MTLNOVEL Chapter 422: The Battle
Despite traveling at full speed and having a group of children in tow, Kazuyama Gekkō and his team finally reached the northernmost city of the Land of Fire after two days.
As the evening sun began to set, Kazuyama arranged for everyone to rest. He even took the children to bathe, including Nonō Yakushi.
"I'll skip it. We're about to leave the Land of Fire. I'll go buy something for the kids."
"Forget it. The Land of Waterfalls has everything. Just rest properly, and we'll set off at dawn."
Kazuyama had been on the road for several days and was utterly exhausted. He needed a good rest.
In the hot spring, Kazuyama leaned against a rock, enjoying the soothing warmth that washed away his fatigue.
"Hahaha! Uncle Kazuyama! Come play with us!"
"Yeah, come on!"
Unfortunately, the group of little rascals disrupted the tranquility, turning the serene hot spring into a playground.
Feeling helpless, Kazuyama could only sip his wine and try to tune out the children's antics.
Just as he was relaxing, Chōmei's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Kazuyama, aren't you being too complacent? Don't you sense something amiss?"
"Huh? Chōmei, what do you mean?"
Chōmei's sudden words made Kazuyama pause, a wave of unease rising in his heart.
No way. He had been on high alert throughout the journey, constantly vigilant of his surroundings. He hadn't noticed anyone following them.
"Didn't you notice anything unusual?"
"Like that eagle in the sky?"
"It's been circling there for a long time."
"Although it flies away occasionally, another one soon takes its place."
Kazuyama discreetly glanced up at the sky and, as Chōmei had said, spotted an eagle.
It was nearly dark, yet there was an eagle flying overhead?
Damn it. He had been so focused on his surroundings that he had overlooked this.
The Yamanaka Clan's secret technique, Mind Body Switch, could control not only people but also animals!
Damn it! He hadn't expected the Root Division to send someone from the Yamanaka Clan.
"Hey!"
"Kids, pack up quickly. We're leaving."
Kazuyama's expression turned serious. If possible, he truly didn't want to confront the Root Division.
After all, they were all from the same village. Engaging in internal conflict would undoubtedly be reported to the higher-ups.
If that happened, Danzō would have a reason to act against him. He did have a plan to handle the situation, but it was... well, not very humane.
Initially, the children thought Kazuyama was joking. However, upon seeing the serious look on his face, they immediately stopped playing and quickly got ready.
"Nonō, come out quickly. There's a situation."
Kazuyama stood by the hot spring, calling out to Yakushi Nonō.
Soon, the group emerged from the hot spring and returned to the inn.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"The Root Division is coming."
Nonō Yakushi's expression changed. This was terrible news—no, the worst possible news.
"Don't worry. I already have a plan. Let's act now."
"We don't need to continue on the road. I'll use the Flying Thunder God Technique to send you away. As for the Root Division, heh, since they're here, they won't be leaving."
Kazuyama's expression suddenly changed, a hint of killing intent emanating from him.
This startled Nonō. Although she knew Kazuyama was powerful, this killing intent still surprised her.
Kazuyama slowly extended his hands, placing them on Nonō and a child. In the next second, the two disappeared.
Shortly after, Kazuyama led the team to set off again, quickly heading towards the back of the town.
"He found us. What should we do?"
"Continue the pursuit? Or?"
The Yamanaka Clan's ninja asked again, but Kazuyama and the others had already set off.
It was evident that he had discovered them and was in a hurry to leave.
"Let's go ahead and block them at the border of the Land of Fire."
"Okay!"
The three Root Division members moved swiftly, preparing to intercept Kazuyama and his group.
According to their estimates, their Root Division colleagues should already be on their way.
They only needed to hold them off for a while.
Not far from the border of the Land of Fire, Kazuyama and his group were still hurrying forward.
Just as they were about to cross the border, a thick tree trunk suddenly fell in front of them, blocking the convoy.
"We've been following you for so long, and you finally showed up."
"I thought you had given up."
Kazuyama's tone was very calm, as if he wasn't the one being stopped.
However, his gaze was fixed on the tree trunk.
Three Root Division ninjas appeared before the convoy under his gaze. Through their masks, Kazuyama could tell that their expressions were very serious.
"Kazuyama Gekkō, you are openly betraying the village."
"Come back with us now and accept the Root Division's investigation."
Kazuyama laughed loudly, his laughter filled with contempt.
"Betrayal? How did I betray the village?"
"Is it because I escorted a group of orphans?"
Faced with Kazuyama's retort, the Root Division member shouted harshly,
"Hmph, Nonō Yakushi was originally a member of the Root Division. According to the Root Division's regulations, even those who have left cannot leave the Land of Fire!"
"You helped her leave the Land of Fire, which is a blatant betrayal of the village. Now come back with us!"
Seeing this, Kazuyama said nothing but looked coldly at the three Root Division members in front of him, then glanced at Nonō Yakushi beside him.
Nonō Yakushi slowly stepped out of the line, took off her glasses, and then revealed a very strange smile.
"So, you want me to stay?"
"I wonder how you plan to keep me here, hehehe."
An eerie aura spread from Nonō Yakushi, and the three Root Division members in front of her suddenly felt uneasy.
But it was too late. A dozen long snakes suddenly appeared from Yakushi Nonō's sleeves and lunged at the three of them.
"Damn it! You're not Nonō Yakushi!"
"Hehehe, you figured it out."
Nonō Yakushi laughed softly and continued to exert force with both hands, sending countless snakes rushing towards the three of them.
"Earth Release! Earth-Style Wall!"
The earthen wall temporarily blocked the snakes, but only for a moment.
In the next second, it shattered into pieces, and Nonō Yakushi charged forward, her entire body like a sharp blade.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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