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Uchiha, one against seven!
As expected, his reputation was no exaggeration. However...
Mujin glanced at the others. They were either scorched by the explosion or bleeding profusely, but Sasuke? Really?
If you've got the guts, why don't you stab him already?
Mujin was about to roll his eyes when he suddenly noticed everyone staring at him and Sakura. He reached up to touch his head, realizing that the earlier explosion had blown off their hoods, revealing their striking red hair.
Seeing this, Mujin casually removed his mask entirely, and Sakura stepped forward to stand beside him. Smiling faintly, he said, "Good afternoon. Though some of you may have already seen us, allow me to reintroduce ourselves. We are the last of the Uzumaki."
Kakashi crawled out of the river, spitting out blood-tinged saliva. Asuma emerged from the smoke, covered in soot, while Kurenai pulled the shuriken out of her calves, wiping away the blood before standing alongside the group.
At this point, the battlefield was divided into three factions: Konoha, Akatsuki, and the Uzumaki.
Kakashi's growing unease was proving true. "The Uzumaki and the Uchiha… You're definitely plotting something!"
Mujin responded coolly, "Their goal is the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. My goal is them. What do you say, righteous allies? Shall we team up for now?"
Uchiha Itachi shot a deep, penetrating glance at Mujin.
Asuma retorted, "Do you really think we'd believe you?"
"Please do," Mujin replied sharply. "The Uzumaki merely seek to ignite a shinobi world war. Destroying Konoha serves no purpose for us right now. And you'd better think carefully before speaking again. Otherwise, when I join forces with them to attack Konoha, every life lost in the battle will be on your head."
Mujin's threat immediately silenced Asuma. After the Chunin Exams, they had analyzed Mujin extensively. Everyone agreed he was a madman who cared nothing for human life. Such a person could easily commit unimaginable atrocities.
"Heh heh heh, the Uzumaki, huh? Quite the amusing brats." Kisame let out another sharp laugh. "Your heads have already been priced at ten million ryo in the underground market. What to do? Should I make some extra cash? Such a dilemma."
Mujin chuckled softly. "Only ten million? That shows how little this shinobi world truly understands us. But scum like you trying to earn that bounty? You'll need another hundred years."
Kisame's expression turned icy. "Such arrogance from a brat. Seems you don't know who I am."
"I certainly do." Mujin started to reply but paused, suddenly breaking into laughter. "When a whale dies, its massive body slowly sinks to the ocean floor. In the dark depths, it nourishes countless small creatures, sustaining life for over a century. This gentle death is called a 'whale fall.' Similarly, sharks have their own term for this process... 'shark drop.' So, you are Kisame Hoshigaki, the Shark Drop of Kirigakure!"
"Shark Drop..." Kisame fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter. "To nourish other lives with my death—how poetic. If I can atone for my sins in my final moments... Hmph, perhaps I'll call myself Shark Drop Kisame Hoshigaki from now on. As for 'Kirigakure's Freak,' even I find that title strange."
"Forget it, Kisame," Itachi interjected calmly. "I sense malice from him. That nickname likely has an insulting meaning as well."
Kisame paused, then shook his head. "That's too bad. I rather liked the idea. But..." His eyes turned frigid as he raised Samehada in front of him. "Deceiving an elder like this calls for punishment. Time to teach these kids a lesson."
However, Itachi stopped him. "Enough, Kisame. We've wasted enough time. Konoha reinforcements will arrive soon. Let's retreat for now."
Mujin immediately turned to Kakashi. "So, what will it be? Are you going to let the enemy leave just like that while you still have the strength to fight?"
Reluctantly, Kakashi took a step forward. He didn't want to follow Mujin's advice, but clearly, the two S-rank missing-nin posed a greater threat. Moreover, he needed to uncover their motives for capturing the Nine-Tails—was it a mission from some organization, or part of a larger conspiracy?
"Sorry, Uchiha Itachi, but I can't let you leave just like that."
"Is that so?" Itachi stepped forward as well, then turned to Kisame. "If you get carried away, things will drag on endlessly. This time, let me handle them."
With that, Itachi charged toward Kakashi and the others.
Seeing both sides clash, Mujin quickly whispered to Sakura, "Remember our plan. If anything happens to me, retreat from Konoha immediately, and take me with you!"
"I understand!" Sakura nodded firmly, then closed her eyes, relying on her Kagura Shingan to replace her vision.
Meanwhile, Itachi unleashed his full power once more, leaving the four elite jōnin scrambling.
"If Itachi and Kisame leave like this, I'll be quite troubled indeed." Mujin muttered quietly, then took a deep breath and shouted, "Listen up, fools! If you want to win, follow my instructions!"
"Kakashi! Stop wasting time on strategies and techniques. Uchiha Itachi's genius surpasses yours. Anything you think of, he's already anticipated! Support Might Guy instead! Abandon your personal tactics and act solely according to Guy's lead. Use your synergy to defeat him!"
Kakashi grimaced at the words, but deep down, he knew Mujin was right. No matter what he did, Itachi seemed to predict his every move, leaving him feeling utterly restricted in battle.
"Might Guy! Take over as the main attacker. Geniuses can't comprehend the thoughts of idiots. Use your speed—go faster! Don't give him a moment to breathe or think!"
Guy let out a roar and prepared to charge, but then paused, glaring indignantly. "Idiot?! I can't just ignore that insult!"
Ignoring him, Mujin continued, "Asuma, stay at mid-range and use Wind Release techniques to slow Uchiha Itachi down. Today's star isn't you. Only Guy's specialized taijutsu can keep up with Itachi's pace!"
"Tch." Asuma reluctantly increased the distance between himself and Itachi.
"Finally..." Mujin turned to Kurenai, a malicious smirk tugging at his lips. "Kurenai, you lack proficiency in the five elemental natures. Your taijutsu is inferior to Asuma's, and your genjutsu is useless against the Uchiha. Honestly, it seems you have no skills that can contribute here."
Kurenai's breath hitched, her heart clenching painfully as her value was brutally dismissed. The light in her eyes dimmed rapidly.
"However..." Mujin's voice softened slightly. "Even someone like you, I won't abandon. Kurenai! Discard those genjutsu that directly target the mind. Create tangible illusions and auditory distractions to interfere with his sight and hearing. Processing such information will drain his mental energy. Go! Flood his brain with overwhelming stimuli until it overheats! His body can't sustain that kind of strain! In this battle, your role is critical!"
"Yes!" Like the rising sun dispelling endless darkness, Kurenai instinctively shouted in response, momentarily stunned by her own reaction. Biting her lip, she charged forward, creating illusions to disrupt Itachi.
"Sakura, go witness it for yourself—the man standing at the pinnacle of the shinobi world. See what true strength looks like."
Sakura, her eyes still closed, nodded and charged forward with renewed determination.
At that moment, Sasuke, clutching his stomach, staggered forward. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "And me! I can do something too! Anything at all—I'm sure I can contribute!"
Sasuke desperately wanted to prove that all his past efforts hadn't been in vain.
Mujin looked at Sasuke and smiled meaningfully. "Anything at all, you say?"