Ch-22 Red Barrier.

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Finally, the effects of the explosive tags subsided, and everything became clear. Jinpachi didn't hesitate and ordered, "Use the Hidden in the Mist technique, spread out, and employ the Silent Killing technique to eliminate these bastards."

As soon as Jinpachi's words fell, the Kirigakure ninjas swiftly acted upon his command. The entire area was enveloped in fog, obstructing the vision of the Sarutobi clan members. However, Shinnoske wasn't one to be outdone and ordered the use of Wind Release to dissipate this Hidden in the Fog technique.

The Sarutobi clan members, proficient in Wind Release, utilized wind ninjutsu, with many employing the powerful Wind Release: Big Breakthrough technique. This caused a significant amount of fog to dissipate. However, this brief respite was enough for the Kirigakure ninjas to close in on the Konoha ninjas. Subsequently, both sides collided, resulting in numerous casualties every minute.

The battle primarily involved low-level ninjas, namely Genins and Chunins. On the other hand, the fight between Jonins was markedly different. While the number of Jonins varied, the Jonins and Chunins of Kirigakure always fought on the edge of their lives. In contrast, the Jonins and Chunins of Sarutobi and other Konoha Elder clans were consistently protected. As a result, they were clearly inferior to the ninjas from Kirigakure, leading to a surprising scene. Despite the numerical difference between Kirigakure and Konoha, the advantage always belonged to the ninjas from Kirigakure, be it Genin, Chunin, or Jonin.

Upon witnessing this, Shinnoske's expression turned grim. He was currently engrossed in combat with Jinpachi, being a direct Anbu member under the Hokage. His fighting abilities were not inferior, but if the situation continued in this manner, they would inevitably suffer defeat. His only option now was to eliminate Jinpachi and crush the morale of the Kirigakure ninjas completely.

Jinpachi attacked Shinnoske with his sword, and in response, Shinnoske used a standard short sword to defend himself. Witnessing this, Jinpachi grinned cruelly and taunted, "You don't even know that getting close to my sword is the biggest mistake." With a sudden explosion, an explosive tag went off, engulfing Shinnoske. However, it turned out that the Shinnoske who exploded was merely a mud clone.

Jinpachi was startled by this unexpected turn of events. He hadn't anticipated Shinnoske's use of a clone. After a moment of contemplation, Jinpachi came to a realization and said, "You used the Earth Style: Shadow Clone the moment we used the Hidden Mist technique, right?" Searching for Shinnoske, Jinpachi scanned the area but found no trace of him. Shinnoske seized the opportunity and appeared suddenly from the left side of Jinpachi. Employing Earth Release: Earth Flow River, he dragged Jinpachi towards himself, gaining a favorable position.

Capitalizing on his advantageous position, Shinnoske unleashed his next move. Utilizing Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet, a dragon-shaped head formed from which mud balls were continuously bombarded in Jinpachi's direction. However, Jinpachi wasn't one to be outdone. He swung his sword with great intensity, causing explosions that successfully obliterated the mud balls hurtling towards him. The clash between Shinnoske and Jinpachi intensified as they engaged in a fierce battle, each determined to gain the upper hand.

Shinnoske, undeterred by the situation, pressed on with his attack. Infusing wind chakra into his short sword, he launched a series of strikes against Jinpachi, engaging him in close-quarters combat. Shinnoske deliberately avoided Jinpachi to prevent being caught in the explosions caused by the explosive tags. Thus, the fight continued, but the number of ninjas from both sides steadily dwindled.

Observing the diminishing numbers, Shinnoske contemplated the idea of retreating. However, Jinpachi held an entirely different perspective. He had only one objective in mind: to kill Shinnoske. He showed little concern for the lives of his subordinates, relentlessly launching attacks against Shinnoske. As a result, Shinnoske found himself in a helpless position and finally voiced his thoughts, saying, "It's disadvantageous for both of us. We should retreat; otherwise, we will suffer heavy losses."

Unfazed by Shinnoske's plea, Jinpachi remained steadfast in his determination to eliminate him. The battle continued unabated, devoid of extensive ninjutsu usage. Both combatants relied mainly on taijutsu, utilizing their physical prowess. Jinpachi refrained from using detonation symbols excessively, aware of their limited supply and the need to preserve them as backup. A ninja cannot exhaust all their methods, as they may have to retreat at any moment.

Finally, the combined forces of both armies numbered less than 250, and exhaustion weighed heavily on both sides. Even Jinpachi began contemplating the idea of retreating. However, just as they were considering issuing the order to retreat, a massive red barrier suddenly enveloped the entire area, trapping them inside. The presence of the barrier instantly transformed the expressions on everyone's faces. In a state of confusion, one of the Genin who was in close proximity to the barrier instinctively reached out and touched it. Instantly, without the opportunity to struggle, he was incinerated. Witnessing this horrific event, the expressions on Shinnoske's and Jinpachi's faces changed, as they realized they had been lured into a trap.

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