Chapter 35 : Explosive Tags

"The Battle Has Begun!"

Kazuhiko gazed down upon the forest, where the sounds of explosions and clashes reverberated, painting the sky with vibrant hues of various jutsu.

It was no secret that the two sides were locked in fierce combat.

As more and more Mist Shinobi swarmed into the forest, their eagerness to assist their comrades against the Uzumaki ninja threat became evident.

"Perhaps you've noticed that there are many Shadow Clones, but don't assume they're all mere clones!"

Kazuhiko wickedly contemplated the situation. Yes, those within the forest initially possessed several genuine ninjas.

In the early stages of the battle, after releasing a few jutsu, the Uzumaki ninjas quietly retreated. The rest of multitude of ninjas had indeed been Shadow Clones.

"Thud!" "Thud!" "Thud!"

"Something's amiss! Why are they all Shadow Clones?"

"They are attempting to drain our physical stamina!"

Someone discerned that something was awry, but there was no reprieve. These Shadow Clones were simply too numerous and dispersed.

Amidst the chaos, kunai blades whizzed by, interrupting their thoughts.

"Come on, let's deal with these bothersome Shadow Clones first!"

They watched as more and more Mist Ninja joined the fray, eagerly dispatching a variety of Shadow Clones.

"Thud!" "Thud!"

The sound of Shadow Clones shattering filled the forest like a string of firecrackers.

It was almost too easy to obliterate a Shadow Clone with a single strike, and the Mist Ninja took great pleasure in it. They seemed to consider it a stress-relieving game.

"Enjoying yourselves, are you? You'll be even more happier soon!"

Kazuhiko ascended higher and higher into the air, step by step!

"Impossible, he's flying!"

Behind him, Uzumaki Kazuki and several other ninja stared at Kazuhiko's flight in disbelief.

They gazed in astonishment at Kazuhiko, who seemed to be strolling through a garden in the sky.

"This power... It's extraordinary!"

"I've never seen anyone fly before!"

"Nor have I!"

"Light manipulation and flight... Does he possess a unique kekkei genkai?!"

Finally, Kazuhiko ascended into the sky, picking up speed until he halted. Below lay the forest where the Mist Shinobi were relentlessly attacking.

This was just a basic ability for a Shinigami.

Gathering reiatsu beneath one's feet was child's play for many Shinigami.

Kazuhiko, with his already potent reiatsu, typically found it too effortless to bother with.

Surveying the overcrowded forest, the Mist Shinobi gleefully slashed away at countless Shadow Clones.

"What's that?"

One Mist Shinobi abruptly raised his head and noticed the dark specks in the sky.

"Well, it looks like a person..."

The others hesitated as they tried to make sense of what they were seeing.

"Yata no Kagami!"

Before they could finish their conversation, an explosion of light erupted in an instant.

Everyone involuntarily ceased their fighting and gazed skyward.

The brilliance was blinding, outshining even the sun itself, as if, for that fleeting moment, he was the sole entity in the world!

In the next moment, the radiance dissipated, and thousands of specks of light rapidly descended from the sky!

"Not good, run!"

Someone sensed the impending danger and shouted with bloodshot eyes.

Though they didn't understand what it was, their years of combat experience alerted them to the danger; it was undoubtedly ominous!

The remaining Uzumaki ninjas Shadow Clones received the signal they'd been waiting for. They had everything prepared and wore sinister smiles. Now, it was your turn to suffer.

They swiftly congregated at the designated focal points, ready to attack!

"Explosive Tags!! Detonate them!!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

"Bang!—!"

A dazzling light scattered in the heart of the forest, accompanied by a deafening explosion that echoed through the heavens.

At that moment, Uzumaki individuals in the sanctuary, far from the scene, felt the very earth beneath them tremble.

In that moment, for many, the world turned white in an instant.

Overwhelming white light consumed their vision, leaving nothing but its pure brilliance.

"Clansmen, hurry, hurry!"

"Capture the Mist Ninja!"

The Uzumaki Ninja, who had prepared for this, were the first to react, and colors returned to their sight.

Kiyoshi, concealed in the distance, enthusiastically ordered everyone.

"Capture the Mist Ninja!"

"Damn it! What's happening?"

Unlike the jubilation among the Chunin, the Third Mizukage and those still aboard the ship were enraged.

"Explosive Tags! They were hidden in the forest!"

"And the figure in the sky! I saw it! Those lights!"

"Mizukage-sama, what's our plan now?"

Amid the chaos, they turned to the Mizukage for guidance.

"Send others into the forest immediately to search for survivors! Quickly!"

Although Third Mizukage was somewhat bewildered, he issued orders without delay.

"Let's go too! We must tend to the wounded who survived and prevent the Uzumaki clan from taking advantage!"

With that, Third Mizukage led the way into the forest.

**********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer