At some point, a golden chain shot out from behind the masked man and wrapped itself around the blade. No matter how hard the Lightning Release ninja pushed, he could not drive it even a fraction farther.
As the Lightning Release ninja grimaced and tried to pull his blade free, two more chains shot out around it and lunged toward him. Knowing he had lost his chance, he reluctantly abandoned his weapon and retreated.
"What are you waiting for?!"
The others needed no reminder from the Lightning Release ninja. Realizing that the masked man seemed far stronger than expected, their expressions grew grave, and two of them immediately broke off to help block the chains.
"I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to save your sorry ass!"
"Heh, spare me that self-righteous act. If you weren't unsure of the masked man's strength and afraid you'd be next, you'd be wishing for me to hurry up and die."
"What are you bickering about?! Hurry up and find a way to get the message out!"
"..."
Just as the Lightning Release ninja watched the masked man being attacked from all sides and tried to think of a way to retrieve his Ninja Blade, the chains twisted the weapon into fragments!
After those chains retracted, even more suddenly extended from behind the masked man, forming a sphere around him that provided nearly impenetrable protection and blocked the dazzling barrage of ninjutsu.
At the sight, the Lightning Release ninja's eyes nearly bulged with rage, his heart bleeding over the loss. He had paid a fortune for that chakra metal, and more than half the blade had been forged from it. Looking at the masked man's long red hair, he could not help roaring, **"Damn the Uzumaki Clan! Every last one of