In the previous chapter: After escaping Sakuya's castle, Team 7 was surrounded by a horde of rogue ninja seeking to capture them, convinced they had murdered Sakuya and stolen Hashirama's cells. After an intense chase throughout the Village Hidden in the Silence, a boy Konohamaru had previously helped led them through a network of sewers to a secret hideout.
There they reunited with Mitsuki, who had recovered from his injuries, and discovered that the boy was the brother of the little girl Mitsuki had saved at the hospital. Thanks to the help of both brothers, the team managed to leave the city undetected and resumed their pursuit of the real thieves.
Meanwhile, a mysterious hooded figure arrived at Sakuya's castle. After effortlessly eliminating all the rogue ninja looting the place, he discovered that the Konoha shinobi were heading northwest and decided to follow their trail.
During the pursuit, Team 7 encountered a group of Kumogakure shinobi led by Omoi. Although the two teams initially nearly clashed due to rumors blaming Konoha for the theft, they soon realized they had been set up. After exchanging information, they decided to join forces to recover Hashirama's cells before they fell into the wrong hands.
However, their path was interrupted by the appearance of the mysterious hooded man, who revealed his name to be Deepa. Realizing that Konoha knew the whereabouts of the real thieves, Omoi and his companions decided to stay behind to confront him while Konohamaru, Mugino, and Team 7 continued the pursuit.
Although the Cloud shinobi fought with all their might, Deepa proved to possess monstrous power. After a long battle, he defeated Omoi and brutally murdered Marui and Kakui, forcing the survivor to reveal that the cells were heading toward the Land of Water.
Meanwhile, the real thieves prepared a sacrifice to buy time. One of the brothers decided to stay behind and used a forbidden technique that transformed his own life into a terrifying creature inside a massive barrier. However, thanks to the teamwork of Saku, Mitsuki, and Sarada, they managed to destroy the monster and continue their journey, though they are now unaware that Deepa has also begun hunting Hashirama's cells.
At that moment, Team Konoha was gathered on a ravine, resting after the battle. As the sun began to set behind the mountains, they all took the opportunity to replenish their energy by eating their ninja rations. The warm orange hues of the sunset illuminated the forest as a gentle breeze swept through the area.
Sarada stood near the edge of the ravine, watching the sunset. After a few seconds, she turned around and looked at her companions.
Konohamaru, who was sitting on a log next to Mugino, finished eating, stood up, and spoke seriously.
—Get ready. We'll be leaving in a few minutes.
Everyone nodded as they packed their belongings. Sarada rejoined the group and finished getting ready.
Shortly afterwards they left the place, beginning to run at full speed through the forest as the sun slowly disappeared over the horizon.
Further on, the two brothers from the Land of Water continued advancing through the trees. The shinobi who wasn't carrying the container broke the silence.
—Apparently... our brother couldn't stop them.
The other kept his gaze forward.
—I know... they're approaching at full speed.
There was a brief silence.
Then the first brother put his hand to his ear, took off one of his earrings and handed it to him.
—Then... it's my turn.
The other man firmly grasped the earring. Although he tried to remain calm, a deep sadness appeared in his eyes.
The brother took a few steps back and smiled slightly.
—Don't forget us, brother.
In the next instant he disappeared in a Shunshin.
The shinobi stared at the spot where he had vanished for a few seconds. Then he placed the earring next to the others in his ear, gripped the container of Hashirama's cells tightly, and continued running at full speed without looking back.
Meanwhile, Team 7, Konohamaru, and Mugino continued their trek through the forest. Night had completely fallen, and the only light came from the moon filtering through the treetops.
Mugino, who was leading the group, suddenly opened his eyes and raised a hand, signaling them to stop. Everyone halted instantly. Without a word, Mugino vanished into Shunshin, followed by the rest. Hidden among the branches of several trees, they watched the road ahead.
A few meters away, the two brothers from the Land of Water rested next to the trunk of a huge tree while peacefully sharing a peach.
Mugino looked at Team 7 and signaled with his hand that they would all attack at once. Saku, Sarada, and Mitsuki nodded. From another branch, Konohamaru raised his hand, and as he lowered it, they all disappeared in a Shunshin.
In an instant they completely surrounded the two brothers.
The Water Land shinobi were startled. One of them reacted immediately and tried to attack, but Konohamaru appeared in front of him with a kunai. The blade pierced his body.
Phew !
The shinobi exploded in a cloud of smoke.
—A clone!
The other brother smiled.
—I have them.
His hands began forming seals at full speed as strange green markings spread all over his body.
— Kinjutsu : Jigoku Messatsu ... Forbidden Technique: Infernal Obliteration!
Those present were surprised and tried to stop him, but it was too late.
The ground beneath his feet began to turn gray and, within seconds, transformed into a kind of viscous mud that trapped his legs.
Saku tried to move.
—Damn it! What is this?
They all began to struggle to free themselves, but it was useless.
Sarada frowned.
—What's going on?!
Mitsuki moved his hands quickly trying to form hand seals, but at that moment several tentacles sprouted from the mud and gripped his arms tightly, preventing him from continuing.
The tentacles continued to hold them all as the mud slowly dragged them to the bottom. They all struggled to free themselves.
Sarada looked at the ground carefully and opened her eyes a little.
—Don't move! The more you struggle, the faster it's swallowing you!
Upon hearing her, they all gradually stopped struggling. The shinobi from the Land of Water smiled sadly at the sight.
—It's too late... we'll all fall into the same hell.
Saku looked up at him.
—You can still stop this technique.
The shinobi slowly shook his head.
-Can't.
Saku spoke almost shouting.
—Of course you can! Just release the jutsu. You don't have to die here.
Konohamaru spoke without taking his eyes off the enemy.
—Saku... don't waste your time. She doesn't plan to stop.
Sarada also tried to convince him.
—If you do this, no one will win. You will die too.
The shinobi smiled calmly.
-I know.
Mugino frowned.
—Then... why?
The silence lasted a few seconds. Finally, the shinobi lowered his gaze.
—Because my life is not worth more than the lives of my people.
Everyone remained silent.
"Our village is small... we don't have large clans, nor a Kage to protect us. We barely survive each year. When we were children, a village in the Land of Water gave us shelter, food, and a place to call home. They extended a helping hand when no one else would."
As she spoke, she brought a hand to her ear; it was basic, but she remembered her brothers.
"They died so that this mission could continue... my brothers gave their lives without hesitation. How could I do less than they did?"
Saku watched him silently.
—But they didn't sacrifice themselves so that you would die.
The shinobi smiled nostalgically.
—They are wrong... precisely because of them I must do it.
The tentacles began to pull them down a little further.
The shinobi looked up and smiled serenely.
—The dead of hell... will drag them with me.
Konohamaru tried to throw a kunai, but a tentacle emerged from the mud and caught his arm before he could throw it.
Mugino tried to make hand seals, but another tentacle immobilized his hands.
Sarada threw kunai with her free hand, though the tentacles deflected them before they reached the shinobi.
Saku gritted her teeth.
—Don't do this! You can still live!
The shinobi slowly closed his eyes.
—No... my duty ends here.
At that moment, Saku stretched out an arm toward one of the nearby trees. Several branches sprouted from the trunk at full speed, surrounded his body, and with a strong pull, lifted him out of the mud, leaving him on a thick branch.
Without wasting a moment, Saku clasped her hands together. More branches and roots sprouted from the trees, ensnared Konohamaru, Mugino, Sarada, and Mitsuki, and pulled them out of the mud one by one.
They all fell onto the branches, breathing heavily, while the shinobi from the Land of Water watched them with frustration.
Saku stepped forward and spoke calmly.
—I'm going to save you.
The shinobi looked at him with surprise.
—Save me...?
Saku held his gaze and smiled slightly.
"It might sound silly... but I decided a long time ago to live this way. That's my purpose. To prevent unnecessary deaths, to prevent others from suffering. Even if it's just a little, I want people to be able to keep living... even to make them smile."
Sarada heard those words, looked at Saku's back, and smiled peacefully. Mitsuki also smiled silently.
The shinobi slowly shook his head.
—You don't understand anything.
Saku raised both hands. Several branches shot out and gripped the shinobi's arms tightly, preventing him from maintaining the jutsu's hand seals. Then they began to pull him out of the mud.
The shinobi used all his strength to resist.
—Let me go!
Saku answered calmly.
-No.
The grumbling shinobi
—Let me finish this mission!
Saku shook her head.
—I don't plan to do it.
The shinobi gritted his teeth.
—My brothers died for this!
Saku answered without looking away.
—That's precisely why you must live.
The shinobi glared at him angrily.
"If I return without the cells... all your sacrifice will have been in vain!"
Saku slowly shook her head.
—No. Your sacrifice will have been worth it if at least one of you manages to return home.
The branches continued to pull him down little by little.
The shinobi lowered his head.
—You don't understand what it means to carry the burden of an entire village...
Saku stared at him intently.
—Maybe not... but I do know what it means to lose someone. That's why I don't intend to let you die.
The shinobi remained silent. For the first time, he began to cease resisting. The branches finished pulling him out of the mud, and at that very moment, the gray sludge began to slowly crumble as the tentacles disappeared one by one. The forbidden technique had been canceled.
At that moment, hurried footsteps could be heard from the nearby trees.
They all turned their heads at the same time.
Omoi emerged from the darkness, covered in wounds. He could barely stand. He looked up and, seeing the group gathered, let out a small smile.
—Finally... I was able to catch up with them...
His body lost strength and he fell backward, leaning against a tree trunk.
—Omoi!
Konohamaru appeared beside him in a flash and caught him before he collapsed completely. The others also quickly rushed over.
Sarada knelt before him, placed both hands on his chest, and began to channel healing chakra. A faint green glow illuminated her hands.
"I'm not as good as... but at least I can give first aid."
A few moments later, Sarada withdrew her hands and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
Omoi gave him a grateful smile.
-Thank you...
His expression changed immediately.
"We're in trouble... that guy... he was a monster. We couldn't even lay a finger on him."
Saku stepped forward with concern.
—What happened to the others?
Omoi lowered his gaze.
—They're dead...
Silence filled the place.
—They sacrificed themselves... so that I could escape.
Saku, Sarada, Mitsuki, Mugino, and Konohamaru opened their eyes in surprise.
Omoi clenched his fists.
"You have to hurry. That man is after Hashirama's cells. If he reaches you... it will be too late."
The shinobi from the Land of Water stepped forward.
—Is there someone that strong chasing my brother...?
Saku looked at him seriously.
"It's up to you. We can't force you to help us, but if you truly want to prevent your brother from dying at that man's hands... we need you to guide us."
The shinobi remained silent for a few seconds.
Finally, he nodded.
—Then... let's go.
Saku smiled slightly.
Konohamaru helped Omoi to his feet, but he shook his head.
—No... I'll only delay them. Leave me here.
Everyone looked at him sadly.
Omoi looked up and smiled wearily.
—Go... you can still stop him.
Those present nodded in silence.
The next instant they disappeared in a Shunshin, going back into the forest.
Omoi watched them disappear among the trees. He slowly lowered his head and murmured in a broken voice.
—Marui... Kakui... please... let his sacrifice not have been in vain...
Tears began to run down her face as the silence of the night enveloped the forest once more.
Time began to pass. Night gave way to dawn, and the first rays of the sun illuminated the forest once more.
Team 7, along with Konohamaru and Mugino, continued moving at full speed through the tree branches. Leading the group was the shinobi from the Land of Water, guiding them along the path his brother had taken.
As they jumped between the trees, Sarada broke the silence.
—That enemy... he must have been very strong. He was able to defeat a Jounin like Omoi.
Konohamaru nodded without stopping running.
—He is. We must act with great caution when we encounter him.
They all nodded silently.
After a few seconds, Sarada sped up until she was next to the shinobi from the Land of Water.
"I hope we find your brother in time. If we join forces... perhaps we can defeat that man together."
The shinobi glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
—You're quite different from the stubborn, headstrong type who comes behind you.
Saku, who had overheard the conversation, smiled.
—Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment.
The shinobi completely ignored the comment and looked ahead again.
"You know that even though I lost, I won't join you. Don't try to form a permanent alliance. For now, we'll cooperate to stop that guy... later we'll decide what to do with Hashirama's cells."
Sarada let out a small laugh and scratched her head.
—Hehehe... I see you noticed my intentions.
The shinobi let out a slight smile as he continued jumping between the branches.
—You still have a long way to go in hiding what you think... but you will become a great shinobi.
Sarada smiled humbly.
-Thank you.
Without saying another word, they all continued moving at full speed through the trees, getting closer and closer to the place where the last of the brothers was.
At that moment, Mugino, who had kept his eyes fixed on the road, opened his eyes a little.
—We already found it.
They all looked ahead. In the distance, the last of the brothers walked along the path as it led into a large plain.
The shinobi from the Land of Water spoke seriously.
—Wait here. I'll speak to him first.
Those present exchanged glances for a moment and finally nodded. Then they descended from the trees with a great leap, landing silently on the ground.
The shinobi leaped high, descending from the trees to a wide plain where his brother was advancing. He landed several meters behind him.
Upon hearing the sound, the other shinobi stopped and turned his head.
-Brother!
The man carrying Hashirama's cells opened his eyes in surprise. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward him. However, when he was just a few steps away, he drew a three-pronged kunai and pressed it against his neck.
—Who are you? How dare you impersonate my brother? He sacrificed himself so I could continue the mission! How can you tarnish his will?
The other shinobi remained silent, lowering his gaze slightly.
The carrier of the cells gripped the kunai tightly.
—Aren't you going to answer? Then...
He was about to move the leaf when a voice interrupted him from the trees.
—Wait, wait! Stop!
Saku emerged from the forest, raising both hands.
—He's your brother! Don't kill him!
The shinobi frowned.
—What... what are you saying?
The other one slowly raised his head and spoke calmly.
—It's true... it's me.
He remained completely still.
The shinobi who was being pointed at with the kunai lowered his gaze and spoke sadly.
—I'm sorry... I managed to survive.
For a few seconds, the cell carrier said nothing. Then he dropped the kunai to the ground, and a smile slowly appeared on his face. And he hugged him tightly.
—What a relief. Really... what a relief.
After a few moments he pulled away and became serious again.
—So... why are you with them?
The shinobi replied while glancing sideways at Team 7.
"Someone very dangerous is after the cells. I've formed a temporary alliance with them. If we remain separated, none of us will survive."
His brother remained thoughtful for a few seconds. Then he took a couple of steps back and nodded.
—I understand... then let's prepare to face it together.
At that moment, from the branches of a tree in the distance, several projectiles were fired at full speed towards the two brothers.
—BOOM!
The projectiles hit directly, causing a loud bang.
Saku opened her eyes in surprise, shocked by what she had just witnessed.
At that moment, Konohamaru spoke from behind.
—Everyone on guard!
They all assumed a fighting stance. Saku opened her eyes a little wider and thought.
"I didn't sense his chakra... again. What the hell?"
At that moment, from the tree branch, a voice echoed with amusement.
—Well, well... hahaha.
Saku slowly raised her gaze. Upon seeing him, her expression hardened.
—Damn you... Deepa!
Deepa smiled calmly.
—I see I arrived at the perfect moment... hahaha.
Sarada reacted instantly. She drew a kunai, coated it with chakra, and hurled it with all her might toward Deepa. Deepa simply raised an arm. A dark gray, metallic-like layer enveloped his skin. The kunai struck her squarely and was deflected, while a gust of wind whipped through Deepa's hair.
He watched the kunai disappear among the trees and smiled.
—Not bad... what great strength.
Sarada opened her eyes slightly.
—He didn't do anything to her... Omoi was right.
Konohamaru kept his gaze fixed on Deepa.
—That's right. Their skin can harden.
Deepa let out a small laugh when she heard them.
—So they've already told you about me... and my stones. Hahaha. My Kekkei Genkai is based on carbon. I can condense it... and even take it much further. They will never be able to stop me.
Konohamaru didn't respond. He quickly formed several hand seals, brought a hand to his mouth, and screamed.
—Katon: Karyu Endan ! Fire Element: Fireball Dragon Flame!
A gigantic burst of flame shot out of its mouth and crashed into Deepa, causing a loud crash.
—BOOM!
The explosion destroyed several nearby trees and raised a huge cloud of smoke.
As the smoke began to dissipate, Deepa appeared standing in the center of the crater, completely motionless. Her entire body was covered in a thick layer of carbon, while an amused smile spread across her face.
—Now then... it's time for them to start getting desperate... hahaha.
Deepa began walking toward them. Everyone stood guard, but suddenly he changed direction and advanced toward the bodies of the Water Land shinobi.
Team 7 leaped and landed in front of the brothers to protect them. Saku stepped forward and spoke coldly.
—We won't give them to you.
His gaze remained completely cold.
Konohamaru observed the scene and asked seriously.
—What is your goal in obtaining Hashirama's cells?
Deepa sighed.
—Explaining it would be a hassle... so no.
Mugino, who had remained silent all this time, stepped forward.
—Then we'll force you to talk.
Deepa smiled with amusement, but before she could answer, another voice boomed from the other end of the plain.
—You're drawing too much attention, idiot.
Everyone turned their heads. Vikta appeared several meters away.
Deepa smiled slightly.
—You took your time, old man.
Saku opened her eyes slightly.
—Vikta...?
Vikta glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
—Don't underestimate me, Deepa.
Mitsuki watched them both intently.
—This isn't good... they seem to belong to the same group.
Saku clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding. Sarada glanced at him sideways.
—Calm down, Saku. Let's not attack rashly.
Saku took a deep breath and nodded.
Vikta turned her gaze towards the group and spoke calmly.
"Hashirama's cells belong to us. We found them first, but they were stolen and ended up on the black market. Anyway... they're going to be returned to me."
Konohamaru adopted a fighting stance.
—We will take them to Konoha to keep them in a safe place.
Vikta sighed resignedly.
—Then there is no possible deal.
In an instant, he appeared before Konohamaru and Mugino. Both opened their eyes in surprise.
—Let's go somewhere else.
He performed a rapid sequence of hand seals, and the next instant, a powerful whirlwind erupted from the ground, enveloping Konohamaru and Mugino before launching them into the air.
Vikta glanced sideways at Deepa and spoke seriously.
"I'll take care of the Jounin. You deal with the brats... and retrieve Hashirama's cells."
Deepa clicked her tongue in annoyance.
—I have to deal with some brats... what a nuisance.
Vikta glanced at him and answered calmly.
—Don't complain. It is what it is. The plan is already underway... let's not waste any more time.
Deepa sighed and nodded listlessly.
-Alright...
At that moment, Vikta disappeared in a Shunshin, leaving Deepa facing Team 7 and the two brothers from the Land of Water.
Deepa turned towards Team 7 and smiled with amusement.
—So... what do you prefer? I can take my time so you die slowly...
At that moment, several carbon cubes began to form and float around him. With a simple flick of his wrist, they shot out at full speed toward Team 7 like projectiles.
—...or kill them in a single instant.
The cubes violently hit the ground in front of Team 7, causing several loud crashes.
—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Saku looked at the spot where the cubes had crashed. Then she looked up at Deepa and spoke coldly.
"I don't like it when people die. I saw many people die in front of me, and yet I still wanted to prevent more deaths... to prevent more suffering. They killed out of necessity. That doesn't justify it... but you're different. You kill for fun... and you're going to pay for that."
Deepa smiled and burst out laughing.
—Then it'll be the slow way... hahaha.
More carbon cubes began to form around them and shot out at full speed towards Team 7.
Saku raised a hand, and at that instant, branches and roots sprouted from the ground, forming a massive wooden shield. The projectiles struck the barrier head-on, coming to a complete stop.
Deepa smiled with more interest.
—I see you have something very interesting... what else can you do?
Saku glanced sideways at his companions.
—I don't think we can defeat them the way we always do... we have to get serious.
Sarada nodded with determination.
-You're right.
He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them, revealing his two-tomoe Sharingan.
—It's time to give it our all.
He took a slow breath. A green chakra coursed through his fists for an instant before disappearing.
Upon hearing those words, Mitsuki also concentrated.
"If I use my full power, my body will get damaged again... so I'll only use a fraction. Just like Boruto when he only sent a fraction of his power to his clones."
A chakra began to erupt from his body. It resembled a translucent, cyan flame that enveloped him completely. His yellow eyes glowed intensely, his hair began to levitate, and a powerful gust of wind expanded around him.
"Thirty percent will be enough."
Saku moved her hand and the branches sank back into the ground. Deepa watched them for a few seconds, his smile widening, and he spoke with amusement.
—This will be fun.
At that moment, Mitsuki appeared in front of him and delivered a powerful punch to his chest. Deepa was sent flying, crashing into several trees and destroying them with a loud crash.
—BOOM!
A cloud of dust rose up.
Sarada began walking slowly forward. From the cloud of dust, several carbon cubes shot out at high speed. Mitsuki disappeared and reappeared elsewhere on the battlefield as the projectiles whizzed past him. The cubes continued their trajectory toward Sarada.
Sarada drew a kunai and smiled. With absolute calm, she began to dodge the projectiles. The cubes she couldn't avoid, she blocked with the kunai, causing metallic sounds and a shower of sparks.
At that moment, a shadow emerged from the cloud of dust, and Deepa appeared beside Sarada, throwing a punch. Sarada vanished and reappeared behind him. She grabbed his head and slammed it face-first into the ground.
—BOOM!
The impact opened a large crater. Without giving him time to react, Sarada raised her other fist and struck Deepa hard on the back of the head.
—BOOM!
The ground broke again and large cracks spread across the plain.
At that moment, more carbon cubes began to form from the air.
Saku screamed.
—Sarada!
She disappeared and reappeared several meters back, just before the projectiles destroyed the place where she was standing.
Deepa stood up slowly and watched her with a smile.
—That hurt... You're dead.
More carbon cubes began to appear around her, spinning at high speed until they formed a ring that protected her entire body. Deepa threw a punch at Sarada, and dozens of cubes shot out from her arm.
Sarada began running across the battlefield as Deepa continued firing relentlessly. At that moment, Mitsuki appeared from the air and delivered a powerful horizontal kick to Deepa's head.
Deepa ducked at the last moment, dodging the attack. Mitsuki's eyes opened slightly in surprise , but Deepa grabbed his foot and slammed him hard to the ground.
—BOOM!
Mitsuki spat blood. Deepa moved an arm, and the ring of cubes spun faster, positioning itself in front of his hand. At that moment, he threw his arm toward Mitsuki, and the entire ring shot out at him.
But before they could reach him, branches and roots sprouted from the ground behind Deepa. In an instant, they gripped his entire body and hurled him against a group of trees, causing a loud crash.
—BOOM!
Saku clasped his hands together, and more branches shot out of the ground at lightning speed. Deepa responded by hurling carbon cubes that shattered most of them instantly, but it wasn't enough. One branch managed to grab his leg, and, using the momentum, began to slam him violently against the ground from one side of the battlefield to the other.
Deepa spun the ring of cubes and severed the branch holding it. He spun several times in the air, regained his balance, and landed on his feet. He looked up at Saku, his expression filled with fury. He extended both fists toward him, and before them appeared a carbon cube much larger than the previous ones. The cube began to glow slowly, and in the next instant, it shot out at terrifying speed, slicing through the air.
Saku moved both arms as fast as he could, and thick roots and branches sprouted from the ground, raising a massive wooden barrier in front of him. However, the projectiles pierced it without losing speed, completely shattering it. Saku managed to turn his body, and the cube grazed him as all the wood exploded into thousands of fragments.
At that very moment, Sarada appeared beside Deepa and threw a powerful punch. Deepa hardened his arm with carbon, and both blows collided head-on.
—BOOM!
A powerful shockwave rippled across the battlefield. The carbon fiber coating Deepa's arm cracked several times from the impact, but it held. Without wasting a moment, he threw his other punch. Sarada spun around to dodge it and countered with a kick. Deepa blocked it with his forearm and was sent flying several meters backward.
As soon as she regained her balance, she lunged at her again. She raised her leg and unleashed a violent vertical slash. Sarada slid to the side and responded with another powerful punch. Deepa narrowly dodged it and countered with a blow of her own. Sarada did the same, and their fists collided once more.
A new shock wave shook the plain.
Without pausing for breath, they both began a ferocious exchange of punches and kicks. Each clash shook the ground as shockwaves rippled across the battlefield.
In the midst of the fight, Sarada looked up and met Deepa's gaze. For a split second, Deepa was completely immobile, trapped in a Genjutsu. Sarada didn't miss her chance and unleashed a powerful punch straight into his stomach.
Deepa broke free from the Genjutsu from the impact. He spat blood as he was thrown against several trees, causing a loud crash.
—BOOM!
The tree trunks split completely. But, in the next instant, Deepa reappeared in front of Sarada and launched a violent horizontal kick. She barely managed to raise both forearms to defend herself.
The impact sent her flying to the other end of the battlefield, crashing into the ground and causing another loud bang.
—BOOM!
Deepa ducked under his leg, and at that very moment, Mitsuki appeared above him and delivered a near-vertical punch straight to his face. The blow forced Deepa to bend violently to the ground, breaking the earth beneath his feet.
Deepa looked up in fury, but Mitsuki had already landed. Without giving him time to react, he spun around and delivered a powerful kick to Mitsuki's abdomen, the chakra surrounding him vibrating with each blow.
Deepa took the full impact and spat blood as one of her knees hit the ground.
Mitsuki stepped forward, ready to finish him off, but at that instant a ring of carbon cubes appeared around Deepa and expanded suddenly. Mitsuki didn't have time to react. But at that moment, a branch shot out from the ground and grabbed him by the waist, pulling him back just before the cubes crashed through the place where he was standing, instantly shattering the branch.
Mitsuki landed on his feet several meters back, but dozens of carbon projectiles began to shoot out from the ring and were fired at him. Mitsuki quickly dodged them at full speed.
Then new carbon rings appeared, each the size of an enormous shuriken. They spun at high speed and shot out toward Mitsuki.
Saku clasped his hands together, and thick branches sprouted from the ground, intercepting the attacks before they could reach his companion. The rings cut through the wood with ease, but the branches kept emerging one after another, preventing Deepa from reaching him.
Deepa glared at Saku with annoyance, and several projectiles shot out from the ring that revolved around him. Saku performed several hand seals and said:
—Mokuton: Moku Joheki .
At that moment, thick tree trunks sprouted from the ground, forming an enormous wooden dome that completely covered it. The projectiles crashed against the barrier, but only became embedded in it without penetrating it.
Saku made hand signs again and shouted:
—Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu.
The ground began to tremble. All across the battlefield, enormous branches and roots erupted violently from the ground and hurled themselves at Deepa.
Deepa leaped high into the air, but the branches changed direction and chased him at full speed. The ring of cubes spun even more fiercely and shattered the first branches that tried to catch him. However, more and more kept appearing.
Deepa created much larger carbon cubes, and these began to spin at full speed around his body, forming two enormous rings that protected him like a sphere. The cubes crushed everything that came near, destroying branches and roots without stopping.
Saku continued to send chakra relentlessly. More trees sprouted from the ground, surrounding Deepa from all sides. Gradually, a gigantic wooden dome began to close in on him. The branches pushed the rings back, and with each passing second, they reduced the space around Deepa even further.
Deepa clenched her teeth and screamed loudly.
—They won't beat me!
The cubes began to spin even faster as they glowed with an intense light. Deepa suddenly opened both arms, and the two rings expanded violently, causing a loud crash.
—BOOM!
A gigantic shockwave swept across the plain. The cubes completely shattered the immense wooden dome, and the explosion spread across the entire battlefield, raising a huge cloud of dust and scattering logs and roots in all directions.
Deepa fell to the ground as the rings stopped spinning and began to float slowly, and from inside the dome, Saku fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
Mitsuki, who had been observing everything from outside the battlefield, glanced at Sarada, who was slowly trying to stand up. Sensing his gaze, she looked up at him. Then she took a breath, finished standing, and they both nodded at the same time before turning their attention to Deepa, who looked exhausted.
Sarada started walking toward him. Deepa sensed her presence and glared at her. From the trees, Mitsuki prepared to leap up.
Deepa slammed his fist at Sarada, ready to unleash another barrage of cubes. However, Sarada smiled.
At that moment, Mitsuki propelled himself from the trees at incredible speed, cleaving through the air. He appeared above Deepa, taking him completely by surprise. Deepa raised his other arm and shielded himself with his carbon-encased forearm, but Mitsuki unleashed a powerful blow that shattered the armor, sending it exploding into countless pieces.
Deepa was launched into the ground, causing a powerful...
—BOOM!
A huge cloud of dust rose as Mitsuki's chakra manifested in all its glory. An instant later, he vanished and reappeared beside Sarada.
From the enormous crater, the cloud of dust began to dissipate. Deepa slowly sat up. Her arm trembled from the force of the impact. She looked up at the two genin with a mixture of fury and rage.
—I swear I'll kill them!
Sarada took a firm stance. And in that instant, she disappeared, along with Mitsuki, and both reappeared on either side of Deepa and, without giving him time to react, began an intense hand-to-hand combat.
Sarada threw a punch straight at Deepa's face as Mitsuki launched a kick to his abdomen. Deepa coated his forearms with carbon and blocked both attacks, one with each arm, but the combined force sent him reeling several meters, shattering the ground beneath his feet. Before he could regain his balance, Sarada reappeared in front of him and unleashed a rapid flurry of blows. Deepa managed to deflect several, though two impacts rattled his jaw and chest.
At that very moment, Mitsuki appeared behind him and launched a ferocious spinning kick. Deepa spun around and raised his forearm to block it.
The carbon fiber cracked from the impact. Sarada took advantage of the opening and landed a knee strike to his abdomen. Deepa responded with a violent downward elbow strike that forced Sarada to jump back, but Mitsuki was already on top of him. They began to alternate their attacks, forcing him to block punches, kicks, and elbow strikes from all angles. Deepa could barely keep up as his arms collided repeatedly with the blows of the two genin.
Each impact made the carbon fiber of his body tremble. Finally, Sarada spun around and delivered a powerful kick to Deepa's head, sending him reeling backward. Deepa lost his balance and fell to his knees. However, a smile appeared on his face. The rings surrounding him began to spin again. Sarada and Mitsuki noticed this at the same time and leaped away.
The next instant, dozens of black cubes shot out in all directions, causing several loud bangs.
—BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!
Several clouds of dust rose up due to the constant impacts.
A few moments later, the dust began to settle, revealing enormous branches and roots raised up in front of Mitsuki and Sarada. The wooden barrier that had protected them slowly began to crumble until it disappeared completely, leaving both genin completely unharmed.
Deepa stood up and glared at them with furious eyes. Then he turned his gaze to Saku, who had already left the wooden dome and was holding a hand seal.
—They're very annoying...
Deepa took a deep breath.
The black rings and cubes that had been floating around him stopped spinning and vanished completely. An instant later, dozens of new cubes appeared around him. They were different. Their surface was a brilliant silver color, and they began to emit an intense glow.
Saku opened her eyes wide and clenched her teeth.
-That...?!
But before he could react, several projectiles hit him squarely, sending him hurtling to the edge of the battlefield with a loud crash.
—BOOM!
The impact raised a cloud of dust.
Sarada and Mitsuki were surprised, but at that very moment they too were struck by more silver cubes. They were both flung in opposite directions and crashed violently to the ground, causing another loud crash to resound.
—BOOM!
Deepa started walking towards Mitsuki and Sarada, but from the other end of the battlefield some rocks began to move.
The cloud of dust began to dissipate, revealing Saku standing up. He looked at Deepa seriously.
—I will defeat you.
Deepa glared at him with annoyance and turned towards him. In a single instant, she was running at full speed in his direction.
Saku smiled and began performing various hand seals. When she finished, she shouted:
—Mokuton: Mokuryu no Jutsu! Wood Release: Wood Dragon Jutsu!
At that moment, a drop of blood fell from Saku's nose. Her body wobbled, but she clenched her jaw and screamed with all her might.
—AAAAAA!!
Deepa appeared before him, but at that instant a gigantic wooden dragon emerged from the ground and seized him in its jaws, lifting him high into the air. The dragon clamped its jaws shut with tremendous force, while Deepa coated his body in carbon and struggled under the immense pressure.
The next instant, the dragon descended at full speed and slammed Deepa to the ground.
—BOOM!!
The impact completely caved the ground. Without giving it a single moment's rest, the dragon rose again and slammed it back into the ground.
—BOOM!! Once again... —BOOM!! And again... —BOOM!!
The dragon writhed violently, slamming Deepa repeatedly against the ground as it held him trapped in its jaws. The ground cracked open with each impact, and huge clouds of dust covered the battlefield.
Crushed by the pressure, Deepa ended up spitting blood. He quickly hardened his arms, but this time the carbon became much more resistant, acquiring an intense rainbow sheen. With a powerful punch, he struck the wooden dragon's jaw, forcing it to release him.
Deepa was thrown off and crashed into several trees, knocking him off the plain.
—BOOM!
However, the dragon did not stop. No sooner had Deepa managed to recover than the gigantic creature charged at him again, dragging him through the forest and leaving a huge trail of destruction in its wake.
The dragon plunged into the trees, slamming Deepa to the ground and gripping him tightly. With another powerful punch, Deepa managed to deflect its head and leap back several times, but the dragon continued its pursuit, destroying everything in its path.
Deepa clenched her jaw and began to move between the trees, taking quick leaps while dodging the wooden dragon's attacks.
Finally, he leaped high into the air and landed on the ground. He raised both fists, pointing them at the dragon. Between them appeared an enormous cube. It was different from the previous ones. Its surface was almost translucent, like crystal, and he screamed.
-Diamond!
The cube shone with dazzling intensity, and when the wooden dragon was close enough, Deepa shot it.
The projectile pierced the wooden dragon and made it explode in an instant. But it didn't stop. It continued advancing, laying waste to everything in its path and carving a vast trail of destruction through the forest, carrying away trees, rocks, and everything else it encountered.
In the distance, Saku spat blood and fell to one knee.
"Damn it... It wasn't enough to defeat him. He was smaller than the original Wooden Dragon, but still... it wasn't enough."
He slowly raised his gaze while breathing heavily.
From the rubble, Sarada slowly stood up and looked toward where Deepa had been dragged. Her vision blurred for a moment. She shook her head, took a breath, and began performing a flurry of hand seals at lightning speed.
When he finished, he extended a hand to one side.
—Chidori!
A huge amount of lightning erupted from his hand, illuminating the battlefield as the Chidori's distinctive screech echoed throughout the forest.
At the same time, Deepa sprinted through the trees back to the battlefield. With a great leap, she burst out of the forest, landing on the ground, and upon hearing the sharp crack of thunder, she turned her head toward Sarada.
She clenched her jaw. In an instant, she vanished and reappeared in front of Deepa with the Chidori extended, launching it directly at his chest.
Deepa opened his eyes in surprise. Instinctively, he hardened his body with carbon and, at the last second, twisted his torso to the side, and the Chidori passed just grazing his chest.
—SHHHH!
A deep gash opened across Deepa's chest, causing blood to spurt out. Sarada was propelled by the speed of the attack, traveling several meters before the Chidori's beams began to slowly dissipate from her hand.
Sarada stopped and at the same time, the Sharingan vanished from her eyes and she murmured.
-Curse...
Deepa looked down at the gash on her chest. She clenched her jaw in fury and lunged at Sarada at full speed.
But before he could reach her, Mitsuki, who had been observing everything from a distance, released his chakra. It took the form of a huge snake that shot out toward Deepa with the intention of immobilizing him.
Deepa, who was about to attack Sarada, quickly spun around and caught the chakra snake with both hands and said.
—I've got you!
Grasping her tightly, he yanked violently. The enormous force of the pull dragged Mitsuki toward him. Using the momentum, Deepa spun Mitsuki around in the air like a weapon and hurled him directly at Sarada.
The two genin barely had time to react before colliding. They were both thrown in the same direction and crashed violently to the ground, bouncing several times before coming to a stop.
Saku, who had been observing everything, slowly stood up and began performing various hand seals.
—Mokuton: Sashiki no Jutsu!
He clasped his hands together as he completed the final seal, and at that moment, numerous roots sprouted around him. However, these were different. Their tips were as sharp as spears and began to twist in front of Saku, forming an enormous spiral that, in a single instant, shot out toward Deepa.
Deepa hardened his arm with carbon and created a massive cube in front of him. The cube glowed brightly and shot out to intercept the attack. They collided head-on, creating a powerful shockwave that swept across the battlefield due to the force of the two techniques.
Saku stepped forward, released her hand seal, extended her arm, and made a tight fist, channeling even more chakra into her jutsu. Deepa responded in kind, reinforcing the carbon cube. For a few moments, both attacks remained perfectly balanced.
—CRACK!
The enormous carbon cube began to crack until it shattered into countless pieces. Deepa opened his eyes in shock as the gigantic spiral of roots tore through the cube's remains and slammed into his chest. Instinctively, he hardened his entire body with carbon and gripped the spiral with both hands to prevent the sharp roots from piercing him, but he was still violently dragged through the forest as the ground crumbled beneath his feet.
Saku gritted her teeth and continued to channel all her remaining chakra into the technique, determined to defeat it once and for all. However, more blood began to gush from her nose. Her body froze for a moment, and she collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily. The jutsu's intensity gradually diminished until it stopped completely.
Deepa noticed the change instantly. He clenched both hands tightly and, with a violent pull, shattered the spiral of roots, sending fragments of wood flying in all directions. Then he looked up at Saku and shot off at full speed. In an instant, he appeared beside her and delivered a powerful kick. Saku spat blood and was sent flying several meters, crashing down next to Sarada and Mitsuki.
Deepa glared at them with anger and annoyance. Slowly, a smile appeared on her face.
—You annoying brats... you'll pay for what you did to me.
Sarada tried to compose herself, but ended up falling to her knees. She looked up and glared angrily at Deepa.
Deepa returned his gaze with an amused smile.
Moments earlier, in another place...
The battlefield between Vikta, Konohamaru, and Mugino was completely devastated. Large parts of the forest had been destroyed, and both Konohamaru and Mugino lay on the ground, breathing heavily.
Standing before them was Vikta. His forearms had completely changed. Enormous arms protruded from them, reaching almost his entire height.
Vikta watched them coldly.
—Is that all? I thought they'd put up more of a fight... but apparently this is it.
Konohamaru slowly moved his head to look at him.
—Why are you doing this? What do the cells want?
Vikta returned his gaze with a cold and indifferent look.
—That's none of your business. It's time to go after them.
Vikta turned around and looked at the other battlefield, but at that moment something caught her attention. Beyond the forest, the Wooden Dragon towered above the trees, and she opened her eyes in surprise, unable to hide her astonishment.
Konohamaru and Mugino also turned their gaze in that direction. Several loud noises began to be heard in the distance.
—BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!
Konohamaru looked at Vikta and let out a soft laugh.
—Hehe... It seems your partner isn't having a very good time.
Vikta turned to look at him with an annoyed expression. Without saying a word, she began performing several hand seals.
At that moment, a lightning bolt descended from the sky directly onto Konohamaru and Mugino.
—BOOM!!
A huge cloud of dust rose up and Vikta spoke.
—I don't have time to deal with you.
The next instant, Vikta disappeared in a Shunshin.
Back in the present, on Team 7's battlefield, Deepa looked back at Sarada. She glared at him furiously as he began to slowly walk toward them.
—The death I will give them will be slow... and painful.
Sarada turned to look at her companions, who remained unconscious. Then she looked back at Deepa and slowly stood up. Her whole body trembled as if she might collapse at any moment.
Deepa smiled with amusement.
—Do you want to protect your teammates? Hahaha... you have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy this.
Sarada slowly reached into her ninja pouch, pulled out a three-pronged kunai, and pointed it at him as she assumed a fighting stance.
—I will protect you... so come.
Deepa burst out laughing, but at that moment, in a Shunshin, Vikta appeared beside him. Deepa glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
—Old man... what are you doing here?
Vikta scanned the completely destroyed plain and then looked at Deepa.
—Couldn't you beat some kids? You're still wasting your time with your games, Deepa.
Deepa clicked her tongue in annoyance.
—They were a bit troublesome, but as you can see... in the end I won.
He looked back at Sarada and started walking towards her again.
—And now... I'm going to enjoy it.
Vikta spoke coldly.
—What do you think you're doing? Stop it already. We don't have time for your games. Kill them and let's go.
Sarada gripped the kunai tightly.
"No one will leave this place... none of you. Much less with the cells. When Konohamaru-sensei and Mugino-san arrive... it will all be over for you."
Vikta looked at her with a slight smile.
"How naive you are. Do you think I escaped them? No... they're most likely unconscious somewhere in the woods right now. So stop waiting for help... and die."
Sarada opened her eyes slightly. For a moment she lowered her head, feeling despair trying to take hold of her.
Deepa smiled with even more amusement.
—That's how it should be... that they lose all will to live. Hahaha.
Vikta looked at him with annoyance.
—That's enough, Deepa.
Deepa stopped laughing. She glanced sideways at Vikta with annoyance and then refocused her attention on Sarada. She raised a fist and pointed it at her.
—Die... ninja of Konoha.
Around his arm, several much larger carbon cubes began to form. They all glowed with an intense light as they slowly rotated.
Sarada raised her gaze with determination. She gripped the three-pronged kunai tightly and assumed a firm stance, ready to receive the attack.
At that moment, in a flash, several kunai appeared and plunged into the ground around Sarada, forming a perimeter. She opened her eyes in surprise, and upon recognizing them, a faint smile appeared on her face. Without taking her eyes off Deepa, she twirled a kunai between her fingers and, with a swift flick of her wrist, threw it forcefully at him.
Deepa barely tilted her head as the kunai grazed her face before plunging into the other side of the battlefield. Vikta, who had been watching, frowned.
—Just kill them. I don't have a good feeling about this.
Deepa smiled arrogantly.
—Was that your last attempt?... Then... die.
She raised her arm, and the next instant, the enormous cubes shot out, slicing through the air at terrifying speed as they hurtled straight toward Sarada. She didn't stop smiling for a single moment and remained completely still, watching as the projectiles drew ever closer until they struck her.
—BOOM!!
The explosion shook the entire battlefield. Trees behind the point of impact were completely destroyed, and a gigantic cloud of dust rose into the sky, covering the entire area as a powerful shockwave swept through the surroundings.
Deepa observed the cloud of dust for a few seconds with a satisfied smile.
—I thought they'd do something more... but no. What a shame... it's over now.
Vikta let out a soft sigh.
—It's time. Let's go for the cells.
Without waiting for a reply, Vikta began walking toward the brothers from the Land of Water. Deepa cast one last glance at the cloud of dust and, seeing no movement, smiled confidently before turning to follow Vikta.
At that moment, a voice echoed behind them.
—It seems I arrived at the right time.
Vikta and Deepa turned at the same time and looked toward the voice. A few meters away, a person stood with their back to them. The first thing they noticed was the blond hair and the cloak that covered most of the body. Team 7 stood before him. Vikta's eyes widened slightly.
"When did he arrive? I didn't sense his presence... and how did he affect the others? So this was my bad feeling."
Deepa looked him up and down, then nodded and smiled disdainfully.
— Hmm ... another brat. They really are like parasites. And look, you only saved your own, huh?
Boruto stood before Sarada. She slowly raised her gaze to look at him, and upon recognizing him, the tension in her body began to dissipate. She took a step toward him, but her legs gave way. Her body slumped forward, and she collapsed onto Boruto's chest.
—You're late, Boruto... You were quite slow this time.
With what little strength he had left, he raised an arm and gave him a light tap on the chest.
Boruto smiled calmly.
—Sorry for the delay... You don't have to keep fighting anymore.
Sarada slowly closed her eyes.
—I'll entrust the rest to you...
Boruto raised a hand and gently stroked the back of Sarada's head as a small smile appeared on his face.
—Rest... I'll take care of the rest.
Upon hearing those words, Sarada let out a soft sigh. She slowly closed her eyes and lost consciousness. Boruto caught her before she completely fell and carefully cradled her in his arms. Then he knelt and gently laid her on the ground, standing up and watching Sarada.
But at that moment, footsteps began to be heard from the forest. They were slow and heavy. Boruto looked up and saw Konohamaru and Mugino emerging from the trees. Both were covered in wounds and could barely stand.
Konohamaru looked straight ahead and, upon recognizing it, opened his eyes slightly.
—Boruto?... What are you doing here?
Boruto observed the wounds of both of them and let out a soft sigh.
—Konoha sent me as reinforcements. From now on, I'll be in charge of this mission. But I see you're quite injured.
Konohamaru remained silent for a few seconds before nodding.
Mugino, not understanding what was happening, was about to speak, but Konohamaru stopped him with one hand.
Boruto turned his gaze towards Team 7.
—Take care of them. They need immediate attention. They are quite injured and beaten.
Konohamaru nodded with determination.
—I understand. I'll protect them while you take care of them.
Boruto nodded slightly. Then he slowly turned to Deepa and Vikta and looked them straight in the eyes. They were both surprised to feel his gaze, as Boruto began walking in their direction with calm, steady steps until he stopped a few meters away.