Chapter 40: Genjutsu

Fully focused, Kai reacted the moment Gari appeared. In the past, Kai would never have taken such a risk, but now he understood that he had to show some vulnerability to lure Gari out.

Iwa ninjas weren't just strong earth users who liked to confront their enemies head-on. Some used Earth Release for stealthy and deadly ambushes. Ninjas were tools of war, masters of patience and deception, a lesson Kai remembered well.

Gari was one such ninja, fast, silent, and deadly, like a viper. The moment Gari attacked, Kai used a substitution jutsu. Despite appearing relaxed, he was never off guard. Only fools and the suicidal would let their guard down in a situation like this.

Realizing he had struck a substitute, Gari immediately kicked off a tree trunk, using the recoil and the explosion from his attack to quickly escape. As he moved, several kunai flew through the smoke towards his previous position, thrown by Kai to prevent Gari from hiding again.

Kai knew that if they were delayed by Gari, they would be doomed. The front line could only hold off for so long, and Kai's team had already spent considerable time fighting their way here.

If they were held back by this "viper" or if Kenta was ambushed while they were preoccupied, they would be finished. Even if the front-line troops couldn't return immediately, Iwa still had strong reinforcements like Kitsuchi.

Gari's strategy was clearly to delay them. But Kai had silently maneuvered behind him. Thanks to the Akimichi clan's medicine, his chakra was plentiful. He infused his chakra into his sword, causing the silver blade to glow with a faint blue light. Without hesitation, he slashed at Gari, his Sharingan locking onto him.

"I've got you!"

As expected, Gari dodged rather than blocked, intending to drag out the fight. But this time, Kai twisted his blade, slashing again at an unexpected angle after breaking Gari's substitution jutsu.

Sensing the imminent danger, Gari leaped back, throwing a few kunai at Kai. The kunai posed no real threat but could wound Kai if ignored. He deflected them with quick strikes and pursued Gari, but the opportunity for a clean kill had passed. Gari landed solidly on the ground, and Kai halted, eyes still fixed on him.

"Not bad," Gari chuckled. "You fought Kitsuchi and survived? Impressive."

"Yeah, it was pretty close," Kai replied nonchalantly. "That's why I said you'd be easier to deal with. You're just a rat, while he's a true warrior."

"Cheap provocation," Gari scoffed but didn't hide again. "I've always been curious about the famed Sharingan. Let's see what you've got."

"Trust me, it's not cheap provocation," Kai retorted, already preparing his next move.

The silence that followed was brief. In a flash, Kai's sword was out again, chakra-infused and aimed at Gari. His speed and precision were impeccable, his blade a blur in the sunlight.

Gari sidestepped, avoiding the thrust and countering with an elbow strike. Kai quickly sidestepped, dodging the elbow and swinging his sword back. Gari's movements were fast; he dodged the sword strike while his right hand glowed ominously.

Kai recognized the dangerous chakra. He had seen its explosive power before, though he couldn't recall where in the original series. It didn't matter now. In battle, there was no time to ponder such things.

This technique made Gari extremely dangerous. One punch could likely blow his opponent apart.

"Explosion Release: Landmine Fist!"

"Explosion Release?" Kai frowned, recognizing the nature of Gari's chakra. It was similar to Deidara's ability. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. This was a golden opportunity.

With the Sharingan, every attack from the enemy revealed potential openings. Unless the opponent was significantly stronger, as Kitsuchi had been, Kai could exploit these openings.

Gari, though dangerous, wasn't beyond Kai's reach. Seizing the moment, Kai decided to act. Gari's combat style wasn't as cautious as Kitsuchi's; he hadn't avoided Kai's gaze.

"Since that's the case, Genjutsu: Sharingan!"

(Chapter End)