Chapter 65

A sandstorm, electric light, and flames intertwined in a chaotic dance.

Shukaku and Bunpuku, utilizing their vast Chakra reserves and the advantage of the desert terrain, forcefully cornered Hatake Sakumo and Jiraiya.

Both Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo were Kage-level Shinōbi, accompanied by a team of Jonin-level Anbu acting as their shield. In theory, this lineup should be able to withstand any threat, but that theory didn't apply to Bunpuku.

The perfect synergy between Bunpuku and Shukaku, combined with their home court advantage, allowed them to exert their full control over the situation.

"Sakumo-senpai, cover me! I'm going to expand," Jiraiya angrily shouted as he swiftly retreated, crossing his legs and preparing to enter Sage Mode by communing with the nature Chakra in his surroundings.

As Jiraiya retreated, a massive wave of sand surged forth from Shukaku.

Sakumo gritted his teeth, his Chakra surging as he infused the Lightning Attribute Chakra into his short blade, hardening its edge.

"Water Release: Water Bullet Jutsu!"

The surrounding Anbu Shinōbi cast Ninjutsu to disrupt Shukaku's movements.

Without Jiraiya, the situation became even more challenging for the Konoha side. The pressure that was initially meant for Jiraiya was now shared by Sakumo and the Anbu.

Especially for Sakumo, Shukaku recognized him and targeted him relentlessly.

"Very well, I, as an assassination Kage-level Shinōbi, am forced to face you head-on. I'm not just a piece of meat for you to toy with," Sakumo declared, swinging his short blade with swift precision, waiting for the right moment to strike back cruelly.

In this moment, Hatake Sakumo felt immense gratitude towards his family's ancestor for leaving behind the Kenjutsu training method. He usually used Kenjutsu training as a form of Taijutsu practice, but he had never fought in such a head-on manner before.

"Once I'm back, I must diligently practice Kenjutsu and strive to become a Sword Hero," Sakumo vowed inwardly.

Meanwhile, Shukaku's attention was drawn towards the Anbu Shinōbi launching a surprise attack. It sensed their Chakra reserves and made a firm resolution to improve its Taijutsu training upon returning.

Otherwise, it would face a miserable defeat against opponents who didn't rely on Chakra as their primary weapon.

"Get out of the way! Sage Art: Goemon!"

Upon hearing Jiraiya's command, Sakumo and the Anbu Shinōbi quickly retreated, leaving Shukaku to face the raging sea of flames alone.

Hatake Sakumo and the Anbu had only two words in their hearts: "Fuck" and "Damn."

"Tsk, Senjutsu. What unpleasant memories," Shukaku scoffed, folding its hands together and activating its Guardian technique.

A colossal sand form of Shukaku towered before it.

But what about the mighty power of Sage Art?

Just look at how the sand gradually melted away.

"It's truly terrifying. You managed to dissolve most of Shukaku's shield. It seems you've been training diligently since your encounter with Hitoshi," Shukaku's harsh voice resounded in everyone's ears.

"The Sage of Mount Myōboku?" Hatake Sakumo glanced at the two old toads perched on Jiraiya's shoulders, his confusion evident.

"Little Jiraiya, this is bad. You've stirred up something terrible. Prepare to retreat," Sage Fukasaku warned upon hearing Shukaku's voice.

"Sage Lord, we also intend to retreat, but the enemy won't allow it. For now, we'll have to retreat without them, seeking opportunities along the way," Sakumo replied helplessly.

He had wanted to leave long ago, but circumstances had prevented him from doing so.

"Use Water Release, and Jiraiya and I will use Earth Release to limit Shukaku's movements before making our escape," Sage Fukasaku suggested after a moment of thought.

While the members of Konoha discussed their plan, Shukaku chose not to make a move. It wasn't due to stupidity, but because Bunpuku advised that they had accomplished enough and there was no need to continue the fight.

Thinking that today's performance had been rather impressive, Shukaku decided it was time to find a way out and retire.

"Water Release: Combination Ninjutsu: Super Water Vortex!"

"Sage Art: Swamp of the Underworld!"

Hatake Sakumo and the Anbu Shinōbi, heeding Jiraiya's command, unleashed the Super Water Vortex technique. Despite their limited Chakra reserves, they still surpassed the Anbu Jonin in strength, including their Water Release proficiency.

A Kage-level Shinōbi and a team of Jonin, together with their Water Release, created a massive wave that surged through the desert.

Under the influence of Jiraiya's Sage Mode, the muddy swamp formed by the technique transformed into a quagmire.

As they faced the approaching colossal wave, Shukaku remained unfazed.

"Go," Sakumo urged as he and the Anbu quickly retreated.

"This is our escape route," Jiraiya realized in an instant and followed suit, swiftly leaving the area.

The Anbu Jonin, seeing their leaders depart, didn't hesitate and swiftly followed suit.

With each using their unique Secret Techniques, they departed one by one, each faster than the last.

If it weren't for my Sage Mode, I wouldn't be able to keep up with them, Jiraiya thought to himself.

"I'm still too green. There's so much left for me to learn," Jiraiya sighed, realizing how far he still had to go compared to the crafty veterans of Shinōbi World.

On the other side, Shukaku calmly watched as everyone from Konoha disappeared into the distance.

"Magnet Release: Sand Iron Prison."

Shukaku's voice rang out with authority as the desert surged, causing sand and pebbles to rise from the ground. In a matter of seconds, the swamp transformed back into a desert, and the surging waves continued their relentless advance.

After a few more moments, the water within the colossal waves was completely absorbed.

"Dry desert, I, the king of the desert, loathe water," Shukaku proclaimed, displaying its expertise and solitude.

"Hehe."

"Monk, what are you insinuating? I am the king of the desert."

"Yes, you are the king of the desert. But you begged me to find a place with underground water to reside."

"What's wrong with water? I need it for bathing," Shukaku retorted, not denying its love for cleanliness.

"Yes, you do love cleanliness. A certain desert king just claimed to dislike moisture," the monk replied, teasing Shukaku.

"Yes, I don't know who said that. It's so irritating. If I find out who it is, I'll kill them," Shukaku responded nonchalantly, unperturbed by the accusation.

With that, the control over the body was transferred back to Bunpuku, and the duo prepared to find a suitable location for their next endeavor.