"Konoha Style: Shinto Munen!"
Just as Uzumaki Kuming teetered on the brink of death, a sharp shout rang in everyone's ears. The next second, a flash of white light burst before Kuming, and all the Stone Ninja surrounding him seemed to take a fierce blow, collapsing backward almost simultaneously.
Shinto Munen-ryu was a sword style passed down since the Warring States Period. During that era, Saito Yakuro had brought the art to prominence. But after more than a decade of warfare, the samurai gradually disappeared from the stage of history. Ninja claimed most of the world's resources and became the most important force protecting the Daimyo. The tradition of Shinto Munen training was all but lost.
Yet now, Shinto Munen-ryu was being displayed before the world once more, this time by a Konoha Ninja.
A white-haired ninja had appeared in front of Uzumaki Kuming without anyone noticing. Though his back was turned to Kuming, Kuming recognized him the moment he saw him: Hatake Sakumo, a direct subordinate of the Third Hokage and one of his most trusted men.
"Kid, how are you? Are you hurt?"
Hatake Sakumo turned his head slightly and flashed a hearty smile. He seemed unaware of the dire situation Konoha's forces were in. Kuming could see the man's immense confidence in his eyes.
"Watch out!" Kuming had wanted to greet Sakumo, but the Stone Ninja Sakumo had just driven back were already moving. Earth dragons and earthen spikes shot at Sakumo from every direction. Each Stone Ninja unleashed their strongest jutsu, hoping to kill him outright.
The surging Chakra and shaking ground showed just how powerful this wave of attacks was.
"Don't worry." A faint smile touched Sakumo's lips. He turned to face the Stone Ninja's fierce attack, still looking completely calm.
A second before the