Chapter 90

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Thinking back to a specific summer day in a certain country in his past life, in a scorching weather reaching the absurd temperature of 52 Celsius was already see as world ending.

And now his temperature was already comparable to that of the sun's surface. To dissipate such high heat was not easy, especially considering the temperature of Kyomu's blade, which reached a minimum of 7000 degrees Celsius!

Even though the chakra blade was slender and flew close to the ground, it couldn't withstand its own extremely high temperature.

So, when the chakra blade dissipated, a dazzling white light rose from the ground, and the decreasing heat waves spread explosively in all directions, affecting an area of ​​up to six kilometers! Even at the edge of the affected area, the temperature was nearly a hundred degrees, let alone further inward.

Such a large-scale attack caused the Sand Ninjas who arrived later to suffer. Even though they used large-scale Earth Release defensive ninjutsu, the scorching heat still instantly swept away a large area.

Humanoid fireballs, one after another, with screams rising higher and higher.

Roughly estimated, the aftermath of Kyomu's attack killed or injured more than a hundred Sand Ninjas.

Moreover, this comprised the majority of the Sand Ninja forces deployed in a surrounding tactic rushing to the frontlines. If not for that, it couldn't be said that they would all be wiped out, but a third of them being casualties was certain.

Apart from the temperature, the blinding light also had some killing power. Fortunately, Kyomu's attack didn't contain any other radiation; otherwise, he would have had difficulty escaping unscathed.

"What happened over there?"

"Ah! My eyes!"

"Is that some kind of forbidden jutsu? Such a dazzling light... and the residual heat it brought."

"The perceived temperature is around forty degrees, and the center is at least eight kilometers away from here. Isn't the temperature over there..."

"Oops, I have to intercept the other team of Leaf Village infiltrators; it could be a big problem!"

"The aftermath just now was obviously a level that only a forbidden jutsu user could achieve, and the user wouldn't survive!"

"Don't get distracted; continue to surround the Leaf Village infiltrators; they're trying to break through! Don't let our comrades eight kilometers away sacrifice in vain!"

The Sand Ninjas affected by the aftermath gradually regained their senses, their eyes filled with hatred and anger, focusing all their abilities on the Leaf Village shinobi.

At the same time, Orochimaru, fiercely battling Chiyo, felt a sudden tremor in his snake-like eyes, a look of disbelief evident.

What happened several kilometers away?

Did the Sand Ninjas deploy the Jinchuriki?

After sniffing the burnt smell in the air, Orochimaru immediately dismissed his previous judgment.

The full-powered Tailed Beast Bomb indeed had such a wide attack range, but its attack form mostly consisted of chakra-formed shockwaves, with the majority being impact force, and the temperature couldn't be that high.

The next moment, Orochimaru's pupils contracted again as he thought of someone.

Aragami Kyomu!

The astonishing strike from before was still fresh in Orochimaru's memory; he had even inquired about it twice afterward.

But...

"Orochimaru, I see you want to die, getting distracted while fighting me!"

Chiyo's sinister voice rang out, controlling her group of ten puppet warriors, three of which formed a peculiar formation.

Puppet Secret Technique: Triple White Secret Destruction!

Puppet Secret Technique: Assault!

The immense suction affected Orochimaru, and with Chiyo multitasking, controlling two other puppets, they rushed toward Orochimaru from both sides.

Coming back to his senses abruptly, Orochimaru immediately used the substitution jutsu just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Though there were no injuries, he had consumed a considerable amount of chakra.

"Heh, you should worry about yourself!" Orochimaru smirked, "Your rear seems to have suffered quite a bit!"

Chiyo obviously didn't believe Orochimaru's words, but the lingering burnt smell in the air made her turn to glance at her surroundings.

The dazzling light had dissipated, but the residual heat remained, distorting the air into a mirage-like appearance.

Her pupils shook, and Chiyo turned back angrily to rebuke Orochimaru, "Did you use a Tailed Beast?"

Orochimaru sneered, "Dealing with you from Sunagakure doesn't require a Tailed Beast. Don't overestimate yourself; it's easy to fall flat."

As he finished speaking, Orochimaru lunged forward again, engaging in a fierce battle with Chiyo and her controlled puppets.

However, Chiyo was obviously distracted, her attacks not as swift as before. She was deeply concerned about the safety of the rear defense line.

If Konoha really mobilized a Tailed Beast...

No!

Chiyo made a firm decision. If it were true, with the power of the Tailed Beast, their losses would be devastating.

It was only the first day, although it was a large-scale direct confrontation, it was still just a test. It wasn't time to go all out yet.

Retreat and fight another day. Chiyo once again multitasked, commanding the shinobi corps to retreat in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru understood that he needed to seize the opportunity and continue to press forward with the Leaf Village shinobi, taking advantage of the brief chaos caused by the retreat of the Sand Ninjas to exhaust their remaining forces.

---

Mountain Graveyard.

The aging Uchiha Madara listened to White Zetsu's report, unable to help but open his somewhat cloudy eyes.

"A purple flame blade?" Madara repeated, "Are you sure it's at such a temperature?"

"I'm sure!" White Zetsu shouted, "I monitored the battlefield with several spore clones. They only managed to transmit a bit of information before being vaporized, and hiding underground was useless."

"Aragami Kyomu..." Madara murmured, "To achieve such accomplishments at such a young age is barely considered impressive."

As if thinking of something, Madara's mouth suddenly curved into a smile, appearing both excited and somewhat cruel.

"That's good. When I return at the peak of my plan, it won't be so dull. He can serve as a good warm-up."

Having said that, Madara resumed his normal demeanor, closing his eyes once again. "Continue collecting battlefield information, and keep an eye on Obito. He's an indispensable part of my plan and must not fail."

"I understand, Madara-sama," White Zetsu nodded. "Oh, by the way, Madara-sama, Kyomu seems to have a good relationship with Obito, almost like brothers."

"In that case, I'm even more looking forward to Obito's performance," Madara had already planned everything for Obito, "Friendship, love, family, these are the sources of Sharingan power. They will make the Uchiha stronger!"

Suddenly remembering Uchiha Izuna, Madara's heart twitched, waving his hand somewhat irritably, indicating for White Zetsu to leave.

White Zetsu, of course, wouldn't dare to disturb Madara any further. He silently retreated, leaving the Mountain Graveyard and returning to his own habitat, waiting for further orders.

The ultimate battle between the Uchiha and Senju was about to begin in a few years, and he, as a part of it, would play his role to the fullest.

---

Once all the aftermath settled, Kyomu also felt a sense of loss in his heart.

After exiting the combat state, the passive skill reset due to its effect.

"The temporary half-peak experience card has expired..." Kyomu grimaced, feeling out of sorts. "After experiencing such immense power, I suddenly feel pitifully weak."

Shaking his head, Kyomu surveyed his surroundings. The terrain had completely transformed into vast desert plains. Even the Sand Shinobi were nowhere to be seen, and vegetation had disappeared without a trace.

However, Kyomu didn't dwell on that for long. He refocused his attention on the battlefield.

The subsequent encircling forces from the Hidden Sand Village found it increasingly difficult to patch up the loopholes here. Even if they attempted to do so, Kyomu could tear through them once and still have the capacity to do so again.

With the Shadow Clone in tow, Kyomu decided not to continue defending and instead dashed towards the direction of the Sand Shinobi forces, intending to support the infiltrating teams breaking through.

Within minutes of speeding towards their destination, Kyomu encountered the leading members, Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Rin.

However, when he glanced further back, his heart couldn't help but tighten.

One, two, three...

After counting carefully, Kyomu finally relaxed when his gaze fell upon the face of the last member of his squad.

Thankfully, though everyone was injured, not a single person had fallen behind.

"Captain Hizashi," Kyomu hurried to meet them. "Follow me. There are no Sand Shinobi ahead. It's safe."

Hizashi wanted to speak, but the pursuing Sand Shinobi in the Byakugan's 360-degree vision forced him to resume his pace alongside Kyomu, continuing deeper into the Land of Rivers.

The border with the Land of Fire was gradually becoming more distant.

However, not long into their journey, when the wooden clogs beneath their feet touched the scorching desert, Hizashi Hyuga couldn't help but speak up.

"Kyomu, this place... and the scorching heat waves and glaring light from before..."

"I caused that with one strike."

Silence.

Aside from the sound of footsteps and panting, none of the Leaf Shinobi behind them spoke. They simply lowered their heads, observing the peculiar landscape around them.

Hizashi was the same. He wanted to call Kyomu out for bragging, but the evidence was right before his eyes. Apart from Kyomu and their own group, there was not a single living soul around.

This was ample proof, irrefutable.

Suddenly halting his steps, Hizashi looked deeply at Kyomu. "Kyomu, I think we don't need to venture further."

"You could lead us to break through the Sand Shinobi forces, even eliminate a few more on the way back," Hizashi said, quite rightly.

"Indeed, Captain Kyomu, your previous strike was as destructive as a Tailed Beast Bomb. If you were to strike at the heart of the Sand Shinobi army..."

"Captain Kyomu, I never expected your intellect and strength to be so deeply concealed!"

"With Captain Kyomu leading us, we're sure to return from the Sand Shinobi with a resounding victory, instead of the hasty retreat we're making now."

"Yes, Captain Kyomu, if we continue retreating in this direction, we'll end up at the heart of the Sand Shinobi's headquarters. I'm worried..."

Hizashi Hyuga interjected at this moment. "Kyomu, I can entrust temporary command to you. As long as you lead us..."

"Captain Hizashi, I appreciate your trust," Kyomu naturally accepted the 'authority,' not wanting it in vain.

However, he didn't agree outright, providing a reasonable explanation instead. "But unfortunately, I cannot lead you back to fight now. I can only lead you deeper into the heart of the Sand Shinobi."

Hizashi Hyuga and the others were puzzled, but before they could ask, Aragami Kyomu addressed their doubts.

"A Similar to the strike earlier... I can indeed make another, but except for me, none of you would likely survive near me."

Suddenly, everyone fell silent once again.

In the village, they were among the elite shinobi of Konoha. While their strength might not be top-tier, they had defeated 90% of the ninja in the ninja world, a fact they were proud of.

But standing beside Kyomu, they found themselves lacking even the qualification to watch or cling to greatness. Simply approaching him would result in being swept away by his residual power.

It was a complete reversal of expectations.

Glancing back, Kyomu felt satisfied with their silent reaction, but he added two more sentences.

"This is my fault. That move just now was just a prototype, with many shortcomings. If I continue to refine it, such incidents of accidental harm may not occur again."

Honestly, it would have been better if he hadn't said anything.

In Hizashi's eyes, all he could see was disbelief. He wanted to scold Kyomu for boasting, but he couldn't find a foothold.

What Kyomu said was the truth, and the evidence was there. They were simply not strong enough to withstand it and had no grounds for argument.

"That's so cool, Captain!" Genma, the fanboy, didn't care about all that. "The name of your move must be awesome, right?!"

"Purple Blade, Flowing Fireflies," Kyomu casually named his technique.

"Purple Blade, Flowing Fireflies? Sounds great," Hizashi admired. "And I can already guess how powerful this move is."

"Of course, Captain Kyomu. The purple flames are hot enough to vaporize a human body," Genma pointed to a nearby shadow. "Look, the black mark on the ground is probably the only evidence left of the Sand Shinobi's existence."

Hizashi couldn't help but grind his teeth. Could anyone resist such a technique?

"Kyomu, how did you do it? Is it your strength?"

"Just a bit of life force overdrawn," Kyomu casually replied.

But to those behind him, this answer tasted different. Suddenly, Kyomu leading the way in breaking through seemed even more heroic.

Hizashi was convinced.

Anticipating the ambush by the Sand Shinobi in advance, tearing open such a huge gap alone, and sacrificing his own life force for his teammates - such a person was undoubtedly a natural leader.

"Kyomu, from now on, everyone, including myself, will follow your orders." Hizashi's tone was serious this time. "Please, Captain Kyomu!"

(End of this chapter)