Bab 116: Chp-116: The Return of the Magnetic Sniper
While the battle raged on the battlefield, no one noticed what was happening a few kilometres away.
At the same time, underground in the grasslands, a special squad was stealthily tunnelling through the earth. This was the Iwagakure Explosive Squad, a highly specialized and elite team.
The Iwagakure Explosive Squad consisted of only 20 members but was considered an ace unit of the village. Each member mastered the secret art of infusing chakra into clay to create devastating explosions, wielding power far beyond that of ordinary jōnin. They were assigned the most dangerous and critical missions, constantly walking the line between life and death.
Over time, they had earned the nickname "Suicide Squad" due to the perilous nature of their missions.
"Move faster! Old Purple and his team are engaging the Konoha forces on the front lines. The Konoha camp will be poorly defended now. If we act quickly, we can strike before they realize what's happening!" commanded a ninja with an explosive hairstyle, clad in the squad's uniform.
This was Shu, the Iwagakure Explosion Release bloodline user and leader of the Explosive Squad.
"Understood!"
The other members of the Explosive Squad responded eagerly, filled with excitement at the prospect of attacking the Konoha camp. The thought of obliterating the Konoha camp in an explosion-filled inferno thrilled them. Their previous battle had been a devastating loss, with even the mighty Han gravely injured and not yet recovered.
Now, with the Explosive Squad in action, it was the perfect opportunity to turn the tide and save Iwagakure from defeat. Success would add a significant achievement to their already impressive records.
"Good! Keep up the energy!"
Shu praised his eager squad members, knowing that high morale would increase their chances of success, especially in their line of dangerous work.
However, thoughts of Deidara, a young genius of explosions and the grandson and disciple of Ōnoki, crossed Shu's mind. Despite his youth, Deidara had shown extraordinary talent in Explosion Release techniques, learning all of the village's clay crafting methods and even beginning to develop new explosive techniques. With his talent, Deidara could lead the Explosive Squad to greater heights if he matured.
Unfortunately, Deidara was a troublesome child. He constantly babbled about "art" and threw clay bombs into the village, watching the villagers panic and run. He called it "art."
"What kind of art is that?" Shu thought. "Blowing up our own village instead of the enemy?"
If it weren't for Ōnoki's indulgence, Shu would have disciplined the brat himself. As a fellow explosion enthusiast, Shu couldn't agree with Deidara's destructive views.
Shu sighed again, wondering what trouble the boy might cause with most of the village's shinobi away at war. He had heard rumours that Deidara was working on a new prank involving clay bombs in the toilets.
The Explosive Squad continued their underground journey, gradually approaching the Konoha camp. Sensing the sparse patrols above ground, Shu felt relieved.
"Just as Ōnoki predicted, with more Iwagakure forces attacking, the Konoha camp is poorly defended, and they won't detect us."
Carefully avoiding scouts and detection barriers, Shu led the squad beneath the Konoha camp. To maximize their impact, they planned to infiltrate and plant explosive clay throughout the camp, ensuring a swift and devastating blow.
After calculating their position, Shu and the squad emerged from the ground, eyes gleaming at the sight of Konoha tents and supplies.
"We've infiltrated successfully!"
Shu grinned.
"Before those Konoha ninjas discover us, prepare for action."
"Yes!"
The squad members shared his excitement.
Meanwhile, a few kilometres away, having just defeated Old Purple, Hyūga Satoru's face hardened. His gaze turned towards the distant Konoha camp.
"So this was your plan all along? No wonder you tried so hard to keep me occupied."
Through his Byakugan, he saw unfamiliar figures stealthily moving in the camp, preparing something.
Even from this distance, Satoru couldn't discern their exact actions but saw they were setting something up.
Taking a deep breath, Satoru understood Iwagakure's plan. It was no wonder they launched an attack so soon after the last battle; it was all premeditated.
Konoha had fewer ninjas, and to counter Iwagakure's onslaught, they had to deploy nearly all their forces, leaving the camp vulnerable. Those left behind were no match for an elite Iwagakure team.
But Iwagakure likely didn't anticipate Satoru's Byakugan range extending to a terrifying 7 kilometres, a capability even most Hyūga clan members didn't possess.
Those Iwagakure ninjas had barely appeared when Satoru spotted them.
"If that's the case…"
Satoru flew higher, steadying in mid-air. He conjured a sniper rifle from his silver fluid chakra, gripping it firmly.
The distance to the Konoha camp was over five kilometres. While a bow might lack the necessary acceleration, his electromagnetic sniper rifle was perfect for the task.
Aiming at the Konoha camp, the barrel emitted a faint blue glow.
Minato, observing from the ground, noticed this and murmured in awe, "Could it be… Satoru, is that distance not your limit?"
Satoru squinted his right eye.
Calculating wind direction…
Calculating gravitational acceleration…
Byakugan target correction…
Target acquired!
Fire!
A blue flash burst from the silver barrel, crossing kilometres in seconds.
In the Konoha camp, a ninja planting clay bombs suddenly had his head explode, brain matter splattering his comrades.
"Who is it?!"
Shu spun around, eyes widening in shock.
But from kilometres away, Satoru pulled the trigger again.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone