Rescue Operation, Part Eight

In the dark mountain forest.

The crackling sound of electricity filled the air, and bright arcs of electricity twisted in the air like tiny silver snakes. Tense and excited faces shifted and contorted in the flickering light.

Katsuki's sprint speed increased by about 40% in an instant, which greatly exceeded Araki's expectations.

How could a little kid possibly unleash such speed?

However, an Araki Jonin Jonin panic. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into a surge of killing intent. This little guy cannot be kept. If he grows up, he will be a menace, absolutely a menace. Konoha's genius is a menace in the eyes of the Cloud Ninja.

His body crackled with arcs of electricity, and his wrists moved in a strange manner, beyond the reach of ordinary people.

This is not a simple application of Lightning Release Chakra, but rather the Nintaijutsu of the Cloud Ninja. The so-called Nintaijutsu is an alternative application of Lightning Release Technique. It fully utilizes Lightning Release Chakra to activate the body on the basis of Taijutsu, achieving amazing speed and attack effects.

The Cloud Ninja are extremely powerful. Unlike the Sunagakure, which focuses on elites, the Cloud Ninja's overall attack power is indeed the strongest among the Five Great Nations. When thousands of Cloud Ninja charge into battle, even the Stone Ninja, who are best at defense, can't help but feel apprehensive.

The Cloud Ninja exploited the penetrating properties of Lightning Release, developing the bizarre art of Nintaijutsu).

Araki immediately used his Nintaijutsu, and with a strange twist of his wrist, the long sword in his hand was held horizontally in front of him, blocking Katsuki's attack channels. A look of anticipation appeared in his eyes, looking forward to seeing what kind of expression this brat would have when he deflected the short sword that Katsuki thrown away.

[Arm Strength Enhancement], activated.

Watching Araki's actions, Katsuki's eyes remained calm and undisturbed, but the muscles in his forearm bulged, and his entire arm suddenly swelled up. Fortunately, his sleeves were already wide enough, and they fit him tightly without bursting open.

To Araki's astonishment, Katsuki thrust his short sword forward with all his might. The sharp blade rubbed against Araki's long sword, sending out streaks of silvery electricity. He forcefully held down Araki's long sword, his blade slicing open Araki's right shoulder.

The blade, crackling with electricity, slicing through Araki's clothes and cutting into his well-trained, hard muscles. The severed muscle fibers twitched, and streams of blood gushed from his thick veins, staining his previously exposed pale shoulder blades crimson.

"Aww!"

Araki roared, Katsuki drew his sword, with endless arcs of electricity flashing beneath his feet as he swiftly retreated from Araki's side.

They were calculating with their minds but not with their minds.

Relying on numerous incredible trump cards, Katsuki gained the upper hand in her first encounter with Araki, leaving Araki with a deep wound as a souvenir.

Moreover, the injury to his right shoulder will inevitably affect his skill with a knife, and even his Taijutsu combat and Ninjutsu Hand Seals.

He successfully weakened Araki's strength. Even though the injured Araki was still very powerful, there's always a second chance. One must take things one step at a time. Give him time, and he'll wear this guy down, even though he's in a hurry right now.

"You brat, what kind of Ninjutsu is that? Or Secret Technique, or... Kekkei Genkai?"

Although Araki seemed quite exasperated, he didn't rush to retaliate. He swallowed a Blood-Stopping Pill to stop the bleeding from his shoulder wound, and then stared greedily at Katsuki's indistinct face in the darkness.

The Cloud Ninja have a collecting obsession. They have a strong desire to possess the Ninjutsu, Secret Technique, and Kekkei Genkai of other countries, and they crave to keep all the good stuff in their own hands. They are willing to start a war for this, as long as they think it is worth it.

"Kid, if you hand over that ability you just showed me, I'll spare your lives. How about it? It's a good deal. Your ability is quite impressive, but even the best things require a certain lifespan. Think it over carefully. I'll count to five. If you don't agree, I'll have to find it in your head yourself."

Araki tried to seduce Katsuki, his eyes filled with lust.

"One."

"Two."

······

Are you an idiot, or do you think I'm an idiot?

A mocking smile curled at the corners of Katsuki's lips. He arched his back slightly, and the lightning on his short sword grew even brighter. If it weren't for the limitations of the sword's material, he could have infused it with even more Chakra. Unfortunately, this was the limit he could reach now.

In the flash of lightning, Katsuki's mocking smile came clearly into Araki's view.

He didn't continue counting; instead, a bright burst of lightning suddenly flashed from his feet, thick arcs of electricity clinging to his ankles. It was an extremely profound Lightning Release nature transformation. If it were Katsuki who dared to use such powerful Lightning Release Chakra to strengthen his feet, there would only be one outcome.

That is, his two feet turned into two pieces of charcoal.

"Clang!"

In a flash, Araki rushed in front of him, his long sword, crackling with violent lightning, slashing down at him. The ear-piercing thunder echoed in his ears, making them tingle.

However, Katsuki's reaction was not bad either.

He has now activated [Mental Enhancement], [Enhanced Vision], [Foot Strength Enhancement], and [Arm Strength Enhancement], and with the stimulation of Lightning Release Chakra training, he has barely kept up with Araki's super-fast attack speed and was able to withstand the powerful impact.

The enhancements to his Mental Enhancement and Enhanced Vision allowed him to see Araki's offensive movements, identify his weaknesses, and quickly devise countermeasures in his mind. Meanwhile, the Foot Strength Enhancement and Arm Strength Enhancement enabled him to put his mentally conceived countermeasures into action.

The blades rubbed together, sparks and flashes of electricity bursting forth.

Katsuki retreated rapidly, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. The pressure of fighting a Jonin was terrifying. Without the power of the Hito Hito no Mi, he could only withstand three moves from Dan Katō. He was already doing quite well.

At least he could see Araki's annoyed expression.

Araki was genuinely furious. He hadn't held back, but had gone all out, yet he still couldn't defeat a mere brat. His heart was filled with rage, which only strengthened his resolve to kill Katsuki at all costs, as Katsuki's performance was simply too monstrous.

Think back to when he was about the same age as Katsuki, all he knew was carrying a sword and running errands for his seniors.

"You brat, don't get too cocky."

Araki gritted his teeth, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes. The lightning coiling around his body brightened even more, thick arcs of lightning wildly crisscrossing his flesh. A faint smell of burning flesh filled the air.

Then, Araki's sword suddenly accelerated.

Laugh!

The blade slid across Katsuki's lower abdomen, cutting through his clothes. Fortunately, he dodged quickly, preventing the blade from being disemboweled.