Kill Kakuzu!

Kakuzu could store up to five hearts in his body at once, and the secret to his long life was that he could extend his lifespan by replacing his hearts.

In other words, once all five of his hearts were destroyed, it would be time for him to kick the bucket!

So after the Limbo Shadow destroyed four of his mask hearts, Kakuzu completely lost his mind.

He had to break through this "wall" and seize hearts outside to keep himself alive. Even civilians would do—as long as their hearts were still "alive"!

Boom!

Kakuzu slammed headfirst into the "wall." A mass of black tendrils pierced deeply into it like arrows, wriggling and forcing their way inward like earthworms.

Houka frowned and hurriedly said to Shizuki, "Get your people out of here immediately. Whatever you do, don't get near Kakuzu!"

"Understood!" Shizuki did not dare let his guard down and immediately ordered all the Waterfall Ninja guarding Houka's Shadow Clone to withdraw.

At the same time, one corner of the "wall" was blasted apart by countless black tendrils. Vast numbers of tendrils seemed to grow out from within the "wall," whipping wildly in the wind as they stretched longer and longer.

"Leave the rest to me!"

Kakashi suddenly stepped forward. "Well, Kakuzu came for me, after all. I can't just stand by and do nothing."

Houka froze for a moment, then recalled the Limbo Shadow and smiled. "Just don't get careless and let him steal your heart."

"If that happens, it'll only prove that I'm not much after all." Kakashi's tone gradually turned grave. Then he slightly lifted the Headband covering his right eye, revealing a Double Tomoe Sharingan!

Next, lightning gradually flickered around both his hands, accompanied by the piercing thunderous cry of Chidori.

Houka's eyes narrowed. "Dual Lightning