Naruto: The King Behind the Curtain

Seeing their condition, even Rin, who was known for her kindness, couldn't help but say, "With strength this weak, why do you still insist on fighting others?"

That hit hard!

The group of Iwagakure Genin wanted to argue back, but when they looked at Might Guy, who appeared completely ordinary from head to toe, they couldn't help but feel despair. Sorry for being born as Genin.

Obito rubbed his fists and stepped forward with a chuckle, "Heh, look down on us, huh?"

A few Iwa Genin grew uneasy, "What are you trying to do? I'm warning you—if you summon Manda, none of us will come out alive!"

Imitating their previous arrogant manner, Obito sneered, "How easily do you think Manda appears? Why don't you shout his name and see if he'll actually come save you?"

"O Great Manda...Manda..."

"Hehe, I'm right here!"

Hearing the voice from behind and noticing the shadow engulfing them once again, the Iwa Genin trembled in fear as they turned around—and were met face-to-face with a giant, foul-smelling mouth biting straight toward them.

"Foolish Magze...I really shouldn't have done that..." That final thought flashed through their minds before darkness overtook them, swallowed whole by Manda.

"My belly's quite big—I guess you can just hide inside and take a nap for now," Manda sinisterly chuckled with amusement before shifting his cold gaze toward Obito and the others. "Now then, it's your turn!"

Petrified by Manda's terrifying glare, Obito felt his legs go weak, but he still forced himself to stand protectively in front of Rin, desperately trying to appeal to its mercy. "L-Lord Manda, nice seeing you again! Actually, we're all from the same village as Orochimaru-sama!"

"Oh~" Manda feigned sudden realization, then hissed sharply, "Well then, I'll let you choose how I devour you!"

Seeing the mocking, almost human-like gleam in Manda's eyes, Obito cried out in anguish, "Sorry guys...this is all my fault..."

Rin gently placed her hands on his shoulders, speaking softly, "It's not your fault, Obito. Even if you hadn't said anything, he would've come either way."

"But...but..." Obito could clearly feel that Rin's hand was trembling too, ever so slightly.

Realizing that Rin was obviously scared out of her wits yet still comforting him with such tenderness, Obito wiped his tears fiercely, sniffling loudly as he shouted, "Hey—you want to feast on someone? Then take me! Let the others go!"

Manda gave him a look full of disdain, like looking at an idiot, and responded, "Why would I settle for one when I can have three?"

Just then, a powerful surge of chakra suddenly erupted.

[Opening Gate, Healing Gate, Life Gate, Harm Gate—Leaf Strong Whirlwind!]

"That's amazing! Maybe Might Guy really can..." Obito widened his eyes, never expecting Guy to possess such a formidable technique.

However, before he could even begin feeling happy, he saw Guy's kick strike Manda—only to be rebounded instantly by his scales.

"This brat actually hurt me!" Manda inwardly gasped in shock but arrogantly remarked, "Kid, were you trying to tickle me?"

Damned it...still not enough, huh?" Gritting his teeth, Obito wiped away his tears and started forming Hand Seals determinedly. "Fire Release: Grand Fireball Jutsu!"

Having already witnessed Guy's attempt, Manda no longer dared to act too carelessly.

Then he watched as several small wisps of fire floated out from Obito's mouth — clearly the beginning of a Fire Release: Grand Fireball Jutsu.

Manda flinched, laughing so hard tears streamed down his face. "Haha! This is the Grand Fireball Jutsu? Kid, you're not seriously trying to laugh me to death, are you?"

Beside him, Guy struggled back to his feet, exclaiming in shock, "Obito, does making fun of it actually work?"

Obito's young face flushed bright red, unable to tell if Might Guy was genuinely surprised or mocking him.

"Unfortunately, I'm no good at jokes," Might Guy sighed with regret, then his eyes sharpened. "But I still have my own Ninja Way!"

Obito nearly twisted his face in frustration. Who said my Ninja Way involves telling jokes?

"It's time to prove my Ninja Way right now! Fifth Gate... Limit Gate..."

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from afar.

"Not yet. It's still too early."

The three stiffened, then burst into joyous cheers.

"Great! It's Senior Seiki!"

"Ahhaha! We're saved!"

Although Manda was extremely powerful, thanks to Seiki's near-flawless image, in their minds there wasn't anything their senior couldn't handle.

"Hmph, could it be those two brats—Nagare and Shiyaya?" Seeing their relaxed and cheerful expressions, Manda grew slightly alert.

Soon, Seiki and his group appeared within Manda's sight.

"Tch, so it's not them after all!"

Though Seiki moved with speed far beyond an ordinary Genin, Manda paid no mind, his pupils returning to their mocking, cruel gaze.

"Are you guys alright?" After landing, Seiki asked first with concern.

"We're fine," Rin shook her head repeatedly, then warned, "Senior, be careful about this big snake!"

Smiling gently, Seiki nodded before turning toward Manda. "There's plenty of prey in this forest. Why chase after them? Why don't we end this right here—for my sake?"

"What do you think you are..." White vapor shot from Manda's nostrils as he narrowed his pupils suddenly. "You little brat, your scent really disgusts me!"

"Sss~ So you're one of those mucus-eaters' summoners. Don't you think the three sacred lands get along fine?"

Manda's massive body suddenly lunged forward, his terrifying serpentine head looming over Seiki. "Right now, I'm practically dying to swallow you whole!"

Unfazed, Seiki smiled lightly at the serpent's cold, slitted eyes just inches away. "I'm not some snake-loving person like Orochimaru. Disobedient pets need punishment!"

Before Manda could grow angry, he saw that annoying brat vanish with Body Flicker Technique and reappear on his nostril, then flicking a blue orb straight toward his eye.

"What speed!" Panicked, Manda shut his eyes on instinct.

Then came an ear-splitting roar of pain.

The roar shook the mountains and forests, sending birds fleeing and animals stampeding in panic.

Various hidden teams stealthily moving through the forest also looked toward the source of the noise with shock and uncertainty.

"C-Could that possibly be Manda's roar?" Stammered Shiyaya nervously on her way to the Central Tower.

"That kind of monster isn't a normal examinee..." Mei Terumi said, and suddenly a figure flashed in her mind. "Wait, if it's him, maybe it's actually possible!"

Shiyaya opened her small mouth wide, "You mean Seiki Shimaseki?"

Mei nodded, "Other than him, I can't think of anyone else who wields that kind of power. It's not like Manda bit off his own tongue, right?"

Shiyaya sighed theatrically, as if mourning the heavens and lamenting humanity, "If it really is him, I have a feeling Zabuza might end up in serious trouble."

In a forest closer to the battlefield,

"Unbelievable! He actually injured that monster!" Baki stood on a tree branch, staring into the distance, deeply shaken.

"Noticing Baki's astonished expression, a Sand ninja below asked curiously."

"A genius no different from Sasori... There was no way he could watch this calmly." Without hesitation, Baki jumped down and headed toward the center, shouting, "Come on, let's move! We have to make our move before it's too late!"

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