Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Bite to Kill
The sky gradually darkened.
As time passed, the battlefield at the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Frost expanded.
Both Konoha and Kumogakure had their formations disrupted and scattered across the battlefield. Apart from those engaged in one-on-one duels, the rest were fighting in small groups, gritting their teeth against the enemy.
Minato and the A and B duo from Kumogakure were no longer on this battlefield, fighting elsewhere. Only a few small skirmishes remained scattered across the vast border area.
The battle was nearing its end. The victors would solidify their position at the border between the two countries, securing the upper hand in this long war.
...
"Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!"
Shinosuke Hyuga shouted as he spun rapidly, creating an impenetrable shield of chakra that repelled two sword-wielding Kumo shinobi.
A flash of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes as he swiftly approached the airborne enemies, delivering a series of Gentle Fist strikes. The deadly chakra disrupted their internal organs and chakra pathways instantly.
At that moment, a hand suddenly tapped his shoulder.
"Young Master Shinosuke-sama," a deep voice spoke from behind him.
"Let's go; these two are as good as dead."
"Hmph..." Shinosuke didn't turn around, his voice cold.
"Takuya, you let these two slip by."
He addressed the fellow clan member directly by name, his tone distinctly hostile, a sign of strained relations.
"Apologies, Young Master Shinosuke-sama."
Takuya stepped back, revealing his charred right hand.
"This hand is useless now. The Kumo Jonin's Lightning Release was too strong."
Shinosuke grunted in dissatisfaction but reluctantly accepted the explanation.
Several figures emerged from the forest, all wounded and weary.
They formed a protective circle around Shinosuke, who, unlike them, was from the main branch of the Hyuga clan.
The Hyuga were a ninja clan where the main family wasn't sheltered from combat but had to be skilled in battle. Shinosuke, having received elite training from the clan elders, was a skilled fighter and undertook missions outside the village.
However, as a member of the main family, he was always guarded by branch family shinobi in battle. If danger arose, the branch family protectors would sacrifice themselves to ensure his safety.
The protectors typically included one jonin and several branch family Chunin, a formidable force with the Byakugan alerting them to threats, making it difficult for any enemy to threaten the main family members' lives.
After waiting a while, Shinosuke frowned.
"Where is Masato?"
"Young Master Shinosuke-sama, Masato might be in trouble. He injured his ankle while covering our retreat."
The ankle, often referred to as the "root of the ninja," is critical. An injury there severely hampers a ninja's mobility, more so than a hand injury.
"Oh." Shinosuke nodded indifferently.
"Let's move."
"Yes, Young Master Shinosuke."
"Takuya, when we return to the village, I'll request another Jonin guard."
"That is your right, Young Master Shinosuke."
"Ha... what about having Yuto guard me? Unfortunately, he's a student of one of the Sannin, so that might be difficult to arrange..."
No one suggested rescuing their comrade. For the branch family protectors, the safety of the main family member was paramount. Shinosuke's indifferent attitude went unchallenged.
The Hyuga clan was one where a minority of masters controlled a majority of subordinates.
Despite sharing the same kekkei genkai and bloodline, the main family never considered the branch family, marked by the Caged Bird Seal, as equals.
From the moment the Caged Bird Seal was created, everything was set in stone, even if the seal was originally intended for a good purpose.
In the war-torn forest, Shinosuke was swiftly advancing towards the rendezvous point with his protectors, a place fortified by defensive ninjutsu, ensuring safety.
Confident he wouldn't face military punishment for retreating early, Shinosuke knew six of his branch family protectors had already died, justifying his actions.
However, as Shinosuke pondered ways to have Yuto assigned as his protector, a beastly roar echoed from the dense forest.
Had they been Kumo shinobi, they might have understood the implications. But Shinosuke and his protectors merely hesitated, cautiously adopting defensive stances.
On the day Konoha and Kumogakure clashed, the long-awaited Lion's Fang struck its intended target without mercy.
A man in an oni mask charged from afar, moving with terrifying speed.
His angle of approach was peculiar, with his chin tucked to his chest, maintaining a perfect angle that the Byakugan's 360-degree vision couldn't cover. His speed was such that none of the Hyuga could see his face clearly.
"Lion's Fang..." a barely audible voice murmured. Almost simultaneously, the masked figure reached the Hyuga group.
Shinosuke still couldn't see his face, but his Byakugan detected the chakra flow within the enemy's body.
From the elbow... to the shoulder... through the joint points... rotating to the wrist... this! This is the Gentle Fist!
The young master's pupils shrank to pinpoints. Shocked and incredulous, he blurted out,
"You are..."
"Bite!"
The last two words were roared by Yuto Hyuga.
To maximize his speed, he reduced his raw power. At this moment, the "bite" didn't instantly tear the enemy apart.
But the exchange of speed for power was worth it. Just before the branch family protectors could unleash their Revolving Heaven, Yuto succeeded in reaching Shinosuke.
His chakra-encased right fist slammed into Shinosuke's abdomen.
Then, he extended his left hand, forcefully covering Shinosuke's mouth.
His fingers tore through Shinosuke's lips, prying into his mouth. Terrified, Shinosuke instinctively bit down on Yuto's fingers.
Blood spurted, exposing the bone in Yuto's fingers.
Yet, the branch family youth seemed immune to pain. With maximum force, he yanked Shinosuke's lower jaw, tongue included, from his mouth.
In the forest, Yuto, like a lion tearing its prey, was wild and ruthless.
(End of Chapter)
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