Chapter 25: Obito: Just How Strong Is Byakuya?
Chapter 25: Obito: Just How Strong Is Byakuya?
Majiri's shadow clone strategy was undoubtedly tricky. Even special dojutsu like the Sharingan and Byakugan couldn't immediately discern which were clones and which was the original. However, this tactic wasn't invincible.
The Shadow Clone Technique demanded a significant amount of chakra, as each clone required a portion of the user's reserves. This meant that while Majiri could create many clones, each one weakened his overall strength. The more clones, the more diluted his chakra, leading to reduced individual power and stamina.
But Majiri was no ordinary ninja.
Unlike others reliant on ninjutsu, Majiri was a master of kenjutsu (sword techniques). His dependence on chakra was minimal compared to other ninja. In fact, his clones amplified his combat strength, creating a multiplier effect. For him, 1+1 > 2.
This made his strategy brutally effective yet difficult to counter.
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Byakuya noticed a brief window of opportunity.
The previous illumination flare had burned out, and the new flare had yet to rise. During this fleeting darkness, he could act.
When transitioning from light to darkness, a ninja's eyes experienced a temporary adjustment period—an effect akin to temporary blindness. While the duration varied from person to person, even seasoned shinobi couldn't escape this biological limitation.
Byakuya had first noticed this phenomenon as a child playing ninja games. Although he didn't fully understand the science behind it, he knew how to exploit it.
With no special dojutsu like the Sharingan or Byakugan, Majiri was momentarily blinded, giving Byakuya the perfect chance to strike.
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Obito, though lacking the Sharingan, quickly adapted to the change. Hearing Byakuya's voice, he immediately sprang into action, using his own methods to aid in identifying Majiri's real body.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, trained since childhood by his legendary father, Sakumo Hatake, adjusted even faster. Despite the darkness, he gripped his short sword, White Fang, tightly and began a relentless counterattack.
The clash of blades filled the battlefield, sparks flying with every strike as swords collided.
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Byakuya remained on the sidelines, biding his time. He put on the goggles Obito had gifted him and reached into his ninja tool pouch—though, in truth, he was accessing his virtual space.
From it, he retrieved a large amount of lime powder.
The powder was loose and needed packaging to be effective. Wasting no time, Byakuya ripped his outer jacket into strips with his kunai, creating makeshift bags. Summoning two shadow clones, he distributed the task. Together, they worked methodically, filling the fabric with lime powder.
In less than a minute, the preparations were complete.
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Byakuya and his clones each grabbed several lime powder bags. Without hesitation, they hurled them toward the Majiri clones, ensuring each one got its share of the "lime feast."
"Cover your eyes!" Byakuya yelled.
He intentionally used the word "cover" instead of "close" to avoid tipping Majiri off. Obito, with his goggles, was already safe, but Kakashi, sharp as ever, immediately understood and complied.
Majiri, however, was momentarily confused. "Cover? What does he mean—"
Before he could react, the sound of projectiles cutting through the air reached him. He squinted into the darkness, barely making out the incoming shapes. His instincts took over, and he slashed at the nearest object with his blade.
Slice!
The fabric tore open, releasing a cloud of fine lime powder that rained down like snow.
The powder infiltrated the eyes of Majiri and his clones, causing searing pain. They screamed in agony, clutching their faces.
"My eyes! I can't see!"
The lime interfered with the chakra flow needed to maintain the clones, dispelling them instantly in a series of smoke clouds.
---
In a matter of moments, Majiri's clones were wiped out, leaving only the original. The once-proud ninja, now blinded and panicking, was exposed.
Byakuya's gaze turned icy. He activated Blink, vanishing from his position.
The next moment, he reappeared directly behind Majiri, hovering half a meter off the ground.
The transition was so smooth and silent that Majiri, consumed by terror, didn't notice.
Byakuya's body arched like a drawn bow. The wound on his back reopened, blood soaking the white bandages. Yet, he didn't falter.
Blue chakra surged into his right fist, crackling like electricity. Normally serene, the energy now raged like a wild beast.
Black Flash.
Byakuya's punch landed on Majiri's back with thunderous force.
---
Crack!
The first to break was Majiri's spine. The devastating force snapped his vertebrae into pieces, followed by his ribs and internal organs. The shockwave blasted through his torso, creating a massive hole in his chest. Blood and shattered flesh sprayed across the battlefield.
Byakuya landed lightly, his expression calm, devoid of triumph or sorrow.
Majiri collapsed, his lifeless body revealing Byakuya behind him.
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Obito's eyes widened in disbelief. His jaw hung open, as if he could fit an apple inside.
This was the same ninja who had them on the brink of death moments ago. Now, he was dead—killed by Byakuya.
"Is this some kind of genjutsu?" Obito muttered, pinching his arm.
Pain.
Not genjutsu. This was real.
Byakuya had killed a jonin-level ninja.
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Obito looked at the shirtless Byakuya standing in the distance, his calm demeanor radiating confidence. It felt surreal, almost like a dream.
"Byakuya Uchiha... just how strong is he?"
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