While accelerating forward, Hyuga Soushu also used his Byakugan to look in the direction pointed out by the clan ninja, thus spotting the battlefield they mentioned.
However, rather than calling it a battle, it was more like an absolute one-sided crushing by A alone.
In Hyuga Soushu's Byakugan vision, approximately seventy Konoha ninjas stood no chance against the blazingly fast and overwhelmingly powerful strikes from A. With just a single heavy punch, one Konoha ninja would fall lifelessly. In the few seconds that Soushu observed, seven Konoha ninjas had already collapsed.
That meant nearly one death per second.
As for Kumo's forces, whether due to divided units or A's overconfidence in his strength, only twelve Kumo ninjas had joined him in this reckless charge.
Even so, those Kumo ninjas didn't seem particularly useful. While they flanked both sides of the battlefield attempting to encircle, they simply watched gleefully at A's bloody massacre.
So, this was a complete slaughter!
Hyuga Soushu took a deep breath, steeling himself. Then he spent the remaining 1690 Coins in the Equipment Mall to purchase a [Chainmail Armor] worth 800 Coins, gaining a +40 defense boost. He then browsed the shop again and purchased another 800-Coin item—[Moonplate Armor with Wings], which granted him +150 health and +5 movement speed.
With these new armors boosting his defense and granting additional health and mobility, Soushu significantly increased his survivability in battle. Combined with the resurrection ability of the already-equipped [Guardian Angel], he wasn't overly concerned about his own safety—it was practically equivalent to [Izanagi], one of the Uchiha's most powerful Dojutsu abilities!
Furthermore, if he could just stall A's advance, his subordinates still possessed a certain local numerical advantage for now.
Therefore, theoretically speaking, there remained a chance to turn the tides of battle!
Of course, the prerequisite remained that Hyuga Soushu must successfully hold back—or even defeat—the unstoppable A!
"Heh!"
As his speed increased continuously, Soushu completely released his control over chakra presence.
The overwhelming surge of chakra immediately drew the attention of Kumo ninja located five kilometers away.
"A strong enemy is approaching!"
The encircling Kumo ninja shouted immediately.
"How many?"
A slowed down slightly from his killing spree.
During the short time between Soushu observing the battlefield and unleashing his full-speed charge, five more Konoha ninjas had already been killed on the spot. If not for the fact that the Konoha ninjas had dispersed their formation entirely to fight individually, they probably would have all been wiped out by A in one blow.
This was the result of an absolute gap in strength—even the power difference between two Jonin could surpass that between a Jonin and a Genin!
"At the moment, only one person—but we're uncertain whether other Konoha ninjas may exist further behind!"
A sensing ninja from Kumo responded immediately.
His sensing range was relatively limited. If it weren't for Hyūga Sōshu's chakra surge releasing such an obvious aura, he probably wouldn't have noticed anything within a five-kilometer radius.
"You guys keep him busy! I'll cut down these Konoha lambs first, then come help you!"
A took a quick breath but still couldn't bring himself to abandon the terrified Konoha ninjas in front of him.
"Understood!"
The twelve Kumo ninja, including the sensor ninja, shouted in unison. Then they broke off their formation and charged straight south toward Hyūga Sōshu!
"Scatter immediately! Escape in different directions!"
One Tokubetsu Jonin among the remaining Konoha ninja issued immediate orders. The other Konoha ninja, from various squads and already completely leaderless, instinctively obeyed his command, using Body Flicker techniques to escape in all directions.
"Don't think only your Konoha lambs can use the Multiple Clone Jutsu!"
The reason A dispatched those subordinates blocking the southern path to intercept the unknown enemy was precisely because he had his own confidence.
[Secret Jutsu: Multiple Lightning Clone Jutsu!]
Although somewhat rusty with this technique, A quickly created nine chakra clones surrounded by crackling lightning, which immediately spread out and pursued the escaping Konoha ninja!
"Damn it! Die!"
One Konoha Chunin tried to flee using Body Flicker, but when he turned back, he saw one of A's Lightning Clones flash into existence right in front of him, instantly killing another Konoha Genin.
His eyes immediately turned red—this dead Genin was under his command, a fresh recruit assigned to the frontline less than a year ago from the Konoha Ninja Academy. He had shown both talent and potential but hadn't accumulated enough merits for promotion due to the relative peace along the Northern Front.
And now—he had died so silently, right before this squad leader's very eyes!
[Fire Release: Dragon Fire Bullet!]
The fire dragon launched by the Konoha Chunin directly struck A's Lightning Clone.
Yet surprisingly, rather than dissipating after being hit, the Lightning Clone smashed through his Fire Release technique with a single punch. Enveloped in residual flames and crackling lightning, it appeared right in front of him.
[Konoha Style: Crescent Moon...]
Before the Konoha Chunin could fully execute his sword technique, the Lightning Clone's right hand had already pierced straight through his chest.
However, even as death approached, ignoring the paralyzing effect from the electricity, the dying Chunin tightly gripped the Lightning Clone's arm.
Then, thin wisps of smoke began rising from his body.
"It's an Explosive Tag!"
Even the previously emotionless Lightning Clone showed a flicker of shock across its face.
Then—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!!
After being hit directly at close range by hundreds of explosive tags, one of A's Lightning Clones finally vanished amidst the violent explosion!
But that was merely one out of nine.
If A were better at this technique, the chakra consumption required for those solidified clone techniques would've been almost negligible.
After all, the Raikage of Kumogakure were known to wrestle even against the Eight-Tails with nothing more than their mortal bodies!
Hyuga Soushu's marching speed brought him face-to-face with the Kumo ninja sent to intercept him in under thirty seconds. Even A, who was in the middle of creating Lightning Clones, had become clearly visible to the naked eye.
"It's Captain Soushu!"
At this moment, the Konoha ninja either fleeing or making desperate last stands finally noticed Hyuga Soushu's arrival.
"Captain Soushu has arrived! Hold your line! Keep your guard up!"
Someone immediately shouted among the Ninja Force.
Then he became the first to stick his head out and was blown away with a punch from A's original body. Although he desperately counterattacked, the kunai in his hand barely scratched the surface of A's skin. Even poisoned beforehand, it failed to cause any real damage.
"Truly terrifying defensive capabilities."
Hyuga Soushu's Byakugan witnessed this entire scene, prompting an involuntary exclamation of admiration.
A had long been accepted as the Raikage's successor, and now he'd proven it with unquestionable strength.
Moreover, A's combat style and personal characteristics were completely different from Sunagakure elder Chiyo, whom Hyuga Soushu had previously countered effectively.
However, although deep in thought, Hyuga Soushu didn't delay his actions for even a moment.
[Power Strike!]
[Jumping Slash!]
After effortlessly claiming the head of a Kumo squad leader, Hyuga Soushu executed a wide sweeping strike that forced back the nearby Kumo ninja. Then using his Shifting Body Technique, he swiftly closed in and eliminated a Kumo chunin!
The efficiency of his kills was just as rapid as A's rampant slaughter!
"This person is—"
A slowed his movements slightly while observing this scene, his focus clearly distracted.
The Konoha ninja, hope reignited, seized the moment. They threw their lives away to blow up A's Lightning Clone and broke through in all directions!
"Don't think you can run!"
Immediately afterward, A regained his senses. Using nothing more than a simple Body Flicker technique, he caught up to several Konoha ninja fleeing in the same direction, killing them all within three seconds!
However, such frequent and intense bursts of power were not without consequences. At the very least, A stopped to catch his breath for several moments.
In that brief window of time, Hyuga Soushu, relying on his incredible speed and ghostlike movement techniques, had already killed six Kumo ninja sent to intercept him!
"That damn bastard!"
A and Hyuga Soushu roared simultaneously.
Although standing on opposite sides, neither could bear witnessing their subordinates being mercilessly slaughtered!
"Fall back!"
"Retreat to the rear!"
Hyuga Soushu and A issued orders at the same time.
"Yes, sir!"
The ninja from both sides immediately seized this opportunity, quickly withdrawing from the battle. Remarkably, both sides seemed to reach an unspoken truce — they stopped chasing and locked eyes, glaring like predators ready to strike again.
"What an exceptional village!"
Although standing completely opposed, A still gave a compliment: "It seems your reputation is well-deserved. Despite his youth, Jonin Soushu's strength truly stands out!"
"Same to you."
Hyuga Soushu's 360-degree Byakugan detected the retreating Konoha ninjas successfully escaping from the battlefield. He relaxed slightly as well.
Although A merely stood with his hands casually at his sides, his presence exuded a towering, mountain-like aura. Through his Byakugan, all Soushu could see was thick, almost solidified chakra. There wasn't a single opening or weak point he could target.
"It looks like we'll have to go head-to-head."
Soushu felt a bit of a headache coming on.
To be honest, his combat abilities heavily relied on the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques, along with the skills granted by the Weapon Master system template. Naturally, it wasn't quite enough to handle a heavily defensive opponent like A.
After weighing his current equipment and its additional effects, Soushu gained some confidence—but it still wasn't sufficient.
Ordinary ninja weren't built to take more than a couple hard hits. But facing an unusual ninja like A, even the Torch Pole weapon's armor-piercing damage had noticeable shortcomings.
If he'd known this would happen, he should have prepared an item like [Black Cleaver].
But aside from Old Man Rui easily defeating Yata, when has life ever been that simple?
Slowly lifting his right hand, Soushu pointed the Torch Pole weapon directly at A's head.
"You actually have the courage to make the first move. That's truly admirable."
A kept mocking him, but his expression gradually turned serious.
Although Soushu's posture appeared full of openings, something about it didn't seem quite right—it almost felt like he was intentionally tempting him into attacking through one of those gaps!
That was highly unusual!
A immediately elevated his estimation of Soushu another notch.
However, what A didn't realize was that Soushu's strength had snowballed dramatically over just a few short months. He hadn't had much time to refine what appeared to be minor combat techniques, which was why his stance looked so flawed.
As for A's interpretation, it was simply a habit formed from being accustomed to balanced powerhouse opponents at a certain level.
The two remained locked in silent standoff for nearly five minutes. During this time, Soushu used his Byakugan to observe how the Jonin squad behind him had successfully linked up with the defeated Konoha ninja and begun stabilizing their formation, gradually expanding outward, rescuing more distant areas like a rolling snowball.
More accurately, thanks to the absolute advantage provided by the Byakugan ninja reconnaissance capabilities, they were locating Kumo pursuers hunting down the fleeing Konoha ninja and concentrating their forces to intercept them.
This was their only chance to turn the tide.
And A, who had been raised since childhood as the future Raikage, soon realized this as well.
Therefore, he took the initiative to break the stalemate and launched his attack!
"Boom!"
Like the thunderous explosion of a jutsu, A sprang forward like an arrow released from a bow, charging straight at Soushu, who stood holding the Torch Pole.
"Four-Finger Drill!"
Right after initiating the attack, A unleashed his powerful killing move!
[Watchtower Totem!]
[Jumping Slash!]
Soushu directly placed a Ward behind A and instantly switched positions with him using his Q ability!
"This..."
A was genuinely shocked!
From his experience, those who could evade the Four-Finger Drill at such speed were extremely rare, and without exception, all seasoned elders well-known in the Ninja World. However, he was very certain that the amount of chakra Hyuga Soushu had erupted earlier had been very minimal. Based on his experience then, this was most likely a specialized application technique related to Taijutsu!
"Konoha rat! You got the guts to fight me head-on?"
A wasn't interested in playing games. He decided to provoke Hyuga Soushu straight away: "If you're scared, now's still time to run!"
"Heh, truly ignorant yet fearless!"
Hyuga Soushu sneered coldly, then swung the torch pole and charged directly at A.
"Perfect timing!"
This time, A didn't use any fancy secret techniques. Instead, he met Sōshu's weapon attack head-on with a punch forged from countless battles!
[Power Strike!]
At the moment of impact, Hyuga Soushu activated a skill to enhance his strength!
"Crash!"
The violent impact echoed like thunderclap smashing stone!
Recoil sent Hyuga Soushu's hand numb right to the wrist, while the force of the torch pole also shook A's arm so violently that stars danced before his eyes!
After that brutal clash, Soushu may have been weaker, but his weapon helped even the power gap.
And A had been sure his next hit would destroy Hyuga Soushu's weapon entirely with the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. But now—again—he felt shocked. It was the first time since mastering this chakra mode that he hadn't dominated!
Except when facing his father—the Third Raikage—he'd never encountered such resistance before!
But this wasn't over yet!
A's ferocity had been completely ignited!
He shook off the numbness in his hand, snarled like a beast, and lunged at Hyuga Soushu like a charging rhino!
"Come on!"
Now fully committed without holding back, Sōshu swung the torch pole straight at A as the latter lunged forward intending close combat!
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