Chapter 71: Sharing a Tailed Beast Ball

"They actually ended up in Kiri at a time like this?"

Standing outside the gates of Kiri, Orochimaru paused, debating whether or not to step inside.

After careful consideration, he let out a soft chuckle and turned away.

It wasn't worth risking himself for a child whose potential remained uncertain.

Inside the village, Black Zetsu finally broke the silence. "Kisame's been waiting outside for a while now. Obito, we should head out soon."

Aside from carrying out his extermination policy, Obito's greatest gain in Kiri was Kisame Hoshigaki, a loyal subordinate.

Kiri's bizarre rule sometimes required killing comrades who couldn't escape, to prevent information leaks. This left Kisame confused—he could no longer find meaning or purpose in life. When Obito revealed his Moon's Eye Plan, Kisame immediately accepted it and pledged his loyalty.

Sometimes, human connections in this world are surprisingly simple and pure—you meet someone, and without hesitation, you accept them wholeheartedly.

Obito shot a cold glance at Zetsu. "Zetsu, you've been rather keen on ruining my mood recently."

Zetsu remained silent.

Meanwhile, the battlefield situation had slightly shifted.

Sensing that all civilians had already been evacuated, Terumi Mei and the others relaxed slightly.

"Everyone, use the same ninjutsu," Terumi Mei ordered. "Water Release: Water Encampment Wall!"

"Water Release: Water Encampment Wall!"

Dozens of Mist ninja simultaneously unleashed their Water Release techniques.

Having trained in the same village and under the same system, most ninja knew nearly identical techniques.

Since they all used the same jutsu, there was hardly any conflict between them.

Quickly, with precise control by the Mist ninja...

The rising water walls merged together, forming four massive, thick barriers surrounding Three-Tails from all directions, closing in with the intent to trap it at the center.

At that moment, these mist ninja—who usually distrusted one another and feared betrayal—seemed to move in unison, even just a little.

[Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique.]

Terumi Mei parted her red lips slightly, exhaling scalding white vapor.

This mist could gradually evaporate objects or melt them—it was her kekkei genkai technique. She could freely adjust its acidity.

Continuous hissing sounds echoed...

[Three-Tails seemed restricted in movement, as if scorched, continuously shifting directions.]

Obito watched this scene indifferently. He glanced toward where Hiroki stood.

Suddenly, he turned to Zetsu and asked, "How did that kid manage to escape capture in the village? Couldn't you even sense him?"

"That weakling isn't even worth my attention," Black Zetsu replied.

"Hmph. With such low ability, he somehow survived," Obito mused, letting out a sudden cold laugh.

In an instant, the smile beneath his mask vanished completely, his voice turning icy cold. "Zetsu... are you perhaps getting too attached to that Hyuga?"

"Huh?" Zetsu gave a quiet, amused chuckle.

"Once we complete this final mission, it's time we leave," said Obito calmly.

"It's time to kill that Hyuga. I despise lucky people."

Using the last bit of his visual power still connected to Three-Tails, he issued one final command before activating Kamui.

Black Zetsu narrowed his eyes.

The Three-Tails, which had been spinning around as if scalded by boiling water, suddenly became even more enraged.

It opened its mouth, and a high-density black energy sphere began to form inside, growing larger and larger.

"Boom—"

The Tailed Beast Ball pierced through the Mist Ninja's combined Water Wall barrier without losing momentum. It surged forward, blasting out of the village and reducing every ninja in its path to ash.

Terumi Mei and others tensed once again.

Right before their eyes, after breaking through the protective barrier, the Three-Tails Isobu suddenly crawled forward on all fours. Each step left massive footprints behind.

Suddenly, it locked onto a target and started charging another Tailed Beast Ball in that direction.

Witnessing this, Black Zetsu inwardly cursed: "Damn you, Obito! You won't live long enough to see Madara Uchiha revived—I swear!"

What is that?

So terrifying... I'm going to die.

In an instant, an enormous black energy sphere filled with terrifying power appeared right before Kimimaro's eyes. His previously calm expression suddenly turned panicked; fear surged within him.

He had never feared death before, yet facing destruction on this scale from the Tailed Beast Ball, he couldn't help but feel the instinctive urge to survive.

What should I do?

His eyes nervously looked toward Shinyu standing beside him.

"I don't get it… Do I have some kind of taunt ability?" The thought briefly flashed through his mind.

Time seemed to stretch—was it slowing down or racing ahead? He couldn't tell. But Shinyu could clearly see the Tailed Beast Ball drawing closer, though his body moved like it was stuck in molasses.

He could clearly see the expressions of strangers around him—

Pity. Horror.

And then came Kaguya's slightly cold voice:

"Why aren't you dodging? Did you really think throwing your life away would make me submit?"

"You take one step out of line, and then another—you think just because I spoil you once, you can keep pushing." This was something she absolutely refused to allow.

"Do you really believe you're irreplaceable? Without you, there's still Yugao Uzuki, Tsunade, Hinata Hyuga—those women will do better than you."

Shinyu's mind raced with thoughts.

I didn't! I wasn't trying not to dodge, I just couldn't move away...

There's no way my speed can beat the Tailed Beast Ball—it's already too late...

The only thing I can manage now is to push Kimimaro out of the way...

I...

"...How could this be? I didn't mean to..."

Kaguya's tone suddenly became frantic. Her words blurred together as his consciousness plunged into endless darkness.

"Let's go, Zetsu," Obito said calmly.

With a stiff face, Black Zetsu followed and departed.

Standing there, Terumi Mei could only watch helplessly as Shinyu was struck directly by the Tailed Beast Ball.

She wanted to help—but there was nothing she could do.

Too late. Not fast enough. And she had no idea how to stop the Tailed Beast Ball anyway.

Sighing quietly, she shifted her gaze back toward the Three-Tails.

"Are all members of the Sealing Team here?" Ao asked beside her.

Suddenly sensing something, Terumi Mei glanced back at where Shinyu had stood, shock evident in her eyes.

"Just now, everyone hit by that Tailed Beast Ball was reduced to ash—why is his body still intact...?"

<><><><><><><><>

Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!

~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!

<><><><><><><><>

~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!

~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!

patreon.com/Tansnovel

<><><><><><><><>