After deducing Ranmaru's identity, Shinji pieced together a rough picture of what Ranmaru had been through during this time.
"Transparent Release, Steel Release, Swift Release, Dark Release, and his innate Hogan… It seems he's also completed Hiruko's Bloodline Fusion Ritual…"
Shinji mused thoughtfully.
Based on his memories from his past life, while the conditions for Hiruko's Bloodline Fusion Ritual weren't excessively harsh, they weren't something just anyone could achieve.
Thus, although he had some interest in Hiruko's "Ghost Bud Technique," it had remained just that—interest—without him investing much effort into it.
Now, seeing another successful case right before him, and judging by Ranmaru's performance, which seemed no weaker than Hiruko's, Shinji was forced to reassess the potential of the "Ghost Bud Technique."
Sasuke spoke up, "This guy, like Hiruko, has fused multiple Bloodline Limits!"
Sakura nodded in agreement, adding, "His invisibility must be 'Transparent Release,' absorbing Haku's 'Ice Release' likely used 'Dark Release,' and his speed probably comes from 'Swift Release'!"
Ryuzetsu added, "He took my punch without much injury, so he probably has 'Steel Release' too."
Naruto said, "His eyes are all red. Could they be Sharingan?"
"Idiot, look closer!" Sasuke snapped, then explained, "Those in his eye sockets are likely the Hogan, a dojutsu Bloodline Limit from Hidden Mist Village!"
Seeing the group unravel his abilities in just a few words, Ranmaru felt a flicker of panic.
But recalling how he had infiltrated Hidden Leaf undetected, effortlessly bypassing even their renowned jonin, he steadied himself and said, "Hmph, your perception's not bad, but so what? You can't stop me!"
With that, he activated "Transparent Release" again, vanishing from sight.
Sasuke noted, "It's definitely 'Transparent Release'!"
Shinji remarked, "Not an ordinary 'Transparent Release.'"
"Transparent Release" was no stranger to Shinji. Besides Hayate Gekko, his ninja cat, Coalball, also wielded it.
However, Coalball's "Transparent Release" was subpar, only usable at night with shadows, ineffective during the day.
Ranmaru's "Transparent Release," however, was clearly enhanced by some force, evading even Shinji's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Chino spoke up, "He's not nearby anymore!"
The others turned to her, puzzled by how she could make such a judgment, but recalling how she had thwarted Ranmaru's ambush, they assumed she had some special ability.
Even without Chino's warning, Shinji's "killing intent perception" had weakened, confirming Ranmaru had indeed distanced himself.
After a moment's thought, Shinji said, "Ignore him. We keep breaking out!"
"Got it!"
The group nodded.
They realized they had no effective way to counter Ranmaru's "Transparent Release." Even Chino's "Ketsuryugan" and Karin's "Mind's Eye of the Kagura" could only sense him for defense, not pinpoint his location for an attack.
Sasuke, on Naruto's back, said grimly to Shinji, "Shinji, this isn't sustainable! He's definitely still lurking nearby, watching us!"
Shinji replied calmly, "I have a plan!"
…
In the distance, after observing the battle between Shinji's group and Ranmaru, Orochimaru's lips curled as he muttered, "Another Hiruko, huh…"
The glint in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Like Shinji, discovering that Hiruko's Bloodline Fusion Ritual was replicable had ignited his curiosity.
The Second Hokage asked, "How did he manage that?"
"Five Bloodline Limits at once—this is a first for me!" the First Hokage said, sensing briefly. "And his 'Transparent Release' is no small feat. Even I can only vaguely sense him!"
The Second sighed, "Truly, this isn't our era anymore!"
The First nodded lightly. "Indeed. It's a pity such a kid stands against the village. By the way, what's this Akatsuki they mentioned?"
Orochimaru interjected, "Let's pause the chit-chat for now!"
The Second, displeased, said, "Another attack?"
The First looked equally helpless.
Being controlled like this was far from pleasant. Fortunately, their current bodies limited their strength; otherwise, the destruction would be unimaginable.
Orochimaru shook his head. "No, we retreat for now!"
"Oh?"
The First and Second were surprised.
Orochimaru smirked. "You asked about Akatsuki, didn't you? I'm retreating because they're also targeting Hidden Leaf right now! Those guys… it's best not to provoke them for now."
The Second said, "An organization that even someone like you fears? Now I'm curious."
Orochimaru smiled.
…
Meanwhile, Shinji's group swiftly broke through and soon rendezvoused with Kakashi and the other jonin nearby.
Seeing Asuma and Hayate gravely injured on the ground, with Kakashi and the other jonin visibly tense, Shinji guessed they had also encountered Ranmaru.
Sure enough, upon seeing Shinji's group emerge, Kakashi's face lit up before he asked, "Did you run into that mysterious enemy?"
Naruto answered, "You mean that jerk Ranmaru? He kept trying to ambush us. He's probably still tailing us!"
"Ranmaru!?"
Kakashi was stunned.
Sasuke pointed at Asuma and Hayate on the ground. "Were they injured by Ranmaru?"
Kurenai countered, "None of you got hurt?"
Sakura shook her head. "Ranmaru tried ambushing us with his 'Transparent Release,' but Shinji, Karin, and the others repelled him. Now he only dares to follow from a distance."
"This!?"
The jonin exchanged glances.
This mysterious enemy named Ranmaru had, in their presence, successively injured Hayate, Asuma, and Shizune.
If he had kept attacking, they weren't sure they could've survived.
Yet, a group of ninja academy students not only broke out from the First Hokage's sea of trees but also repelled Ranmaru's ambush unscathed. How could they not be shocked?
Sasuke said, "He wants to avenge Kurosuki Raiga, so his target is Shinji. He's probably hiding nearby, watching us!"
Kakashi finally recalled who Ranmaru was. "So it's him!"
The jonin and Anbu grew tense again, but Shinji, the target, seemed entirely unconcerned.
…
At the same time, within the Hyuga clan grounds, Neji donned a mask and a hooded red-cloud cloak. With a leap, he left the compound and joined Kimimaro, similarly dressed in Akatsuki attire, waiting outside.
Kimimaro gazed toward the Death Forest. "The target's in the Death Forest. The Leader's orders are to capture alive!"
Neji activated his Byakugan. "Let's go!"