Chapter 726 : A Game of Death

[A/N: So many negative comments/criticism in the comments section in the previous chapter. Was planning to reply, but it seems like these guys have been making similar comments for quite a while. Not sure if I should be troubled or be flattered that they still keep reading for months despite ways complaining, lol. Anyway, not gonna bother today. Very low on energy. Good night and have wonderful week everyone. Stay safe and healthy. Happy Diwali in advance :)]

------------------------------

[A/N: I wasn't aware that Ryuchi cave was shown in Boruto and had to look it up when I came across it. I recall reading the three tests in some of the fanfics I read earlier. For a moment, I thought that Boruto took inspiration from the fanfics until I realized that it had come out nearly six years ago, lol.]

The entire Ryuchi cave shook due to the powerful explosion. The strongest snakes began moving and within a few seconds, their massive shadows covered the spot of the explosion.

Garaga looked around and asked, "What was that? Are we under attack? Where is the enemy?"

Manda replied, "There is no enemy. It was one of our own that exploded…"

Suddenly, both of them turned their heads and saw a large white serpent appearing behind them. Both respectfully said, "Sage!"

The White Snake Sage muttered, "He was summoned by Orochimaru a few minutes earlier. When he returned, his entire body exploded… The explosion and the destruction killed two thousand three hundred and fifty-six young snakes…"

Even though her voice was calm, both Manda and Garaga became nervous. The other powerful snakes, who had appeared, weren't any different either. Manda cursed, 'Crap! This old hag is angry! You're on your own, Orochimaru.'

Unlike the toads, the snakes weren't as protective of each other. They didn't mind the deaths of their fellow snakes much. Under normal circumstances, the White Snake Sage didn't care about it either. However, an attack on their holy ground crossed a line!

The White Snake Sage let out a snort. Immediately, every giant snake who was still rampaging throughout Konoha disappeared in a cloud of smoke and returned back to the Ryuchi cave. The Suna and Oto ninjas, who were engaged in an intense battle against the Konoha ninjas, were suddenly left dumbfounded.

"What just happened?"

"Where are the damned snakes?"

"Shit! Is this Orochimaru's trick? I knew that snake couldn't be trusted!"

"Be careful! The Konoha ninjas are on the move!"

Just like them, the Konoha ninjas were surprised as well. However, it was a happy surprise. Without wasting any time, they launched a ruthless counterattack. Without the giant snakes to distract and block the Konoha ninjas, they gained an overwhelming upper hand. Similar scenes appeared in all 6 groups that were still alive.

While they faced a severe challenge, the 26 Suna and Oto ninjas in front of Fujin's compound were in disbelief. Their greatest weapon was destroyed so easily. What horrified them was that none of them understood how that had happened. The fact that hundreds of explosive seals appeared on the giant snakes out of nowhere had shocked them to their core. In a panic, everyone began retreating.

Fujin's clone waited until everyone was in the training ground before making the confrontation hand seal. Immediately, all the seals in the training ground were activated. The entire training ground was covered in barriers.

The Suna and Oto ninjas shouted in panic, "Why are there barriers here?"

"Shit! Are we trapped? How do we get out?"

"Fuck this shit! Just attack a barrier and let's escape!"

The Anbu ninjas and trainees looked at Fujin's clone in shock. They didn't expect that Fujin would have made arrangements in the training ground as well.

Fujin's clone ignored their stares and thought, 'Though this isn't the occasion to have some fun, I doubt I'll get a chance to use these seals frequently. Even though my main body is in an intense battle, his chakra reserves are still at a good level. I should have some time.'

His eyes peered through the barriers and gazed upon the Suna and Oto ninjas. He decided, 'I guess you guys can just curse your luck. Regardless, your contribution to test my seals will be remembered.'

The Oto and Suna ninjas began weaving hand seals. However, they stopped mid-way and glanced at their feet. Before any of them could realize it, chains appeared out of the ground and coiled around their feet, trapping them!

Realizing the danger, they tried to concentrate chakra on their feet to break free of the chains and escape. However, their eyes widened in shock as they realized that they couldn't use their chakra!

Before they could realize what was happening, more chains appeared from the ground. In the blink of an eye, all 26 ninjas were restrained by 5 chains each, 4 restraining each of their limbs and the last one tightening around their neck.

Panicked sounds were immediately heard throughout the training ground!

"Why are so many chains here? And how did they sneak up on us so easily?"

"Also, what are these chains? They aren't normal chains."

"More importantly, why is our chakra suppressed?"

The chains restraining everyone weren't physical chains. Instead, they were created with the help of Fuinjutsu. While their shape was similar to normal metallic chains, they had a purplish glow and weren't entirely opaque. The Suna and Oto ninjas immediately realized the oddities and understood that they had fallen into a trap.

Fortunately, one of the Suna ninjas had some knowledge about seals. He shouted, "Stop panicking! I have seen something like this before. These chains are a result of Fuinjutsu and have effects similar to Chakra Suppression seals. That is why we can't use our chakra."

The other ninjas quickly asked, "How do we get out of it?"

The ninja answered, "There are a few ways. The easiest is to have an ally destroy these chains and free us. Unfortunately, that option isn't available for us right now. The only option we have is to break these chains with our physical might. Even if one of us succeeds, that person can free the rest of us."

Hope appeared in their eyes. However, they stopped wasting time when he continued, "Be fast! I have a bad feeling about this. I still don't understand why there are so many of these sealing chains here. And, we still don't know how those snakes exploded. So, hurry up!"

Hearing his worried tone, every ninja began doing their best. When they tried to break the chains with just their physical might, they realized that the chains weren't as sturdy as metal chains. It increased their confidence and they gave it their best. Unfortunately, the chains were just strong enough not to be broken by them.

Fujin's clone observed their struggle and thought, 'Hmm, none of them have the curse seals. Otherwise, they could have successfully broken through and survived what follows. Makes sense, I guess. Orochimaru won't send his elites for just this maneuvre.

Regardless, I won't be able to test the few other seal combinations in the training ground. Well, whatever... I didn't expect much from them anyways.'

Despite their failure, the Suna and Oto ninjas didn't give up and continued giving their best. Suddenly, their eyes widened in horror as they realized the chain around their neck was continuously tightening more and more. A few cursed with terror in their voice, "At this rate, we'll be strangled to death in less than 10 minutes! We have to hurry up! Someone, please break these chains!"

Realizing that they were on a timer, they exploded with more strength than they ever had in their lives. A few managed to move their limbs a bit but still couldn't break the chains.

Finally, an Oto ninja let out a primal scream as he summoned every ounce of strength from deep within. He raised his right arm until it was in front of his mouth and yelled, "As if I'll let some chains strangle me to death!"

He opened his mouth wide and bit down upon the chain without any concern for his safety. Several of his teeth cracked but the chain finally crumbled. He quickly grabbed a kunai and cut the remaining chains, finally freeing himself. As soon as he was free, he began laughing loudly, partially due to the relief of having made it out alive and partially for defeating the deadly trap Konoha had set for him!

The remaining Oto and Suna ninjas were relieved as well. They shouted, "Quickly, hel…"

Their words stayed stuck in their throats as the 'freed' Oto ninja exploded! His blood and flesh rained upon the ninjas still trapped by the chains. They were so shocked that for half a minute, not a single word escaped their mouth.

Finally, one person said, "Hey, what is this? What does this mean? If we break the chains, we'll explode like those snakes? However, if we don't break the chains, we'll still be strangled to death! Hahaha! WHAT IS THIS HELL?"

Every single person hearing his voice could feel how terrified he was. Terror had taken such a hold in his mind that he laughed like a maniac. The remaining ninjas felt the same terror. The glimpse of hope that had been lit was completely doused. Instead, they were filled with endless dread and misery.

Fujin's clone shook his head and finally took his eyes off the 25 enemy ninjas. He thought, 'That's hopeless. They've already given up. No miracles will happen here. Anyway…'

He glanced towards the village and thought, 'Of the 8 groups that attacked, only this one made it through. Hmph, this is undoubtedly Shikaku's doing. That lazyass definitely took it easy because my house is in this direction.'

————————————

A/N : If you can, then please support me on P@treon.

Link - www.pat reon.com/DevilHex

(No space)

Alternatively you can support me on UPI (google pay) - patilsarvesh8@oksbi

Can read up to 50 chapters ahead on P@treon.

Thank You Chandave, Shreyan, Jaydon, Taylor, ImMrRev and Call of Duty for supporting me on P@treon.