Go Wash Up and Sleep

The border between the Land of Water and the Land of Fire.

The Takigakure of Takigakure, Gyokai, who was hailed as the unparalleled Shinobi World and the number one person below the Five Kage, had lost his composure as the village chief and was being held up by Kakuzu by the neck.

Seeing the Kakuzu Forehead Protector with a slash on Takigakure's head, Gyokai both shocked and furious.

The legend of Kakuzu is so ancient that it can be traced back to the time when the First Hokage established the Hidden Village system. Although many Takigakure ninjas know that Kakuzu, who stole the Earth Grudge Fear technique, may still be alive, no one has ever actually seen his face.

Beside the two lay several corpses, which were the Sealing Squad ninjas and two Jonin guards brought by Gyokai.

Faced with Kakuzu's sudden attack, they were completely powerless to resist and were easily killed by Kakuzu.

Aside from Kakuzu's exceptional strength, the large number of Five Release Ninjutsu Kazashiro generously gifted to his opponent was also one of the key factors in their victory.

"Hmph, say goodbye to this Shinobi World, you worthless bastards."

As one of the Shinobi World ninjas, Kakuzu naturally wouldn't make any lengthy speeches typical of villains. He tightened his grip and was about to snap Yugiri's neck.

The originally resilient texture suddenly became sticky, and the old Gyokai's body turned into mud, which flowed Kakuzu Kakuzu's arm and tried to envelop him.

Behind Kakuzu, the main body of the Gyokai used Lightning Release, and its sharp lightning spear pierced straight through the opponent's chest.

Kakuzu, whose movements were restricted by the mud, looked on in surprise as he watched helplessly as a gash appeared on his chest, and then he too turned into a puddle of liquid.

"Pretty capable, aren't you? You knew to use Lightning Release to break my Earth Spear."

Like a nesting doll, Kakuzu's true form appeared behind Gyokai, launching a flying kick, which was dodged by the prepared opponent.

"Earth Release: Earth Spear, Ninjutsu that combines offense and defense, and it was also your specialty before you seized Earth Grudge Fear."

The Gyokai readily revealed Kakuzu's information.

"Although the village has long lost contact with you, we continue to pass on information about you, so that one day we can avenge the village leaders who died at your hands."

The Gyokai's words sounded like a joke, causing Kakuzu the usually stern-faced Kakuzu to chuckle softly.

"Interesting. They were the ones who betrayed me back then, and they deserved their fate. I never expected you to still use the word 'revenge'."

As he spoke, Kakuzu took off his trench coat, revealing a body covered in bizarre lines.

"I have to admit, you've got some skills, so..."

The mask behind him seemed to come alive, bulging as if it were about to burst out of his body.

"Hmph hmph hmph, ah ah ah ah--"

With a muffled groan from Kakuzu, the masked monsters burst forth from his body.

"Although I have enough heart capacity, having another collection isn't a waste."

After sewing up the torn flesh, Kakuzu and examined the Gyokai.

As Kakuzu groaned, Gyokai had already prepared his defenses.

The loss of the Earth Grudge Fear has prevented the Takigakure from obtaining complete information about this secret technique. They can only analyze its abilities based on information circulating within the village.

The four monsters represent four hearts.

Including Kakuzu's true form...

The Gyokai took a deep breath.

This is truly an unfavorable situation.

What was supposed to be a smooth operation to capture the Seven-Tails turned into a nightmare, as they encountered Kakuzu, the ultimate killer...

Could it be that Konoha and this guy are in some kind of conspiracy?

"You bastard, are you perhaps Konoha mercenary—"

Fire Style: Head Engraving!

Before the Gyokai could finish speaking, the Heart of Fire Style had already activated its Ninjutsu.

The seemingly small fireball unleashed tremendous energy the moment it hit the ground, turning everything in sight into flames.

Unfortunately, the Gyokai is not skilled in Water Release.

Faced with this situation, he could only seek cover to take refuge.

"It's alright to tell this dying man that I am the leader of the Integration Movement, the one who brought liberation to this Shinobi World."

Kakuzu denied Gyokai's speculation and declared himself the leader of the Integration Movement.

"The Integration Movement, it's you!"

Gyokai had heard of this organization's reputation; the daimyo of Land of Water even summoned him specifically to warn him to be wary of it.

Before the Gyokai could make any further moves, the heart of the Wind Release technique had already appeared outside the bunker.

A series of blasts easily pierced through the boulder that the Gyokai had used as cover, leaving behind several rows of small holes.

The Gyokai himself barely managed to evade the attack by using Earth Release is a technique that allows one to escape through earth).

"Earth Release Escape Technique: Earthquake"

Jumping off the earthen wall he had built, the Gyokai attempted to regain control of the battlefield.

"Lightning Release: False Darkness"

The high-speed thunder was difficult to dodge, and the principle of elemental advantage also prevented Gyokai from using his signature Earth Release to defend against this Ninjutsu.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Net."

Faced with this situation, Gyokai could only use Ninjutsu of the same attribute to neutralize the opponent's attack.

However, this means he will have to face the problem that his Chakra is far less than it was in his youth due to aging.

The sharp thunderclap, accompanied by flashes of lightning, lasted for a while. As the last crackle of electricity dissipated, Gyokai finally dealt with Kakuzu's Lightning Release.

Panting heavily, the Gyokai began searching for the location of the Earth Grudge Fear Monster.

Kakuzu curled into a smile hidden beneath his mask as he controlled his Wind Release: Heart Release technique to continue his attack on his opponent.

He, meanwhile, controlled the black lines and quietly moved to a certain location.

Just as he had predicted, in order to conserve Chakra, the Gyokai tumbled and leaped, dodging the Wind Release attacks, and soon arrived at the area where the black lines were gathered.

As the first black thread wrapped around the Gyokai's ankle, he was surprised to find his movements suddenly restricted, and his abdomen was pierced by Wind Release.

Blood gushed from the wound, and more and more black lines swarmed and enveloped the Gyokai's body.

Kakuzu himself pounced on the Gyokai after it was bound by black threads, just like a hungry tiger.

"As expected, you are too old and frail to create Shadow Clone or substitutes again."

Seeing the Gyokai of injury despite its injuries, Kakuzu said with some excitement.

"Unfortunately, you've been out of touch with the world for so long that you're not even worth a small reward."

Kakuzu shook his head regretfully, disappointed that he had put in so much effort but hadn't received a single penny.

Out of courtesy, Kazashiro personally went to the door to see Pakura off.

A Ninja Hawk suddenly swooped down from the sky, circled his head once, and landed steadily on his shoulder.

After retrieving the information from the Ninja Hawk's leg, Kazashiro read its contents and then used Wind Release to shred the paper.

"The touching meeting at the border has come to an end."

Pakura smoothed a stray strand of hair from her temple. "So, the village chief of Takigakure has gone to bed?"

"Oh dear, life is unpredictable. The world is cruel. Take care, Kazekage."

Seeing Pakura's guards come forward to greet him, Kazashiro stopped and bid farewell to his old friend.