In myth and legend, Tamayorihime is a deity presiding over rituals.
Its ocular technique, however, possesses a peculiar effect—it replaces people's clothing!
Of course, even no clothing is considered clothing, for nature itself provides the most primal attire for all living beings!
Ajun covered her right eye with her hand, a kaleidoscope of colors swirling in her pupil. She cackled, "Kekeke... under the power of this eye, no one shall remain properly dressed!"
In an instant, the fully armed ROOT members, equipped with gas masks and protective gear, found all their clothing gone—seized by Ajun!
Anything non-living in contact with the skin was deemed clothing, including any items concealed within. Even ninja tools were not spared under this rule!
Afei chuckled, "Yarune~ [Not bad at all]."
Ajun murmured, "What a pity. This is just the beginning. If only the wardrobe of Tamayorihime had more materials, I could have played with even more possibilities."
Hinata's face flushed bright red. She had initially intended to intervene but now couldn't even open her eyes.
Clothing represents dignity. In battle, if one is stripped bare, even someone like Uchiha Madara wouldn't be able to dance with grace!
Thus, the collapse of the ROOT members' composure was inevitable.
"What... what kind of jutsu is this???"
"How are we supposed to fight like this?!"
"Stop panicking! ROOT shinobi fear not even death; why should we be fazed by such trivialities?!"
"But, Captain, you're trembling..."
The leader of this operation, a ROOT ninja codenamed Otohime, coldly retorted, "Of course I'm trembling! Unlike you hairy-legged men, I'm a woman! How am I supposed to face anyone in ROOT after this?!"
"Captain..."
"Enough! Those crouching over there, stand up immediately!"
This was a hastily assembled team, so many members didn't even know each other's names.
One male ROOT ninja was crouching on the ground, refusing to move.
"No! I'd rather die than stand up like this!"
Otohime snapped, "Before this mission, we all had poison capsules implanted in our teeth. If captured or defeated, we're to bite down and end it immediately. If you lack the courage for that, then stand up!"
The man gritted his teeth and reluctantly stood.
The group was stunned—he was a rare hermaphrodite, possessing both sets of equipment!
"I was abandoned by my parents and ostracized by everyone, which is why I joined ROOT. I can never stand in the light..."
Otohime muttered, "Indeed, this world is full of things that cannot bear the light."
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The eerie sound of wind release gathered into a blade in her hand.
The ROOT members were shocked. "That's... Lord Danzo's technique!"
Otohime declared, "We'll likely die here, so I'll tell you. My real name is Shimura Homura!"
"Shimura...? Could it be..."
"Yes," she confirmed, "Shimura Danzo is my father!"
With that, Shimura Homura charged forward!
The ROOT members, as if injected with adrenaline, roared, "We dedicate our heads and knees to Lord Danzo and Lady Homura!!!"
They surged forward like a tidal wave.
But Shimura Homura subtly slowed her pace, retreating to the rear with a sly smirk. "Good. Go forth and sacrifice yourselves to pave the way for me."
Afei remarked, "Looks like your jutsu had the opposite effect~."
Ajun chuckled, "Kekeke, it makes no difference~."
Afei nodded, "True enough."
As the ROOT ninjas charged, they formed hand seals, unleashing a torrent of combined ninjutsu that surged forward like a flood.
Ajun asked, "Shall we finish them off in one go?"
Afei replied, "Why rush? They're rare test subjects."
Clap!Afei formed seals with both hands.
"Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Layers of wooden pillars curved and interlocked, forming an arched defensive wall that absorbed the torrent of ninjutsu!
ROOT's reputation might be tarnished, but their strength was undeniable. After all, they were handpicked shinobi with unique talents!
"Let me show you the resilience of ROOT!!!"
The previously embarrassed hermaphrodite leaped high into the air. With a crack, their right arm transformed into steel, smashing toward the damaged wooden wall!
"Steel Release: Hardened Fist!"
(Note: Steel Release is a Kekkei Genkai featured in the movie "Naruto Shippuden: The Will of Fire.")
Crunch!
The wooden wall shattered, and the fist continued its trajectory, aiming directly at Ajun's face!
"Kekeke, what an interesting ability..."
Sizzle!Ajun opened her right eye.
"Genjutsu: Sharingan!"
Snap!
The hermaphrodite froze mid-motion, their mouth agape in a daze.
Whoosh!
Ajun's body transformed into a liquid stream, surging into the gaping mouth!
Rip! Rip! Rip!
Sharp, curved tendrils burst from their chest and back!
Gurgle! Gurgle!
White liquid oozed from the wounds, coating every inch of their skin inside and out.
Beside their horrified, awakening head, the liquid reformed into Ajun's face. "Kekeke, I'll take everything from you."
Rustle! Rustle!
Ajun's tendrils wrapped around their head, completely consuming them!
Returning to her human form, Ajun's shapely figure remained unchanged.
Snap! With a thought, parts of her arms and torso turned into gleaming steel.
She smiled in satisfaction. "Kekeke, what a delightful ability."
The ROOT members froze, their spirits crushed.
The inhuman brutality of the scene was like a cold bucket of water, extinguishing their fleeting courage.
Humans instinctively fear the incomprehensible.
"How are we supposed to fight such a monster? There's no way we can win..."
Unconcerned with their despair, Afei said, "Had enough fun? My turn now."
Ajun laughed, "Kekeke, go ahead~ I'll return to Mama's side and watch you perform."
Hinata, her expression conflicted, asked, "Do we really have to kill them?"
Ajun chuckled, "Kekeke, does Mama wish to spare them? If so, I'll tell Afei to leave some alive."
Hinata clenched her fists, struggling internally. Finally, she turned away. "I don't want to trouble Naruto-kun..."
Ajun laughed again. "Kekeke, Afei is a good boy. He knows what to do. He'll probably leave one or two alive for interrogation, won't he?"
Facing the ROOT members, Afei tilted his head and murmured, "Do you know what it feels like to have an urgent need?"
"I do. That indescribable, overwhelming urge... it's probably something like this."
Afei could utilize the abilities of anyone enveloped by its body.
And of course, its internal Slime was no exception!
Clap!
Afei formed seals with both hands.
"Secret Technique: Grand Stench of Creation!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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