Naruto Shadow Emperor - Chapter 37

“Arghhh!”

All of Yukigetsu’s chakra channeled into his right fist, burning fiercely. The explosive force, accompanied by the boy’s roar, suddenly blasted open Zabuza’s chest!

Reflected in Yukigetsu’s eyes were Zabuza’s terrified gaze, time seeming to freeze at that moment…

Boom!
In the next instant, with a deep thud, Zabuza was sent flying like a cannonball, spitting blood as he crashed into the lake with a splash!

Everyone was stunned, even Naruto and Sasuke, who were aware of the plan. They never expected Zabuza to be so utterly defeated by Yukigetsu. Judging by the blood Zabuza spat out, it was clear that the elite J?nin, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza, had been severely injured!

The power of a single punch was terrifying!

Huff… Huff…

Yukigetsu landed on the water, breathing heavily. That had taken all of his strength. Now, his whole body ached, and he felt dizzy—signs that his chakra and mental energy were nearly depleted.

“Nicely done…” Kakashi broke free from the water prison. “Leave the rest to me!”

“Heh heh heh…” Zabuza slowly rose from the water. “I didn’t expect to be defeated by a kid. I might be dead now if he had a J?nin’s chakra reserve!”

“But… killing me isn’t that easy!”

Zabuza suddenly lifted his head, his hands moving like the wind, rapidly forming hand signs.

“Ox-Serpent-Rabbit-Rat-Boar-Rooster-Ox-Horse-Rooster-Rat-Tiger-Dog-Tiger-Snake-Ox-Ram-Snake-Boar-Ram-Rat-Monkey-Rooster-Dragon-Rooster-Ox-Horse-Ram-Tiger-Snake-Rat-Monkey-Rabbit-Boar-Dragon-Ram-Rat-Ox-Monkey-Rooster-Monkey-Rooster!”

Opposite him, Kakashi formed the same hand signs at the same speed, right up to the final seal.

“Rooster!”

“Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!”

Two massive water dragons roared out, colliding fiercely.

Boom!

The entire small lake seemed to erupt like a volcano, with water soaring into the sky like lava!

Naruto and Sasuke supported the exhausted Yukigetsu as they retreated. He continued to watch the spectacular scene in front of him. This was the power of elite J?nin—forming such complex seals almost instantaneously, along with a vast amount of chakra. The gap was still significant.

In front of the three-tomoe Sharingan, any jutsu Zabuza tried to use was almost instantly seen through by Kakashi, who completed the seals first.

“Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!”

A violent wave, like a reversing tsunami, roared and crashed.

Boom!
After a long time…

The waves subsided, and Zabuza, looking disheveled, leaned against a tree root, beads of sweat rolling down his face. “Why… can you foresee the future?”

Kakashi raised his kunai, coldly saying, “Yes… you’re dead!”

Swish!

At that moment, two senbon needles flashed through the air.

“Ugh…”

Zabuza was struck in the neck by two senbon, collapsing to the ground with a thud.

“Heh heh… that’s right! He is indeed dead!”

Everyone was startled and looked up.

On a tree branch stood a medium-sized boy wearing a strange mask. He had two strands of hair tied up, a scarf around his waist, and wooden sandals on his feet.

Kakashi swiftly appeared beside Zabuza, squatted down, and touched his carotid artery with his right hand. He glanced at the masked boy, saying, “He’s dead…”

“Thank you very much!” The boy bowed slightly. “I’ve been looking for an opportunity to kill Zabuza definitely.”

Kakashi examined him closely before saying, “That mask… are you from the Hidden Mist’s hunter-nin squad?”

The boy slightly lowered his head. “Impressive… you even know that!”

Naruto, curious, asked, “Hunter-nin squad?”

“Yes, my mission is to track down and kill the rogue ninja.” The boy explained, “I’m one of them.”

Yukigetsu frowned. Judging by his physique and voice, this guy should be around his age, yet he killed Zabuza instantly. Even considering Zabuza’s severe injuries, he was still an elite J?nin. It shouldn’t have been that easy to kill him. Plus, the hunter-nin squad… this guy is really strong!
“What nonsense are you talking about!” Naruto suddenly pointed at the masked boy and shouted, “Who are you really?”

Kakashi slowly stood up, “Don’t worry, Naruto! He’s not an enemy!”

“I’m not talking about that!” Naruto said, frustrated, “He… he killed Zabuza! That guy was so hard to deal with… even Yukigetsu could only injure him! But he was killed so easily by a kid about our age! Then what’s the difference between us and idiots? I can’t accept this!”

Tap tap tap…

“Let it go, I understand your frustration…” Kakashi walked over. “But that’s the reality. This person may be about your age, but he’s even stronger than Yukigetsu!”

Yukigetsu pouted. It seems his power is still too slow to improve. He needs to find a way to unlock Ice Release, then he can start working on the origins and creation of Jutsu, developing more techniques unique to him…

“Your battle ends here…” The boy hoisted Zabuza’s body. “But I still need to dispose of this body! It contains too many secrets… I’ll be going now.”

Swish!
The masked boy disappeared along with the falling leaves.

Yukigetsu, who was watching, suddenly frowned. Something didn’t feel right…

“Let’s go, we need to get Tazuna home quickly!” Kakashi’s voice came through. “Let’s move, stay alert!”

“Hehehe… we’re really lucky!” Tazuna laughed heartily. “Let’s go, we can rest properly at my place!”

Bang!
Yukigetsu snapped out of his confusion just in time to see Kakashi collapse. He felt exasperated—this guy had overused his Sharingan. After all, it’s not his own…

…

Soon, they arrived at Tazuna’s home.

“Are you alright?” Yukigetsu sat by Kakashi’s bedside, showing some concern.

Kakashi weakly opened his eyes, “Yeah, I think I need to rest for a week…”

Yukigetsu frowned, “What’s wrong with you? Even if the Sharingan is powerful, you can’t ignore its negative effects on your body!”

Tazuna, wiping his sweat with a towel, said, “Thankfully, that strong ninja has been defeated. Kid, it’s all thanks to you this time!”

Yukigetsu casually extended his hand.

Tazuna, puzzled, asked, “What are you doing?”

“What’s the use of verbal thanks? Give me something tangible!” Yukigetsu said, blinking as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Tazuna’s face twitched. Once out of battle mode, this guy reverted to his annoying self. But his strength was indeed formidable, and Tazuna knew he had to rely on him in the future. It’s best not to offend him…

At that moment, Sakura asked, “By the way, who was that masked kid?”

“That mask is from the Hidden Mist’s… hunter-nin squad!” Yukigetsu explained. “They are also known as the body disposal squad. They completely eliminate a ninja’s corpse, erasing any trace of their existence.”

Sakura’s face reddened slightly for some reason as she listened to Yukigetsu’s voice. He really knew everything… truly Kakashi-sensei’s brother.

“A ninja’s body reveals unique techniques, chakra nature, and the composition of special drugs used in each village…” Yukigetsu pointed at Kakashi, continuing, “Take him for example. If he died, the secret of his Sharingan could be discovered, and enemies might even take it!”

“Hey! Explaining is fine, but don’t curse me to die!” Kakashi said, exasperated.

Yukigetsu shrugged, “So, ninja bodies reveal many secrets, and the hunter-nin squad specializes in body disposal…”

“No sound, no scent…” Kakashi sighed, “That’s probably a ninja’s fate.”

Naruto muttered, “So, Zabuza’s body will be dissected… that’s terrifying!”

…

In the forest.

The boy from before knelt quietly beside Zabuza’s body, murmuring to himself, “I need to save Zabuza-san first…”

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