Chapter 89: Shūichi vs. Shinnosuke!

Shinnosuke Sarutobi, the eldest son of the Third Hokage, brother of Asuma Sarutobi, is a character who, in the original series, is often mentioned by others but never appears directly.

Along with his wife, he is an elite Jōnin in the Anbu, serving as one of the Third Hokage's most trusted aides.

Shūichi wasn't sure if Shinnosuke Sarutobi currently had the strength of an elite Jōnin, but being a squad leader in the Anbu meant he was definitely of Jōnin level.

Although this wasn't Shūichi's first time meeting Shinnosuke, he had never witnessed him in action and was very curious.

Compared to his brother Asuma, who later specialized in Wind Release and Fire Release, how much of the Third Hokage's teachings had this highly regarded future elite Jōnin already inherited?

It's worth noting that before the advent of the later powerful figures, the Third Hokage was widely regarded as the strongest Hokage in history.

And for good reason. After all, the First Hokage's strength was rooted in Wood Release, while the Second Hokage's greatest prowess was in Water Release.

...

The others dispersed, each taking a position on the surrounding trees. Shinnosuke Sarutobi lowered his mask, concealing his face.

Shūichi retreated a few steps and took his stance.

Leaning against a tree, Chihiro saw that both men were ready and called out, "Begin!"

Shinnosuke Sarutobi immediately threw a shuriken, quickly followed by a series of hand seals.

Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!

The single shuriken multiplied into dozens, even hundreds, forming a dense barrage.

What was even more impressive was that each shuriken was infused with Wind Release chakra, causing them to slice through the air as blinding white streaks, raining down like a storm.

This technique alone was not something an average ninja could withstand.

Watching from the sidelines, Satoshi Nara couldn't help but remark, "Isn't the captain going a bit overboard?"

But as soon as he finished speaking, he was shocked to see Shūichi not dodging but instead charging forward.

Shūichi unsheathed his blade—a standard-issue Anbu sword—also coated with Wind Release chakra.

Clang, clang, clang...

Shūichi's movements were swift and fluid, deflecting every single shuriken.

"So fast!" Shinichi Yamanaka exclaimed in amazement.

At that moment, Shinnosuke Sarutobi completed another jutsu. A dragon's head emerged from the ground, launching Earth Dragon Bullets from its mouth.

Simultaneously, Shinnosuke exhaled, igniting the earth bullets with fire.

The combination of Fire Release and Earth Release techniques was executed with seamless precision.

Shūichi, who had been charging forward, suddenly halted. He planted his sword into the ground in front of him and swiftly brought his hands together.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

Wind Release: Gale Palm!

As Shūichi exhaled, a fiery whirlwind erupted from his mouth, not only tearing through the fire-infused earth bullets but also turning into a raging inferno that surged toward Shinnosuke.

"This guy..." Chōgan Akimichi's mouth hung open under his mask, doubting his eyes. He hadn't even noticed Shūichi forming hand seals.

Water Release: Water Formation Wall!

Shinnosuke spat out a torrent of water, which surged upward and expanded rapidly.

Boom!

As the water and fire collided, a loud explosion erupted, and thick steam billowed out, shrouding the entire area. The steam obscured Shūichi and Shinnosuke from view, as well as blocking the sight of Chihiro and the others.

All they could see were two blurry figures clashing at high speed, accompanied by the sound of metal striking metal.

Suddenly, the steam parted as Shinnosuke Sarutobi was sent flying backward, only to vanish in a puff of smoke.

Shadow Clone!

Shūichi turned, noticing that Shinnosuke had already completed another set of hand seals.

Once again, a massive surge of water erupted forth.

Immediately after, Shinnosuke's body crackled with electricity, which rapidly spread through the surrounding water.

Water Release combined with Lightning Release!

Mastery of all five nature transformations—Wind, Fire, Water, Lightning, and Earth!

Shūichi was a bit surprised, but he had anticipated this.

As the water and electricity surged toward him from all sides, Shūichi stomped the ground, causing the earth to explode beneath his feet.

He leapt into the air, his sword glowing a brilliant blue. As he swung the blade, the blue light intensified, forming a massive, ethereal sword.

"That's at least an A-rank kenjutsu technique, with truly impressive Fire Release."

Shinnosuke watched as the giant sword descended from above, seemingly cleaving the heavens and earth in two. He couldn't help but admire the technique, though he quickly dodged at an incredible speed.

Boom!

The ground and water split apart, sending waves crashing violently to either side.

As Shinnosuke dodged to the side, he crossed his arms in front of him to shield himself from the water's impact, his body skidding backward across the surface.

Just then, with a burst of explosive speed, Shūichi launched himself forward, running through the air with blazing steps, each step leaving a brilliant flame lotus in its wake.

Seeing this, Chihiro and the others couldn't help but gape in astonishment.

Gulp!

Chōgan Akimichi swallowed hard, sweat beading on his forehead. "A body flicker technique of this level... It's incredible!"

He now realized that Shinnosuke had been a bit modest in his earlier remarks.

It wasn't that He couldn't test the newcomer's abilities—he simply wouldn't be able to keep up.

Satoshi Nara marveled, "That's definitely an S-rank technique!"

"A terrifying genius!" Shinichi Yamanaka nodded in agreement.

On the battlefield, Shūichi streaked through the air with a trail of fire, closing in on Shinnosuke Sarutobi at high speed and preventing him from forming any more hand seals.

Shūichi, who disliked prolonged jutsu battles where he couldn't use his full chakra reserves due to the limitations of his Yin Seal, preferred quick and decisive strikes.

After a couple of strikes, Shinnosuke Sarutobi was sent flying with a powerful kick, only to explode into smoke once again.

Another Shadow Clone!

"Flame's strength is truly impressive; he already possesses the abilities of a Jōnin," Shinnosuke Sarutobi's voice resonated.

Shūichi turned around to see Shinnosuke's figure slowly emerging from the ground.

Sheathing his sword, Shūichi modestly said, "I'm still far from matching the skills of a senior like you."

"Flame, you're being too modest," Chihiro said with a smile as the four of them jumped down from the trees.

Shinnosuke then asked, "Flame, do you not know sensory ninjutsu?"

"A little," Shūichi replied honestly. "I've been practicing the sensory technique of the Second Hokage."

Shinnosuke immediately understood that Shūichi was hiding quite a bit of his strength but didn't press further.

He smiled and said, "The Second Hokage's sensory technique is indeed remarkable. Given that, you and Mind will be responsible for the sensory aspect of the team in the future."

Shūichi nodded, "Understood!"

"Next, let me explain the details of this mission."

Shinnosuke's tone became more serious, and the five members of the team gathered around.

"We have detected a force specifically targeting our village, Konoha. Besides gathering intelligence, they have caused the loss of several Chūnin teams and have disrupted missions."

"It is suspected that these are remnants of the now-defeated Sky Ninja Village(Sora) from the last Ninja World War. They are likely being directed by others."

Shinnosuke continued to explain the mission: "We have identified a base believed to be run by these Sky Ninja remnants. The primary objective of the mission is to capture their leader."

"If capturing the leader is not possible, then at least one member must be apprehended."

The five of them responded in unison, "Understood!"

Shinnosuke then gave the order, "Let's go!"

In a blur of motion, the six of them disappeared from their location using Body Flicker Technique.

Shinnosuke led the way, with the Akimichi, Yamanaka, and Nara families in the middle, while Shūichi and Chihiro took the positions on the left and right respectively.

The team headed east, resting for about half an hour before continuing.

Around 2 PM, the team stopped in front of a mountain range.

Shinnosuke took out a map and said, "According to the intelligence, the base is located somewhere in this mountain range. We don't have an exact location, but it should be within this area."

Shūichi and the others looked at the map, where a red circle marked the central area of the mountain.

"Be prepared for combat at any moment," Shinnosuke instructed. "Flame and Mind, the responsibility of locating the enemy falls to you."

"Move in battle formation: I and Seeker will lead, Flame and Mind in the middle, and Force and Deer at the rear!"

With the map folded, the team entered the mountain.

Not long after entering, the team stopped. Shūichi crouched down, extending his right hand to touch the ground. His sensory technique spread out in a semi-circle ahead for a search.

Every so often, Shūichi and Mind used their sensory ninjutsu to scan the area.

The approach was extremely cautious.

However, the team's progress was swift, steadily closing in on their target.

...

"The traces left here are quite obvious. Be careful; this area is within the enemy's patrol range," Shinnosuke warned after inspecting the traces found.

Estimating the distance, Shūichi figured it wouldn't be more than 5 kilometers from the map's marked location and said, "Captain, let me give it a try."

Shinnosuke gave Shūichi a look and then nodded.

Shūichi immediately touched the ground again, using the Listening Technique.

His sensory perception quickly expanded forward and soon picked up results: "There are four people coming toward us, moving at a normal patrol speed. There's also a squad heading toward the target location..."

"1, 2, 3... Besides the previously mentioned two squads totaling eight people, there are 12 more in the base."

Shūichi finished and withdrew his hand.

Shinichi couldn't help but marvel, "Such impressive sensory ninjutsu."

The range and speed of Shūichi's perception far exceeded his own.

Shūichi quietly took one of his soldier pills.

"Take down this patrol squad!" Shinnosuke ordered, and the team dispersed.

The forest was silent except for a bird hopping and chirping among the trees.

As a ninja patrol team approached, the bird immediately took flight and quickly disappeared into the forest.

Meanwhile, Shinichi, hidden in a tree, finished his technique.

Unaware, the enemy ninja patrol walked right into Shūichi's and the team's encirclement.

Shūichi's gaze fell on Chihiro, who quickly completed a series of hand seals.

It was a genjutsu! Temple of Nirvana Technique, an A-rank difficulty technique!

Thud!

Two of the enemy ninjas fell unconscious instantly, while the other two staggered briefly before becoming alert, "It's a genjutsu!"

The two immediately began forming hand seals, but as they dispelled the genjutsu, they found their bodies completely immobilized.

"This technique... damn it!" The middle-aged leader of the squad, seeing his shadow connected to his own, immediately understood what was happening.

In the next moment, Shūichi and Shinnosuke appeared behind the two, knocking them out with a precise chop to the neck.

The coordination was as smooth as flowing water, and in an instant, the four-man squad was subdued without any noise.

(End of Chapter)

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