Chapter 385: Disgusting Tactics

"No wonder they call him Konoha's Ghost."

"Leaving aside the former Second Tsuchikage, Mū, this kid's Kekkei Genkai is really something."

"And he has two Kekkei Genkai... Transparent Escape... Crystal Release..."

Hanzō of the Salamander stared at the spot where Kazuyama Gekkō had vanished, his expression serious.

He wasn't worried about how strong the opponent was. After all, he stood at the very peak of the ninja world. What unsettled him more were those who moved like shadows—appearing and disappearing without a trace.

Even a so-called demigod like him had moments of carelessness. If the enemy managed to exploit one of those moments, the consequences could be disastrous.

"Hmph, no wonder Ōnoki was willing to trade three years' worth of supplies to get me involved."

"So it's someone like that."

"Still, if I had known about this brat earlier, I would've tried to get rid of him myself."

"But that price though..."

Now that Kazuyama had vanished, Hanzō could only shift his attention to the nearby Iwa ninja.

"You there. Come here."

"Go deliver a message to your Tsuchikage."

The Iwa ninja who had been called over approached Hanzō, clearly nervous and speaking with utmost respect.

"Did you need something?"

Hanzō gave him a glance, and the sheer pressure in his gaze made the low-ranking ninja feel like his legs were about to give out.

"Tell Ōnoki he needs to pay more."

"A Kekkei Genkai that can rival Mū's? Three years of supplies isn't enough."

"Tell him to add two more years. I'll take care of this guy."

With that, Hanzō turned and began walking toward the Land of Fire. The massive Ibuse dove into the ground and disappeared beneath the surface.

The ninja tasked with delivering the message broke into a cold sweat the moment Hanzō turned away.

This was the man who, during the Second Shinobi World War, declared war on Konoha, Sunagakure, and the Land of Iron all at once—and did it relying solely on his own strength. His overwhelming power had engraved his name across the entire ninja world.

Just as the Iwa ninja was about to relay the message, he suddenly felt something off.

Before he could react, his entire body was encased in crystal.

"Damn it! What the hell is this?!"

"That guy didn't leave!"

A split second before the crystal overtook him, the ninja let out a blood-curdling scream.

Then, silence. Completely crystallized, he was hurled like a weapon straight at Hanzō.

It all happened in a flash. The crystal projectile was launched so fast it reached Hanzō's back in an instant.

The next moment, a splash of water erupted.

The Hanzō who had been struck turned out to be a water clone.

Clearly, he had countered the attack using a combination of the Body Replacement Technique and the Clone Technique.

"Crack!"

The ninja encased in crystal shattered into fragments from the impact.

"Damn brat, you've got guts."

"But now, you're not leaving here alive!"

Water surged on the other side as Hanzō reappeared, his voice laced with killing intent.

But even as his voice fell and he entered battle mode, the field remained silent.

The surrounding Iwa ninjas tightened their grips on their weapons, waiting for Kazuyama to show himself.

Seconds passed, but there was no sign of him.

Hanzō, brimming with bloodlust, was clearly frustrated. Enemies who could conceal their presence like this were the ones he hated the most.

"Damn brat!"

"You've got the nerve to ambush me, but not to show your face?!"

Helpless, Hanzō roared furiously and had his summoning beast, Ibuse, lie in wait beneath his feet, ready to strike at any moment.

But no matter how much he shouted, Kazuyama didn't appear.

An unexplainable pressure slowly began to spread...

"Kazuyama, what's that guy yelling for?"

"Who cares? He reeks of blood—his whole body's probably filled with poison."

"That's enough, you two. Kazuyama didn't call us out here to chat."

High in the sky, three figures appeared, exchanging sharp remarks.

"Hmph, you really thought I'd run after pulling off an ambush?"

"You think you can find me? Keep dreaming."

Kazuyama looked down with disdain at Hanzō and the Iwa ninjas, who stood ready in formation.

When the ambush came, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to evade and activated Transparent Escape, but he didn't leave.

While still hidden, he activated Sage Mode.

Then he canceled his own Transparent Escape and handed off the invisibility to the three Snake Princesses.

Though his Transparent Escape could hide his body, aura, and chakra, it would be canceled upon attacking.

But if the invisibility came from the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave, there were no such limitations.

With one Snake Princess helping him fly, another cloaking him in invisibility, and the third gathering natural energy, Kazuyama was free to strike.

It was a deadly combination—tailor-made for assassination.

Just moments ago, he had teleported down and used Crystal Release to crystallize an Iwa ninja into a solid lump.

Hanzō's eyes were cold and calculating. He knew this standoff was turning against him—so he made his move.

"Hmph, not coming out, brat? Then I'll force you."

"Ibuse, now!"

With a roar, Ibuse burst from underground, releasing thick poisonous mist that began to spread across the battlefield.

Ibuse's venom was infamous—during the Second Shinobi World War, Hanzō had intended to wipe out his enemies in one sweep using this very poison. Ibuse's toxic mist had two modes: one, a powerful burst that expelled all toxins at once.

That blast was devastating but would leave Ibuse completely drained, needing five minutes to recharge.

This time, however, Hanzō chose the slow-release method, letting the poison seep out gradually—less immediate, but continuous and effective in this kind of deadlock.

If Kazuyama showed himself, he'd inevitably be caught in the spreading mist.

Watching from above, Kazuyama smirked to himself.

He silently manipulated his Crystal Release, forming countless tiny crystal needles over Hanzō's head, which rained down like a storm.

Sensing danger, Hanzō had Ibuse leap from the ground, using his massive body to block the attack. The senbon couldn't pierce Ibuse's thick skin, but they left him bristling like a porcupine.

Seizing the moment, Kazuyama teleported behind another Iwa ninja and activated Crystal Release. The ninja was instantly crystallized and hurled like a living bomb straight at Hanzō.

"Damn brat! What a sneaky tactic!"

"Useless Iwa ninjas! If you don't want to get poisoned or turned into crystal, get out of my sight!"