Chapter 116: War Between Kumo and Ame

"It didn't explode?"

High atop a rocky mountain that offered a view of Amegakure stood countless figures – dark-skinned and fair-skinned men dressed in standard-issue flak jackets.

On the ground in front of that rocky peak, two massive beasts stood side by side: the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee – both in full Tailed Beast transformations.

On top of the Hachibi (Eight-Tails) stood the Fourth Raikage and his secretary, Mabui.

Gazing at Amegakure, which showed neither a mushroom cloud rising up nor signs of a barrier in place, the Fourth Raikage said in a low voice:

"No giant blast, huh? And no barrier either. Could that large-scale repulsion attack actually be directional?"

Next to him, Mabui – sweat beading slightly on her forehead – spoke:

"Lord Raikage, in my current state, I can only do three more transmissions."

Her Heavenly Transfer Technique could teleport objects instantly to a specified location – provided the user had line of sight or a way to sense the target location. But the larger the transmitted object, the greater the user's chakra consumption.

Transmitting two small-mountain-sized Tailed Beast Bombs in one go – even for a jōnin like Mabui – took an enormous toll.

"You've done enough, Mabui. Go take a rest," said the Fourth Raikage with a nod. Then he issued another directive: "Since aerial strikes aren't working, we'll try something else. Bee, Yugito."

"Yes sir!"

No further words were needed; Killer Bee and Yugito immediately grasped the Raikage's meaning.

Both Tailed Beasts once again tilted back their heads, opening wide. Blue chakra condensed into one sphere, purple-black chakra condensed into another, swiftly forming Tailed Beast Bombs – each at first no bigger than a fist compared to the Tailed Beast's body, yet inflating rapidly like balloons.

In a blink, these two compressed energy orbs, each the size of a small mountain, hovered above the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails.

One was purple-black for the Two-Tails, the other pitch-black for the Eight-Tails – but both contained enough destructive power to flatten small mountain ridges or annihilate a large shinobi village's urban district.

Whoosh – the sharp whistle of projectiles tore the air.

The Two-Tails fired its Tailed Beast Bomb, which streaked across the sky toward Amegakure like a cannonball.

A moment later – slightly delayed – the Eight-Tails fired another Tailed Beast Bomb, seemingly charging it more heavily, so it chased after the first along the same curved trajectory.

When the Two-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb neared Amegakure, the Eight-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb suddenly sped up from behind, colliding with it as though hitting it from behind like a billiard ball.

Yet the forward Tailed Beast Bomb wasn't knocked off course. Instead, the two orbs burst into dazzling light – blossoming like fireworks.

Boom—

Two near-simultaneous, earth-shaking explosions roared so loudly that even Team Eight – some 20 kilometers away – heard it.

For those hidden around Amegakure gathering intel from various countries, it was positively deafening, as if their hearing had been stripped away.

Two Tailed Beast Bombs detonated into a colossal blaze, swiftly expanding in every direction. Amegakure lay in one of those directions.

Clearly, the Fourth Raikage's alternative plan was a "close-range chain-blast."

Not knowing how their enemy had nullified the Tailed Beast Bomb in flight earlier, they made it explode prematurely.

But just as the blast wave was about to envelop Amegakure, a four-sided translucent red barrier appeared out of nowhere – like a massive, transparent crimson box encasing the entire village.

Even the blazing shockwaves that could have buried or disintegrated a mountain were simply reflected when they impacted that red barrier, ricocheting outward as though they had struck the metal door of a secure vault.

The red, transparent barrier didn't so much as flicker.

"Four Red Yang Formation…"

At that sight, the Fourth Raikage's face darkened dramatically, and through gritted teeth he said:

"So there's no 'mysterious third party' after all – clearly only Akatsuki could have done it!"

The Four Red Yang Formation might be classified as an A-rank jutsu, but it was widely considered the strongest defensive barrier in the shinobi world.

To invoke this barrier, four elite ninja each had to have "Kage-tier" chakra reserves. Its defense far surpassed that of Four Purple Flames, strong enough to confine a Kage-level fighter, by dozens of times.

Formerly, aside from Konoha and Uzushiogakure, no other village possessed it.

After the joint assault wiped out the Uzumaki Clan, Kumogakure had seized certain barrier-based scrolls.

In principle, only Konoha and Kumo should have the knowledge to use it.

Even if other villages had the instructions, they might not be able to deploy it.

Yet now, the Fourth Raikage saw it in use by Akatsuki.

Coupled with Tsunade's claim that the Scroll of Seals was stolen, the organization must have obtained it from Konoha.

Only Izayoi knew the truth: that Uchiha Obito had provided it to Nagato.

"They even have that barrier…"

Not just the Raikage but Kakuzu, too, was shooting a suspicious look at Tendo Pain:

"Leader, are you sure you and Orochimaru weren't behind that Konoha Crush?"

But Tendo Pain ignored him, directing his gaze at Black-White Zetsu:

"How does it look?"

White Zetsu answered cheerfully:

"Our 'pieces' are in place. We can stir up a commotion anytime."

Tendo Pain gave a slight nod, then turned to the Akatsuki members in an indifferent tone:

"Our opponent is Kumogakure, the strongest of the Five Great Nations. A third-party interference is also possible, so I won't force anyone to fight. You can remain in Amegakure to help maintain this barrier, you can join the battle, or you can leave."

"Stop the chatter – hurry up and open the barrier."

From within Hiruko's shell emerged Sasori's real body, brandishing a scroll and looking eager:

"I've been itching to find out how my art measures up to that man's art."

"Yeah, me too, me too…"

Deidara chimed in, crossing his arms with a longing expression:

"Meteor Showers, turning Kumogakure into a crater… I can't even imagine how artistic it was. That guy might be watching us right now—no way I'd miss out on a show like this, hm!"

Watching the two "kindred spirits" so fired up, Hidan hefted his triple-bladed scythe with a bloodthirsty grin:

"Lord Jashin's all about war! I can't wait to taste their blood, dammit!"

"As expected of my senpais, so brimming with spirit!"

Whether from revealing his true self or feigning it, Obito – in his "Tobi" persona – responded with ridiculous flamboyance, saluting:

"I'm just an intern, but I'll do my best to learn from you senpais. I wanna fight, too!"

"Hmph, all I care about is money." Kakuzu said coolly. "Kumo used to be the top-tier ninja village, so a lot of its shinobi's heads carry major bounties. Let's hope they're not all dead from last time."

"Count me in as well."

Kisame flashed a shark-like grin:

"Those two Tailed Beast Bombs got Samehada all worked up. We'll have a great feast today."

"I'm in."

Compared to Sasori and the others, Uchiha Itachi was terse as usual.

Seeing them all volunteer, Tendo Pain's expressionless face briefly showed a small smile, then he resumed his blank look and said:

"Although exposing ourselves early wasn't in the plan, since Akatsuki's goal is to achieve peace and realize everyone's dreams, we were bound to clash with the Five Great Nations eventually. If war is inevitable, let this conflict proclaim our group's presence to the shinobi world!"

With that, Tendo Pain floated higher, leading the way toward the Kumo forces. The rest followed.

Deidara conjured a white bird to carry Sasori.

Konan spread her wings, flanking Tendo Pain from the other side.

Kakuzu, Hidan, Kisame, and Itachi pressed forward at ground level, while Black Zetsu sank into the earth using the mayfly technique.

"Tobi" – Obito – flailed cartoonishly behind them in "pursuit," as though struggling to catch up to his "senpai."

Reaching the barrier's edge, the Four Red Yang Formation vanished. Moments later, five more figures joined them, soon clearing Amegakure, rushing toward the Kumo forces.

Leaving only the Outer Path behind, the entire Akatsuki had mobilized for the first time.

At once, this spectacle came into view for the Kumo forces and countless hidden foreign spies.

Before the Fourth Raikage could give an order, raucous commotion erupted from among the Kumo ranks:

"Bakai, what the hell are you doing?!"

"Aaah! Bastard – why are you attacking me?!"

"Seize him – the guy's gone mad!"

"Is this a genjutsu? A disguised enemy infiltration?"

"No, his chakra is normal, not under genjutsu, nor does it look like a transformation jutsu!"

"…"

Appalled, incredulous shouts rippled through the Kumo ranks. Hearing the uproar behind them, the Fourth Raikage glanced back, frowning:

"What's going on back there?"

Appearing with a flicker, Mabui responded at once:

"Lord Raikage, all of a sudden we have men attacking comrades with no sign of genjutsu or disguised transformation. We're subduing them for interrogation; the chaos should be over soon."

"If they're not under illusions, execute them on the spot," the Fourth Raikage said coldly. "Whoever raises a hand against allies at a time like this is punishable by death—enemy or ally."

"Yes, my lord."

Mabui relayed the order. Soon, the comrades who'd attacked were immediately executed.

Their corpses, to everyone's shock, turned into White Zetsu clones.

"W-What are these monsters?!"

Some of the Kumo-nin, forced to kill their own, stood aghast. Others – particularly Mabui and the sensor units – were drenched in cold sweat:

"So it was a transformation jutsu all along…?"

"No way… Is Akatsuki's infiltration that advanced? They can mimic chakra flow?"

"It must be this monster's personal ninjutsu! Wait, who else might be a fake?"

In a flash, seeds of paranoia sprouted among the Kumo ranks, their morale taking a blow before the fight even started.

Veteran jōnin quickly calmed them, yelling:

"No panic! Pair up with those you know; use the standard sign language to confirm your identity. That'll unmask the fakes!"

Heeding that, the Kumo ranks rearranged themselves into small squads, using sign language like mutes to test each other.

Shortly after, more bloodshed broke out as the remaining White Zetsu infiltrators were exposed and killed.

While they were busied removing saboteurs, the Fourth Raikage commanded Killer Bee:

"Bee, test them again. Let's see how exactly they nullify Tailed Beast Bombs."

"Roger that, big bro!"

Killer Bee answered, letting the Hachibi form another black Tailed Beast Bomb – aimed to blast the now close-by Akatsuki. If it detonated, the Akatsuki might get caught in their own explosion.

Yet none of them slowed; it didn't faze them.

Stepping forward, the Preta Path shifted again, intercepting the sphere.

In onlookers' eyes, it seemed like suicide. But when Preta Path collided with the Tailed Beast Bomb, no explosion occurred. Instead, the Tailed Beast Bomb halted midair, shrinking at a visible pace, liquifying like water that streamed into Preta Path's outstretched hand.

"Ninjutsu absorption!"

Many onlookers gulped at the sight.

Even the Fourth Raikage's face tightened:

"They can absorb Tailed Beast Bombs… Is that the Sage Eyes' power? With so many black rods jammed into him, plus those ripple eyes, exactly like Tsunade's description of a 'Rinnegan puppet.' So perhaps that 'mysterious third party' is real, if it's the puppet's ability or the Rinnegan's power…?"

"Dammit, big bro – we gotta take that guy out first." Bee said.

The Raikage frowned, ignoring that remark:

"Everyone scatter!"

Because Tendo Pain, up above, had climbed to an even higher altitude—just like in December.

Seeing him levitate there, plenty among the Kumo forces who'd survived that previous attack felt a chill of foreboding. They scattered at once.

Which proved wise:

Absorbing the chakra transmitted by Preta Path, Tendo Pain swelled up like an overinflated balloon. He soared even higher, lifting both hands toward the Kumo ranks, uttering one mild phrase:

"Shinra Tensei…!"

A massive invisible vortex of repulsive force howled forth. Had it been raining, the entire region of rainfall would have vanished instantly.

Even so, the churning airstream hammered across the terrain where Kumo's men had just stood.

Boom—

The thunderous crash pulverized that rocky mountain and left a great gouge in the earth, throwing dust high into the sky.

It was the clarion call of war.

Countless silhouettes emerged from that billowing dust, forming a crescent-shaped perimeter around the Akatsuki.

Facing two thousand-plus Kumo-nin in flak jackets would strain anyone short of Tendo Pain himself – even the Kage-tier membership of Akatsuki.

Then Black Zetsu's upper half rose from underground, and White Zetsu raised two fingers with a playful grin:

"Arise, my White Zetsu Army!"

Immediately, a "field of white" sprouted up like some bizarre budding crop, morphing into White Zetsu clones that numbered twice as many as the Kumo-nin, front and rear, left and right, black and white – forming an odd "yin-yang diagram."

"Yo ho—!"

A shriek echoed: Hidan had targeted a random lightning-clad Kumo-nin, swinging his bloody triple scythe for a direct taijutsu engagement.

That shinobi, raising his blade to parry Hidan's blow, was about to meet him head-on… when his eyes abruptly flew wide in horror:

A giant wave of flame flared from behind Hidan.

In seconds, scorching fire engulfed both the shinobi and Hidan.

"Aaaagh…!"

They screamed, consumed by flames. The Kumo-nin quickly burned to a crisp. Meanwhile, once the flames subsided, Hidan was still there, rolling around, the residual fire vanishing from his body at a modest rate – only scorch-marks that slowly healed.

"Kakuzu, you bastard! I hadn't even started my ritual!" Hidan howled. "I got zero ecstasy from that—just real pain!"

"No time for your drawn-out nonsense," Kakuzu retorted. "You be our shield."

"The hell you say?! I'll damn well curse you to death, you freak—!"

Hidan's rant abruptly ended when lightning flashed across him. A savage slash took his head.

"Kakuzu, help me!"

Up in the sky, Deidara watched swarms of lightning-fast Kumo-nin like they were pouring cold water over him:

"Man, in this world, what's more disgusting than these raiton users?"

He turned to Sasori:

"Sasori-bro, time to do our old combo. Let's descend."

The white bird soared downward. Sasori raised both arms, indifferent to friend or foe as he spewed two giant flame serpents into the throng of White Zetsu clones and Kumo-nin.

"Behold the synergy of our art!"

Deidara laughed, tossing out two white birds that circled the flaming serpents, then crashed into them, producing dual blasts of intense flame that incinerated White Zetsu clones and Kumo-nin in the area.

When the flames cleared, three hundred puppet soldiers, each tethered by chakra threads, materialized out of thin air.

Seeing that, the surrounding Kumo-nin – who loathed Sasori bitterly – still reeled in alarm.

Elsewhere, Kisame and Itachi seemed to be "taking it easy."

Kisame never deployed any large-scale suiton. Instead, he was in a one-on-one scuffle with a Kumo taijutsu user, letting Samehada feed bit by bit. Itachi, for his part, refrained from major ninjutsu, sticking to illusions to toy with those attacking him.

"Tobi"—Obito—did likewise, leading Kumo-nin on a cat-and-mouse chase, making them accidentally strike their own allies.

Meanwhile, Pain's Six Paths and Konan fought at the intensest point.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…

Konan, hovering midair, fired a barrage of paper cranes from her outspread wings, forming an aerial bullet curtain. Each crane had hidden tags ready to blow.

"Bullet Orb!"

Before the paper swarm could bombard the ground, a flurry of azure blasts soared up from below, colliding with the paper stream.

Boom, boom, boom…

Explosions echoed, blossoming fireworks in mid-sky.

When the smoke cleared, a giant cat wreathed in blue fire and dark stripes – the Two-Tails – sprang up, lunging at Konan overhead.

Konan braced with her wings but was knocked further upward.

Just as Yugito opened the Two-Tails' mouth to release a giant fireball at Konan, a winged multi-headed dog also leapt into the air, each jaw biting into the cat's blazing body, dragging it back down.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…

More shrill whistles as a dozen homing missiles, launched from the Asura Path, slammed into both the dog and the Two-Tails, erupting in blossoms of flame.

From within those blasts, roars thundered.

"Lightning Release: Double Lariat!"

Suddenly, red-blue flickers streaked by like teleportation, materializing behind the Preta Path. Their elbows, wreathed in Tailed Beast chakra and sizzling lightning, hammered down at its neck from both sides.

But Preta Path didn't flinch. He merely reached out to seize base-form Killer Bee's arm. The contact yanked his feet off the ground.

Next second, all the Tailed Beast shroud around Bee vanished, as if siphoned away into Preta Path.

Worse yet, Bee's chakra started draining from his body.

He grimaced, immediately re-invoking a partial Tailed Beast form so that an octopus tentacle seized Preta Path, then severed itself to break free. Meanwhile, a fresh giant tentacle snatched the airborne Fourth Raikage, pulling him back.

"Shinra Tensei…!"

An invisible wave of force slammed into Bee's severed tentacle and the Raikage, smashing them into the ground. When the dust cleared, the Raikage was unscathed, standing by Bee.

"Hey, numbskull bro, you see that?" Bee asked.

"Yeah…"

The Raikage glared at Tendo Pain, descending gently, and eyed the other battlefield. Akatsuki's Sasori, controlling an army of puppets, was only gaining slight advantage over the Kumo-nin. His face grew grim:

"So maybe that 'mysterious third party' is really out there, after all."

"Could it all just be an act? If not, do we keep fighting?" Bee pressed.

"Not sure. We'll keep trying!" the Raikage hissed. "We've already declared war, so there's no turning back. If he's not the killer, then we'll just seize his Sage Eyes for ourselves."

"Gotcha. We'll show him the real AB Combo!"

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 100 Chapters Ahead of Others!