038 Kushina’s Kidnapping, Observation Haki

A few minutes earlier, Shibo was carrying Kushina, running toward the border to join the Kumo Shinobi forces.

Just a bit further, and he'd be beyond Konoha's reach! 

If he could deliver the Nine Tails Jinchūriki to Lord Ai, the mission would be a complete success. 

He'd not only get a promotion and rewards, but Kumogakure's strength would also grow by a large margin.

After all, Kumogakure already had the Eight Tails and the Two Tails.

If they gained control of the powerful Nine Tails, replacing the Land of Fire as the dominant force in the ninja world would be within reach.

But Shibo couldn't help looking back repeatedly. 

The pressure from that kid who called himself "Kizaru" earlier was huge, and Shibo still worried he might suddenly reappear.

Kushina stared dazedly at the blur of trees ahead.

Simu... 

Are you almost here?

As if in answer to her silent prayer, a familiar voice sounded close by.

"Oh, that was close! I almost let you slip past the border."

A flash of golden light—and Simu appeared right in front of Shibo and Kushina.

Shibo's face turned pale—he'd really been caught up.

Without hesitation, he swung a kunai at Simu, who simply tilted his head, letting the blade pass harmlessly by.

Seeing his attack fail, Shibo didn't waste a second. He stepped onto a branch and run in another direction.

"Sorry, but I'm really mad this time."

Countless points of light gathered ahead of Shibo, forming Simu with his hands casually in his pockets.

Shibo took two steps back and started a hand sign.

"Lightning Style—"

Before he could finish, Simu's kick struck his chin from below.

"Light-Speed Kick!"

A powerful, blinding golden flash launched the Kumo Shinobi into the sky like a shooting star. After soaring for tens of meters, gravity pulled him down, smashing a deep crater into the woods.

Simu lowered his foot and caught Kushina with both hands.

"You okay?" 

"Why did you take so long…" 

Kushina began, ready to scold him out of habit. 

But lying in his arms now, all she felt was warmth. 

If possible, she wished this moment could last forever.

"I'm fine," she murmured, looking down to hide her softened expression.

"Good," Simu replied, gently patting her red hair.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Damn Simu, don't mess with my hair!"

After only two seconds of tenderness, Kushina immediately revealed her true colors.

Simu smiled helplessly: "As expected of you."

Just then, a voice sounded in Simu's ear:

[Congratulations on reaching 40% imitation value. Ability extraction in progress…]

Simu had gradually pushed his imitation value up to 37% over the past year, finally hitting 40% during this battle.

The reward for reaching 30% was one of the most crucial skills among pirates, [Armament Haki].

Armament Haki hadn't come into play in the last battle. 

It wasn't that Simu was holding back—it simply wasn't needed. 

Against Kumo Shinobi with lower defenses, his overwhelming speed alone was enough to crush them.

Still, Simu's eyes gleamed with anticipation. 

What could this new reward be?

[The ability has been drawn.]

[Congratulations on obtaining [Observation Haki]! ]

Simu's eyes lit up as a new awareness washed over him. 

Suddenly, the entire world felt different—everything around him was crystal clear. 

He could sense every tree, every insect, every tiny breath in his surroundings. 

It was as if he had unlocked a godlike perspective, knowing everything around him as if it were part of him.

Is this Observation Haki? 

Simu could feel his abilities reaching a new level. 

Before, with the power of the Light Fruit, he had extremely fast speed, but his reaction time lagged slightly. 

At times, his own reflexes limited the true potential of his speed. 

But now, it was different. 

With Observation Haki, he sensed everything around him effortlessly, as if each movement and presence was part of him.

With Observation Haki, Simu could even predict the enemy's actions and anticipate what would happen next. 

It effectively boosted the speed of the light Fruit in disguise. 

As he reveled in the joy of his new abilities, he suddenly felt warmth on his lips. 

A gentle touch brushed against the corner of his mouth. 

Looking down, he saw that Kushina's face was as red as an apple.

"What are you staring at? Afraid I'll eat you?" 

Her red hair danced in the bright moonlight. 

Simu smiled slightly, "Go ahead and try if you can." 

"You...!" Kushina was momentarily speechless. 

Suddenly, Simu's expression changed; his brow furrowed, and his demeanor turned serious. 

"I've got you, Nine Tails Jinchūriki!" 

Lightning crackled as it surged toward them.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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