Chapter 177: The End

Just as Jōnin Gangshan was about to abandon his subordinates and escape alone, his instincts sent him warnings. Hiding underground, he felt like a disaster was imminent, as if a cold ninja blade was pressed against his neck. His muscles instantly tensed, ready to respond to any sudden occurrence.

But his reactions were too late. As he attempted to dive deeper underground, a sharp, blazing white blade ignored the thick layers of soil and pierced right through him.

"What is this?"

Glancing down at the dazzling weapon in the dark underground, the Iwa Jōnin only managed to let out a question before losing all control over himself. Blood spurted from his mouth, and despite his desire to struggle, his body was paralyzed and unresponsive due to the sudden attack. All he could do was wait for death in the dark underground.

Above ground, Tōshirō slowly withdrew the Thunder Release chakra in his hand. The Chidori Sharp Spear that had penetrated the ground retracted, gradually dispersing from Tōshirō's hand. Having copied Kakashi's Chidori, he couldn't miss out on the upgraded Chidori series developed by Sasuke. He hadn't used it earlier due to the lack of chakra but now, in Sage Mode, he could afford to use such chakra-consuming techniques without hesitation.

This jutsu was particularly effective against Iwa ninjas hiding underground. Combined with his sensory abilities, it was like spearing fish in water, always hitting the mark. The underground resistance, greater than air, made his Chidori Sharp Spear even more lethal.

While Tōshirō was finishing off his part, there was no chance for the enemies facing Yan. They couldn't escape and met their end with regret. For Tōshirō in this state, these Chūnin couldn't put up any resistance; he easily dealt with them with just the ninja sword at his waist.

"This state is intoxicating!" Tōshirō thought. If only he could maintain this state permanently, he wouldn't need to navigate the Third War so cautiously.

"Tōshirō! Look at Chao and her injury... It's my fault... If she hadn't saved me, she wouldn't be hurt!" His reverie was interrupted by his former teammate, Uchiha Longhuo, who approached with tears in his eyes, filled with anxiety, regret, and a hint of those soon-to-awaken Sharingan.

Before Tōshirō arrived, his twelve-year-old companions were besieging the Iwa Chūnin. Although they had the advantage in numbers, the enemy ninjas were very experienced. Longhuo had been tricked and seriously injured, and only Chao's quick thinking saved him. Now, Chao lay injured, and Longhuo was filled with remorse.

"Don't panic. Lay Chao down gently, and let me check her condition." Remaining calm, Tōshirō directed everyone to make space as he carefully examined Chao's injuries. The fifteen ninjas present were all childhood friends of Tōshirō, including the slightly older Uchiha Zhe. Zhe, Yan, and Tōshirō were sent by their clan to protect the younger ones, so Tōshirō took the responsibility seriously and began his examination.

"Good, nothing serious. Just three broken ribs and temporary unconsciousness. She'll be fine after some rest at the rear hospital." 

Chao had anticipated the attack and prepared for it, which minimized her injuries. Tōshirō performed medical ninjutsu and checked on Uchiha Longhuo. 

"Ah, as expected!" When he looked at Longhuo, he saw the boy's dark eyes had turned red, a single tomoe slowly spinning in each. Longhuo had awakened his Sharingan in this dire situation—a common occurrence among the Uchiha, triggered by sad and remorseful experiences.

Uchiha Yan herself had awakened her Sharingan after witnessing her father's corpse on the battlefield. The Uchiha clan's Sharingan often awakened in the midst of war, their emotional pain bringing forth new power.