Chapter 28: You're Strong, Become My Trump Card
When an Elite Jonin, completely disregarding the battlefield situation, led an elite squad focused solely on ambushing a Chunin, the impact was incredibly astonishing.
No one expected such a powerhouse to suddenly emerge, employing such an aggressive combat style to launch an assault.
Within mere seconds, dozens of Konoha Ninja at the forefront fell into disarray, panic spreading across their faces.
Those with quick reactions could still use various Ninjutsu to bombard this sandstorm, though they didn't know if this sandstorm posed any other risks besides obstructing their vision.
Those who reacted slower suffered greatly, killed instantly by the squad led by Araki of the Sand, collapsing with screams.
Araki of the Sand was like a sharp blade thrust forth from the sandstorm, fully displaying the terrifying strength of an Elite Jonin.
"Get out of the way, you'll live if you stay away from me." Araki of the Sand's eyes were fixed solely on Tsukasa Kaede. This was not merely about washing away the previous humiliation; it would also influence the future development path of the Hidden Sand Village.
Of course, he knew about the Human Puppets. An Elite Jonin, while not necessarily among the Village's Higher-ups, was definitely a pillar. Even a Great Ninja Village couldn't produce many Elite Jonin.
This War had dragged on to the point where the Hidden Sand Village could no longer hold on. Even if they won, it would be impossible to seize fertile lands from the Land of Fire. As for war reparations? They wouldn't get any money.
In summary, after years of fighting, it was a complete bloodbath of losses, crippling the economy of the Land of Wind and losing a large number of excellent Ninja. The Hidden Sand Village urgently needed to find a means to rapidly improve its strength to catch up with other Ninja Villages.
Human Puppet was the most economical development path, meaning Tsukasa Kaede's value would only increase! "It seems Konoha's Higher-ups completely failed to anticipate this, still seeing you as a rather good Medical Ninja…"
Araki of the Sand attacked the Konoha forces, comprising a small number of Jonin and mostly Chunin and Genin. With his squad, he launched a sudden assault, instantly sending Konoha's ranks tumbling.
His gaze pierced through the many heads, finding Tsukasa Kaede through the gaps. He wanted to see a fearful expression on Tsukasa Kaede's face, but aside from initial surprise, he only saw extreme calm.
"Hmph, when I capture you and bring you to the Hidden Sand Village, I'll make sure you get a taste of our Village's tortures. Don't you dare cry then!!"
Araki of the Sand sneered, creating a larger-scale Sandstorm Technique that reduced visibility to less than five meters. The howling and wailing suppressed all other clamorous sounds.
"Here it comes, what an intimidating display… Is he completely disregarding his squad's casualties, just to create an opportunity to capture me?" Tsukasa Kaede looked up, watching the scene that seemed to alter the very Celestial Phenomena; it was indeed quite intimidating.
He also saw the opponent controlling hundreds of Shuriken with Magnet Release, each tip gleaming with a specialized Hemolytic Toxin. The ground leading to Tsukasa Kaede surged forward like a living thing, turning the hundred-meter radius of grassland into quicksand—this was all meticulously prepared for Tsukasa Kaede.
Araki of the Sand might not possess powerful offensive capabilities, but he was highly skilled in area-of-effect combat, capable of single-handedly tying down a large number of Ninja and creating desired combat opportunities.
Tsukasa Kaede quickly summoned six Zombies, positioning them at different points around him, firmly guarding him in the center.
"The enemy's target is you? Whatever his objective, stop him!"
Kazematsuri Takuya's face showed astonishment. He didn't know what was happening, but whatever the enemy sought to achieve, even if he didn't understand it, he would stop it with all his might; that, at least, wouldn't be wrong! After a group of comrades had fallen in battle, the surrounding Konoha Ninja also reacted, quickly gathering to try and encircle Araki of the Sand and his squad.
Opportunities to kill an Elite Jonin were rare.
"Your Soul Death Technique isn't just this level, is it? What, do you think these inferior creations can stand against me?" Araki of the Sand sneered.
Magnet Release: Quicksand Vortex Prison!
Numerous grains of sand suddenly began to converge, transforming into a terrifying, top-down vortex, intending to engulf Tsukasa Kaede in its center. "This time, I won't give you a chance to escape. I've seen through all your tricks!"
Tsukasa Kaede remained silent, simply retreating continuously. As a Medical Ninja, the primary mission on the battlefield was to preserve one's own life; these were Tsunade's words to every Medical Ninja.
No Konoha Ninja thought this was wrong; they rushed forward one after another, attempting to buy their Medical Ninja an opportunity to escape.
But Tsukasa Kaede was not merely fleeing.
The six Zombies moving with him also dispersed, simultaneously beginning to perform Hand Kaedegns and use different Ninjutsu.
Various Water, Fire, and Wind Jutsu sprayed from the Zombies' mouths. Though they were all very ordinary Jutsu, Tsukasa Kaede didn't expect these Zombies to defeat Araki of the Sand.
He was merely stalling for time.
The constantly falling comrades did not cause him the slightest waver; defeating Araki of the Sand was Tsukasa Kaede's original objective.
"Kaede, I suggest you retreat." Kazematsuri Takuya shielded Tsukasa Kaede. He realized he couldn't stop Araki of the Sand anymore; the guy was utterly insane, desperately charging towards Tsukasa Kaede.
Then he could only use his own life to—
A Zombie grabbed him, flinging him aside.
"Leave it to me. I'm going to deal with this guy here," Tsukasa Kaede said calmly. "I can't let the Village's comrades sacrifice themselves for me."
Kazematsuri Takuya steadied himself, his eyes wide, stunned by this explosive declaration.
In truth, it wasn't exactly correct for Tsukasa Kaede to say this as a Medical Ninja. Ordinary Ninja on the battlefield were inherently meant to prioritize protecting Medical Ninja.
Araki of the Sand drew closer, facing increasing resistance. After finally managing to push through to Tsukasa Kaede's front and deflecting a series of Ninjutsu attacks with Magnet Release, he decapitated a Zombie.
There was no surprise on Tsukasa Kaede's face as he formed Hand Kaedegns with one hand.
"Corpse Shift: Void World Jutsu."
Tsukasa Kaede's body blurred for a moment, and then he completed a position swap with a Zombie.
This was his first time using Void World Jutsu in front of so many people, and the visual effect was explosive.
Many thought Tsukasa Kaede was dead for sure, but the next second they saw Araki of the Sand kill a Zombie, while Tsukasa Kaede suddenly appeared in the Zombie's original position, making them almost doubt their own eyes.
"What kind of Jutsu is that?!"
"There's no mistake, I just transferred from the Hidden Stone Village. From afar, I once saw Minato Namikaze use the Flying Raijin Jutsu, and this is very similar; he can change his position instantly! But I didn't see this Medical Ninja throw a Flying Thunder God Kunai beforehand…"
"No wonder this kid is the enemy's target! He can summon several physical bodies to use Ninjutsu; that move alone is like creating many Genin out of thin air! And he can even use Space-Time Ninjutsu like the Flying Thunder God!"
Many were actually partnering with Tsukasa Kaede for the first time, and it was their first time seeing Tsukasa Kaede execute Jutsu up close. They were initially confused as to why the enemy's elite squad would target such an seemingly unknown Medical Ninja. But upon seeing this strange and highly visually impactful Ninjutsu, everything became clear.
Boom! It was the usual Zombie Self-Destruction again, but it failed to harm Araki of the Sand in the slightest.
"At this range, it's about right… From now on, become my trump card."
(end of chapter)