Chapter 42: Which Uchiha Would Fear a Jinchuriki? (1/2)

Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki.

With immense strength and countless victories for Iwagakure during the Third Shinobi War, he was also known for his Boil Release abilities, earning the title "Steam Ninja."

Indeed, he was a formidable boss.

The shadow clone's decision to retreat was the right one.

Facing such an opponent, Wakaho, unlike Naruto with his mass clone tactics, naturally wanted to conserve as much chakra as possible.

'So why did I have to run into the Five-Tails Jinchuriki in this place...?'

'I shouldn't have left my teacher alone, sigh.'

Wakaho gathered chakra in his feet, preparing to retreat.

The feedback from his shadow clone contained not just a bit of anxiety, but also the countdown of the explosive tags.

Three seconds, two seconds...

Swish!

Wakaho abruptly pulled back, just as Han, enveloped in steam, was about to give chase but then suddenly stopped and withdrew.

In the next moment—Boom!!!

Rubble flew, dust filled the air.

The simultaneous explosion of ten explosive tags was enough to shatter stone and rock, causing a massive gap in the bridge at Han's side, with only the sturdiest sections on either end barely holding it together.

But it wasn't over yet. At the moment Wakaho's Fire Dragon Bullet exploded, it had looped under the bridge, using the high temperature to forcibly trigger the explosive tags.

Boom!!!

Another precise explosion followed, though this time the effect was slightly diminished, as some of the rock still supported the bridge's structure.

Before Wakaho could assess how much more effort it would take to completely destroy the bridge, Han, now enveloped in white steam, launched a surprise attack!

"I won't let you continue destroying the bridge, boy!"

Han's deep, magnetic voice rumbled as he moved at an incredible speed, the steam trailing behind him like a long, white curtain.

"Who are you trying to scare?"

Wakaho clapped his hands together. "Fire Style: Dragon Flame Song Technique!"

Four flaming dragon heads shot from four angles, blocking Han's escape routes!

Wakaho's three-tomoe Sharingan locked onto Han's every movement.

But Han did not hesitate; crossing his arms in front of him, steam burst from his body, now clad in a layer of red tailed beast chakra cloak, and he tanked the jutsu head-on!

In reality, he only needed to withstand a quarter of the attack, as dodging just one of the fireballs was enough. This was the weakness of the technique and why Wakaho had thought it wasn't serious.

It was good for dealing with weaker opponents, but against a tough adversary, it wasn't as effective as his Great Fireball Jutsu.

"Fire Style: Fire Punch!"

Wakaho launched a Great Fireball, which then condensed into a giant flaming fist, striking down towards Han in his initial tailed beast form!

"You don't want me getting closer..."

This time, Han didn't intend to take the hit directly. Even with the tailed beast chakra cloak, it didn't mean he could ignore the intense heat of Fire Style.

Also, if he clashed with this Fire Style on the bridge, it might impact the bridge's structure.

Both ends of the bridge had already been blown open, and Han couldn't afford to take the risk.

Swish!

With a swift movement, Han dashed to the edge of the bridge, using one hand to support himself as he crossed to the side, his body parallel to the bridge, flanking towards Wakaho!

Wakaho had no intention of engaging directly.

He immediately ceased the release of the Great Fireball, then clapped his hands together and dashed to the other side of the bridge, leaping high!

Whoosh—

A flaming dragon formed under Wakaho's feet, lifting him into the air!

He had gained control of the skies.

When Han finally made it back onto the bridge, he looked up to see Wakaho standing atop the fire dragon in mid-air, causing his brow to furrow in deep thought about what to do next.

Wakaho, meanwhile, looked into the distance.

Manda and Orochimaru must have encountered the Iwagakure ninjas stationed at the front line, as the sounds of shouting and explosions echoed through Iwagakure's defensive barriers.

"Teacher's almost here..."

"Gotta hurry."

Wakaho didn't intend to let Orochimaru take any credit for this battle.

Whether it was the Kannabi Bridge or this boss fight!

The Five-Tails Jinchuriki? Which Uchiha would ever fear a Jinchuriki?