Jinchuriki were a rather detestable existence. Though they appeared human on the surface, due to flaws in their creation and maintenance by various hidden villages—including Konoha—their personalities and appearances often showed signs influenced by the tailed beasts sealed inside them, making them noticeably different from ordinary people.
Besides that, there was another common trait among jinchuriki: they were extremely hard to kill!
Before the Two-Tails Jinchuriki even partially transformed into a tailed beast form, Hyūga Sōshu had already used [Jumping Slash] twice straight at his face and head, yet it only caused him to bleed heavily from the head without achieving the instant fatal blow or serious damage normally expected against regular Jonin.
Furthermore, once he activated partial transformation, all those messy wounds on his head quickly healed under the catalyzing effect of Tailed Beast Chakra.
Even worse, the Fire Sealing Method performed collectively by Uchiha Jonin under Sōshu's command was completely shattered!
So what chance did they even have left to keep fighting?
If things dragged on like this, the Jonin unit led by Hyūga Sōshu would likely be surrounded by the continuous reinforcements rushing from Kumo. At that point, they really would find themselves left with nowhere to turn and no one to help.
Fortunately, perhaps driven by eagerness for victory, this unknown Two-Tails Jinchuriki had come alone. In addition, the positions of the Jonin group were relatively scattered, so while retreating step-by-step during battle, Hyūga Sōshu still managed to slow down the Jinchuriki using tactical distractions created by the other Jonin's Ninjutsu. Supported constantly by the observation from other Hyūga Jonin, they systematically withdrew into gaps along Kumo reinforcements' advancing route.
Meanwhile, after receiving the battlefield report sent by Yamanaka Toshimichi, Hatake Sakumo officially led his ninja force across the border into the Land of Rice Fields, heading northward into the Land of Lightning. He swiftly occupied a strategically advantageous terrain, setting up an ambush position while deploying sealing barriers, silently waiting for Hyūga Sōshu to draw the Kumo Jinchuriki into the trap.
After Konoha's disastrous defeat in the Land of Rain—which Konoha officially still described as a narrow victory—its strategic situation deteriorated rapidly.
First, Kirigakure began showing signs of unrest, apparently stirred up by the Mizukage from the Land of Water. Even the Kaguya Clan, which had secretly maintained relations with the Hyūga Clan, abruptly severed all ties. Mist Ninja also appeared near the former island territories of the Whirlpool Country.
Then, signs of Suna reconnaissance activities resurfaced along the previously quiet western front line, causing great concern among personnel responsible for defense there, including Shirakawa Namiko.
In short, after the defeat in the Land of Rain, Konoha suddenly found itself pulled in every direction by threats from all sides—even leading members of Konoha's F4 began questioning whether starting a war against Kumo had really been a good idea.
Under such circumstances, Hatake Sakumo urgently needed a decisive victory to intimidate external threats.
That was precisely why he broke the earlier mutual understanding with Hyūga Sōshu, intentionally sending out messages urging Sōshu to accelerate behind-enemy-lines attacks. His intention was to lure high-profile figures or certain units from Kumo into a trap where they could be ambushed and eliminated.
However, when it came to dealing with a massive creature like a tailed beast, even Hatake Sakumo lacked effective strategies or ideas. Therefore, all he could do in advance was set up the standard Chakra-Sealing Barrier to hide their presence. At the same time, he had gathered all skilled Sealing Technique users to activate the [Beast Binding Formation]. As for the actual battle process, they had no choice but to go down one single path.
"There's no need to report casualty numbers to me until this battle ends! Unless completely wiped out, none of the ninja forces involved are allowed to retreat from the battlefield without orders!"
As the terrifying aura unique to the tailed beast drew closer, Hatake Sakumo emphasized again coldly, "Anyone who disobeys will be executed."
"Understood!"
Although the Konoha Jonin assembly faced a chakra entity as horrifying as a tailed beast for the first time, they firmly accepted his merciless command.
This was especially true for those shinobi from the Hokage faction assigned to frontline combat.
Even though they held serious objections against Hyuga Soushu and Hatake Sakumo, when confronted with the greater good of the village and strict military orders, they dared not show the slightest negligence.
Moreover, besides the shinobi under the Hokage faction, veteran ninja led by Koryo Jonin also occupied the front positions within the ambush zone.
"Come what may, we fight until the bitter end!" Sarutobi Saemon clenched his teeth and said, "Also remember this: we're facing Kumo's Two-Tails — a living tailed beast, so don't you dare use Fire Release against it! If anyone dares such idiocy, I'll kill them with my own hands!"
"Got it!"
His subordinates in the Jonin ranks didn't sound any more cheerful. After all, they were about to face a jinchuriki widely labeled by all hidden villages as the ultimate weapon. Who knew how many would survive? Could anyone really guarantee their own survival in such a deadly situation?
"With such intense Chakra fluctuations, I'm afraid Kumo won't miss this," Koryo Jonin considered another possibility. "Even if our Chakra-Hiding Barrier works, Kumo can still pinpoint our current location based on where the Chakra ultimately disappears."
"So what?" Hatake Sakumo, however, remained unconcerned. "Besides, can we really avoid this battle altogether?"
The other Konoha Jonin behind him said nothing more.
Although Sakumo had ordered news of their defeat in the Land of Rain to be suppressed, this information couldn't possibly be hidden from high-ranking Jonin who served at the command level within the village. Everyone understood—regardless of their affiliations and positions—that this battle was no longer avoidable. Since Konoha desperately needed a decisive victory capable of intimidating other hidden villages following Rain Country's substantial defeat.
"We've already come this far; surely nobody's thinking of backing down now. Besides, Soushu himself took great risks by going deep into enemy territory just to lure out a jinchuriki." Whether he meant to comfort himself or warn the others remained unclear.
Hearing this, the other Konoha Jonin felt slightly more relaxed.
After all, fighting just one jinchuriki was still much better than engaging both Kumo's army and their jinchuriki head-on!
"Katon: Gōka Messhitsu!"
The enraged Two-Tails Jinchuriki, relentlessly pursuing his prey, had clearly entered a state of complete frenzy under the influence of Tailed Beast Chakra.
Thanks to the seemingly endless chakra reserves provided by the beast, he could recklessly unleash powerful ninjutsu techniques, chasing the Konoha ninja as though they were annoying mosquitoes, creating chaos wherever he went.
Although among those Leaf ninja fleeing in panic there were Uchiha clan members—the ones the beast most feared—and although their genjutsu indeed had some effect on the Jinchuriki, the blue flames covering his partially transformed tailed beast form functioned much like [Four-Corner Sealing Barrier]. Ordinary C-rank Water Release techniques couldn't hope to achieve elemental advantage effects, let alone extinguish the protective flame layer!
In such circumstances, how could the enraged Two-Tails Jinchuriki not become completely absorbed in battle? He might still retain fragments of reason, and his combat instincts might remain sharp. But under the influence of Tailed Beast Chakra, he was becoming something else entirely—a monstrous beast fueled solely by bloodlust and destruction!
At least he wouldn't stop until he had thoroughly annihilated Honorable Soushu's group!
"Honorable Soushu, Squad Commander Sakumo is ready to go!"
Amidst the chaos, Yamanaka Toshimichi still risked being hit by the beast's flames to approach Hyuga Soushu and report: "We just need——"
"How far now?"
Hyuga Soushu wasn't interested in hearing unnecessary details.
"About thirty-two kilometers!"
Yamanaka Toshimichi replied immediately.
"Thirty-two kilometers..."
Hyuga Soushu glanced backward, then activated [Body Flicker] and rushed at the pursuing Two-Tails Jinchuriki. Under the protection of [Counter Storm], he landed a heavy blow on the beastman who was about to attack a slightly slower Hyuga ninja, then executed a swift aerial slash before vanishing back behind Yamanaka Toshimichi.
"About five minutes more."
Hyuga Soushu made this assessment based on their current desperate situation.
Then Uchiha Mahiru commanded several Uchiha Jonin to simultaneously activate genjutsu, delaying the Two-Tails Jinchuriki who had been drawn toward Soushu by his killing intent.
But that was about all they could accomplish.
Though the Uchiha clan's genjutsu was strong, ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan techniques had limited effect against beings like Jinchuriki that contained dual consciousnesses. Therefore, after failing to suppress the Jinchuriki with Fire Sealing Method the first time, the Uchiha Jonin stopped using their genjutsu for defeating enemies and merely used it to slow down the Jinchuriki's movements.
Taking advantage of the moment when the Two-Tails Jinchuriki was once again delayed by genjutsu, the Konoha Jonin launched another wave of jutsu attacks, then accelerated once more under guidance from the Hyuga ninja.
This time's hard control through genjutsu acted like the final straw that broke the camel's back. As soon as the creature broke free from the illusion technique, the Jinchuriki suddenly stopped in his tracks. His face, covered with blue markings, let out a guttural howl toward the sky while the blue-colored chakra flames surrounding his body began erupting violently.
"[Full Tailed Beast Transformation!]"
Hyuga Soushu's expression changed drastically!
If even Partially Transforming into a Tailed Beast was this hard to handle, what would happen if he completed the transformation!
So, he immediately made a hand signal to indicate his Jonin subordinates to disperse right away. At the same time, he accelerated once more!
"ROOOOAAARRR!"
With a deafening roar that reached the clouds, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki—who had previously maintained a humanoid form with beast-like tails—began growing larger and larger until transforming into a gigantic blue monster!
"Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Except for Hyuga Soushu and the other Hyuga Jonin, every Jonin unleashed their Water Release techniques at the enormous tailed beast as it stretched.
Yet this coordinated jutsu assault didn't even cause a chakra explosion on the beast's body. Not even a wisp of steam rose. It was as if these techniques were nothing more than mere tickles!
Once fully transformed into the tailed beast, even those jutsus that previously slowed it down even slightly were now completely ineffective.
"Wo meowww!"
The ineffective jutsu attacks enraged the Two-Tails!
Following a sharp catlike screech, the enormous Two-Tails suddenly vanished from its spot and reappeared in front of a Uchiha Jonin who had just finished using a technique. Swinging its paw, it swiped at him!
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!"
This simple swipe unleashed an impact nearly equivalent to a B-rank Ninjutsu bombardment!
Although the targeted Uchiha Jonin narrowly dodged at the last moment by Body Flickering away, the beast's flames still scorched his chest. His body burned so severely that red flesh was exposed.
"Don't waste time! Move out quickly!"
Using [Jumping Slash] again, Hyuga Soushu jumped over to the injured Uchiha Jonin's side, hoisted him onto his shoulder, then fled rapidly by Body Flicker.
Fighting head-on against a fully transformed tailed beast here was useless!
Even though the Two-Tails' Jinchuriki lost most of its rationality after transformation, the murderous intent and hatred provoked during the chase intensified further rather than lessened. Naturally, it continued pursuing relentlessly.
Moreover, with enhanced speed and strength after transformation, the beast now moved beyond human capability. Leaf ninja who were originally difficult to catch—like nimble insects darting about—were now easily snatched up one after another like autumn leaves swept by the wind!
After six Jonins were killed consecutively, Hyuga Soushu led his unit directly into the encirclement trap!
"Fire Release: Hell-Flame User Purging Creation!"
Sensing something unusual about the valley where the Leaf "fleas" had run into, the Two-Tails instinctively unleashed a volley of fireballs through its Fire Release technique.
Then, driven by primal instinct, it charged straight into the valley without hesitation!
"It's finally here!"
Finally, Sakumo Hatake could relax for a moment!
Immediately afterward, he waved his arm decisively and officially ordered the ninja force under his command to launch an attack!
[Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld]
[Earth Release: Clay Dragon Descent]
The hidden Konoha ninjas simultaneously activated their techniques. First, they turned the ground beneath the beast's feet into a massive swampy area. Then, they summoned a rain of sticky clay falling from the sky onto the tailed beast, hindering its mobility and weakening its physical strength!
"Now!"
Sakumo Hatake raised his sword and sliced forward, then was the first to Body Flicker into battle!
Even though his sword techniques had little effect against the tailed beast's transformed form, he still led the charge as usual.
Koryo Jonin took command accordingly, and Konoha ninjas from the Hokage faction charged forward with gritted teeth under Saemon Sarutobi's leadership!
Just as the tailed beast prepared to burn away the clay covering its body using concentrated chakra flames, countless cursed seal scrolls suddenly flew from all directions, attaching themselves onto its blue-flaming body!
"Fire Sealing Method!"
With this shout, dozens of Konoha shinobi triggered their sealing methods simultaneously, extinguishing the Two-Tails' blue flames.
Before the beast could break free from the fire suppression technique, two more sealing methods were immediately applied.
"Four Symbols Seal!"
"Five Elements Seal!"
Bright lights flashed as the two sealing techniques took effect, making the Two-Tails appear even weaker.
But this still didn't mean the tailed beast was subdued. It was now time for Konoha's melee ninja forces, led by Sakumo Hatake, to play their role!
Though the beast's body, claws, and surrounding chakra flames could wreak havoc on flesh-and-blood shinobi, nothing would stop Konoha's fighters from pressing the attack!
[Water Release: Waterfall Technique!]
[Water Release: Water Dragon's Crushing Bite!]
[Water Release...]
First came countless Water Release jutsu crashing down, causing the towering tailed beast to stagger and become disoriented — something the Two-Tails Jinchuriki hadn't experienced during its earlier fight with Hyuga Soushu's squad!
"Did we fall into a trap?"
This thought flickered through what little remained of the Two-Tails' consciousness.
But instantly, with a single sweep of its paw, it sent four or five Konoha shinobi flying like insects — apparently, aside from their greatly increased numbers, these pests weren't that formidable!
Therefore, with its rationality nearly erased by tailed beast chakra, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki began killing with full intent.
Konoha ninjas kept launching increasingly dense waves of jutsu and ninja tools. More and more Konoha shinobi arrived trying to prevent its escape from the sealed area, making the Two-Tails Jinchuriki feel its body becoming heavier and heavier!
Of course, it would be bizarre if it weren't feeling increasingly weakened!
Earth Release Clay Falls from the Sky had already piled into a small mountain on the Two-Tails Jinchuriki's back, and combined with the intensifying effects of the Fire Sealing Method and other sealing techniques, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki started feeling overwhelmed!
By this point, over a hundred Konoha ninjas had already perished at its hands, with countless more injured or exhausted beyond strength from chakra depletion. However, following Sakumo Hatake's strict order to fight to the death, no one bothered keeping track of these trivial battlefield numbers!
"Not good!"
As the leaking tailed beast chakra suffered another weakening, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki's previously suppressed rationality regained control momentarily.
If things continued like this, death was inevitable!
Precisely because of this, it needed to fight even harder!
"Roar!"
Letting out another furious roar, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki completely removed the suppression seals it had placed on itself to restrain the tailed beast power!
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