Chapter 220

Everything was proceeding as Black Zetsu's planned.

Kakuzu had found Uzuki Ryogawa and aimed to kill the Konoha Elite Jonin, using Ryogawa's head to claim the rest of his payment. 

He wasn't particularly worried about retaliation from Hui. After all, assassinations left no trails as long as all witnesses were eliminated.

"Take my life? That will depend on whether you have the skill to do so!"

Lightning retorted, launching a volley of kunai while simultaneously forming hand seals.

His teammates, the other three ninja, followed suit and unleashed their ninjutsu attacks on Kakuzu.

Since Kakuzu was an enemy, there was no need for unnecessary words.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!

Earth Style: Ground Collapse Jutsu!

Water Style: Waterfall Jutsu!

Lightning Style: Thunder Dragon Jutsu!

In an instant, four powerful ninjutsu attacks were unleashed in perfect synchronization. 

The Great Fireball Jutsu obscured vision, the Ground Collapse Jutsu caused Kakuzu to sink, the Waterfall Jutsu poured down and filled the pit, and the Thunder Dragons dived into the water.

This was the result of long-term coordination between the four of them; one Elite Jonin and three Elite Chunin. 

Their synergy was impeccable, and it would be nearly impossible for an average ninja to withstand such an onslaught.

Unfortunately, they were up against Kakuzu, a Kage-level ninja who had truly fought against Hashirama Senju.

"It seems this ninja only knows how to brag. To think he would threaten the captain's life—how laughable."

One of the Konoha ninjas relaxed, seeing the calm water in the pit, and jumped down from the tree branch to approach.

"Don't get close—"

Lightning instinctively warned. Being heavily influenced by Hui, he had developed a cautious nature and never approached a presumed-dead enemy without confirmation.

But it was too late. As soon as Lightning's warning escaped his lips, a hand formed of numerous tendrils shot out from the water, piercing the heart of the Konoha ninja.

A figure then burst from the water, spitting fire as he rose.

Fire Style: Searing Migraine!

In an instant, blazing flames erupted from Kakuzu's mouth, rushing toward Lightning and the remaining two ninjas.

The fire was terrifyingly powerful and incredibly fast. 

Before they could react, the flames had reached their position. Fortunately, the trees in the area were thick, and they managed to evade by taking cover behind them.

However, the fire's sheer force caused loud cracks to echo as the trees threatened to snap under the pressure. 

While the trees ultimately held, the near-destruction left the two Elite Chunin drenched in cold sweat.

Even Lightning looked grim, realizing the strength of their opponent.

At that moment, Lightning's pupils contracted as tendrils burst from beneath his feet. 

Without hesitation, he leaped away, avoiding the attack. The two Elite Chunin, however, weren't so lucky. The tendrils ensnared their bodies and dragged them from behind the trees.

Lightning Style: False Darkness!

As the tendrils pulled them out, a powerful surge of lightning struck them, reducing their bodies to charred corpses.

Against a Kage-level opponent like Kakuzu, Elite Chunin stood no chance and were eliminated instantly.

Lightning's expression changed, pain gripping his heart. 

Although his time with these teammates was short—just over a year—they had built a strong camaraderie.

"You bastard!"

He growled at Kakuzu, suppressing the urge to charge recklessly. His rationality prevented him from acting impulsively.

"Now, it's your turn," Kakuzu said coldly, rushing toward Lightning at incredible speed.

Kakuzu's swiftness far surpassed Lightning's, forcing him into close combat despite his efforts to evade.

Kunai whistled through the air as Lightning attempted to counterattack, but Kakuzu, unarmed, overpowered him with sheer physical prowess.

At one point, Kakuzu seized an opening and snatched the kunai from Lightning's hand. 

He extended his other hand, binding him with his tendrils.

"It's over," Kakuzu declared, driving Lightning's kunai into Lightning's body.

But—

Crackle!

The sound of electricity filled the air. Lightning's body dissolved into a cluster of crackling energy. The lightning passed through Kakuzu's body, momentarily paralyzing him.

"It's over!"

A voice rang out from behind Kakuzu, making his pupils dilate.

Slash!

A blade pierced Kakuzu's heart, skewering him. It was Lightning, who had used a Lightning Clone earlier to hide his true body and prepare for a final counterattack.

Though not a master swordsman, Lightning, as a member of the Uzuki clan and a former ANBU operative, was proficient enough in kenjutsu to deliver a lethal strike.

"I underestimated you…" Kakuzu said, grimacing as Lightning twisted the blade to ensure his demise.

Pulling the sword free, Lightning stared at Kakuzu with anger. While he had defeated his enemy, his teammates were gone and no amount of revenge could bring them back. Even if he cut the bastard that killed them to pieces they would't be back.

However, Lightning soon found something amiss. 

Kakuzu's body convulsed, and strange movements stirred within him., as if something wanted to rush out of him.

Lightning immediately formed hand seals.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!

Not knowing what was happening, Lightning unleashed a wide-range fire attack to prevent whatever transformation Kakuzu was undergoing.

Kakuzu cursed internally as one of his heart-beasts emerged to shield him from the flames. 

At the same time, three more heart-beasts burst from his body, with one quickly merging back into him.

Kakuzu stood once more, seemingly unscathed, leaving Lightning's expression grim.

"You've destroyed two of my hearts—impressive," Kakuzu admitted, though his icy tone betrayed his fury. 

Losing two hearts was a costly setback for him.

"But I'll replace one of them with yours."

Two heart-beasts opened their mouths, unleashing their attacks.

Fire Style: Searing Migraine!

Wind Style: Pressure Damage!

The combination of fire and wind created a massive inferno, accompanied by a terrifying gale, bearing down on Lightning.

Facing the overwhelming flames, Lightning quickly formed hand seals, conjuring a water barrier. 

But the flames, enhanced by wind, broke through it in seconds.

As Lightning desperately thought of a countermeasure, he suddenly sensed danger and instinctively twisted his body.

Zap!

Lightning struck him, paralyzing his body despite his body trained in lightning release. 

Trapped and unable to move, the situation turned dire.

join my patreon for 95+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/HyppoTL