Chapter 142: Squad Battle!

After having experienced two of the Great Ninja Wars, this was the first time Hōzuki Shingetsu witnessed someone using such a large number of shadow clones to charge into battle!

The reason he deduced they were shadow clones wasn't because of some extraordinary sensory ability or sharp vision.

It was simply because only a madman would charge into a thousand-strong army with a group of shadow clones instead of their real body.

Through the forest, over mountains, across plains, and over rivers...

One after another, Shūichi's shadow clones charged at the large Kirigakure force with reckless abandon.

And just like Sunagakure had done, the Kirigakure shinobi responded by launching group-based ninjutsu attacks, with a dozen or so shinobi unleashing Water Release together.

However, Shūichi's clones suddenly took to the air, moving at high speed, then diving down into the crowd, countering Water Release with Fire Release. Using the mist created by the water as cover, they broke into close combat.

For Shūichi, large-scale ninjutsu exchanges put him at a disadvantage.

How could one person withstand a continuous barrage of jutsu from an entire group, even if he didn't need to use hand signs to cast his techniques? Chakra depletion was still a problem.

Breaking into the Kirigakure ranks for a chaotic melee was the most advantageous option. This allowed him to fully utilize his no-hand-sign ninjutsu, high-speed reflexes, and extreme velocity.

Facing the Kirigakure forces, Shūichi also displayed, for the first time, his ability to run through the air.

This was something even Sunagakure hadn't included in their intel, as they hadn't fully grasped this capability of Shūichi's.

Watching Shūichi wreak havoc among his forces, Hōzuki Shingetsu finally understood why Hōzuki Metsuin and the others had been so utterly defeated.

He was simply too fast—not just his physical speed, but his teleportation and jutsu casting speeds were unparalleled.

Moreover, he had no apparent weaknesses. His abilities were so well-rounded that no single type of ninjutsu could effectively counter him.

Having fought in two Great Ninja Wars, Hōzuki Shingetsu had never encountered an opponent like this.

"At such a young age... it's terrifying!"

"If we can't take him down this time, this intel must be sent back to the village…"

Thinking this, Hōzuki Shingetsu rushed forward, all while continuously issuing orders, directing squad after squad to encircle and attack Shūichi.

Though Kirigakure shinobi specialize in Water Release, not all of them are water-type users. Many also know Earth Release, Lightning Release, kenjutsu (sword techniques), and other ninjutsu, though Water Release is their strongest element.

At this moment, he was deploying shinobi proficient in Earth Release, Lightning Release, and Wind Release to work together, aiming to seal off Shūichi's movement and decide the outcome with overwhelming attacks.

But the first attempt failed!

Their attack missed as Shūichi escaped using the Flying Thunder God technique, with the mark hidden on a Kirigakure shinobi that he had previously thrown away.

The second time, Hōzuki Shingetsu used a shadow clone as bait.

It failed again!

Shūichi saw through the shadow clone and didn't take the bait.

The third time, they finally succeeded. One of Shūichi's shadow clones was destroyed, but the Kirigakure shinobi acting as a close-combat bait was severely injured in the process.

With no time to assess the losses, Shingetsu immediately led his men to the other battlefronts to hunt down more of Shūichi's shadow clones.

…

At the rear, one by one, the memories of the shadow clones began returning to Shūichi. He organized these memories and analyzed the experience but also felt the fatigue steadily piling up.

This was more exhausting than fighting in person!

Moreover, when the clones were destroyed, the pain they felt was also transmitted back to him.

The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique truly was a dangerous forbidden jutsu. The fact that the clones dispelled upon injury served as a form of protection for the original body.

Shūichi concluded that next time, when using shadow clones in large battles, he would need to dispel them before unavoidable attacks landed. This would help reduce the mental strain on his real body.

As time passed, all nine shadow clones were eventually destroyed, and night had already fallen.

Half an hour later, Uchiha Shisui received feedback from his crow clone: "Shūichi, the Mist ninja have set up camp."

Now fully recovered, Shūichi, back in human form, felt somewhat tired and remarked, "The Mist ninja will probably launch a large-scale infiltration under the cover of darkness."

Uchiha Shisui smiled and reassured him, "You can rest easy, Shūichi. We'll handle things tonight."

"As much as you might want to carry the burden alone, war is not something one person can solve. You need to trust your comrades more."

Asuka nodded in agreement: "Shisui is right. Even though it's your clones doing the fighting, the fatigue and pain still get transferred back to you. You can seal away memories, but you can't seal away those sensations."

"Chakra may recover quickly, but physical and mental exhaustion takes more time," she added with a smile. "Shūichi, we're not your burden!"

Though wearing a mask, Pakura also nodded in agreement.

Shūichi paused for a moment before smiling. "Got it!"

"Then I'll leave tonight to you all!"

He truly did need the rest. His clones were still conducting harassing operations against the Sand shinobi.

However...

Looking over at Shisui and Pakura, Shūichi said, "Shisui, I've developed a nature-based curse mark called the 'Bijuu Sealing Mark.' It can enhance Fire Release using natural energy."

"Natural energy?" Shisui asked, puzzled. It was his first time hearing about it.

Not just him—Pakura looked equally intrigued.

Shūichi nodded. "Yes, natural energy is a type of energy that exists in the world, similar to chakra, like the air around us."

Shisui nodded thoughtfully, then grinned. "Then I won't be shy about using it!"

Shūichi continued, "I'll also leave a Flying Thunder God mark within the curse seal, which will help us coordinate better during battle."

Shisui nodded again. "Do I need to do anything?"

Shūichi smiled, "No, just stay still. I'll place the seal on the back of your neck, though it might hurt a little."

Shisui immediately crouched down in front of Shūichi, lowering his head.

Shūichi raised his right hand and pressed it onto the right side of Shisui's neck.

With a sizzling sound, as if branding flesh, Shisui felt a sharp, piercing pain. Sweat began to form on his forehead, but the pain quickly subsided. Soon after, he sensed a new energy within the curse mark, and this energy continued to grow.

Shūichi raised his hand and smiled. "It's done. You can activate or deactivate the seal with a simple mental command."

A blue lotus-shaped mark now adorned the right side of Shisui's neck.

Standing up, Shisui activated the Bijuu Sealing Mark.

In an instant, the blue lotus mark began to glow, and blue patterns spread from his neck to his face. In moments, the blue lotus design covered Shisui's entire neck and face.

Seeing this, Shūichi couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

It reminded him of Orochimaru's curse mark.

Although both used natural energy, Orochimaru's mark led to Sage Transformation, providing an all-around enhancement. While it lacked safety, its overall functionality far surpassed that of the Bijuu Sealing Mark.

Still, Shūichi prioritized stability. Although his seal only boosted Fire Release, it was much easier to adapt to and didn't require any prerequisites.

If he wanted, Shūichi could apply the curse mark to anyone.

"This power is incredible!" Shisui exclaimed with admiration as he formed hand signs.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

A massive fireball burst from Shisui's mouth, growing to an immense size. The brilliant white core and orange-red flames lit up the night sky, shooting forward and obliterating a large tree in an explosive burst.

The intense heat sent waves of hot air rippling through the area, and even beneath her mask, Pakura's expression showed surprise. "That's so powerful!"

She had seen Shisui's Fire Release before, and while it was already strong, this was on a whole different level. The sheer scale and temperature of the fireball now rivaled her own Scorch Release.

"This natural energy… It's truly amazing!" Pakura couldn't help but feel intrigued but also sighed quietly to herself.

She was only a subordinate to Shūichi, whereas Shisui was clearly more than that—he was a close friend.

Those words they exchanged earlier weren't something a mere subordinate would say.

Shisui, too, was astonished. "This is unbelievable!"

"My Fire Release is at least three times more powerful now!"

Shūichi smiled, nodding in approval. "Not bad."

"Alright, Pakura, it's your turn!" he said.

Pakura was taken aback, almost unsure. "Me? Can I really…?"

Shūichi answered matter-of-factly, "Of course. Your Scorch Release is a fusion of Wind and Fire Release, so the curse mark's Fire Release boost will naturally enhance your Scorch Release as well."

Pakura quickly nodded. "Yes, Lord Shūichi!"

For the first time, she called him "Lord Shūichi" with complete sincerity.

She crouched in front of Shūichi, exposing her neck.

The firelight cast a beautiful glow on her elegant neck and the graceful curve of her back. Even Asuka couldn't help but admire her beauty, her eyes lighting up as she whispered, "So beautiful..."

Shūichi, focused, pressed his right palm against the right side of Pakura's neck, placing the Bijuu Sealing Mark.

After enduring the pain, Pakura stood and bowed. "Thank you, Lord Shūichi!"

Shūichi nodded. "Go ahead, try it."

Pakura activated the curse mark. Blue lotus patterns spread across her neck and hands. She extended her arms, and two fireballs instantly formed in her palms.

But unlike her previous fireballs, these were now blue on the inside and white on the outside.

Pakura also noticed that her control over the Scorch Release fireballs had become much more precise.

The two fireballs danced through the air, moving with greater speed and fluidity.

Watching this, Shūichi was reminded of the Scorch Release Chakra Mode.

With the Bijuu Sealing Mark, Pakura should be able to develop the Scorch Release Chakra Mode, even without the Hundred Healings technique.

That was the direction he'd always intended to explore.

"Once you calm your mind and link your chakra, you should be able to fully awaken the power of Scorch Release, unlocking its full potential."

This thought briefly crossed his mind as he smiled and said, "Alright, I'll leave tonight to all of you!"

Asuka raised her fist and laughed, "Rest easy, Shūichi!"

Both Shisui and Pakura, now with their curse marks deactivated, nodded in agreement.

Shūichi then created two more shadow clones to monitor the movements of the Mist and Sand ninja. Sitting down by the campfire, he closed his eyes and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

As his owl-shaped shadow clones soared into the sky, Shisui's crows took flight once again.

...

The night sky was dotted with stars, and the darkness was peaceful.

Yet, the Mist and Sand Ninja launched their operations simultaneously, like ghosts in the night, moving stealthily from different directions toward the borders of the Land of Fire.

Both Chiyo and Shingetsu knew that despite the trouble Shūichi Hoshita's shadow clones caused them during the day, they understood the limitations of the Shadow Clone Jutsu. They knew that Shūichi was only human—overusing clones would cause fatigue to build up, and he couldn't stay active indefinitely without rest.

Not to mention, chakra was another limiting factor.

Moreover, with the distance closing in, Shūichi had less space to intercept them effectively.

Both Chiyo and Shingetsu shared the same thought: they could take advantage of Shūichi's fatigue to locate him and surround him.

However, they temporarily abandoned that idea.

Firstly, finding Shūichi's real body wouldn't be easy.

Secondly, Shūichi himself wasn't the key to determining the outcome of this war.

At this point, he still wasn't influential enough to decide the battle's fate.

...

In a forest.

Asuka closed her eyes and focused, sensing her surroundings. "1, 2… 12 people. They're fast. They'll reach us in about three minutes."

After finishing her sensory analysis, she signaled to Shisui and Pakura, who were hidden in the darkness.

Moments later, both Shisui and Pakura noticed the movement.

They were coming!

Shisui already had several shurikens in hand.

Just then, the leading Mist Ninja abruptly stopped and raised his hands, signaling to the others behind him.

"They've realized we're here..."

Shisui was about to take the initiative to distract them, but Asuka moved even faster.

With a metallic clatter, three adamantine chains shot up from the ground, wrapping around three of the Mist Ninja who had just landed.

"Careful!"

"There are enemies!"

"Damn it, it's a sealing jutsu! I can't move!"

The Mist Ninja shouted.

Without hesitation, Shisui flung his shurikens, each one striking the necks of the Mist Ninja bound by the chains.

At the same time, Pakura also made her move, launching two fireballs.

"They're here!"

"Be careful!"

"Damn it! It's Pakura of the Scorch Release! Use the Hiding in Mist Jutsu!"

Shouts echoed as water surged up to extinguish the incoming fireballs. Others threw kunai toward Asuka, who quickly dodged.

Two Mist Ninja flanked her, swinging their blades, but in mid-air, they were pierced by the adamantine chains. Their chakra went out of control, and their bodies weakened as their swords fell to the ground.

Another Mist Ninja began weaving hand signs to activate the Hiding in Mist Jutsu, sensing danger as his neck twisted. His eyes met a pair of blood-red Sharingan.

"Sharingan…"

That thought flashed in his mind as he tried to retreat and cast his jutsu, but his body wouldn't obey.

In the next instant, his throat exploded in a spray of blood, silent in the night.

Shisui swiftly dispatched the Mist Ninja with a single strike, not pausing as he moved toward the next. His left hand flicked, sending shurikens flying toward the kunai aimed at Asuka. The explosive tags on the kunai ignited, and with a boom, the area lit up.

"Three-tomoe Sharingan!"

The leading Mist Ninja's eyes widened in horror as he yelled, "Retreat!"

But in the next moment, he found himself frozen in place.

"Damn it… a paralysis jutsu!"

The Mist Ninja trembled but couldn't break free, and firelight now illuminated him.

Boom!

A water dragon collided with a fireball, creating a cloud of steam.

One Mist Ninja dashed in, rescuing the paralyzed leader and retreating swiftly.

The remaining Mist Ninja threw kunai with explosive tags to cover their escape.

"Don't chase them!" Shisui ordered, stopping Pakura and Asuka, who were ready to pursue.

"The Mist Ninja are definitely making a large-scale move. Let's go!"

Receiving the intel from his crow clone, Shisui immediately led Pakura and Asuka to ambush another group of Mist Ninja.

At the same time, on the other side, the Sand Ninja had once again encountered Shūichi Hoshita's shadow clones.

But, just as Chiyo and Shingetsu had predicted, it was impossible for one person to lock them down entirely.

However, Shūichi's shadow clones observed the movements of the Sand and Mist Ninjas from the sky and relayed the information to the Konoha forces in the rear.

By the second half of the night, teams of Konoha Ninja, just like Shisui's, began engaging with the Sand and Mist forces along the borders of the Land of Rivers, near the Land of Fire.

(End of Chapter)

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