Chapter 264

Kaito walked forward alone, an act that left all the Konoha ninjas who remained in place puzzled.

But the lower-ranked ninjas remained calm and restrained. Even if they didn't understand what Kaito was up to, they made no moves.

After all, to them, even if Kaito was young, he was a core figure and high-ranking individual in Konoha.

What he had done in Konoha was clear to everyone, and his capabilities were recognized by all.

Especially, they all knew that this young Uchiha had defeated the Fourth Raikage!

Even though, for various reasons, this event was made taboo, and to ensure no issues arose regarding it, even the ANBU were involved, one can imagine how serious this matter was.

Such maneuvering might not be a big deal to them, but internally, they were genuinely thrilled.

After all, having such a powerful individual by their side would likely make their future battles safer.

Thus, seeing Kaito's actions now, they continued to maintain their trust in him and in Konoha's commanding officers.

However, just because they trusted him didn't mean everyone understood.

Especially Kakashi and Yaneko, who were utterly perplexed by Kaito's actions.

However, Tsunade didn't give anyone a chance to ask. Standing among everyone, she suddenly spoke up, her voice, amplified by chakra, reached everyone's ears.

"Everyone, stand by in place. Don't take any action for now. We need to wait for the right moment. 

Kakashi, Shisui, and that guy named Kakuzu, step forward."

Tsunade's words left everyone stunned, and Yaneko opened her mouth slightly but then settled into silence.

Kakashi and Shisui stepped forward, and although Kakuzu had no interest in dealing with Tsunade, he eventually came up from the back.

"Kaito told me that among us, the three of you are the most trustworthy in terms of strength."

Tsunade looked at the three of them, especially raising an eyebrow when her gaze landed on Kakuzu.

"I don't know why he would trust you so much, especially you, Lord Kakuzu.

However, I trust his judgment. After all, he wouldn't joke with his own life."

"He told me that he hopes you can be prepared at all times, whether to support him in the upcoming battles or for the final showdown."

Tsunade paused briefly before continuing with deep sincerity.

"Oh, right, he asked me to tell you that if you participate in the final showdown and perform well, your commission will be 36 million ryo. He said you know what to do."

"I certainly do!"

Kakuzu initially didn't take Tsunade seriously. The only reason he stepped forward was because he heard that it was a request from his employer, Kaito.

But now, he was excited. Konoha is really wealthy, and so is Kaito!

Being offered such a huge amount, what more could he ask for?

"Don't worry, I know what to do!"

Kakuzu nodded seriously. Although he was overjoyed inside, he still maintained the necessary solemnity.

"Sensei."

At that moment, Yaneko suddenly spoke, her expression extremely serious.

"What is Kaito trying to do? Does he intend to face the Iwa-nin alone?"

"That's his decision, and he has assured me that there won't be any problems."

Faced with this question, Tsunade felt a bit helpless. Still, looking at Kaito's retreating figure, she said with utmost seriousness,

"You have witnessed his power, you know the extent of his abilities. 

Furthermore, you are one of the people he trusts the most. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to trust you and bring you along on so many dangerous missions.

He trusts you so much. So, why don't you trust him at this moment?"

Tsunade's words left Yaneko momentarily at a loss for a response. Eventually, she could only silently watch Kaito's retreating back.

She was indeed very clear about Kaito's capabilities, but even if a single ninja could unleash formidable power, it's still tough to handle a large-scale main force.

In the end, Yaneko could only let out a soft sigh and quickly walked into the tunnel.

Here, she could initiate an attack based on the on-site situation at any time, and she had also made up her mind.

After returning this time, she would definitely strive to improve herself no matter what.

Although the Nara clan is known for being lazy, it doesn't mean they're truly lackadaisical.

"What's with this chakra?"

While the Leaf Village was filled with a sense of bewilderment, there were also some unusual movements on the side of the Hidden Stone Village.

When Kaito emerged from the forest and crossed various tunnels of the Leaf Village, he was directly exposed to the Stone ninja.

Most crucially, Kaito's chakra began to rapidly circulate at that moment.

His chakra, filled with a destructive aura, spread across the wilderness, directly aiming at the large troop of the Hidden Stone Village!

At this moment, the faces of the sensory ninjas in the Stone ninja army changed.

This chakra felt both familiar and utterly alien, creating a contradictory sensation that left them profoundly perplexed.

"What's going on?"

Bungo, who was in the middle of the army, heard the sensory ninjas and couldn't help but ask.

However, before the sensory ninjas could answer, there was already some commotion starting within the entire Stone ninja troop.

That's because the chakra was becoming stronger, and a sense of impending destruction was becoming more intense.

With the increasing power, it felt as if an invisible hand was tightly choking all of their throats.

They began to feel increasingly suffocated, and their blood seemed to start stagnating!

"Lord Bungo, it seems, it seems..."

One of the sensory ninjas spoke with difficulty. He truly hadn't expected that someone could cause such an effect purely with chakra.

Moreover, he seemed to have recalled something, making his mood even worse.

"This is very similar to the chakra residue from the two border encounters. If there's no mistake, this might be..."

The sensory ninja spoke haltingly, his eyes tightly shut, and cold sweat began to form on his forehead.

"It's possible that both of those battles were related to the master of this chakra. He is undoubtedly involved, and he might even be the victor!"

Hearing this, Bungo involuntarily took a deep breath, and immediately rushed to the frontlines.

The closer he got to the frontlines, the stronger and more oppressive the feeling became.

And when he reached the very forefront, on the vast open plains, he saw a lone figure slowly approaching them.

He couldn't discern the features of this silhouette, but for some reason, he had a very distinct feeling.

He felt that this individual wasn't human but rather a fierce warrior.

Kaito paced forward slowly, continuously adjusting his chakra, getting his body into peak condition.

He had been in a recuperative state recently and hadn't truly tested the strength of his eyes.

He hadn't genuinely experienced the potential drawbacks brought about by the enhancement of his eyes.

Nor had he truly felt the extent of power after reaching the godly stage and achieving the fervent effects.

But now, he found that his strength seemed even greater than he had imagined.

He had to admit that he was using his chakra at full force, spreading it across the opposing area.

Such feats were possible even before he acquired the Eternal Eyes.

But he couldn't have achieved this level, nor had this strength before.

More importantly, he could never achieve his goals as effortlessly as he did now.

"It seems I underestimated myself a bit, but it doesn't matter now."

Kaito's pace wasn't fast, but he never stopped.

Moreover, the ninjas from the Hidden Stone Village didn't halt their advancement because of his presence; they kept closing in.

Observing the increasingly approaching members of the Hidden Stone Village, a grave look took over Kaito's face.

"All the questions will be answered in this battle," he thought.

With this thought, Kaito slightly hastened his steps, and as he moved, he began to adjust his breathing.

A gentle breeze wafted across the plains. On this vast expanse, the Stone ninjas involuntarily swallowed.

They still weren't sure who they were facing, but they felt an illusion.

It seemed as if the lone figure before them held the might of an entire army, overpowering their collective morale!

What's more, his speed began to increase significantly. As he closed the distance, the oppressive aura he emanated grew more palpable.

"Lord Bungo, what should we..." 

One of the Stone ninjas gripped his kunai tightly, softly questioning the Bungo beside him, his demeanor showing signs of unease.

It wasn't just him; everyone who felt that aura seemed off.

"We need to prepare..."

Bungo began to speak, but before he could finish, he saw the distant figure suddenly change his pace.

His steps quickened, then turned into a jog, and his speed only increased from there.

All the Stone ninjas facing Kaito had varied expressions. They subconsciously gripped their kunai tighter, with some even breaking out in a cold sweat.

They truly couldn't comprehend how a single individual could exert such pressure.

The pressure they felt was unimaginable. The adversary's aura grew stronger, resembling a reaper silently waiting to claim souls.

Even though there were thousands of ninjas standing together, they felt no sense of security.

Seeing Kaito getting closer and closer, Bungo realized he couldn't wait any longer.

"All units, attack!"

Bungo shouted, unable to tolerate the current situation any longer.

//

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