predator, strong enough to topple skyscrapers and swat fighter jets from the sky.
And now, he was Aoyama's monster.