The Blonde Man

On a scene of utter devastation.

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!"...

As the violent sounds erupted in rapid succession, countless thick branches suddenly surged from the earth, swinging like the massive arms of a giant as they slammed into the area ahead.

The ground shook violently, and the countless thick trunks thrashed wantonly across the terrain, creating a truly spectacular sight.

Amidst these writhing, spreading branches, a tall figure nimbly dodged and wove through the chaos.

"Swish!" "Swish!"...

Just then, countless small twigs suddenly sprouted from the sides of the branches, shooting straight toward him.

Had he been struck, his physical body would surely have been pierced through by the wood!

The tall figure opened his pair of oil-green eyes, cast a detached glance at the incoming branches, and spoke in a gravelly voice.

"Only by truly crossing blades can one discover the terrifying nature of your Wood Release, Nawaki."

"However, I am no longer who I once was."

As his words fell, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Instead of retreating, he calmly formed an Art Seal with his hands.

"Earth Release: Hardening!"

The moment he finished the Art Seal, the countless small branches had already reached him!

"Clang!" "Cling!" "Ding!"...

As the branches struck his body, they sparked and rang out with the metallic sound of clashing blades!

In the distance, Nawaki, his clothes tattered and blood trickling from his right arm, saw this and his pupils constricted slightly as he thought in astonishment.

This guy Kakuzu... how can his body become so sturdy!?

Behind him, the group of Konoha ninja he was shielding stared at the scene, dumbfounded and shocked.

"He... he actually blocked Lord Nawaki's Wood Release attack with nothing but his bare body! Is this guy a monster!?"

"Is this the strength of a member of