Chapter 129: First Contact

In the Temple of Fire, Kirito sat amidst the ruins, calmly reading a scripture. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to the horizon, his demeanor sharpening. 

Noticing this, Qian Shi, who was nearby cleaning debris, asked nervously, "What's wrong? Did something happen?" 

It wasn't mere curiosity—Qian Shi had lived in fear ever since the Akatsuki's assault on the temple. The scattered coffins served as a grim reminder of the ever-present danger.

"Asuma and the others have sent a signal. I'm heading out," Kirito replied, closing the scripture and rising to his feet.

"Signal? Where?" Qian Shi turned to the horizon but saw nothing unusual.

Kirito handed him the scripture before vanishing in a flash, leaving behind only a whisper of wind. 

Watching Kirito disappear, Qian Shi clasped his hands in prayer. "May fortune guide you safely…"

Though their acquaintance had been brief, Qian Shi felt that Kirito, with his serene patience in studying scriptures, was no ordinary person. 

Kirito, now sprinting through the dense forest, focused solely on reaching the gold exchange where Asuma and his team were engaged in battle. Although he could have used **Yomotsu Hirasaka** to teleport instantly, he chose to traverse on foot, wanting to assess the situation firsthand before intervening.

When Kirito arrived, Hidan had already licked Asuma's blood and activated his deadly **Curse: Death by Blood** technique. With his spear aimed at his own heart, Hidan prepared to deliver a fatal blow to Asuma. 

Kirito reacted instantly. Channeling chakra, his body shimmered with a faint silver-white glow. In an instant, he disappeared, reappearing near Hidan as a streak of light. His kick connected with Hidan's chest, sending the scythe-wielding man hurtling into the ruins.

"Cough—cough! What the hell?! Why am I flying?!" Hidan's shocked voice echoed.

Shikamaru and the others stared in disbelief. It took a moment before they realized someone had intervened.

"It's him!" Shikamaru exhaled in relief as he recognized Kirito. "He made it just in time."

"So fast… I couldn't even track his movements," Izumo muttered, awestruck.

Kotetsu nodded. "I've never seen anyone move like that before."

"Hngh…" Asuma groaned, the sudden shock worsening his injuries. He tried to lift his head but was overwhelmed by pain.

Shikamaru supported him. "Sensei! Damn it, wasn't knocking him out of the circle enough to stop him?"

Kirito turned to Asuma and spoke calmly, "When I kicked him, I may have broken a few ribs, but I didn't expect the circle to nullify his abilities completely. I'll heal your injuries now."

Kakuzu, who had been observing silently, finally spoke in a measured tone. "So, you're the source of that sudden burst of chakra. Your speed and power… impressive."

He turned to face Kirito directly, ignoring Shikamaru and the others. Kakuzu knew better than to expose his back to such a formidable opponent.

"Hey! Kakuzu! Stop gawking and help me! My waist feels broken!" Hidan shouted from the rubble.

Kakuzu stepped toward Hidan with calculated movements. Kirito, meanwhile, focused on healing Asuma.

As the two passed each other, Kakuzu suddenly spun, his arm transforming into a blade-like weapon with **Earth Style: Earth Spear** hardening. He struck at Kirito's neck without hesitation.

[Predictable.]

Kirito met the attack with an elbow strike, his arm cloaked in golden lightning. The crackling energy distorted the air around it, radiating raw power.

**Swish!**

Instead of a violent clash, Kakuzu's arm was severed cleanly, the limb flying through the air.

Startled, Kakuzu leapt backward, reaching for his dismembered limb. Black tendrils extended from his body to reconnect the arm, but thin golden lightning coursed through it, severing the tendrils.

"Damn it!" Kakuzu cursed.

**Boom!**

The severed arm exploded violently, the blast enveloping Kakuzu in smoke and golden sparks.

Shikamaru shielded his face from the shockwave. "What… Is this the 'Light Style'?"

"Incredible…" Kotetsu muttered. "No wonder Lady Tsunade sent him."

Izumo added, "He's the same age as Naruto, but he's already surpassed us. I feel old just watching this."

Hidan, still sprawled in the rubble, shouted, "Kakuzu! What the hell happened? Why did your hand explode?!"

"Shut up, Hidan. I got careless," Kakuzu snapped, emerging from the smoke. His Akatsuki cloak was torn, exposing his stitched body and the burn marks left by the lightning.

"Forget your arm! My back is still out of alignment. Fix me already!" Hidan whined.

Ignoring their banter, Kirito continued healing Asuma. As the older ninja's breathing steadied, Shikamaru's tense expression softened.

"Thank goodness you're here," Shikamaru said, his voice trembling. "If you hadn't shown up…"

Asuma smiled faintly. "I won't die so easily, Shikamaru."

Kirito stood, his tone decisive. "You'll need to evacuate now. I'll handle the Akatsuki. Take Asuma to safety and intercept any reinforcements."

Izumo protested, "You're going to fight both of them alone? Let me stay and help—"

"No," Kirito cut him off. "You'll only be a liability here."

Reluctantly, Izumo and Kotetsu helped Asuma to his feet and guided him away. Though his physical injuries had been healed, the mental strain would take longer to recover.

As the team retreated, Kirito turned to face Hidan and Kakuzu, both of whom were regrouping.

Hidan cracked his neck. "I'm ready to deliver the grace of Jashin-sama to you!"

Kakuzu's voice was calm but edged with menace. "Don't underestimate him, Hidan. This one's dangerous."

Kirito's expression remained steady as he prepared to confront the pair. The next round of battle was about to begin.

(End of Chapter)

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