Kurotsuchi

Beneath the waterfall, Uzumaki Hane held up a huge rock to block the flow of water, using it to train his body.

At that moment, Taruho approached and said, "Uzumaki Hane, a group of ninjas from Iwagakure are seeking an audience with Lady Shion. We wonder what their purpose is. Why don't you come and take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Uzumaki Hane threw the boulder, and with a bang, countless cracks appeared in the ground. Then, Uzumaki Hane leaped up and came to Taruho's side, saying, "Alright, let's go over there. Who is it?" As she spoke, she used the high temperature on her body to dry her clothes while walking towards the palace.

Taruho followed and recounted the whole story. Soon, the two arrived at the palace.

Inside the main hall, Shion, dressed in formal attire, sat regally in the main seat, flanked by Shion's two companions Taruho and Uzumaki Hane, on either side, while Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi stood below her.

Taruho introduced everyone one by one from the side.

Akatsuchi smiled broadly and explained the purpose of their visit, "We heard that the demon Moryo broke free of its seal and was then defeated by the priestess. We'd like to know the details of what happened."

Taruho began by recounting how the demons sent men to attack the Moryo, then how the Moryo broke free of their seal, and how the Ghost Army revived. Finally, Shion and Uzumaki Hane Teuchi the Moryo. Akatsuchi, on the other hand, kept asking questions. The two of them talked and asked questions, and by the time they had finished understanding everything, it was already noon. Taruho had already ordered a banquet to be prepared.

In the afternoon, Kurotsuchi was strolling around when he suddenly spotted Uzumaki Hane on the rooftop. In a flash, he appeared in front of Uzumaki Hane and said heartily, "So you're Uzumaki Hane?"

Uzumaki Hane lazily opened his eyes, wanting to see who had disturbed his rest. Uzumaki Hane practically always cultivating; if someone he knew saw him in such a languid state, they'd exclaim that the sun had risen in the west. Today, Uzumaki Hane had only had a sudden whim to come here and soak up the sun, but he hadn't expected to be disturbed by Kurotsuchi Soil so soon.

Uzumaki Hane looked Kurotsuchi. She had to admit that Kurotsuchi's outfit and everything else were somewhat similar to Anko's. She looked vibrant and energetic, which made Uzumaki Hane feel a bit more favorably toward her.

Uzumaki Hane straightened up and said, "You are Kurotsuchi from Iwagakure, the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage."

Kurotsuchi asked in surprise, "Oh, you know me?"

Uzumaki Hane smiled mysteriously and said, "That's right. I wonder what brings you here?"

Kurotsuchi asked, "I heard that you were the one who dealt with the demon Moryo this time?"

Uzumaki Hane said, "It can't be said that. He was severely injured by Shion before I killed him."

Kurotsuchi said bluntly, "I knew it! Even a Chunin you could defeat Moryo. Could Moryo be all bark and no bite?"

Upon hearing this, a black line appeared on Uzumaki Hane's forehead. That was really direct.

Kurotsuchi continued, "I've heard you can also use Lava Release. Let me see it."

Uzumaki Hane looked at Kurotsuchi, thinking that Kurotsuchi also knew Lava Release, and that Kurotsuchi was a powerful ninja who had experienced countless battles and later became the Tsuchikage, so she was indeed worth sparring with.

Uzumaki Hane stood up, stretched, and crackled all over as he said, "Perfect timing. I haven't fought in a while, and I'm itching to loosen up. But this isn't a good place to fight. Come with me." With that, he vanished from the rooftop in a flash.

Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed, and she thought to herself, "He's so fast." The speed that Uzumaki Hane had just displayed was already comparable to hers, and she didn't know if he had used his full strength. Kurotsuchi immediately realized that he was a formidable opponent. Thinking this, she didn't slow down her movements and quickly chased after Uzumaki Hane.

Kurotsuchi followed closely behind Uzumaki Hane, but found that he couldn't close the distance at all. A thought struck him, and he raised Uzumaki Hane's strength to another level. Soon, the two arrived at an open, rocky area. Kurotsuchi looked at Uzumaki Hane and said, "The old man sent us here this time to test your strength."

Uzumaki Hane had a vague guess in her mind, otherwise, why would Kurotsuchi have proposed a fight? But she didn't expect Kurotsuchi to say it directly, which made Uzumaki Hane feel more favorably toward Kurotsuchi.

Kurotsuchi's expression turned serious as he said, "Then I won't hold back." Several Shuriken flew from his hand and shot towards Uzumaki Hane. Then, a Kunai appeared in his right hand, and he rushed towards Uzumaki Hane at high speed.

Uzumaki Hane's right hand instantly transformed into lava, the scalding lava slowly flowing in his hand, the terrifying temperature distorting the surrounding air, and he swept away the incoming Shuriken.

Kurotsuchi's expression hardened. What kind of Kekkei Genkai was this? It actually turned her arm into lava. Although she could use Lava Release herself, she had never seen this kind of Lava Release before.

However, without the slightest hesitation, Kurotsuchi thrust his kunai, its cold light Kunai, towards Uzumaki Hane.

Uzumaki Hane reached out and grabbed the incoming Kunai with a "Hell Hound" gesture. The Kunai began to melt. Kurotsuchi released the Kunai and quickly retreated.

Seeing Uzumaki Hane Kurotsuchi Teuchi. To Kurotsuchi's astonishment, a Rock Fist hurtled towards Kurotsuchi.

Kurotsuchi leaped into the air, dodging Uzumaki Hane's attack. At the same time, Kurotsuchi quickly Hand Seals, unleashing "Water Release: Water Trumpet," and spewed out a huge, horn-shaped stream of water from her mouth, rushing towards Uzumaki Hane from the air.

Uzumaki Hane clasped his hands together, unleashing a massive, two-headed dog-shaped Canine Red Lotus formation that charged towards the water. The two collided in mid-air, and in an instant, the lava disintegrated, allowing the water to continue its onslaught towards Uzumaki Hane.

Uzumaki Hane was somewhat surprised, thinking to himself, "It seems I underestimated Kurotsuchi's strength." At the same time, he stepped back, and with a bang, a puddle was blasted into the ground.

Uzumaki Hane unleashed several punches at Kurotsuchi, who formed Kurotsuchi Hand Seals "Water Release: Water Trumpet" to shatter the incoming Rock Fist.

Then, Kurotsuchi quickly Hand Seals, unleashing "Lava Release: Lava Release: Quicklime Congealing Technique," and spewed out a stream of volcanic ash that swept towards Uzumaki Hane.

Uzumaki Hane was not to be outdone; it opened its mouth and unleashed a large ball of magma, blocking the attack.

Immediately afterward, Uzumaki Hane grabbed out with his right hand, "Hell Hound," and Kurotsuchi quickly retreated. Bang! Uzumaki Hane directly tore a large hole in the rock in front of him.

Kurotsuchi stopped, after all, she only wanted to probe Uzumaki Hane's strength, and didn't want to fight to the death.

Kurotsuchi said, "Is this the only transformation of your Lava Release? Since your arms can turn into lava, then your whole body can turn into lava too."

Uzumaki Hane smiled mysteriously and said, "Guess?" Kurotsuchi's forehead creased with annoyance; he almost attacked, but suppressed the urge, realizing he was no match for Uzumaki Hane.

Uzumaki Hane said, "Actually, I'd rather fight the Five-Tails Jinchuriki and witness its Lava Release."

Kurotsuchi said, "That old man is very stubborn. He's not in Iwagakure anymore; nobody knows where he's gone."

The two remained silent for a long time before hurrying back to the palace together.