"Kakuzu, don't you think you're being a bit too arrogant?" Saemon's anger boiled over, no longer addressing Kakuzu as a senior. The respectful tone had vanished, replaced by outright defiance. The abrupt shift in demeanor was startling, but not entirely unreasonable. Respect is mutual, built on aligned values. When those values diverge, conversations inevitably spiral into conflict.
Kakuzu, however, wasn't surprised in the slightest. If negotiations break down, he reasoned, there's no need to linger. He was prepared to walk away.
But Saemon wasn't about to let that happen.
"Kakuzu, your lab is valuable, isn't it? I assume you'd like to protect it."
"I'll tell you this—Sunagakure has mobilized 4,000 shinobi for this mission. How long do you think it would take to destroy your lab?"
Kakuzu regarded Hatada with mild curiosity.
"Four thousand shinobi? Impressive. But are you sure you're not worried about Konoha or Iwagakure taking advantage of your weakened forces?"
"We don't need that many people—or that much time," Hatada replied coldly.
At his signal, a rustle echoed through the forest. From treetops, branches, and shadows, dozens of Sunagakure shinobi emerged. Each one exuded a powerful aura, unrestrained and menacing.
A total of over 30 shinobi had surrounded Kakuzu. These weren't ordinary ninjas—they were all jonin-level combatants. Among them, stood out, his presence far surpassing that of his peers. By most measures, Hatada had already reached the level of a Kage-tier shinobi.
"Kakuzu, I respected you as a senior and hoped to resolve this peacefully," declared, his voice firm. "But since that's no longer possible, I'll have to resort to the most cost-effective method. Don't blame me for this!"
Saemon raised one hand, chakra gathering and solidifying into an array of weapons that floated around him. The shapes resembled senbon or kunai, each brimming with lethal intent.
This was his Bloodline Limit—Magnet Release. By manipulating iron and gold particles within the environment, Saemon could create devastating weapons. Though his abilities were weaker in the forest compared to the desert, they were still formidable.
Hundreds of Magnet Release weapons formed a deadly barrage aimed at Kakuzu. In an instant, the assault could shred any opponent to pieces.
Kakuzu glanced around, then refocused on Saemon.
"Quite the welcome gift you've prepared."
"I'm honored you approve," Saemon replied sarcastically, signaling the Sunagakure shinobi to advance.
The surrounding jonin closed in, some with weapons drawn, others weaving hand signs. Their intent was clear—Kakuzu was the target, and they would eliminate him without hesitation.
But Kakuzu simply smirked. "Do you know why you're still alive?"
Saemon's expression twitched at the question. Even surrounded, Kakuzu had the audacity to taunt him. Though unnerved, Saemon didn't lower his guard. "Why?"
"Because killing you isn't worth much. The only difference between you and the others I've killed is that you might take an extra minute to die."
The words hit like a hammer. Saemon's eyes widened, his mind racing. Did Kakuzu truly see him as insignificant?
Saemon suppressed his frustration, lowering his gaze slightly.
You think I'm a nobody?
He signaled his forces. Chains flew through the air, coiling and tightening around Kakuzu with precision.
At the same moment, Saemon unleashed his Magnet Release. Dozens of weapons streaked toward Kakuzu, piercing his head, torso, arms, and legs in quick succession.
Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.
The entire exchange took only seconds. Kakuzu's body was riddled with holes, his form collapsing in a heap.
The Sunagakure shinobi exhaled in relief. What they had feared would be a grueling battle had ended almost too easily.
Only Saemon frowned as he looked at Kakuzu, whose body was riddled with holes. Before attacking, he'd anticipated Kakuzu would use the Body Flicker Technique or some other ninjutsu to evade or counter, even preparing for the next step accordingly. Yet, to his surprise, Kakuzu not only didn't dodge but also took the full brunt of the attack. This behavior was uncharacteristic of the seasoned elder.
Saemon didn't lower his guard. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Kakuzu, ready for any sudden counterattack. As expected, his vigilance paid off—he finally noticed the problem.
First, despite Kakuzu's body being riddled with holes, not a single drop of blood had been spilled. Second, in such a state, Kakuzu spoke.
"The feeling of Magnet Release… it's not bad," Kakuzu said, his voice calm yet unsettling.
The surrounding Sunagakure shinobi froze in shock at his words. Those who had restrained Kakuzu with chains tightened their grips instinctively, as if afraid he might break free at any moment.
Saemon swept his eyes across the area. Once he confirmed there were no immediate dangers in the vicinity through his sensory abilities, he focused on Kakuzu again, a hint of uncertainty in his tone.
"Your ability… it's immortality, isn't it?"
"Hah, you could say that," Kakuzu replied, his tone cryptic and dismissive.
Kakuzu's immortality wasn't what they imagined it to be, but he had no intention of explaining further. The humor vanished from his expression as his piercing gaze locked onto Saemon.
"This is your final warning. I might spare your life, but you'd better keep your people in check. If anyone dares step into my lab again, I'll ensure not even their corpses remain," Kakuzu declared, his voice cold and commanding.
As his words hung in the air, Kakuzu's body began to wither and dry up. In moments, his form transformed into a wooden effigy, roots sprouting from its legs and anchoring it into the ground. What remained was no longer a man but a towering tree.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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