Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Seven Tails
After securing the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Itachi wasted no time, immediately heading for their next destination.
A secluded valley sprawled before them, dense forests stretching across the landscape with no signs of human habitation for miles. The two walked in silence over damp ground—Tobirama leading, Itachi following closely behind. Despite his curiosity, Itachi remained silent, sensing that the Hokage had no intention of explaining their mission just yet.
After about ten minutes, Tobirama came to a halt.
Through the lush canopy of trees, a massive waterfall came into view, its roar reverberating in the air.
"We're here." Tobirama gestured for Itachi to follow as they approached.
This was Takigakure, the Village Hidden in Waterfalls—a ninja village concealed behind the roaring cascade. It was not only the birthplace of Kakuzu but also the stronghold of the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki. The village was said to guard a secret treasure, the Hero Water, which could amplify a ninja's chakra by dozens of times, albeit at the cost of their life force.
"There's someone behind the waterfall…" Itachi murmured, his Sharingan faintly activated.
"You're right. Takigakure is hidden there," Tobirama confirmed. "Itachi, our strategy remains the same: a swift assault. Secure the Jinchūriki as quickly as possible. If anyone interferes, show no mercy."
Itachi nodded solemnly as the two sped toward the towering waterfall.
Behind the waterfall, a group of Takigakure guards chatted casually.
"Hey, those two outside stopped moving. What do you think they're up to?"
"No need to worry. If they dare step inside, they're as good as dead."
"Two Konoha shinobi causing trouble here? How ridiculous."
The guards showed no hint of alarm. They were the elite of Takigakure, having consumed the sacred Hero Water. The water granted them immense power, multiplying their chakra by several folds, but at the cost of shortening their lifespans. Still, they were formidable—each as strong as an elite jōnin. Confident in their abilities, they believed no one could breach the village's defenses.
Their arrogance didn't last long.
Moments later, massive wooden spears pierced through their hearts, silencing them before they could even raise an alarm. Blood sprayed as they fell, their lifeless bodies collapsing onto the damp ground.
"Over there, southeast," Tobirama said, his sharp gaze narrowing. He had already sensed the overwhelming chakra of the Seven-Tails.
Without wasting any time, the pair dashed into the village streets.
Takigakure's village center bustled with activity. Conversations between villagers and the laughter of children playing filled the air.
But the sudden intrusion of two Konoha shinobi shattered the tranquility.
"Who are they?"
"How did they get in? Wasn't Wakamaru guarding the entrance? Where is he?"
"Quick! Notify the village leader and summon the guards!"
Panic spread among the villagers as they scattered in all directions. Some ran to call for reinforcements, while others fled in terror.
"Stop, intruders!"
Takigakure's ninja guards finally arrived, leaping onto rooftops and surrounding the two invaders. The leader of the group glared at them, his expression fierce.
"Surrender now! You killed Wakamaru and his team—you'll answer for this!"
Tobirama glanced at them with mild disinterest. Itachi's Sharingan spun to life, while Tobirama raised a hand.
Before the guards could react, thick wooden branches erupted from the ground, impaling them all in an instant. Cries of pain echoed briefly before the area fell silent once more.
The street, once orderly, now resembled an overgrown forest with bodies scattered throughout.
The screams of women and children rang out in the distance, their terror amplifying the chaos. The commotion finally alerted Takigakure's leader and the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki.
A teenage girl descended from above, her striking appearance impossible to ignore. Her blue-green hair shimmered like a waterfall, and her orange gemstone-like eyes glinted with determination. Wearing a revealing yet tasteful outfit with insect-like wings fluttering behind her, she hovered in the air, glaring down at the intruders.
"Well, the target decided to show up on her own," Tobirama remarked, signaling to Itachi.
Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan activated immediately, its mesmerizing pattern spinning in his eyes.
"Fū, run! They're after you!" Takigakure's young leader shouted from below, his voice laced with urgency.
He had attended Ōnoki's summit and was fully aware of Konoha's ambitions to collect all the Jinchūriki. But he hadn't expected them to strike so soon, or so boldly.
"Unforgivable! You killed Uncle Tetsuzuka!" Fū's voice cracked with rage as she glared at Tobirama. Her chakra surged wildly.
"You bastards will pay!"
"Secret Technique: Scale Powder Explosion!"
A cloud of shimmering yellow powder burst from her wings, filling the air. The particles carried explosive properties and a deadly toxin capable of blinding anyone exposed. The technique also obscured her presence, functioning like Kirigakure's Hiding in Mist technique.
Tobirama, however, wasn't in the mood for games.
"Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"
With a single hand seal, an immense torrent of water surged forth, transforming the hidden village into an underwater landscape. The poisonous scales were swept away, and Fū herself was caught off guard, gasping as she emerged from the flood, coughing violently.
"Look this way," a calm voice said.
Instinctively turning, Fū met Itachi's gaze—and his Mangekyō Sharingan. Within moments, her consciousness faded, and her body collapsed into the water.
Tobirama smirked. "The Mangekyō really is the perfect tool for handling Jinchūriki. If I were alone, this might've taken longer."
Hoisting the unconscious Fū onto his shoulder, Tobirama turned to leave.
"You won't take her!"
Takigakure's leader surfaced, launching a desperate Fire Release jutsu at Tobirama. But the attack was feeble in comparison.
With a flick of his wrist, Tobirama countered with a thin water jet, striking the leader down before he could react. His body sank into the watery abyss without a sound.
"Village Chief!"
Survivors emerged, their cries of anguish filling the air.
Tobirama shook his head. "Opposing Konoha always leads to the same outcome. They should've known better."
Ignoring the glares and curses from the remaining villagers, Tobirama and Itachi disappeared into the waterfall, their mission complete.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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