Defeating Chiyo

Knowing the opponent wouldn't act without purpose, yet forced into a battle that could no longer be avoided, the Flying Thunder God Technique at his disposal was nothing short of a devastating blow to the Sunagakure forces.

"The natural enemy of puppeteers? Big talk isn't just for show, you Uchiha brat. Let's go!"

Clack, clack, clack...

The Chikamatsu Ten Puppets scattered in pairs and trios, instantly spreading out across the perimeter. The Binding Puppet extended its arms, launching a barrage of cannonballs, only for them to be intercepted by Genbu.

As the billowing smoke and flames dissipated, Chiyo kept her gaze locked on the target, noting the mockery within the deep eyes visible through the slits of the Three-Eyed Demon Fox Mask.

"Nanto Sennin, Hokuto Sennin, Seal!"

In an instant, an eerie purple pillar of light completely locked down the movements of the Chikamatsu Ten Puppets. The Grim Reaper among the Nine-Faced Beasts swung its scythe, ruthlessly severing the chakra threads at their connection points.

Her expression shifted violently, and though Chiyo frantically waved her pale blue chakra threads, the Grim Reaper continued to swing its scythe, completely slicing through the threads she manipulated.

"My apologies, Sunagakure advisor Chiyo. The Grim Reaper of the Nine-Faced Svaha can completely drain chakra. To a puppet without a puppeteer's control, they are nothing more than exquisitely crafted toys—nothing more. Also..."

A crisp, youthful voice tinged with malice echoed in her ears. Chiyo instinctively turned around, only to be met with the sight of numerous Sunagakure ninja lying on the ground, unable to move.

"You've lost this battle. With the Yellow Flash on the Mount Kikyo battlefield, your defeat is already sealed. Still, it's a bit worrying..."

The sound of ragged breathing grew more pronounced beneath his feet. Baki struggled to open his eyes, but through the narrow gap, he could only see a fair, smooth chin.

Just as Chiyo moved to act, the other Nine-Faced Beasts instantly surrounded her, pinning her in place. The Nine-Faced Beasts whose abilities had yet to be revealed forced her to halt, the wrinkles on her face deepening.

"Nine-Faced Svaha, the natural enemy of puppeteers? A truly formidable brat. An Uchiha who doesn't use the Sharingan to fight—why hide your face?"

"It's never a good thing for a ninja to have too loud a reputation. But since you're curious, I'll make an exception this once. After the war ends, perhaps we'll cross paths again; after all, we are neighboring countries, and future allies at that."

Beneath the Three-Eyed Demon Fox Mask, a fresh, refined, and youthful face left Chiyo silent for a long time, eventually resulting in a heavy sigh.

She was stunned by Uchiha Hanazuki's youth, while simultaneously feeling the rapid passage of time and the weight of her own aging manifesting in this moment.

"Just how old are you?"

"Ten. I just graduated from the Academy and was forced onto the battlefield. The life of a ninja is truly cruel—low pay, too much work, and far from home. What a drag."

Upon receiving the definitive answer, the immobilized Sunagakure ninja were shocked into numbness. The expressions they wore while looking at that figure were those of people staring at a monster.

"A ten-year-old genius ninja. Konoha is truly overflowing with talent. Lady Katsuyu of the Sannin, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, the Yellow Flash, and now you, Body Flicker Hanazuki."

"Though I hate to boost the enemy's morale, compared to you, the newcomers of Sunagakure are..."

"That has nothing to do with me, and I have no desire to evaluate the ninja of the Land of Wind. You lot, keep an eye on these Sunagakure ninja. Nanto Sennin, Hokuto Sennin, and the Grim Reaper will remain here."

"Don't tell me you can't even handle this small task, you Konoha Chunin and Jonin."

His gaze was sharp, sweeping across the area; no one could meet his eyes. Mimura Hazumaki, the frontline commander, suppressed his discomfort and asked, "The Uchiha crest—are you a member of the Uchiha clan? You've already dealt with the enemy; where are you going?"

"Mount Kikyo. That is the main battlefield. To think you let Sunagakure and Cloud Village slip into the heart of the Land of Fire—for a group of Chunin and Jonin, you're unexpectedly useless!"

The merciless, mocking words instantly ignited the anger of the many Konoha ninja stationed on the battlefield. Yet, looking at the numerous fallen Sunagakure ninja, they could only swallow their pride.

So what if he was a bit young, knew a few more ninjutsu, and had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique? Did he have to be so arrogant?

"Forget it. Surely you can manage the simple task of guarding prisoners? My mission is only to suppress the battlefield; other matters are none of my concern. I'm leaving."

His figure vanished, leaving behind a group of Konoha ninja staring at each other in shame.

"You two, who exactly is that guy? Is he a master from the Uchiha clan? Who on earth gave the order to send that brat here?"

The barrage of questions left the two Chunin stunned for a moment before they confessed everything they knew.

After hearing the truth, the group fell into deep self-doubt, feeling as though they had lived their lives in vain.

"A Genin who just graduated this year? Are you kidding me! Is the Flying Thunder God Technique something a Genin can master? There's a limit to jokes."

"Orders from Lord Orochimaru and the Third Hokage? A disciple of Lord Orochimaru—Orochimaru took on an apprentice?!"

"He retreated unscathed after clashing with the AB combo of the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and even saved over thirty Genin along the way? Do you think you're writing a novel!"

Facing the accusations of their peers, the two young Chunin were on the verge of tears. They were telling the truth; why were they being blamed? Were they expected to jump into the Naka River to prove their claims?

"A genius seen once in several decades? Uchiha Hanazuki, a truly terrifying genius with a talent that inspires fear. If only he were a Sunagakure ninja, I wouldn't have to be out here risking my old bones."

"It seems he's heading for the Mount Kikyo battlefield. How will you handle this Uchiha genius now, Rasa, Pakura..."

Chiyo's expression was grim. If Sunagakure and Cloud Village won, Konoha would inevitably pay a painful price.

Conversely, if Konoha emerged victorious, it would be a total defeat, and Sunagakure and Cloud Village would pay a heavy price.

How much longer will you wait to make your move, Onoki of the Two Scales? You went to such lengths to smooth over the death of the Third Raikage and force the three great nations into a temporary alliance—truly an excellent diplomatic maneuver.

However, this alliance is merely a stopgap. The moment Konoha is severely weakened, the alliance will collapse. When will you strike at your allies, Onoki?

Her clouded, aged eyes had long since seen through the true nature of the allied nations. She instinctively glanced at the eerie purple barrier at her feet, and dark lines couldn't help but appear on her forehead.

"A troublesome barrier. Nine-Faced Svaha—what a troublesome technique. Does each summoning beast have a different ability? In that case..."

The story branches here.

At this moment on Mount Kikyo, flashes of deep blue and bright yellow clashed repeatedly. The heads of Konoha's various noble clans fought against their respective enemies, the battle falling into a state of stalemate.

"Where is that Uchiha bastard brat? Yellow Flash!"