The battle was soon over. Despite the sheer number of puppets, Kakashi and Obito's specialized training prepared them well. No matter how many enemies stood before them, they were more than capable of handling the challenge. And with the Chosen One—Uzumaki Naruto—joining them, victory was certain.
"I destroyed 39 puppets and used 13 stamina potions and 26 recovery potions," Obito declared confidently.
"I took down 43 puppets and used 17 stamina potions and 18 recovery potions," Kakashi said proudly. He had won this time, and he wasn't about to let that victory go unnoticed. Whether there was a reward from Reiki or not, Kakashi was determined to put in his all—losing to Obito was not an option. It wasn't about pride or tolerance; if he lost now, Obito would never let him forget it.
"I destroyed 47 puppets!" Naruto chimed in, looking expectantly at Reiki for praise.
Suddenly, in a flash, Namikaze Minato appeared in front of Naruto.
"Dad!" Naruto gasped, startled by his father's sudden arrival.
"What did you just call me? And are you a ninja from Konoha?" Minato's mind went blank at the sound of "Dad," momentarily disrupting his line of questioning.
"Well... I am a ninja from Konoha, but not exactly now," Naruto stammered, looking toward Reiki for help. How could he possibly explain this? Should he just tell the truth? But if he did, would it alter the course of history? And what if they started asking more questions about the future? The thought sent him spiraling into confusion.
"Brother Minato! I found the location of An Lushanzan!" Reiki called out from a distance.
Minato's eyes narrowed. "Good!" Although he still had many questions, the mission came first. If An Lushanzan was near the dragon vein, as Reiki's intelligence suggested, his control over such power could spell trouble for the entire ninja world.
A group of ninjas hurried toward Reiki's location.
"I'm going too—"
"What are you doing?" Sara pulled Naruto back just as he was about to rush off.
"I have to go. Take me with you!" she insisted.
Naruto hesitated, then nodded. "Let's go." He sent two shadow clones to escort Sara and quickly joined the others.
They soon arrived at a large square.
"Below!" Reiki shouted, drawing his giant sword and striking the ground, creating a square hole that revealed an underground passage.
"There's definitely energy from the puppets we encountered earlier down there," Aburame Shibi said calmly.
"Let's move!" Minato commanded, leaping into the opening. The others followed.
The underground space was astonishing. It was an expansive palace, complete with complex structures and unique tracks crisscrossing the floor.
"Boom!" Reiki swung his sword, but the tracks radiated a special energy that deflected his attack.
"You found me!" A middle-aged man in ornate clothing appeared, eyes glinting with madness. "But it's too late! I have harnessed the power of the dragon vein, and my ultimate weapon to conquer the ninja world is complete! You should feel honored—you're the first to witness this power."
"That's… those are the guards of the Loulan Kingdom!" Sara gasped. She recognized the faces among the puppets and felt her trust shatter. If not for Konoha's timely intervention…
"Forbidden Puppet Technique—Human Puppet!" Minato's expression darkened. The technique was powerful but outlawed in all villages. To think An Lushanzan had fused so many people into his puppets...
"Haha! Forbidden techniques? Rules are meant for the strong to control the weak. When I fully merge with this dragon vein, my words will become the new rules!" An Lushanzan's laugh echoed, tinged with madness.
Determined looks passed between the ninjas. Words were no longer necessary. An Lushanzan's obsession would only end in battle.
"Go!" Minato's voice was sharp as he hurled his special kunai and activated the Flying Thunder God technique, appearing behind An Lushanzan in an instant. With a swift slash, Minato cut him down, only to realize it was just a puppet.
Suddenly, a swarm of puppets surged forward like an insect den. The true An Lushanzan stood at the center of the dragon vein, a massive sphere of light radiating behind him.
"Reiki, stop him!" Sara shouted, panic in her voice. "If he gains full control, these puppets will become immortal."
Reiki remained calm. "Don't worry. Brother Minato and Naruto will take care of it." This was their fight; his role was to secure the dragon vein.
"ROOM!" Reiki lifted his hand, casting a massive spatial field that enveloped the area.
>>>>>
Complete Story available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
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