Chapter 284: Master and Disciple Reunion
"But you don't need to worry, he absolutely cannot defeat me!"
Isshiki added confidently.
He was not like Kaguya, that incompetent fool who couldn't fight and ended up being sealed by the ninja world natives. Hagoromo and Hamura Ōtsutsuki had to join forces to seal Kaguya; surely, he could handle just one opponent.
Seeing Isshiki's confident expression, Onoki raised his eyebrows slightly, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Even Onoki himself didn't know at that moment whether he hoped Isshiki had the power to defeat Hyuga Fuji, or whether he wished Isshiki didn't possess such strength.
All he knew was that after this battle, he had to find a way to restrain Isshiki.
A research fanatic with only technical prowess could still be controlled, but someone like Isshiki, with both technology and strength, would be beyond the control of both him and the Land of Lightning.
With his answer received, Onoki quickly took his leave.
Isshiki, on the other hand, slowly tidied up his research notes and walked to a cultivation chamber. He glanced at the clone inside with some regret before departing.
The Mist's arrival had been too swift; otherwise, he could have created another clone possessing divine techniques, which would have given him greater control. But even now, with himself and Bai Shi, it would suffice.
…
In the capital of the Land of Earth, tension hung thick in the air.
The news of Kirigakure's invasion spread like wildfire, and people swarmed into the streets, their faces filled with unease and panic.
The streets were filled with shouts, and the entire capital was in chaos. Citizens hurriedly packed their valuables, taking their children and elders as they rushed toward safety zones or shelters outside the city.
Meanwhile, the ninja forces of the Land of Earth were quickly mobilizing, heading to the canal lines.
"The first line of defense failed; Kirigakure has entered the canal."
"Earth Release ninjas failed to block the Kirigakure fleet."
"The aerial unit's interception failed."
…
The ninja forces near the capital were now fully armed and ready for battle.
Kitsuchi, who had just arrived, stood on a high platform, his brow furrowed as he listened to the reports of failed interceptions. His mood grew increasingly heavy.
He looked out over the distant canal, filled with doubt.
"How did the Mist ninjas get here so quickly? How did they manage it? Don't they need rest?"
Kitsuchi pondered deeply.
At that moment, a rumbling sound of water being displaced broke the brief silence. The Iwa ninjas below the platform tensed up, gripping their weapons and watching the canal with vigilance.
Suddenly, the water in the canal surged, massive waves splashing everywhere as a large fleet slowly emerged from the other side. Kirigakure's ships lined up on the water, imposing and menacing, with fully armed Mist ninjas standing grimly on the decks.
"Prepare to engage the enemy!" Kitsuchi ordered loudly.
The Iwa ninjas immediately sprang into action, swiftly forming up according to their pre-arranged plans.
Ninjas skilled in long-range jutsu began making seals, while the pre-prepared cannons and large scientific ninja tools were loaded with chakra.
Long-range chakra weapons weren't exclusive to Kirigakure!
The Land of Lightning was the strongest in this regard, and as their partners, the Land of Earth's technology wasn't far behind either!
…
The Mist fleet advanced along the canal, with the Mist ninjas on board using Water Release techniques to control the flow, allowing the fleet to move swiftly and steadily. The flags on the ships flapped in the wind, displaying the symbol of the Land of Water.
Yagura, seeing the Iwa defensive line in the distance, smiled faintly. "Iwa's response is quick, but they won't be able to stop our advance. Pass the order to prepare for battle!"
"Yes!"
The Mist ninjas quickly sprang into action. The gunners on the ships adjusted their aim toward the Iwa defenses. Meanwhile, the Mist ninjas prepared for landing, waiting for the best moment to strike.
The battle was imminent.
Kitsuchi stood on the high platform, watching the advancing Mist fleet with growing tension. Just then, an aged voice reached him, easing his nerves.
"Fourth Mizukage, long time no see."
Onoki floated to the front of the fleet, looking at Yagura and Hyuga Fuji, who stood side by side at the bow of the ship, and smiled slightly.
"As a leader of a great nation, how can you associate with rogue ninjas? Don't you feel ashamed?"
"When the mainland nations excluded the Land of Water, you should have expected this day," Yagura retorted with a cold smile. "Besides, it's you who should feel ashamed, right? Your country's clones rebelled, you were invaded by an obscure organization, suffered heavy losses, and lost face. Where do you find the nerve to remain in power?"
"The rebellion was just a misunderstanding," Onoki said, his face calm. "You see, our Iwa remains united."
As he spoke, a squad of clones flew to Onoki's side, forming a counterbalance against the Mist fleet.
"As for Akatsuki... Their goal is to resurrect the Ten-Tails and destroy the ninja world. They are enemies of the entire ninja world. But you and Hyuga Fuji started a war after Akatsuki attacked the Land of Earth. Could it be that you're connected to Akatsuki?"
"Everyone knows that Impure World Reincarnation is your specialty, Hyuga Fuji, and among the ninjas who attacked Iwagakure, there was Uchiha Madara, brought back by Impure World Reincarnation."
Onoki's deep, powerful voice echoed, stirring hatred in the Iwa ninjas, who vividly remembered Akatsuki's destruction and slaughter in Iwagakure.
Noticing Onoki's accusation directed at him, Hyuga Fuji retracted his gaze from somewhere and looked at him with interest. "Since you know that Uchiha Madara was summoned by me, you must be quite brave to stand before me, Onoki."
The Impure World Reincarnation of Madara was orchestrated by White Zetsu's ninjas, and it was Madara who had taught the technique. In a roundabout way, it wasn't incorrect to say he had resurrected Madara.
Seeing Hyuga Fuji respond, Onoki coldly retorted, "So, you admit to colluding with Akatsuki and using Impure World Reincarnation on the ninja world's ancestors?"
Hyuga Fuji nodded nonchalantly.
If Onoki wanted to seize the moral high ground, he was welcome to it. Hyuga Fuji wasn't interested in a pointless war of words.
He left such things to Onoki.
A hint of amusement flickered in Hyuga Fuji's eyes. "I didn't just resurrect Uchiha Madara; I also brought back previous Kage. Some of them are here today. Would you like to meet them?"
Onoki's brows furrowed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
"Onoki, I don't recall teaching you to fight battles with words."
A deep, authoritative voice echoed from the Mist fleet, bringing an overwhelming sense of pressure that made Onoki's heart tighten.
He looked up to see a familiar figure slowly rising from the ship.
The Second Tsuchikage, Mu!
Onoki's expression grew complicated in an instant, "Lord Mu..."
Mu slowly descended, standing beside Hyuga Fuji, his gaze cold as he looked at Onoki. "Onoki, you've deeply disappointed me."
(End of Chapter)