Boom!
Just as Sanada Kazama thought he had cleanly dealt with the Root operative, something unexpected happened. The clone he had pierced through with his Water Release suddenly erupted into a surge of lightning.
The current raced along the stream of water, surging straight back toward him.
Kazama narrowed his eyes.
"Hmph! So it was a Lightning Style Shadow Clone… As expected of Root shinobi. If it were anyone else, that would have left them dead or half-crippled. But against me, Sanada Kazama? No ninjutsu can touch me—they only feed my power."
Ding! Successfully absorbed Lightning Style Shadow Clone. Congratulations, host, you have obtained Wood Style: Multiple Clone Technique!
Congratulations, host! You have unlocked the second Heavenly Flame—Beast Spirit Fire! From this moment forward, all your attacks will carry Beast Spirit Fire damage. You also gain the ability to reshape ninjutsu into beast forms.
Kazama froze for a second, stunned.
"Wood Style clones… That's the First Hokage Senju Hashirama's legendary secret technique! They say not even the Sharingan can distinguish them.
"And this Beast Spirit Fire—it doesn't just add devastating power to my attacks, it can reshape ninjutsu itself? Into what exactly?"
He quickly questioned the system.
Beast Spirit Fire can manifest any beast form your imagination creates. Unless dismissed by you, they will never dissipate.
Kazama's eyes widened, his lips curling into a grin.
"No way… that's insane."
Eager to test it, he merged the Beast Spirit Fire with his Water and Fire Releases. In an instant, torrents of elemental energy took shape: tigers with blazing fangs, lions wreathed in flame, leopards that leapt with crackling water-claws, packs of wolves howling as they charged.
Each creation possessed not only the destructive force of its elemental nature but also the raw ferocity of a living predator.
And, just as promised, they could not be destroyed. Slice a beast in two, and the halves would reform, snarling, whole again.
With his body's limitless chakra reserves, Kazama realized he could conjure thousands upon thousands of these fire-born monsters, unleashing an unending tide of destruction.
"This is more powerful than any ninjutsu I've ever heard of. Perfect… From now on, these will be my summons. With these Beast Spirit Flames at my command, even wiping out an entire nation would be child's play."
Excitement surged in his chest at having acquired such a terrifying trump card. But then, another thought struck him.
According to the timeline of the manga he knew, right about now Naruto should be in the forest, pummeling Mizuki with Shadow Clones.
"If I want to absorb Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra to strengthen myself, I should probably get on his good side first."
As if on cue, a shout echoed from the forest.
"Dare to harm Iruka-sensei?! I'll kill you!"
Kazama's expression hardened.
"Naruto—hold on. I'm coming."
He sprinted toward the voice.
By the time Kazama arrived, Naruto had already summoned a thousand clones, swarming Mizuki in a storm of fists and kicks. The traitor was beaten bloody, left collapsed on the ground.
But just as Naruto turned his back to check on Iruka, thinking the fight was over, Mizuki staggered upright for one last desperate strike.
At the final instant, Kazama appeared—his newly learned Wood Style clone intercepting Mizuki's blade.
"Naruto, Kazama—get out of the way!" Iruka cried in alarm from behind.
Naruto too shouted, "Kazama! Watch out!"
Mizuki sneered, mistaking the clone for Kazama's true body.
"Pathetic dead-last… you dare to block me? Then I'll kill you along with Naruto, and rid myself of you worthless fools once and for all!"
He roared, raising his kunai for the killing blow.