But such speed should not belong to a mere genin.
He had planned to step in—but decided against it.
If Shiki Uzumaki could handle this opponent, he wouldn't interfere.
He needed to conserve his strength and chakra for whatever came next.
After all—
Following the White-Cloaked Anbu's gaze, Orochimaru had already summoned the First and Second Hokage using the Impure World Reincarnation technique.
"Since the fault lies with the Hyuga Clan, I can still offer you hope if you back down now. The affairs of the Hyuga Clan will ultimately be exposed."
Shiki Uzumaki appeared behind Hyuga Ao, his coat flaring with the chakra swirling around him.
"Absurd! Who are you? Just a lowly Konoha genin! How dare you oppose the mighty Hyuga Clan, one of Konoha's greatest powers?"
"That's right. I can't do it yet."
Shiki Uzumaki continued staring at the man before him, anger and pity intertwining within his heart. This was the man who ruined his plan—but
This fanatical, nearly deranged man,
Like a stray dog with no home.
For reasons he couldn't fully explain, Shiki felt compelled to give this man one last chance.
"But completing this is one of my responsibilities."
In such a moment, a twelve-year-old boy spoke those words.
Yet everyone present was captivated by the solemn atmosphere, finding nothing laughable about it.
Shiki Uzumaki clenched his fists tightly—this was the only chance he would give Hyuga Ao.
Those who commit wrongs must pay the price.
[End of Chapter]
Chapter 199: Sealing
Four translucent purple barriers surrounded the Pavilion roof, yet within raged the most elite battle imaginable.
The Anbu watched tensely. If even the slightest opportunity emerged—a crack in the Barrier they could exploit—they would seize it without hesitation.
As direct subordinates of the Hokage, protecting him was their utmost priority. Having failed to prevent the Barrier from being erected was already their gravest mistake.
"Damn it! They actually managed to set up the Barrier right under our eyes!"
Shiranui stared wide-eyed at the unfolding scene. As one of the Hokage's personal Anbu—the top-tier elite—he fully understood the severity of the current crisis.
The four Anbu stationed around the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier carefully observed the battle inside. Having already made their mistake, they were determined to make amends with everything they had left.
No one moved to help Shiki Uzumaki; the boy was clearly capable enough, if not more so, than that eerie Hyuga prodigy.
Being elite operatives, they naturally made the coldest, most rational judgment.
They needed to keep watching for any exploitable openings.
"Shiki Uzumaki, huh? I've heard of you. But I didn't expect you to surpass even Kakashi's praise. Since that's the case, then I'll leave that kid to you. Remember, once you're on opposing sides, never show mercy to your enemy."
The white-clad Anbu continued watching the grand battle unfold but shouted a parting word to Shiki Uzumaki.
Once that was said, the rest of the battle no longer mattered to him. What he needed to focus on was the clash between The Third and Orochimaru.
However, the battle unfolding before him caused even greater concern, despite the involvement of the Impure World Reincarnation's undead warriors.
The First Hokage's Wood Release still remained sharp, while the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju's Bringer-of-Darkness Technique pushed Lord Third further into a defensive struggle.
In the original manga, it was Hashirama Senju who used the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, but in the anime adaptation, it was Tobirama Senju.
"Lord Third has gotten old."
A White-cloaked Anbu couldn't help but murmur this sentiment. As one of Lord Third's direct Anbu agents, he naturally understood the current situation his leader faced.
Even now, Lord Third hadn't resorted to using Shadow Clone Jutsu yet. His chakra reserves had declined greatly compared to his younger days, so he could only fight in an extremely conservative manner.
After summoning Enma through the Summoning Jutsu, Enma transformed into the Ruyi Jingu Bang — the legendary staff that can change its size at will within Lord Third's hands.
Back in his prime, any enemy would likely have been terrified. However, after just a brief fight, Lord Third already seemed to be struggling to wield the heavy staff properly.
Even Enma himself voiced similar thoughts once again — the Sarutobi who once shocked the Ninja World had indeed aged.
"Damn it! If Lord Sarutobi still had enough chakra, he might have been able to use that move that surpasses the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier!"
The White Anbu slammed his fist heavily onto the yellow tiles beneath him.
The shards exploded outward, echoing his frustration. If only the Third could still use that technique...
[How could reincarnated spirits from the Impure World Reincarnation possibly threaten Lord Third?]
Whether it was the Five Release Great Combo Technique or the Triple Sealing Technique,
He once mastered techniques like these — how could someone with such power be facing this now?
But yes, Lord Third had aged. His chakra reserves were nowhere near what they once were. Even the five chakra natures he once commanded with ease were now becoming hard to use.
Shiki's red hair danced wildly under the influence of chakra as he listened to what the white-cloaked Anbu had told him.
He deeply understood that on the battlefield, one must never show pity towards any enemy.
Yet here he stood silently, waiting for the response from the person before him —
Hyuga Ao, whose face had already become hideous under the effects of the Cursed Seal.
"Hahahaha!"
Hyuga Ao suddenly burst into laughter, a faint shimmer of tears flashing across his eyes, only to vanish instantly, as if evaporated.
"Never did I imagine there would come a day when you'd feel sympathy for me. All along, I wanted nothing more than to defeat you, even going so far as to kill you. People like you should've died long ago! Why are you still alive? Why is there always so much support behind you? Why don't I, Hyuga Ao, possess such fortune?"
Each roar sounded more like an accusation, gradually causing Uzumaki Shiki to furrow his brows.
Both he and Hyuga Ao were in poor condition — one in Cursed Seal mode, the other having released the Gates.
The former's mind would slowly be corrupted while the latter's body would suffer increasing damage.
Even though both granted incredible power, neither state was meant for prolonged usage.
Uzumaki Shiki tightened his fists. He knew it was time to make his move.
Search for the official [BookHelper] website: www.kanshuzhushou.com - Millions of popular books available forever with zero ads and completely free!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>