Chapter 210: The Army of Edo Tensei Revealed, Hinata's Strength

(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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In the Third Unit, Kakashi's heart sank as he saw the enemies before him, their faces marked with tiny cracks and their eyes pure black.

Furthermore, they were accompanied by white Zetsus in mass.

An unpleasant feeling gnawed at him.

However, the shinobi behind him were not as perceptive.

"Yusuke? Aren't you dead?"

One of the ninjas in that unit pointed at an old friend across from him in astonishment.

Yusuke looked at his hands in disbelief, "Am I?"

He then excitedly waved to the shinobi, "Takahiro, it's been a long time! How's my wife?"

Takahiro smiled awkwardly, "Yukari is doing well; she gave birth to a son for me."

"That's good, that's goo-" Yusuke nodded subconsciously, then suddenly realized, "What! You married my wife?"

"I'm just taking care of her, all for your sake!"

The expressions of the other Edo Tensei soldiers changed as well, and they quickly sought out those they knew to inquire about their loved ones.

Some sighed in relief, while others were filled with despair.

"My Akari! Why did you betray me!"

"What are you shouting for? My wife ran off with someone else before I even died!"

The scene descended into chaos.

"Everyone, be alert! These are reanimated dead ninjas, controlled by the enemy. Don't get too close!" Kakashi shouted, but his words were drowned out.

The battlefield had become a bizarre reunion, with some finding their long-dead first love, others their father, and some even their own son.

"Kakashi, I didn't expect to see you again."

Zabuza, wielding his Executioner's Blade, appeared before Kakashi with a mischievous grin.

"This time, you won't have your comrades to help you!"

With that, he swung his massive blade.

The movement was a signal, and the Edo Tensei soldiers, who had been reminiscing, suddenly darkened their eyes and launched an attack on the shinobi alliance.

Kakashi swiftly dodged the slash, countering with a powerful kick that sent Zabuza flying.

Zabuza, landing a short distance away, snorted and pointed to the sky.

"Mist Shinobi Technique!"

A thick fog enveloped the area, and Zabuza vanished from sight.

"Although I don't fully understand the situation, I can finally fight at full strength," Kakashi muttered, his eyes sharpening as he quickly formed seals.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

Elsewhere.

"Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven!"

Neji's blue chakra barrier spun rapidly, sending dozens of White Zetsus flying.

His expression grew serious.

Although these White Zetsus' combat power was weak, often defeated by a single Chūnin or three Genins, their sheer numbers posed a serious threat to the shinobi alliance.

Moreover, these creatures were clearly mass-produced, making it a poor trade to fight them with human lives.

"These guys need to be dealt with quickly—there are more terrifying enemies waiting behind!"

Neji clenched his fists, glancing in Hinata's direction.

His mission was not only to kill the enemy but also to protect Hinata and honor Colt's kindness.

However, what he saw next made cold sweat run down his back.

"Legendary Heel Drop!"

A massive burst of chakra exploded from Hinata's limbs, shattering the ground with precise control.

Boom! Crack!

The earth split open like an earthquake, sending boulders flying and crushing countless White Zetsus.

Gulp!

Neji swallowed hard.

He realized he had underestimated her.

Why would someone like Hinata need protection?

On the contrary, he needed to keep his distance to avoid being accidentally injured.

Feeling someone's gaze, Hinata turned around and smiled politely at Neji.

Then, frowning, she looked at the never-ending horde of White Zetsus.

After a moment's thought, she bit her finger and formed a seal.

"Summoning Technique!"

As the smoke cleared, a mighty and agile figure appeared before her.

"Woof?"

The large, wise eyes of the Ninken regarded Hinata curiously, wondering why she had summoned him.

"Ichibi, if you help me kill these white monsters, I'll make sure Colt gives you unlimited food for three… no, seven days. Deal?"

"Woof?!" Is that for real?

"Don't worry, I'll tell Colt when we get back. If you perform well, we might even extend the time."

Hinata stroked his soft fur as she made the promise.

"Woof~!" It's a deal.

Ichibi's eyes turned fierce as he gazed at the sea of White Zetsus.

Sage Transformation!

The enormous sage chakra within him began to flow, and under Hinata's astonished eyes, Ichibi's body swelled dramatically.

Two additional heads sprouted on either side of his neck.

With a thunderous roar, the three heads unleashed the elemental jutsus of oil, wind, and fire.

The scalding oil surged like molten lava toward the White Zetsu army, melting them before they had a chance to retaliate.

Seeing this, the remaining members of the shinobi alliance regained their morale and launched their own attacks.

Ichibi charged forward, each swipe of his claws taking down a White Zetsu.

Hinata watched in awe, her mouth agape.

She had heard from Kiba and the others that Ichibi was strong, but this display far exceeded her expectations.

However, there was one thing her comrades never mentioned…

That all of Ichibi's dog food was provided by Kiba at no cost.

"Neji… is this how you've grown?"

Neji, about to join the battle, turned his head in disbelief at the familiar voice.

"Father?"

The figure before him was Hyuga Hizashi, with an army of Edo Tensei soldiers behind him.

A wry smile crossed Hizashi's face.

"I'm sorry you have to see me like this, but I'm also happy to see how far you've come."

Tears welled up in Neji's eyes, but he still firmly assumed a Gentle Fist stance.

"Father, I won't hold back, because I have to watch over Hinata-sama!"

He knew she was stronger, but in the case of any complication, he could react and perhaps take a blow for her…

Bang! Bang! Bang!

In an instant, the two figures clashed, exchanging blows with the Gentle Fist technique.

"Very good, Neji. As a branch house member, we must protect the main family with all our might."

Even as they fought, Hizashi continued speaking, relieved to see that his son didn't resent the main family for his fate.

"No, Father. I'm not fighting to protect the so-called main family."

Neji deflected Hizashi's strike and intentionally let his ninja forehead protector fall, revealing his unmarked forehead.

Under Hizashi's shocked gaze, Neji spoke firmly.

"Father, this time, I'm fighting to protect what I believe in!"