Chapter 140: Sand Ninja's Taijutsu Master!

Uzumaki Raiden's sudden appearance in the center of Sand Ninja Village took everyone by surprise. The battle had just begun, and yet a Konoha ninja was brazenly standing in their midst.

From the moment Raiden breached Sand Ninja Village's defensive barrier, panic spread among the people, and Sand Ninja's reputation took a severe blow. Spies from other villages lurking in Sand Ninja Village became active, quickly converging on Raiden's location to gather first-hand intelligence.

In the Kazekage's office, Ebizo gazed at the figure standing atop a high perch in the village. His expression fluctuated between shock and determination. Without hesitation, he vaulted out of the window and landed on the ground. At the same moment, Uzumaki Raiden descended from Toad Bunta, who then vanished in a cloud of smoke.

"A Konoha ninja. I never thought you'd dare to break into our village," Ebizo said coldly. "Since you're here, don't think about leaving."

Ebizo's hidden eyes flared with murderous intent as he addressed Raiden.

"Are you sure you want to fight me here? If we clash, the people of Sand Ninja Village might not be safe. Have you considered that?" Raiden said, his tone calm but challenging as he rested the Sakegari no Tachi on his shoulder. His gaze shifted toward a particular direction in the village, causing Ebizo's pupils to shrink.

"Lord Ebizo!"

Before Ebizo could respond, Rasa arrived, landing beside him. Rasa greeted him briefly before turning his wary eyes toward Raiden. Fear flickered across his face, betraying his unease.

"Boy from Konoha, prepare to die!"

Moments later, two more figures appeared: Pakura of Sand Ninja and the elder Mukade. Despite his advanced age, Mukade moved with surprising speed. His eyebrows raised slightly as he caught sight of Raiden. Without waiting for instructions, he launched an attack.

"Old man, at your age, shouldn't you be resting instead of risking your life in battle? Is Sand Ninja's younger generation so weak?" Raiden quipped.

Mukade, appearing frail and ancient, seemed like someone who had long since left the battlefield. Yet his movements defied expectations. With only two rapid strides, he closed the gap between himself and Raiden, his fist aiming straight for Raiden's face.

Raiden, initially dismissive, quickly realized the danger and retreated. The unexpected speed and force of the elder's attack forced him to keep his distance, his expression serious.

"Who is this old man?" Raiden muttered, stunned by Mukade's prowess.

Mukade smirked, his movements deliberate. "Konoha's young shinobi, you're more perceptive than I thought," he said. Though he specialized in taijutsu, Mukade's strikes carried the precision and power of someone who had refined his craft over decades.

His chakra vibrated subtly around his body, making each blow both silent and deceptive. This unique technique allowed him to strike without warning, a skill even Might Duy had not mastered.

"You've come this far; let's see if you can survive," Ebizo declared. "Rasa, contain him here. Don't let the battle spread to the villagers."

Rasa nodded and began preparing his Gold Dust techniques. Pakura moved to join the fray but was halted by Mukade.

"Pakura, stay back and make sure he doesn't escape. This opponent is mine," Mukade commanded.

"Be careful, Elder Mukade. He's strong and doesn't need hand seals for his Lightning Release techniques," Pakura cautioned.

Mukade brushed off her warning, leaping toward Raiden with surprising agility. Raiden responded with a wave of lightning strikes, but Mukade evaded them effortlessly, closing the distance and launching a kick at Raiden's abdomen.

"So fast!" Raiden thought, realizing he wouldn't have time to prepare a counterattack. Instead, he swung the Sakegari no Tachi toward Mukade, his blade moving faster than Mukade's strike.

"Be careful, Elder Mukade!" Pakura cried out.

But Mukade was unfazed. As Raiden's blade neared, Mukade exhaled sharply, his body suddenly enveloped in a pale yellow chakra. His speed doubled, allowing him to dodge the blade and deliver a devastating kick to Raiden's abdomen.

Raiden flew backward like a cannonball, smashing through several earthen walls before coming to a stop.

Boom!

The impact left a resounding echo. Pakura stood frozen, shocked by Mukade's overwhelming strength.

"Konoha's brat is only this strong?" Mukade sneered, landing gracefully beside Ebizo. "The mission is complete."

But as he spoke, a crackling sound emanated from the rubble where Raiden had fallen. Lightning surged, and Mukade's confident expression faltered.

Raiden emerged from the debris, encased in a glowing Lightning Armor. Though Mukade's attack had hurt him, the armor had minimized the damage.

Raiden clenched his fists, his voice tinged with frustration. "Using super strength with Lightning Armor should have pierced his defenses. Is this old man even human?"

The sight unsettled Ebizo and the others. Mukade's smile widened as he noticed Raiden's irritation.

"Boy, I'll crush your bones with my own hands," Mukade growled, his pale yellow chakra flaring wildly. His frail frame began to expand, muscles swelling as the wrinkles on his face smoothed out.

"That technique…" Ebizo muttered, a deep sadness in his voice.

Raiden's eyes narrowed as he activated Kagura's Mind Eye. His expression darkened. "His vitality… it's suddenly unstable. How is that even possible?"

(End of this chapter)