96.A New Battle

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"Four Symbols Absolute Spirit Formation!"

As Kaito's voice resonated, the ancient beams from the collapsed shrine surged skyward, beginning to assemble themselves in midair. In just a few seconds, they formed a rough structure.

The Shinigami, distracted by the commotion, hastened its attacks, severing all Ryūmyaku chains around it before floating upwards.

Seeing this, Kaito's aura intensified, and numerous golden chains emerged from the ground again, frantically obstructing the Shinigami's movements.

By this time, the beams in the sky had stopped moving, and four torii gates, pieced together from decayed wood, had taken shape.

Kaito formed a seal with his hands once more.

The four torii gates in the sky immediately spread out, positioning themselves at the east, west, south, and north points, with the Shinigami at their center.

"Descend!"

With a loud shout from Kaito, the four torii gates simultaneously descended, their bases sinking into the earth with a resounding thud.

Golden energy rapidly spread from the bases of the torii gates, covering the decayed wood. In no time, the four torii gates looked as good as new.

As the golden torii gates emitted a faint glow, a transparent, four-sided barrier began to form.

Sensing the danger, the Shinigami unleashed an unprecedented amount of power, severing numerous chains and attempting to escape towards the edge of the barrier.

"Don't even think about it!"

Dense golden chains shot out from beneath Kaito's feet, once again blocking the Shinigami's path.

At that moment, the four-sided barrier fully formed.

The Shinigami swung its short sword again, but its strikes no longer had the previous might. With a clang, the sword was easily blocked by the golden chains.

"It's useless. My formation has sealed off the natural energy inside!" Kaito declared.

As he spoke, the chains tightened their encirclement, moving towards the Shinigami.

The Shinigami's form suddenly became elusive, quickly putting distance between itself and the chains.

Its eyes ignited with ghostly flames, its hair stood on end, and its wide white robe billowed without wind.

"Clever tactics. It seems you chose this place deliberately," the Shinigami's chilling voice echoed.

Kaito, now relaxed, didn't mind explaining: "Yes. This place, as the ancestral shrine of an ancient clan, has absorbed countless offerings over a long history. Each brick and tile is imbued with heavy sentiment, making it the best material for setting up a formation."

"I never thought I'd have to break my own rules," the Shinigami murmured, evading the mist from the Bliss Box.

Its left hand trembled, and the beads on its wrist clattered, as black runes crawled up its arm.

"Even without a deal, I will take your soul myself!"

As it spoke, the Shinigami's left hand extended rapidly, claws aiming for Kaito.

Kaito remained unmoved, golden chains weaving through the air to block the Shinigami's arm.

Just before being bound by Ryūmyaku chains, the Shinigami retracted its arm and shifted positions again.

"What's your next move?" Kaito coldly watched the Shinigami, now surrounded by Ryūmyaku chains and the mist from the Bliss Box, and asked, "Planning to escape to your other dimension?"

The Shinigami didn't respond, its form shrinking and elongating like a serpent, slipping through the gaps in the chains.

"It seems you don't intend to flee," Kaito continued, "Because you know that during the moment you cross dimensions, there will be a brief pause."

"Even though it's just a moment, it's enough for me to catch you."

...

Meanwhile, outside Uzushiogakure, two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds were walking on the water's surface.

"Hurry up, Kakuzu. I can't wait to offer that Uchiha to Lord Jashin!" Hidan swung his scythe impatiently, quickening his pace.

"Idiot!" Kakuzu maintained his steady pace.

Despite following orders, Kakuzu felt uneasy about this mission. Normally, he wouldn't have planned to act now, but Zetsu had been pressing him repeatedly, even bringing a letter from the leader this time.

Such behavior only heightened Kakuzu's suspicions.

Even though he had arrived at the target location, he had other plans in mind.

As the sound of waves hitting the shore reached them, Hidan stepped onto the land of Uzushiogakure.

"Kakuzu, if you don't hurry up, I'm going ahead!" Hidan shouted back, heading into the forest.

A flash of white light, and a blade swung towards Hidan's neck from a distance. 

The proximity was too close, and Hidan couldn't block with his scythe in time.

In desperation, Hidan tilted his head, raising his right hand to intercept the blade.

Slash.

The blade sliced cleanly through, severing Hidan's right arm, which flew into the air.

Using the moment to his advantage, Hidan leapt back, dodging another strike.

"Idiot!" Kakuzu's voice came from behind, as black threads extended from his arm, catching the falling arm.

"Who are you?" Hidan grinned at the long-haired woman wielding twin swords before him.

"Uchiha Chiri," she replied softly.

Uchiha? Kakuzu's eyes narrowed in surprise.

"Hey, woman, our target isn't you," Hidan shouted.

Chiri smiled. "I know, but I won't let you get near Kaito."

Hidan waved his scythe with his remaining hand, a crazed smile on his face. "In that case, I'll offer you to the great Jashin!"

"Wait," Kakuzu stopped Hidan, swiftly sewing his right hand back on with black threads.

"There must be others," he observed Chiri warily. "You alone can't stop us."

At that moment, a male voice echoed from the trees.

"Disappointed you didn't notice me? What a let down."

Kakuzu looked up sharply to see a young man sitting on a branch.

"Impossible..."

Kakuzu was stunned; as an experienced ninja, he hadn't detected the enemy right under his nose.

Izuna stood up, looking down at them, a slight smile on his face.

His recent studies of natural energy had enabled him to develop new techniques, like blending his presence with the environment, making even a seasoned ninja like Kakuzu fail to notice him.

"Another Uchiha?" Kakuzu observed Izuna intently.

Izuna stepped off the branch, landing beside Chiri, his eyes turning red with three spinning tomoe.

"Uchiha Izuna," he introduced coldly.