Chapter 9

Toroi, this guy, is actually mentioned very little in the original source material. Perhaps the only remarkable thing about him is that he was summoned by Yakushi Kabuto.

However, Kaito knows him because this guy visited Konoha several years ago, and their target at that time was none other than Hinata.

Kaito has even heard stories that during the Third Great Ninja War, this guy caused considerable trouble for many Konoha ninja on the battlefield in the Land of Hot Water.

To be frank, this is a character who is rarely mentioned in the original material, but undeniably possesses exceptional abilities.

Encountering this guy, Kaito feels a considerable headache. Magnet Release is truly a formidable ability to contend with, as he can manipulate the weapons of his opponents using Magnet Release.

No iron weapon, be it shuriken or ninja swords, can evade such control.

And once he unleashes this ability, the opponent's own weapon suddenly turns against them. One can imagine how devastating the situation would be.

"It's actually this guy. He's truly a big fish," Kaito whispered, his gaze subtly shifting.

Although the appearance of this group of individuals has caused him to lose a target, aren't they also an opportunity to make up for his losses?

"Let's proceed according to the original plan. We can't let such a big fish escape," Kaito said.

"Be careful. I'll come back to support you as soon as possible," Shisui replied earnestly to Kaito, showing his apparent concern for Kaito's safety.

"As for who supports whom, we'll see when the time comes," Kaito chuckled softly, nodding. Then his gaze focused on Toroi, and in an instant, his eyes transformed into crimson Sharingan with three tomoe.

"Fire Style: Fire Phoenix Sage Technique." With everything ready, Kaito initiated the attack, performing hand seals.

He directly chose the jutsu with the widest range. As for its exact effect, even he wasn't certain. However, through reconnaissance, he knew there were a total of four individuals on the opposite side.

Since there are multiple enemies, choosing a jutsu with wide coverage increases the chances of hitting them.

"Hmm? Be careful, we're being attacked!"

These Kumogakure ninja have exceptionally fast reflexes, especially Toroi, who immediately sensed that something was amiss.

Prompted by his warning, all the Cloud shinobi reacted swiftly, either performing hand seals quickly or immediately turning and evading.

"Charge!"

With the formation of the Hidden Cloud dispersed, Kaito and Shisui also emerged from their concealed positions at that moment.

Their crimson Sharingan eyes scanned the surroundings, swiftly identifying the precise locations of the Cloud shinobi.

Without any excessive communication, Shisui used Body Flicker Technique and swiftly headed towards the scattered Cloud shinobi.

Meanwhile, Kaito focused on Toroi. With a brisk step, he closed the distance rapidly. The moment Toroi touched the ground, Kaito's fist came crashing down with great force!

Toroi reacted swiftly, almost instantly countering the attack. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and managed to block Kaito's punch at the critical moment.

"Uchiha?" Toroi immediately noticed Kaito crimson eyes, causing him to instinctively divert his gaze away from Kaito eyes.

However, his tone was far from friendly; it was filled with anger, one could even say.

"What do you want to do? Provoke a war?"

"War? You don't need to put it that way. This isn't the Land of Fire, nor is it your Land of Lightning."

Kaito wasn't buying into Toroi's words. He swiftly retracted his hand and followed it up with a fierce kick aimed at Toroi's lower body.

However, halfway through his motion, Kaito sensed that something was amiss. In an instant, he halted his kick and simultaneously utilized the Body Replacement Technique!

The sound of breaking wind resounded, but unfortunately, only a few wooden splinters remained on the ground. Kaito's figure had already appeared under a nearby tree.

The Body Replacement Technique, one of the most fundamental substitution techniques for a ninja, often proved to be the most life-saving.

"You react quite quickly, don't you?" Toroi glanced at the shattered wood on the ground before turning his gaze towards Kaito's location. "Kid, you're pretty good, and your eyes are impressive too."

"With eyes like yours at your age, you must be no ordinary person. You are Uchiha Kaito, right?"

"Indeed, I am." Kaito nodded lightly, not feeling particularly surprised that his identity was recognized.

After all, Kaito himself was considered a prodigious ninja from the Uchiha clan, and he had gained some reputation over the years for his missions in the ninja world.

Being recognized didn't come as a surprise, and he was well aware that now was not the time to dwell on such matters.

As a competent ninja, the most important thing was to abandon distractions during battle. Only by fully concentrating on the fight could he achieve victory.

"It is indeed you. I have to say, the Uchiha clan is truly remarkable," Toroi seemed somewhat nostalgic, his gaze fixed on Kaito as he spoke in a detached tone, "Once you Uchiha obtain your own Sharingan, you undergo a qualitative transformation. It seems that the heavens truly favor you."

"Such boring remarks," Kaito continued to gaze at Toroi, but by now, he had discarded all the metallic objects on his person, "The heavens don't grant power without reason. If you're so presumptuous, then you're truly not far from death."

"Perhaps," Toroi's eyes flickered slightly, a scornful smile appearing on his face, "I am genuinely curious about the power of the Uchiha clan. Also, while getting rid of metal might restrict some of my abilities..."

Without any warning, several shuriken suddenly appeared behind Kaito. These shuriken swiftly sliced through his body, piercing his heart.

At the same time, Toroi had instantly appeared in front of Kaito, delivering a powerful punch to his body.

"Without weapons, how will you face me?"

The sound of the punch reverberated, but in an instant, Toroi sensed that something was off about the sensation in his hand.

The emerging smoke further informed him that the damn Uchiha had used the Body Replacement Technique.

However, he didn't pay much attention to it. After all, he was dealing with a prodigious Uchiha youth who already possessed a three-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age.

Having such reaction speed was only natural for him; after all, it was highly likely that this Uchiha had seen through all of his movements!

Quickly retrieving a scroll, Toroi directly tore it open.

In an instant, dozens of shuriken-like cards emerged along with thick smoke. These shuriken hovered under his control, each one starting to spin slightly.

Toroi earnestly began searching for Kaito's location, and within moments, a smile appeared on his face.

"I've found you!"

With Toroi's furious roar, those card-like shuriken seemed to receive an order. They swiftly flew towards Kaito's hidden position.

In an instant, a building was mercilessly destroyed by these shuriken.