Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Ignoring Akahoshi's threat, Kabuto calmly stated, "There are other friends here. Come out."

The Hoshigakure ninjas exchanged confused glances. Only they had infiltrated; who else was there?

As Kabuto finished speaking, a figure emerged from the shadows.

"Found out, huh? Impressive, Yusuke-sama's student," Mizuki said, his chin slightly raised, exuding an air of arrogance.

Kabuto continued, "Sunagakure's friends, no need to hide. Come out."

Temari and Kankurō emerged; all the intruders were revealed. The Hoshigakure ninjas looked grim; they hadn't expected two other groups.

"I haven't fought seriously in six years. Let's have some fun," Kabuto said, smiling, a subtle aura emanating from him as he approached.

"Damn you! Witness Hoshigakure's power! Mysterious Peacock Method!"

Infuriated by Kabuto's casual demeanor, Akahoshi roared, swiftly performing hand seals to activate Hoshigakure's secret technique, the Mysterious Peacock Method. The other Hoshigakure ninjas followed suit.

Five translucent blue tails, resembling a peacock's display, extended from each ninja's back. These tails were chakra, incredibly resilient, almost tangible, effective for both offense and defense.

"Mysterious Peacock Method? Quite rare," Kabuto remarked, a smile playing on his lips as strange markings appeared on his face, signifying the activation of Sage Mode.

Unlike typical Sage Mode, Kabuto's facial markings differed on each side. Those familiar with Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myōboku Sage Mode would recognize that Kabuto was utilizing two distinct Sage Arts—one from each location!

The Mount Myōboku Sage Art was something Yusuke had arranged for Kabuto to learn from Mount Myōboku's toad sage, Jiraiya.

With a swift movement, Kabuto appeared before Akahoshi, raising his fist to strike. Akahoshi immediately channeled his Mysterious Peacock Method chakra for defense.

A resounding bang echoed as Kabuto's fist connected with the blue chakra, the impact akin to striking a solid steel block.

"Useless! Mysterious Peacock Method's chakra is impenetrable!" Akahoshi boasted, his laughter echoing through the chamber.

"Toad Sage Fist."

Before his laughter subsided, Akahoshi felt an immense force impacting the chakra tails, shattering his defense. Another thunderous bang reverberated as Akahoshi was sent flying, crashing into the ground, creating a sizable crater. He lay amidst the rubble, his body battered and bruised, though his chest still faintly rose and fell, indicating a lingering spark of life.

The remaining Hoshigakure ninjas immediately swarmed Kabuto, but his Toad Sage Fist, a potent combination of senjutsu natural energy and his own physical prowess, sent them all flying, leaving them unconscious and scattered across the floor.

"I'm a technical ninja, not a musclehead," Kabuto muttered to himself, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone, before turning his attention to his next target—Mizuki, his fellow Konoha ninja.

Unfazed by Kabuto's swift defeat of the Hoshigakure ninjas, Mizuki displayed a look of utter disdain. "What Hoshikage, what Mysterious Peacock Method? Nothing but small-village yokels," he scoffed.

His gaze shifting to Kabuto, Mizuki stated, "You're Yusuke-sama's disciple; I'm Orochimaru-sama's most trusted subordinate. Let's settle this!"

As he spoke, a cursed seal manifested on Mizuki's body, his hands swiftly forming hand seals.

"Summoning Jutsu: Manda!"

An enormous blue python materialized within the Research Institute, Mizuki standing atop its head, surveying Kabuto with a condescending gaze.

"Thank goodness this is a space-time barrier; it won't affect the Institute," Kabuto thought, a wave of relief washing over him as he assessed the colossal serpent before him.

"Manda-sama," Mizuki announced loudly, "Orochimaru-sama promised you one hundred fresh sacrifices if you help me defeat this enemy!"

Without a word, Manda launched a devastating attack upon Kabuto, its massive tail lashing out with incredible force. Kabuto was sent flying, crashing into the ground, a cloud of dust billowing up from the impact.

Temari and Kankurō, witnessing the sheer power of Manda's attack, swiftly retreated to a safe distance, seeking to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

"What should we do?" Kankurō inquired anxiously.

Temari, her brow furrowed in thought, responded, "Kabuto is Uchiha Yusuke's disciple. Though rumors suggest he's not a strong fighter, the fact that he's facing us alone suggests he's not easily defeated. Let's observe for now."

Mizuki erupted into laughter at the sight of Kabuto being seemingly incapacitated by Manda's single tail strike.

"Kid, the enemy's not dead yet; quit laughing!" Manda cautioned, its voice laced with a hint of warning.

Manda, imbued with natural energy, could clearly sense that Kabuto's life force hadn't diminished in the slightest; in fact, he appeared completely unharmed. Such resilience was far beyond the capabilities of a typical human. What truly unsettled Manda, however, was the presence of natural energy emanating from Kabuto's body. As a member of Ryūchi Cave, one of the three sacred lands, Manda was acutely aware of the implications.

"This enemy is far from easy; I'll need at least three hundred sacrifices upon our return!" Manda declared, its voice low and ominous.

Mizuki, not daring to refuse, immediately nodded in agreement.

As the dust gradually settled, Kabuto emerged from the debris, completely unscathed.

"Sage Art: Wind Release: Air Bullet!"

With a swift motion, Kabuto brought his hands together, a slender wind pillar, resembling a laser beam, erupting from his mouth and slicing through the air with incredible speed, effortlessly severing any object in its path.

Due to the jutsu's exceptional velocity and Manda's substantial size, the colossal serpent was unable to evade the attack. In an instant, Manda was bisected, its massive body cleaved in two.

However, what remained was merely a desiccated snake husk. Despite the seemingly fatal blow, Manda had skillfully employed the "Snake shedding" technique to escape the brunt of the attack, leaving behind a mere remnant of its former self.

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