Chapter 112: The Power of Gods

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Kimimaro of the Kaguya clan.

The sole possessor of the extinct Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) bloodline limit was, in a way, rarer than even the Uchiha and Senju.

He was essentially a first-class protected species in the ninja world.

Colt's interest stemmed from this unique bloodline.

In the ninja world, aside from special techniques produced by fusing various chakra natures, the other special bloodlines were actually derived from Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.

Or more specifically, from Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths, and his younger brother Hamura.

There was a clear distinction between the two lineages.

Hagoromo's talents leaned more towards the divine tree system, such as the Sharingan, Rinnegan, and even the Wood Style and Sage Mode.

His younger brother Hamura's abilities were more inclined towards the Ōtsutsuki clan's innate talents.

Like the Byakugan, and Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku.

Kaguya however, used the 'All Killing Ash Bones', essentially an advanced version of the Shikotsumyaku.

The Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack was also the ultimate expression of the Byakugan's taijutsu.

Colt could now be said to have gathered most of the talents of the divine tree system.

But he also wanted to study the talents of the Ōtsutsuki's innate talents.

Colt didn't attack, and Kimimaro wasn't in a hurry.

Although Naruto had already gone after Sasuke, in Kimimaro's mind, that "runt" would definitely not be a match for Sasuke, who could activate the second stage of the curse mark.

On the contrary, the enemy before him was more concerning.

" Kamiyo Colt, I've heard Orochimaru-sama mention you," Kimimaro said slowly, rolling his shoulders and pointing at Colt lazily.

"In Orochimaru-sama's heart, you are his future enemy."

"It is fortunate to meet you here, so that I can use my insignificant body to do one last thing for my lord."

A black curse mark gradually appeared on his face, his expression becoming frenzied.

"Destroying you is now the meaning of my life!"

"[Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets]!"

Bullet-like finger bones shot out from Kimimaro's fingertips, accompanied by a high-pitched whistle as they cut through the air.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

After a moment, Colt was a little surprised as he deflected all the bone projectiles.

"Your bones are unusually hard."

With the sharpness of [Kaminari], all kunais or shurikens it cut were typically sliced cleanly in two.

Even the executioner's blade couldn't escape being bisected.

But under his [Sharingan's] observation, these bones were merely notched.

He began to doubt the quality of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's blades.

"Let me test your defense then!" Colt declared.

The sword in his right hand slashed downward, creating an air slash that hurtled towards Kimimaro.

This attack contained no ninjutsu, just the air shockwave caused by the powerful force of the swing combined with Colt's massive speed.

But that alone already made it a formidable technique.

"[Bone Shield]!"

The ribs on Kimimaro's chest grew rapidly, forming an interlocking bone shield to face Colt's slash head-on.

The immense force sent Kimimaro skidding backward, his legs plowing two deep furrows in the ground.

"Cough!"

Barely withstanding the blow, Kimimaro coughed up blood, his expression becoming very grave.

The opponent before him was like a monster, casually capable of such terrifying attacks.

Thinking of his mission, of Orochimaru's disappointed look, Kimimaro's body began to change.

A tail slowly grew behind him, and bone spurs appeared on his back, transforming him into a dinosaur-like monster.

Colt observed clearly, a trace of pity flashing across his face.

In Kimimaro's current state, activating the second stage of the curse mark was undoubtedly hastening his own death.

And at this cost, his physical abilities had been greatly enhanced, even the hardness of his bones becoming more terrifying.

"[Dance of the Camellia]!"

Kimimaro understood clearly that he was no match for Colt at wide range. He had to close in to demonstrate the style of the forgotten Kaguya clan.

Relying on bones protruding from his joints, Kimimaro became like a human weapon, capable of delivering deadly attacks from any position.

Colt calmly countered Kimimaro's dance. With the [Sharingan's] powerful insight, no matter how tricky the attack was, it was easily read and countered.

[Kaminari], coated with sharp chakra, cut through the bone spears with each swing.

"[Dance of the Willow]!"

"[Dance of the Clematis: Vine]!"

"[Dance of the Clematis: Flower]!"

"[Dance of the Larch]!"

One body technique after another was employed by Kimimaro, as graceful as a dance yet hiding endless killing intent.

When Colt smashed through his strongest spear, Kimimaro seemed to be at his limit.

But then he showed a strange smile.

"You've fallen for it."

Countless bones suddenly erupted from Kimimaro's body, enveloping the nearby Colt and forming a bone prison.

"Come with me to the pure land, Kamiyo Colt ."

"[Dance of the Seedling Fern]!"

At this point, Kimimaro no longer resembled a human. His body was covered in a bone cage with protruding spikes.

Countless bone spurs erupted from the ground, all razor-sharp.

These bone spurs didn't discriminate between friend or foe; both Kimimaro and Colt were within their attack range.

"What a pity. He's just a brainwashed fool."

Colt sighed, and suddenly, blue chakra formed substantial ribs to easily block attacks from all directions.

Under Kimimaro's desperate gaze, the bone prison shattered.

The power of the gods, the [Susanoo].

This was the first time Colt had used it in battle, it was a sort of show of respect for Kimimaro's abilities.

Perhaps due to Indra's chakra, his [Susanoo] was also blue, though closer to the sky-blue of the Sage of Six Paths.

Looking at the unharmed Colt, Kimimaro struggled to speak, but the flame of his life had already been extinguished, and he was unable to utter even a final word.

With his demise, the forest of bones gradually receded.

Colt sealed the body in a scroll, planning to hand it to Konoha's researchers.

Any ninja with a rare bloodline limit was valuable research material.

They might be able to develop something extraordinary as a result.

After completing this task, his eyes turned towards the Valley of the End.

The battle there should be concluding as well.

Colt sensed that the [Flying Thunder God] mark he had placed on Sasuke was calling to him.

He had made a deal with Sasuke before, and it seemed he was ready to give a reply.