章 219: Chapter 218: The Mizukage Attacks!
At the southeastern corner of Konoha, beneath the execution platform, villagers gathered in large numbers.
The students from the ninja academy were concentrated on the right side. The younger students, being shorter, naturally stood at the front.
"Gaara," Naruto Uzumaki nudged the boy beside him.
"Shall we go get some ramen later?"
"No, I have to finish Iruka-sensei's assignment."
"I'll treat you!" Naruto shook his bulging frog wallet.
"…Still, I better not." The red-haired boy hesitated for a long time before reluctantly refusing his friend's invitation. "If I don't finish my homework on time, I won't be able to compete with Sasuke for the top spot."
"Hmph, that arrogant guy." Naruto glanced at the handsome boy not far away, then grinned mischievously. "Gaara, don't worry. Next time we have a ninjutsu spar, I'll help you teach him a lesson!"
"As if you could beat Sasuke…"
"Everyone, be quiet!" A clear voice echoed from the high platform of the execution grounds. Shisui Uchiha scanned the area, ensuring everyone's attention was focused on him before speaking to someone offstage in a deep tone. "Kakashi-senpai, you may begin."
The sound of chains dragging on the ground created an ear-piercing noise. Obito Uchiha was escorted by two ANBU members, with Kakashi walking ahead, holding a specially designed kunai that was twice the normal size. Though his face was mostly covered by his mask, Shisui could still sense the sorrow and frustration of his senior.
It's understandable; no one would find it easy to execute a friend who betrayed the village.
After reaching the designated spot, the two ANBU members released the adamantine chains binding Obito and stood at attention on either side of the platform.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru also stepped forward. Along with Shisui and Kakashi, they positioned themselves in four corners around Obito.
—Even at this point, Konoha maintained its caution.
The small square beneath the execution platform fell into a deathly silence. Everyone knew that the main event of this evening had arrived.
"Five years ago," Hiruzen began, his voice reaching everyone's ears, "during the Third Shinobi World War, Obito Uchiha faked his death at Kannabi Bridge. A year later, taking advantage of the weakening of the seal, he released the Nine-Tails, causing irreparable harm to the village and framing the Uchiha clan."
"His crimes are heinous and deserving of death."
"Konoha will not forgive anyone who betrays the village."
"I hereby declare that Obito Uchiha shall be sentenced to death and stripped of his 'War Hero' status."
"Kakashi Hatake, proceed."
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kakashi placed his hand on Obito's shoulder and raised the kunai.
The tip of the kunai pointed at Obito's face, and Kakashi's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the scar on Obito's right cheek, making it difficult for him to deliver the final blow.
"Kakashi." Obito, whose spine was broken and eyes gouged out, sneered.
"Still can't bring yourself to do it? Even a blind man like me can see your weakness."
"Obito…" Kakashi's fingers trembled. Though he was in immense pain, he understood that this was not the time for hesitation. Hardening his resolve, he prepared to slash Obito's throat with the kunai.
And then, chaos erupted.
A tsunami-like wave exploded at the gates of Konoha, instantly shattering the walls in that area. Even from a distance, the people at the execution grounds could feel the oncoming water vapor.
"It's finally here…" Orochimaru's eyes flashed with cold anger.
"Sensei, you stay here and watch over Obito. I'll handle this." Orochimaru then gathered a group of elite ANBU and charged towards Konoha's gates.
Hiruzen remained in place and summoned Enma, transforming him into the Adamantine Staff, which he held firmly in front of Obito.
Guarding against hidden enemies was an arduous task, but the master and disciple had long planned for this. If anyone dared to make a move at this moment, they were prepared to eliminate the threat on the spot.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru arrived at the gate.
The scene was a disaster. Water reached knee-height, and the ground was littered with the corpses of Konoha shinobi. In mere seconds, the defenses had been breached.
A young man stood on the floodwaters, calmly gazing into the depths of Konoha.
He had sharp teeth, a handsome face, and white hair that barely reached his ears. On his back, he carried a large sword wrapped in bandages.
"The Fifth Mizukage…Mangetsu Hozuki."
Orochimaru halted. Even with his usual calm demeanor, his mind was in turmoil.
'Was Kirigakure connected to Obito? Were they allies or…'
However, Mangetsu, who was deep in a genjutsu, gave Orochimaru no time to ponder.
The Fifth Mizukage's arm suddenly became immensely strong. As he used the [Water Release: Great Water Arm Technique], the sword Samehada was immediately gripped by his bulging, muscular hand.
Boom!
Samehada struck the spot where Orochimaru had just been standing, splitting the floodwaters and leaving a crater in the ground.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
A cold voice sounded behind Mangetsu. Dozens of serpents shot out from the sleeves of the Konoha ANBU Commander, wrapping around Mangetsu completely.
This powerful ninjutsu, capable of strangling an average Jonin to death, did nothing to hinder Mangetsu. He dissolved into water, slipping through the gaps between the snakes, and without sparing Orochimaru a glance, charged deeper into Konoha.
'Not saying a word, and his actions are strange… But with Samehada in hand, fighting an enemy like him without the intent to kill is impossible!' In a flash, countless thoughts raced through Orochimaru's mind.
His golden snake eyes filled with an uncontrollable killing intent.
—Invading Konoha, even if you're the Fifth Mizukage, you will die!
Without further hesitation, Orochimaru's neck extended suddenly, covering the distance of several hundred meters in an instant. At the same time, he opened his mouth wide, pushing forward his tongue, which revealed the sharp Kusanagi Sword.
Mangetsu turned, positioning Samehada across his chest, prepared to exchange a wound for speed and create distance again. But to his surprise, a hand suddenly emerged from Orochimaru's mouth, followed by a whole new body, wet and covered in mucus.
Orochimaru abandoned the sword, stepping down hard on Samehada, driving both the Fifth Mizukage and his weapon into the ground.
Mangetsu swallowed the metallic taste in his throat as his clan's unparalleled talent in Water Release became apparent. Without even forming a seal, he inflated his cheeks and spat out a torrent of water.
At the same time, the bandages around Samehada disintegrated, revealing the bizarre creature covered in spikes.
The flood slowed Orochimaru's pursuit, and taking advantage of the moment, Mangetsu merged with Samehada.
He grew webbed hands and gills, his hair vanished, his body enlarged, and his tailbone transformed into a powerful tail. He was now half-man, half-fish!
'The water is heavy… Is this the Water Prison Jutsu? But the range is too…'
Orochimaru noticed the Konoha shinobi trapped within the water several hundred meters away. Just as he was about to exert more force to confront Mangetsu, the Fifth Mizukage used his terrifying swimming speed to leave him behind, speeding toward the execution grounds!
(End of Chapter)
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