Current burst forth, and Hayato's figure shot backward like an arrow released from its bowstring.
However, Ai followed closely, as if glued to his shadow, never letting the slightest distance open between them.
Hayato sidestepped Ai's hand blade, quickly gathered Chakra, and slammed it into Ai's chest.
Quick Attack surged, and Hayato was astonished to find that a normal attack could not shake Ai's defense.
"The Lightning Release Chakra Mode isn't something a half-baked Ninja like you can break," Ai sneered, and a punch like thunder smashed into Hayato's crossed arms.
The immense force made Hayato's feet drag a deep furrow in the ground, sending sand and stones flying.
"I can't see their movements!" Tōsō Noerujin's face was ashen; two afterimages crisscrossed in the battlefield before him, and only the occasional pause in height allowed him to barely distinguish Hayato's position.
"Uchiha Hayato is at a disadvantage; his Lightning Release Chakra Mode cannot defeat Ai."
A hint of unwillingness surged in Hayato's heart. His opponents were all future legends of the Ninja World, and he was only nine years old; he truly couldn't match them in strength.
The Sharingan's tomoe spun, taking in every one of Ai's movements.
"His movements are faster," Ai's heart sank. Although he wasn't afraid of Genjutsu, the high-speed nerves stimulated by Lightning Release allowed him to avoid most interferences, but Hayato's actions were indeed becoming smoother.
The Sharingan—its abilities of observation, replication, and prediction—were displayed to their fullest at this moment.
Hayato was using his eyes to observe Ai's movements, predict his next possible move, and then prepare in advance.
If he couldn't match in strength, then he would compete in speed.
Ai suddenly threw a punch, but it missed. He was startled to realize his attack had hit only air.
"An afterimage? I didn't even react?" Ai's heart trembled. This kind of speed, only his father, the Third Raikage, had made him feel.
No, I can see it! It's just an illusion, not that fast yet!
Ai gritted his teeth, his entire body erupting with lightning, leaping into the air, concentrating Lightning Release Chakra, and striking down with force.
"Liger Bomb!"
The next moment, the little brat's strength was a bit heavier than before, and the sound only reached his ears after he had disappeared.
"It's useless, you can't hit me." Hayato's sneer carried a hint of provocation; lightning flashed, and he quickly closed in on Ai's side again, delivering a precise elbow strike.
Ai felt humiliated; he had actually been elbowed by a little brat.
"His Chakra consumption is very high when using that move; it will soon run out!"
Hayato impatiently glanced at Nakayoshi, it was that sensory Ninja again.
Might as well kill him first!
Violent emotions surged in his chest, making his mood instantly soar.
"Where are you looking?"
The dark hand blade struck again, and Hayato could only dodge again.
He was slightly out of breath; his Chakra consumption was already severe. He had first unleashed Thunderbolt at full power, then sparred with various Ninja and two of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Not to mention maintaining the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, he had also added Extreme Speed on top of that technique.
[Extreme Speed: Rapidly gather energy and charge at the enemy like lightning, delivering a fatal blow in an instant.]
Just using one technique had consumed a lot, and when stacked, although the speed was even faster, Chakra consumption doubled.
Uchiha Hayato ascended into the sky, leaving a crowd of furious Ninja below.
He took out a scroll he had prepared beforehand and summoned today's lunch; the fragrant smell of curry wafted in the air above.
"I'm hungry from fighting, I'll eat first."
The Kumogakure and Hidden Mist Ninja both used Ninjutsu to attack Uchiha Hayato in the sky, but he had already ascended to a safe height, and other than feeling a bit cold at high altitude, he felt no discomfort.
He was currently eating bone curry; the delicious and rich essence of bones combined with the thick curry sauce created a rich yet refreshing taste.
Seeing that attacking and cursing from below had no effect, the people on the ground could only roar in impotent rage and stopped their actions.
It wasn't until they saw Hayato throw down the empty container that even the most good-tempered person couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.
"This is outrageous, Konoha Village brat, get down here!"
A Kumogakure Ninja stomped on Hayato's lunchbox, pointing to the sky as he spoke.
However, just as he felt something was off under his foot, the explosive flash of fire instantly engulfed him.
"Everyone, do you like my gift?"
Uchiha Hayato laughed happily.
When dealing with enemies, one must be more shameless and ruthless than them.
He just wondered how Kushina and Asako were doing, and where the people of Konoha were now?
Dodai stroked his chin: "Tōsō Noerujin, it's time to let down our guard and cooperate. That brat isn't an opponent for all of us; he can only hide in the sky now."
He looked at Nakayoshi, who had given several warnings, a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Nakayoshi, other than Uchiha Hayato, were there no other Chakra fluctuations just now?"
A cold sweat trickled down Nakayoshi's forehead.
"I'm looking."
Tōsō Noerujin was retrieving the Blast Sword: Shibuki; Munashi Jinpachi had already been carried away by the remaining Hidden Mist Ninja, and it was unknown if he would survive.
But the Blast Sword definitely had to be retrieved.
A cruel glint flashed in his eyes; he wanted to cut something, even the civilians of Whirlpool Country would do.
"Let's go with your plan. Uchiha Hayato is waiting for Konoha reinforcements; as long as we attack Uzushiogakure, he won't be able to sit still."
Dodai's face regained its usual confidence. Ninja don't just rely on brute force; strategy is also part of strength.
They still had their biggest trump card, Burabi.
The strength of a Jinchuriki is not something ordinary Ninja can contend with.
-----------------
Kushina looked back worriedly in the direction where Hayato was. Just as they had bypassed the battlefield and were preparing to sneak back to Uzushiogakure, a huge sound erupted from Hayato's location.
Even they, two kilometers away, felt afraid.
How was Hayato doing over there?
Kushina's heart was filled with worry.
The barrier of Uzushiogakure was already in sight.
"Kushina, don't hesitate. Hayato told us to return to the Village and wait." Asako tugged at Kushina's hand, pulling her towards the Uzushiogakure gate.
"Asako, you're back!"
It was a middle-aged man speaking. "Did you bring Konoha reinforcements? Was that sound just now from their battle?"
Many red-haired clan members showed joyful expressions; indeed, Konoha Village would not abandon its allies.
"This is… Kushina?" The middle-aged man was confused. "You're Kushina? How could Konoha let you leave the Village?"
Asako gritted her teeth: "The main Konoha forces haven't arrived yet. The one fighting them is Uchiha Hayato. Please, everyone, let's fight together!"
Who was Uchiha Hayato? No one had heard that name.
Kushina's arrival and the delayed arrival of Konoha reinforcements further raised their suspicions.
Before the two could enter the Village, a chilling voice sounded from behind them.
"Little brats, where can you run to?" Tōsō Noerujin's cold gaze, filled with bloodlust, slowly approached.