Chapter 152: Kikyo Pass!

Kuriarare Kushimaru had been severely injured by Might Duy's kick and was completely incapacitated, but to everyone's surprise, Jūzō Biwa managed to recover a bit and started to crawl back up.

Unfortunately for him, Pakura arrived and promptly dragged him back down.

Shūichi watched this scene, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's keep him alive and send him back to Konoha for interrogation."

Biwa Jūzō struggled, gritting his teeth. "Damn it!"

Pakura immediately knocked him out with a swift chop to the neck.

Shūichi then summoned a shadow clone to heal both Biwa Jūzō and Kushimaru, ensuring they didn't die.

"Uncle Duy, are you alright?" Shūichi asked as he approached Might Duy, who was kneeling on the ground, panting heavily.

"I'm fine… just exhausted," Duy said, shaking his head with a tired but satisfied smile on his face.

Shūichi placed a hand on Duy's shoulder, and Yang Release chakra flowed into his body, nourishing him.

Meanwhile, Might Guy and the others had finally gotten a clear view of the battlefield and were left in shock.

Deep craters of various sizes were everywhere, with large swaths of charred earth.

But the most shocking sight was the number of bodies scattered around.

"This is… incredible!" Ebisu, who wore sunglasses, couldn't help but gulp.

Shiranui Genma, chewing on a senbon needle, looked at the bodies and commented, "These guys were the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the ones who tore through our defenses."

"We're on a completely different level compared to Shūichi now," Guy said, stunned as he took in the scene. He then rushed over to his father's side, tears streaming down his face. "Dad!"

Might Duy embraced his son, and the two of them started crying loudly together.

Shūichi awkwardly pulled his hand back, unsure of why they were crying.

It didn't seem like they were sad, nor was it a reaction to surviving a near-death experience… he didn't get it.

At that moment, Ebisu and Genma approached the large body of Fuguki Suikazan. Ebisu couldn't resist poking the lifeless figure and turned to Genma. "Was this guy trapped in one of Shūichi's genjutsu?"

Genma inspected the corpse closely and then pointed to a scorched mark on Fuguki's neck. "No, I don't think so. His neck's been cut."

Ebisu examined the wound and gulped again. "His neck was severed."

They then moved over to the shattered remains of Hōzuki Mangetsu.

"What happened to this one?" Ebisu asked.

Genma shook his head.

Shūichi walked over with a smile. "That's due to the Hydrification Technique."

"The Hōzuki clan from the Mist Village can liquefy their bodies, making them nearly immune to physical attacks."

Genma quickly understood. "So he was taken down by Lightning Release?"

Shūichi nodded. "The Hydrification Technique is weak against Lightning Release."

"As for Fire Release, it depends on who's stronger."

Genma and Ebisu both nodded in agreement and then moved on to Kuriarare Kushimaru's corpse.

"Was this one killed by Uncle Duy?" Ebisu asked, finding it hard to believe as he glanced at the father and son still crying in the distance.

Due to the thick mist, they hadn't witnessed the battle clearly.

But the injuries on the body were clearly the result of pure taijutsu, something that didn't quite match Shūichi's usual fighting style.

Shūichi, happy to give credit to Duy, nodded and explained, "Yes, it was Uncle Duy's taijutsu technique."

"The other guy was also severely injured by one of his kicks."

Genma couldn't help but exclaim, "That's unbelievable."

Shūichi said, "Taijutsu training is extremely grueling. Uncle Duy has been working hard for twenty years, which led to his breakthrough today."

Ebisu and Genma looked over at the crying father and son. It was hard for them to reconcile this Might Duy, whom they had always known as a perpetual genin, with the man who had just taken down members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

It was a complete upheaval of everything they thought they knew.

Shūichi then unstrapped a large scroll from his back and said, "Genma, Ebisu, help me gather the bodies."

"Got it," the two of them replied, quickly moving to help collect the bodies so that Shūichi could seal them into the scroll.

Meanwhile, Shūichi's clone, after providing emergency treatment to the two prisoners, placed sealing jutsu on them.

He used the Five Elements Seal and reinforced it with heavy limb seals.

By this time, Guy and Might Duy had finished their "spiritual awakening," and Shūichi could sense a new resolve from Guy.

It was a determination unlike anything he had ever felt before.

It really is important for people to have hope and a clear goal to strive toward, Shūichi thought to himself. He then released his shadow clone and turned his gaze to the seven swords lying on the ground. "Do any of you want one?"

Genma, Ebisu, and the others exchanged glances.

Ebisu hesitated before saying, "Shūichi, these are yours and Uncle Duy's spoils of war."

Duy quickly shook his head. "I was just assisting Shūichi. These are all his."

Shūichi chuckled. "Even though I said I'd collect them, these swords need proper wielders to fully show their power."

Genma stepped forward, picked up the Nuibari (Sewing Needle), tested it a few times, then shook his head. "Shūichi, I still prefer my senbon needles."

Guy picked up the broken Kubikiribōchō (Executioner's Blade) and swung it a few times but soon put it down. "I'm more of a fists and feet kind of guy."

Ebisu first tried the explosive blade Shibuki, but he couldn't handle it properly. Then, he switched to the blunt sword Kabutowari but nearly smashed his own foot, making everyone laugh.

When he went to grab Samehada, the living sword, it immediately bit him, causing him to jump back in shock. "Shūichi, this sword is alive?!"

Shūichi laughed. "Yes, the Samehada is alive. It can absorb chakra, and it especially loves powerful chakra."

As he spoke, Shūichi released a surge of Four-Tails chakra, and the Samehada eagerly devoured it before slithering up his back like a pet, to the amazement of everyone.

However, Shūichi knew that Samehada would betray him in an instant if it sensed stronger chakra elsewhere. With that in mind, he removed the sword from his back and sealed it away.

Shūichi then turned his gaze to Pakura, who shook her head. "My fighting style is already complete."

Shūichi didn't push further. He sealed the remaining swords one by one into the scroll and stored it away.

If none of them wanted the swords now, he could train others or find suitable wielders later.

Maybe it would be nice to have his own Seven Ninja Swordsmen team under his command someday.

With everything packed up, Shūichi said to Guy and the others, "Uncle Duy, Guy, take the prisoners back to Konoha and hand them over for interrogation."

The four immediately straightened up. Duy nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Shūichi. I will give everything I have to ensure they're safely delivered to Konoha!"

Shūichi smiled. "With you around, Uncle Duy, it won't be a problem."

"Alright, let's move out!" he commanded.

The four nodded in unison before taking the scroll and prisoners, leaping into the distance.

"Lord Shūichi, where are we headed next?" Pakura asked.

Without hesitation, Shūichi replied, "I'll leave a shadow clone to team up with you. The Suna battlefield still needs me."

Pakura understood and was deeply moved. "Thank you, Lord Shūichi."

Shūichi created a shadow clone and instructed, "Head over to Jiraiya's camp. I'll return to the Land of Rivers."

With that, his body flickered and disappeared.

As his real body vanished, the shadow clone suddenly turned to Pakura and said, "I just realized we have no idea where the Mist's frontline base is."

Behind her mask, Pakura froze in shock.

Why does Lord Shūichi's shadow clone seem a little unreliable?

...

When Shūichi returned to the Land of Rivers, it was already evening.

Orochimaru was still there, however.

Seeing Shūichi return, Orochimaru looked up and smiled, "You're a bit slower than I expected."

Shūichi sat down across from Orochimaru, grabbed some grilled meat from the table, and stuffed it into his mouth. "Lord Orochimaru, rushing all the way for such a distant rescue is tiring, you know."

"Flying Thunder God takes up a lot of chakra, and the Mist Village's Seven Ninja Swordsmen aren't weak."

Orochimaru's interest was piqued. "Anything special about them?"

Shūichi thought for a moment. "Apart from one Hozuki Clan member, the people themselves weren't anything special. But the swords? They were pretty remarkable."

"One sword, the Great Blade Samehada, can absorb chakra—even tailed beast chakra."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest. "No wonder even Jiraiya found them troublesome."

Shūichi pulled out a sealing scroll and brought out Samehada for Orochimaru to examine, then asked, "Has the village made any further plans?"

While fiddling with Samehada, Orochimaru replied, "Besides sending reinforcements, there haven't been any new developments."

"So far, there's no sign of collaboration between the Sand and Stone Villages. The Anbu and the Root division haven't uncovered any relevant information either."

After finishing his meat, Shūichi grabbed a drink and downed it in one go. "I have a feeling the Sand Village is about to make a move."

"They can't afford to engage in a prolonged standoff with us. We can replenish our supplies from the Land of Rivers, but they can't."

"Lord Orochimaru, I suggest you secretly head to the Land of Fire's border to prepare for a Sand Village surprise attack."

Orochimaru set Samehada aside, which quietly crawled back onto Shūichi's back. With a slightly surprised glance, Orochimaru remarked, "That's certainly one way to approach it."

Shūichi added, "Of course, you could send Lady Koharu, but if the Sand Village strikes, she might not be able to hold them off."

Orochimaru chuckled, "Shūichi-kun, don't underestimate them."

Shūichi shook his head with a sigh. "It's not underestimating—it's a difference in mindset."

After a moment of thought, Orochimaru smiled. "If the Sand Village does make a move, you could use your Flying Thunder God to transport me there, no problem, right?"

Shūichi nodded. "That's doable."

"But I probably won't be able to go in person. If that happens, the Sand Village will likely launch a feint here."

He wasn't yet confident in fully controlling Shukaku and Bunpuku.

The power of the Fire Nether Chains wasn't strong enough yet.

And the Demonic Realm – Memory Palace would definitely not be able to hold Shukaku and Bunpuku together.

Orochimaru grinned. "A clone will suffice. Flying Thunder God is fast enough—I can arrive ahead of time and make some preparations."

Shūichi asked, "But wouldn't our forces be insufficient?"

Orochimaru asked with a smile, "What do you think the Sand Village's goal would be if they launch a surprise attack?"

Shūichi thought it over. "Their first step would still be the Land of Rivers."

"Seems like their main target is us here…"

"If they can divert our forces from the village and launch a surprise attack on the border, they'd cause us to lose ground quickly."

Orochimaru pointed at the map. "The Sand Village would break through our border defenses, take up a defensive position, and only a small portion of their forces would be needed to hold off our reinforcements for a while."

"That would free up another group to cut off our supply lines, leaving us trapped between two fronts."

"Even with your strength, Shūichi-kun, you wouldn't be able to protect everyone. The chances of us being overwhelmed are high."

"After that, the Sand Village would concentrate their forces to launch another offensive on the Fire Country's border, using the Land of Rivers as their supply base."

Shūichi nodded, his eyes falling on a red-circled spot on the map. "So, Lord Orochimaru, you plan to hold the Sand Village forces at this location?"

Orochimaru smiled and nodded. "Exactly."

"This is Kikyo Pass. There's a fortress there, with terrain that's easy to defend and hard to attack."

"I'll hold the Sand Village forces here until reinforcements from the village arrive."

"As for you, Shūichi, your task will be to stop Chiyo's army and Shukaku."

Kikyo Castle! 

Shūichi suddenly realized and gave Orochimaru a thumbs-up. "As expected of Lord Orochimaru!"

"Although it looks like my task is going to be quite heavy too."

Orochimaru laughed, "I trust in you, Shūichi-kun."

"Of course…" Orochimaru's tone shifted, and his smile faded as fleeting images of various figures crossed his mind. "If it becomes impossible to hold the line, don't force it."

"With your Flying Thunder God, you can retreat to Kikyo Castle at any time."

Shūichi nodded seriously. "I understand!"

After chatting for a bit longer, Shūichi finally left the tent.

By now, the sky was filled with stars.

Shūichi exhaled deeply, feeling a bit of exhaustion.

It wasn't physical—rather, it was mental.

All the fighting… He didn't particularly enjoy it. Training and research were far more interesting to him.

But, alas, fate had other plans.

"Shūichi."

Uchiha Shisui appeared, interrupting Shūichi's thoughts.

With a friendly wave, the two headed toward the medical camp together.

Shisui asked, "Shūichi, you seem a bit worn out…"

Shūichi nodded. "I don't like war."

Shisui nodded back. "As you've said before, war isn't something we can decide."

"But there is one thing we can decide on: victory!"

Shūichi nodded, then asked, "Shisui, have you ever thought about how we could make this world free of war?"

Shisui paused, then shook his head. "That's a bit too far off. My priority is protecting the village and my loved ones."

"Ending war across the entire world… that seems almost impossible."

"The First Hokage once managed it, though…"

Shisui looked at Shūichi and smiled. "Shūichi, I think you can surpass the First Hokage. Maybe you'll even be able to end the wars in the shinobi world."

Shūichi put his arm around Shisui's shoulder and laughed. "That's not something I could do alone."

"Even the First Hokage had many supporters."

"I've heard that the First Hokage's original intention in founding the Konoha Village was to protect future generations, so kids wouldn't have to go to war."

"I feel the same. If there were no wars, I'd probably be enjoying academy life back in the village, carefree and happy!"

"To be honest, I don't want my child to grow up like me. I want him to face these things when he's ready—or maybe never at all."

Shisui was stunned, trying to imagine such a world, but found it difficult.

After all, going to war upon graduation had become so ingrained.

"If only things could be like that…"

Shisui couldn't help but dream, then he stopped and looked at Shūichi seriously. "I believe you can make that happen, Shūichi."

"Of course, I'll always be here to support you!"

Shūichi extended his hand.

Shisui immediately reached out, and with a clap, their hands met in a firm handshake.

(End of Chapter)

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