Chapter 108: How Did He Get Beaten Like a Dog? (2-in-1 Chapter)
Thwack, thwack, thwack~~
A volley of shuriken missed their mark. Beside a Root ninja who had just completed a hand seal, Kinoshita Genichi appeared in a flash, grabbing the back of his neck with one hand and slamming him down.
Boom!
The ground cracked open. The mask shattered. The man's face was smashed into the floor, and he was knocked out cold.
"He's here!" a Root ninja cried out, but before anyone could attack, Genichi's form vanished again.
"So fast!"
"Over here!"
Two figures crossed paths in mid-air. The sword-wielding Root ninja fell silently, crashing to the ground with a thud.
Genichi landed, then immediately executed a back kick, sending another Root ninja who was charging at him flying.
Wind Release: Wind Slash!
A sharp blade of wind swept forward, severing the left leg Genichi was using for support. But his body immediately dissolved into a pool of water.
"A water clone!"
"Where is he?"
"Watch out, above you!"
The Root ninja looked up to see Genichi hanging upside down from a crossbeam.
Poof! Poof! Poof!
Three clones appeared. The four Genichis all clasped their hands together in a seal.
Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!
Genjutsu: Silent World!
Genjutsu: Flawless Fallen Body Technique!
The Bringer-of-Darkness stole their sight, the Silent World stole their hearing, and the Flawless Fallen Body Technique stole their sense of touch, robbing their bodies of the ability to feel temperature, humidity, air currents, or even physical sensation.
And at the same time: Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!
In reality, the Binding God Technique was harder to break, but it required eye contact with the Sharingan, making it unsuitable for this many opponents. So, Genichi used Tree Binding Death, casting it on over a dozen Root ninja simultaneously.
The four genjutsu, cast indiscriminately over the area, instantly trapped the dozen or so Root ninja in multiple layers of illusion.
"It's the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!"
"Damn it, I can't hear anything!"
"What's happening? I can't feel a thing!"
…
The Root ninja descended into chaos. Some couldn't break free from any of the four illusions. Others managed to forcefully break one, only to remain trapped by the other three. Of the dozen-plus ninja, only two managed to escape within one or two seconds.
One of them had a swarm of insects fly out from his body. The other, a step behind, broke free and looked up at Genichi, his eyes full of shock from behind his mask. "He sealed sight, hearing, and touch all at once!"
The clones dispersed as the real Genichi dropped to the ground. "You're from the Yamanaka clan." As he spoke, he snapped the fingers of his right hand. The Root ninja still trapped in the genjutsu all collapsed, falling into a deep slumber.
Temple of Nirvana Technique!
The Aburame and Yamanaka clan members watched with extreme apprehension, not daring to make another move.
"The elite of Root… is this all you amount to?" Genichi glanced at the two remaining men before turning to face the dark entrance ahead. He called out, his voice booming, "Danzō, are you going to hide in your shell like a coward?"
The sound of footsteps echoed as Danzō slowly walked out from the depths of the base. He was followed by two people: Orochimaru and Aburame Ryūma. Both looked at Genichi with surprise, especially Orochimaru. He had experienced Genichi's genjutsu before, but at that time, he had only been playing around. The Sharingan's genjutsu was indeed impressive, but the scene before him had far exceeded his original estimations.
A genjutsu prodigy who surpasses the Uchiha clan! How interesting…
The smile in Orochimaru's eyes widened as he sized up Genichi, as if looking at a fascinating treasure.
Genichi's eyes narrowed slightly upon seeing Orochimaru. This was unexpected.
At that moment, Danzō spoke coolly. "You two, fall back."
"Yes, Lord Danzō!" The two Root ninja behind Genichi immediately vanished.
"Kinoshita Genichi, you are truly audacious!" Danzō's gaze swept over his fallen subordinates, his eyes dark and cold. "Daring to break into Root headquarters and injuring so many. Are you trying to betray Konoha?"
Genichi let out a soft laugh and shook his head. "Danzō, if I were you, I would attack and kill the person in front of me without hesitation, instead of spouting such useless crap."
Danzō's expression darkened. "You're right."
"Orochimaru, take him down. Dead or alive, it doesn't matter!"
Orochimaru removed his hood, shed his black robe, and stepped forward. "Genichi-kun, surrender peacefully. I can guarantee your safety."
Danzō frowned slightly at this but said nothing. Nominally, Orochimaru was his subordinate, but in reality, their relationship was more of a partnership.
Looking at Orochimaru, Genichi shook his head. "Orochimaru-senpai, please make your move. This is your duty. As for me…"
"I will follow my Will of Fire and my own ninja way! Danzō dared to threaten my family, so he must pay the price, even if he is the Hokage's aide and the leader of Root. Oh, my mistake, that old thing isn't the leader of Root anymore. Not that it matters."
Orochimaru was taken aback for a moment, then nodded seriously. "I understand. In that case, let's begin!"
Genichi flicked his wrist, sending a kunai flying toward Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's hands flew through seals. He didn't dodge. Instead, just as the kunai reached him, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle to avoid the blow.
However, Genichi suddenly vanished, reappearing right in front of Orochimaru. He caught the kunai and met Orochimaru's gaze, eye to eye.
So fast… The thought flashed through Orochimaru's mind, and his body almost instinctively tried to leap back. But then he realized he couldn't move.
Looking down, Orochimaru saw that he was bound tightly to a cross. "Genjutsu… Hmm? I can't seem to break free." His body trembled as he found himself unable to forcefully dispel the illusion.
"This isn't an ordinary paralysis jutsu…" A displeased look crossed Orochimaru's face, but it was quickly replaced by a smile as he gave up the struggle. "Genichi-kun, you really are full of surprises."
"Lord Danzō, watch out!" Aburame Ryūma sensed something was wrong and immediately flashed in front of Danzō, releasing a swarm of insects that swept toward Genichi.
Genichi simply grabbed Orochimaru and threw him.
Orochimaru's body tore through the insect swarm and smashed into Aburame Ryūma. Ryūma was shocked and quickly reached out to catch him, but the moment he did, his expression changed drastically, and both of them were sent flying.
Boom!
Ryūma crashed into a stone pillar while holding Orochimaru, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Such terrifying strength! Damn it, my bones are broken, I can't move…"
Orochimaru was equally helpless. "This guy… he's even mastered Tsunade's Monstrous Strength!"
By this time, Danzō had already retreated a fair distance. His hands flew through seals, and just as Ryūma and Orochimaru were sent flying, he opened his mouth and spat out a volley of high-speed air bullets at Genichi.
Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!
Whoosh!
A gale erupted around Genichi. The swarms of insects rushing in from the sides were unable to get near him, shredded by the sharp wind blades. At the same time, he threw the kunai in his left hand again, aiming for Danzō.
Danzō's wind jutsu was faster than the kunai. The air bullets whizzed past Genichi, and just as he was about to be hit, he vanished, reappearing a meter in front of Danzō and catching the kunai.
Their eyes met. Danzō, who was still forming seals, froze, his single eye wide with shock. "The Flying Thunder God Technique!"
Genichi stepped forward. "With this level of strength, you dare to threaten my family? You're looking for death—"
Before he could finish, Danzō suddenly broke free of the Binding God Technique. His left hand shot out, punching Genichi in the stomach. A second punch landed on his chin. Danzō then grabbed his neck while his right hand swiftly gouged out Genichi's right eye. "The Sharingan is completely wasted on you!"
But in the next instant, Danzō's expression changed dramatically. The eye in his hand and the Genichi he was holding both dissolved into a splash of water, a kunai clattering to the ground.
"A water clone!"
Danzō was alarmed and was about to retreat, but Genichi suddenly appeared right in front of him.
POW!
A fist connected with Danzō's face, his features distorting as saliva flew from his mouth.
POW!
Genichi drove another fist into Danzō's stomach, doubling him over like a shrimp.
"You dare threaten my family? Do you think I don't have the guts to kill you?" Genichi's voice was ice-cold as he brought a fist down on top of Danzō's head.
BOOM! Danzō's face hit the ground. The terrifying force made him spew blood from his nose and mouth. Stars burst in his vision, his head buzzed, and he was completely unable to fight back.
Genichi then grabbed Danzō by the hair and lifted him up. Danzō's face was already a deformed mess.
Genichi stared at him coldly and whispered, "Don't worry, I won't kill you. That would be letting you off too easy. I will make you lose what you hold most dear and let you die in despair!"
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The two Root ninja who had left earlier reappeared. "Kinoshita Genichi, put Lord Danzō down now! Do you really intend to betray Konoha?"
They hadn't actually gone far, just hidden nearby, waiting for an opportunity. They just never imagined the fight would be over so quickly, and in such a manner. The great Lord Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, was taken out in an instant. And Aburame Ryūma was also rendered powerless in a single move. And Lord Danzō…
The entire fight was over so fast they didn't even have time to provide backup before Danzō was brutally beaten. If I remember correctly, isn't this kid only ten years old? The two of them felt like they were dreaming.
Hearing their voices, Genichi slowly turned around, still holding Danzō. He then reached for the bandages on Danzō's head. "Let's see what technique you used to break my genjutsu just now."
"You bastard…" Danzō growled. He had never suffered such a humiliation. But the Izanagi had already been used. On top of that, his body had been imperceptibly bound by water, and he couldn't even mold his chakra. A sealing jutsu!
The bandages came off, revealing Danzō's eye, which had turned completely white.
Just then, more figures appeared, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice rang out. "Genichi, stop at once!"
Finally here. Genichi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Now the show can go on.
Thump!
Genichi threw Danzō. The old man tumbled a few times before sliding to a stop at Hiruzen's feet.
At that moment, all the Anbu were in shock, almost wanting to take off their masks and rub their eyes.
Is that Lord Danzō? The number two man in Konoha? How did he get beaten like a dog? Is this fake? It has to be a genjutsu, right?
Then, another person arrived, this one without a mask: Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Seeing the Root ninja lying all over the ground, he immediately sensed something was wrong and silently cursed himself for being a step too slow. Wait, is that… Orochimaru? No way. Genichi defeated Orochimaru too? Wait! Is that… no… don't tell me… the person at my father's feet, that can't be Danzō, can it?
Shinnosuke's eyes widened as he stared at the figure with the deformed face lying on the ground. He couldn't help but gulp. He knew Genichi was strong, certainly stronger than himself. But… this was just too ridiculous.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
More people arrived. It was Tsunade, Uzumaki Kushina, Uzumaki Ina, and Jiraiya.
It had dawned on Kushina that Genichi had been far too calm, so she had run to the hospital, only to find he hadn't gone to see Tsunade. Tsunade, who knew Genichi all too well, guessed that the kid had gone straight to Root headquarters. She rushed out, running into Jiraiya on the way and dragging him along. As for why Shinnosuke had arrived first, he had felt something was off halfway to the hospital and had turned and headed straight for the Root base.
"Lord Genichi, are you alright?" Ina cried out in her panic, reverting to her old way of addressing him. The four of them landed on either side of Genichi.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Genichi said with a gentle smile.
Tsunade huffed, ready to scold Genichi for not calling her, but Jiraiya spoke first. "Uh, who's… who's that guy?"
Tsunade turned and also saw the person lying at Hiruzen's feet.
"Dan… Danzō?" Tsunade wasn't quite sure.
Just then, Danzō's voice croaked out, "Hiruzen… kill… kill this traitor!"
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally snapped back to reality. The scene before him was just too shocking, completely different from what he had anticipated. It was one thing for the Root ninja to be lying all over the floor. But Danzō… Danzō was beaten to this state.
Even if most of Root's elites were out on missions, Danzō himself was extremely powerful, firmly in the second tier of strength in Konoha, right below him. But now…
He had rushed over, not just to stop Genichi from escalating things, but also out of fear that Danzō would hurt Genichi. He had never, ever expected to see this, to the point that his brain, the brain of the Hokage, had short-circuited for a moment.
"Is that really Danzō?" Jiraiya was startled. "Genichi, did you do this?"
Genichi nodded.
Jiraiya's gaze scanned the area, and he spotted a familiar figure in the distance, though he wasn't certain. "Is… is that Orochimaru over there too?"
Tsunade also turned to look, and her eyelids couldn't help but twitch.
Hiruzen also raised his eyes and saw his student, Orochimaru, lying in a strange position.
Orochimaru too… Hiruzen's mind reeled once more. Has Genichi already grown to this extent?
He felt a bit dazed. Such a monstrous talent, even more astonishing than Minato Namikaze before him.
Just then, Genichi spoke. "Lord Hokage, Danzō threatened my family. I came here to question him. Not only did he refuse to apologize or explain, but he also ordered his Root ninja to attack me. As far as I know, you, Lord Hokage, have already stripped him of his position as leader of Root. I have serious suspicions that Danzō is plotting to sow dissent and split Konoha."
"Furthermore, Danzō's right eye is a Sharingan from the Uchiha clan. He just used the Uchiha's unique genjutsu, Izanagi, which caused the eye to go blind. Was Danzō's eye also a 'gift' from the Uchiha? If not, then he murdered a village comrade and stole their eye."
Hiruzen looked down and saw Danzō's blind right eye, and his own eyelid twitched violently. He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and looked up. "I understand."
"Shinnosuke, take Danzō into Anbu custody."
Shinnosuke quickly nodded, and with a wave of his hand, he and three Anbu members took Danzō away.
"Genichi, release them from the genjutsu," Hiruzen said, looking at the unconscious Root ninja and Orochimaru.
"Yes, sir!" Genichi replied respectfully.
Snap!
With a snap of his fingers, the genjutsu on the Root ninja and Orochimaru was released.
Orochimaru stood up, twisted his neck, and then used a Shunshin to appear next to them.
Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh. "Orochimaru, you look pretty pathetic! Got careless, did you?"
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya. "Genichi-kun's strength," he said flatly, "has already surpassed my own."
Jiraiya's smile froze, and his expression turned to one of shock and doubt.
At that moment, Hiruzen spoke. "Orochimaru, from this moment on, you are the new leader of Root!"
This appointment stunned everyone except for Genichi.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered for a moment before he bowed his head slightly. "Yes, sir."
Hiruzen then looked at Genichi. "Genichi," he said gently, "let this matter end here. Danzō will be stripped of his position as Hokage's Aide and will serve his time on the border. If a similar situation ever occurs again, I will kill him myself."
Genichi went along with the flow. "Yes, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had been afraid that Genichi would ignore the bigger picture and insist on killing Danzō. It seemed he was very measured and aware after all.
Hiruzen then gave another order. "This matter from today is to be kept strictly confidential!"
The Anbu and Root ninja all acknowledged the command.
Hiruzen looked at Tsunade and the others, his head throbbing. "Let's go. Orochimaru, you stay behind."
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
The figures departed one by one.
Orochimaru watched them disappear, a flicker of uncertainty in his mind. "Genichi-kun, was everything today part of your plan? Are you clearing the obstacles for Tsunade to become the Fourth Hokage?"
From the moment Hiruzen had appointed him as the leader of Root, Orochimaru knew that he was now completely out of the running for Fourth Hokage. This was different from when Hiruzen had placed him in Root before. Being a Root member and being Root's leader carried completely different meanings.
Unless… one were to take power through other means.
"Genichi-kun, you are the most brilliant person I have ever met."
Orochimaru stuck out his tongue, his eyes filling with excitement and anticipation. "In that case, let me see just how far you can go."
(End of Chapter)
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Guys we cross the 400 power stone goal and as promise here the bonus chapter. Enjoy!!
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