Chapter 146: All Your Attacks Are Ineffective Against Me!

Standing on top of Gamabunta's head, Asuka looked at Shukaku in the distance and suddenly suggested, "Shūichi, why don't you take me over there with you? Together, we can seal him!"

Shūichi shook his head, "Maybe we could have done it earlier, but now the One-Tail and its Jinchūriki are cooperating, almost like a Perfect Jinchūriki."

Asuka immediately recalled the sealing technique that had previously blocked her Adamantine Sealing Chains.

Uchiha Shisui suddenly spoke, "Shūichi, what if I join in?"

"Although Shukaku can quickly break free from a genjutsu due to the Jinchūriki's influence, if I use my Sharingan to infiltrate through Shukaku and affect the Jinchūriki as well, we might be able to buy some time."

Shūichi was startled. This tactic was just like how Masked Obito had controlled the Fourth Mizukage.

At that moment, the upper body of Bunpuku, the Jinchūriki, slowly emerged from atop Shukaku.

Shūichi's gaze sharpened. "This looks similar to Gaara's situation, but it's different... Right, in their current state, they are almost like a Perfect Jinchūriki. They can fully share their power, so the Jinchūriki doesn't need to sleep to unleash Shukaku's strength."

With that thought, Shūichi nodded, "Alright, let's give it a try!"

"Shisui, prioritize controlling the Jinchūriki. That monk isn't easy to deal with; his sealing techniques are powerful."

Shisui nodded seriously.

In the next moment, Shūichi, Asuka, and Shisui simultaneously appeared above Shukaku's head.

"Die!"

Shukaku roared, swiping its sharp claws down at them while its tail lashed toward the trio.

"Stay still!"

In this critical moment, Asuka displayed a strength completely different from her usual gentle demeanor. Her Adamantine Chains shot out, wrapping around Shukaku's tail.

At the same time, Shūichi's Fire Nether Chains entwined Shukaku's limbs, locking them in place.

Shisui's eyes met with Bunpuku's, and his Sharingan activated instantly. Bunpuku, who was about to use a sealing technique, froze in place.

"Damn Sharingan! Hey, old monk, wake up!"

Shukaku shouted, but in the next moment, its voice was silenced as it too was caught in Shisui's genjutsu.

"Good!"

Shūichi smiled as three chains pierced into Shukaku's body, rapidly extracting its chakra.

Meanwhile, Chiyo shouted to Ebizō and the others, "Hold off the Konoha forces! I'm going to help the Jinchūriki!"

As she spoke, Chiyo leapt forward, pulling out a scroll and unraveling its seal as she sped toward Shukaku.

In an instant, several puppets materialized around Chiyo.

White Secret Technique: The Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets!

These were the strongest puppets in Sunagakure, and possibly the entire ninja world.

Chiyo manipulated her ten puppets, sending them flying ahead toward Shukaku.

Orochimaru, seeing this, also ordered the Konoha forces to attack the Sunagakure ninjas while summoning Manda. Standing on Manda's head, he directed the massive snake to charge at Chiyo.

Gamabunta, on the other hand, found himself unable to intervene. His jutsu were too large in scale and could inadvertently harm Shūichi and the others.

Despite being unable to act, Gamabunta couldn't help but feel amazed at how Shūichi, Asuka, and Shisui had managed to subdue both Shukaku and the Jinchūriki in such a short time. "These young ones... Are they really this strong?"

"This disciple of Minato... seems even more powerful than his master!"

"However..."

Gamabunta's gaze shifted toward Orochimaru and Manda. "That damned snake won't make it in time..."

Although Manda moved swiftly, Chiyo was already closer to Shukaku and reached it first.

One of Chiyo's female puppets wielding a large sword charged straight at Asuka, while three other puppets positioned themselves in a triangle formation, casting seals aimed at Shūichi and the others.

Two more puppets—one with a chain and the other with a sickle—darted toward Shūichi.

Asuka, though focused on restraining Shukaku's tail, still had strength to spare. She immediately extended three more chains—one blocked the sword-wielding puppet, and the other two intercepted the puppets attacking Shūichi.

Shisui had already completed a seal, spitting out a large fireball toward the three puppets performing the jutsu.

Three Jewels Suction Crushing!

A fierce windstorm surged, creating a powerful suction force that enveloped Shūichi and the others. It wasn't just pulling them in—chaotic air currents created a crushing wind pressure.

Even Shisui's fireball, enhanced by the Bijuu Sealing Mark/Bijuu Cursed Mark, was rapidly extinguished by the overwhelming force of the storm.

Shūichi and Asuka were anchored to Shukaku by their chains, preventing them from being pulled in, but Shisui struggled to maintain control of his body.

"The puppeteer is the key!"

Shisui strained to steady himself, his gaze fixed on Chiyo.

However, just as he prepared to act, his view was blocked by one of Chiyo's puppets.

"Asuka!"

Shūichi called out, and Asuka immediately understood. She retracted the chain binding Shukaku's tail and swiftly wrapped it around Shisui.

In the next instant, the three of them vanished from Shukaku's head and reappeared on top of Gamabunta.

At that moment, Shisui grunted, clutching his right eye.

"Shisui!"

Shūichi exclaimed in alarm.

"I'm fine!"

Shisui waved his hand, "The Tailed Beast and the Jinchūriki broke free of my control."

"Die, you bastards!"

Shukaku's enraged voice roared as it unleashed an Air Bullet, but Gamabunta was already prepared and blocked it.

"Don't engage them directly; retreat to the Land of Wind. We'll have the advantage there," Bunpuku advised.

Shukaku grumbled in displeasure, but agreed, "Fine, let them live a little longer. Once we're in the desert, we'll bury them all!"

With that, Shukaku leapt back, and Ebizō led the Sunagakure forces in retreat.

Due to Shukaku's presence, Orochimaru refrained from ordering an immediate pursuit.

"I didn't expect this... Bunpuku, the first Jinchūriki of the One-Tail, is truly different."

With a sigh, Shūichi called out, "Gamabunta!"

"Got it!"

Gamabunta leapt into the air, chasing after Shukaku.

However, the retreating Sunagakure ninjas suddenly stopped, turning to cast Wind Release jutsu to block Gamabunta's pursuit. Shukaku also turned to attack.

At that moment, Shukaku and the Sunagakure forces coordinated seamlessly, covering each other's retreat.

Even Shūichi, Asuka, Shisui, and Orochimaru were taken aback by this display.

"Bunpuku..."

Shūichi thought to himself. "He's the key."

An idea flashed in his mind—to use the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport to Bunpuku and disable him, causing Sunagakure to temporarily lose control of their Tailed Beast.

But he quickly dismissed the thought.

Bunpuku and Shukaku were surely on guard, and Chiyo was also nearby.

"I know almost nothing about this Bunpuku, except for his powerful sealing techniques."

"But anyone who has suppressed the One-Tail for so many years must be formidable..."

"Besides, even if we capture Shukaku now, Sarutobi Hiruzen would probably just return him to the Sunagakure. There's no need to take the risk."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Shūichi chose not to strike. Instead, he and Orochimaru continued their pursuit, forcing the Sunagakure forces to keep retreating.

After all, Shūichi had already obtained a portion of Shukaku's chakra, and that was enough for now.

...

Konoha continued to pursue while the Sand shinobi retreated. From morning until noon, and then into the afternoon, the Sand shinobi finally withdrew into the Land of Wind.

Shūichi and his group stopped at the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Wind, where the two sides faced off once again.

By this point, the number of Sand shinobi had dwindled to fewer than two hundred.

Without a doubt, this was a crushing defeat for the Sunagakure!

For Konoha, however, it was a major victory. Even though they hadn't completely annihilated the Sunagakure forces, they had inflicted heavy losses on them with minimal casualties, and had driven the Sand shinobi entirely out of the Land of Rivers.

Now, as long as they kept the Sunagakure forces out of the Land of Rivers, the daimyō of the Land of Rivers, upon witnessing Konoha's strength, would have no choice but to collaborate with them and hand over all missions to Konoha.

Not only that, but trade between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire would also increase, especially regarding the newly discovered iron mines.

The daimyō of the Land of Fire, as well as its nobles and ministers, would benefit from this as well. As a result, they would fully support Konoha, providing even more military funding.

This was the hidden benefit beneath the surface of protecting their homeland.

Standing atop Gamabunta's head, Shūichi couldn't help but weigh the significance of this war.

On the opposite side, Shukaku, lazily basking in the sand and enjoying the sunlight, suddenly felt confident again. Glaring viciously at Shūichi and his team, he shouted, "You damn toad!"

"And that annoying brat with those disgusting red eyes, come over here and die already!"

"I'll bury all of you in the sand today!"

Earlier, Shūichi had drained some of Shukaku's chakra, causing his body to shrink slightly, but now he had rapidly recovered.

"You filthy, lowly tanuki!" Gamabunta retorted, gripping his blade with one hand and full of sarcasm. "Haha, you were pretty pathetic just a moment ago!"

"Damn toad! If it weren't for that brat, I would've already killed you!" Shukaku roared. "Come over here if you dare! I'll show you what real power is!"

Shukaku extended his claw, making a provocative gesture.

Gamabunta narrowed his eyes and then glanced upward at Shūichi. "Shall we teach this mangy cat a lesson together?"

It was clear that in this environment, Gamabunta would be at a disadvantage if he fought alone.

Shūichi smiled. "No need to get worked up over a defeated foe, Gamabunta."

"If it hadn't been for Chiyo, we would have already finished him off earlier."

Hearing this, Shukaku was enraged. "You despicable brat!"

"I'm going to make sure you suffer!"

With that, he began gathering chakra in his mouth, forming a Tailed Beast Bomb.

Shūichi shook his head. "Shukaku, none of your attacks will work against me."

As he spoke, Shūichi raised his right hand, palm facing outward. Sealing symbols immediately spread out from his hand, and the Tailed Beast Bomb, which had been carving a path through the sand, slowly sank into a slightly distorted space.

At that moment, Monk Bunpuku's expression changed, and he immediately withdrew into Shukaku's body.

In the next instant, the Tailed Beast Bomb reappeared and crashed directly onto Shukaku's own head.

Boom!

A blinding light enveloped Shukaku, leaving the Sand shinobi dumbfounded. At Chiyo's urgent command, they quickly retreated.

Sure enough, a massive sandstorm soon swept across the battlefield.

Watching the scene, Gamabunta raised a hand to shield his eyes and felt thoroughly satisfied. "Shukaku really is an idiot!"

The Konoha shinobi also erupted in cheers.

Orochimaru, squinting at Shūichi's tall figure, couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. "At this age… the future really does look promising!"

As the light from the explosion faded, Shukaku reemerged from the falling sand. Though his body had shrunk slightly, he was otherwise unharmed.

"So, that's the Sand Body, huh? How fascinating," Orochimaru murmured, licking his lips in excitement.

...

"Damn it!"

"Curse it all…"

Shukaku groaned in pain, glaring at Shūichi with a mixture of dread and frustration. Bunpuku soon reappeared beside him.

Shukaku complained bitterly, "Why didn't you warn me earlier?"

Bunpuku didn't argue, instead explaining calmly, "That Shūichi's Body Flicker Technique is a space-time jutsu. He's not just using kunai to teleport; he likely placed a mark on you earlier, and that mark is probably very difficult to remove."

Shukaku's pupils shrank. "You mean… that brat could appear on me anytime?"

Bunpuku nodded. "That seems to be the case."

"Damn it…"

Shukaku grew agitated. "Is there no way to get rid of it?"

Bunpuku remained calm. "You already shed your Sand Body once, but it clearly didn't help."

"This mark is likely similar to a summoning contract. Even if you die and are reborn with a new Jinchūriki, the mark probably won't go away."

"So, be very cautious around that boy from now on. Don't try using the same method against him again."

Shukaku shifted his gaze toward Orochimaru and the other Konoha shinobi. "I see…"

"I'm being watched? Hehe…"

Sensing Shukaku's gaze, Orochimaru exuded a cold, terrifying aura.

Shukaku paused, feeling uneasy. "That guy… doesn't feel like a regular ninja."

"He's like some disgusting snake!"

"I really don't like the way he looks at me."

With that, Shukaku spat out a compressed air bullet toward them.

"Prepare Earth Release jutsu!"

The Konoha jonin shouted in unison.

Orochimaru, however, bit his thumbs and pressed his hands to the ground.

Summoning Jutsu: Triple Rashōmon!

Three massive, ancient, and eerie gates rose from the earth, forming a barrier in front of Orochimaru.

In the next moment, the air bullet struck, piercing through the first gate and exploding against the second, sending a violent shockwave rippling out to the sides.

"Hmph, still not as strong as a Tailed Beast Bomb," Orochimaru commented as he emerged from behind the gates.

The other Konoha shinobi let out a collective sigh of relief.

Shūichi, however, wasn't the least bit surprised.

After all, the air bullet wasn't a Tailed Beast Bomb.

But Shūichi couldn't help but recall the legendary battle where Uchiha Madara's Tailed Beast Bomb, combined with his Susanoo's sword, obliterated the First Hokage's Five Rashōmon Gates. It was a sight reminiscent of the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.

"Gamabunta, I think it's time for you to take a break," Shūichi said, regaining his focus.

Gamabunta nodded. "Call me anytime if you need me."

With a puff of smoke, his massive form disappeared.

Landing on the ground, Shūichi glanced toward the retreating Sand shinobi, then returned to Orochimaru's side with Asuka and Shisui.

"Orochimaru-sama, I think we should fall back a bit more," Shūichi suggested.

Orochimaru nodded. The power of the Tailed Beast was indeed alarming. Keeping some distance would give them more time to react.

Konoha withdrew, and the Sand shinobi also retreated once again.

They aimed to regroup in the nearest town, as they had suffered significant losses. Even with Shukaku on their side, they were in no position to confront Konoha head-on at the moment.

Although Shukaku was vengeful and reluctant, he understood that without the support of the Sand shinobi, he could be killed by Konoha's forces. He had no choice but to return to Bunpuku's body and retreat with them.

Watching Shukaku disappear and the Sand forces withdraw, Shūichi, along with Asuka and Shisui, followed Orochimaru back to their camp.

At that moment, Orochimaru was writing a battle report. The situation needed to be conveyed to Koharu Utatane as soon as possible.

There was no way this small force could hold off another Sand offensive.

Supplies were also critically important—not just food, but ninja tools as well. The continuous skirmishes had depleted their stock.

Once Orochimaru finished writing, Shūichi offered, "Shall I deliver it?"

Orochimaru thought for a moment and replied, "Use a Shadow Clone."

They couldn't risk the Sand Village launching a surprise attack.

...

(End of Chapter)

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