Night had fallen over Konoha. It should have been a peaceful evening, but the village was now steeped in murderous intent.
In Karin Uzumaki's room, Uzumaki Kuming arrived in a few swift moments from the Hokage's office. The instant he burst inside, he saw Black Zetsu absorbing Karin's Chakra. Heavenly Feather Blade shot forward, but a Gunbai thrust up from underground and blocked it!
As the attack was deflected, a pale, wizened hand darted toward Uzumaki Kuming's neck, aiming to take him down in one blow.
"Holy crap! Is that the Dance King?!"
Though he had caught only a fleeting glimpse, Uzumaki Kuming immediately recognized the attacker: that distinctive Gunbai, and that withered arm. He cursed inwardly, squeezed his eyes shut, and tensed every muscle. His blade whipped around and came up to guard.
Bang!
Thud!
A dull impact rang out. Just as Uzumaki Kuming brought his blade around to defend, the newcomer sprang from the ground and changed his move in an instant. Twisting around, he drove a kick straight into Kuming's abdomen. The immense force sent Kuming flying through the doorway and out into the courtyard, where he slammed into the ground and left a crater.
"Not bad, boy!"
Moonlight poured through the gaping hole into the room, revealing the attacker. What an incredibly old man he was. A head of white hair covered most of his face, and loose, wrinkled skin hung over his bones. There seemed to be hardly any muscle beneath it. His clothes were in tatters, yet the aura he gave off was terrifying.
The old man took a step toward where Karin lay, but just then, nine Golden Chains burst out around the tatami where she slept. They forced Black Zetsu back and formed a barrier around Karin. The chains then quickly wrapped