Thick black smoke enveloped the area as the distorted air settled; burning Mechanical Wings fell from the sky.
With the interference of the Sky Ninjas eliminated, Hiruko immediately commanded the Fusion Monster Bird, guiding the three of them to fly above Angkor Fortress. This was both the blind spot of the Energy Cannon and their pre-planned point of entry.
The monster bird soared upwards, and after reaching a certain height, it suddenly veered, its wings folding in like a cannonball, slamming with tremendous kinetic energy into the fortress's interior.
"Boom!!"
Blue light flashed as a semi-transparent barrier formed in mid-air around the impact site, rippling violently like water, with arcs of electricity crawling over the entire barrier.
"Let me assist you!"
Nian formed hand signs with both hands, and beams of orange-golden light rapidly gathered, revealing a skeletal structure. The ethereal palms converged to form a hammer crackling with lightning that slammed down on the barrier's cracks!
With a tremendous sound, the artifact's impact caused a strong tremor, instantly shattering a large hole in the barrier and causing the entire fortress to jolt slightly.
The Fusion Monster Bird let out a mournful cry. Its eyes were bloodshot, and the bony armor on its head was covered in cracks, indicating that the recoil from the collision had severely injured it.
At this moment, it could no longer carry the three of them, sagging its wings as it plummeted through the shattered barrier.
The three jumped off the falling monster bird, each employing their skills to slide down the half-constructed building in mid-air, eventually landing safely.
Hiruko rushed over to the monster bird's side; it had crashed against the tall building multiple times, scattering countless bricks and tiles upon landing. Although the landing was rough, it mitigated much of the momentum so that it didn't directly die on impact.
"You did well; go back and rest!" Hiruko released the summoning technique, and wisps of white smoke enveloped the Fusion Monster Bird as it completed its landing mission and honorably withdrew.
He slowly turned, his gaze sharp, fixating on the main building within the fortress. "Next, it's up to us!"
Alarm bells rang throughout the fortress as a stream of bird-like silhouettes soared through the air, converging at the site of the shattered barrier.
The three exchanged glances, each of them concealing their presence as they stealthily maneuvered through the shadows under the moonlight, a stark contrast to their earlier brazen entry.
Clearly, the Sky Ninjas did not possess sensory ninjutsu capabilities that matched their aerial combat skills. Relying solely on the infrared detectors attached to their flying devices to lock onto targets was somewhat adequate against ordinary ninjas, but it left them at a disadvantage against monsters like Nian, Orochimaru, and Hiruko.
With their goal clear, the three soon found themselves at the entrance to the main building.
"Stop!"
Two guards immediately raised their guns, fingers resting on the triggers, ready to fire at any moment.
After the earlier commotion, most of the Sky Ninjas had been drawn away by the disturbance above the fortress, searching for traces of the attackers, thus leaving the defense of the main building weak; engaging in a frontal assault was not a wise choice.
"Natsu, quickly contact the main force; we've located the enemy!" the guard on the left slightly turned his head.
However, the Sky Ninja named "Natsu" widened his eyes in shock, blurting out, "Watch out—"
Before the guard could react, a figure appeared suddenly at his side, with disheveled white hair and a cold glare, right hand gleaming with darkness.
"Thud!"
In Natsu's terrified view, his companion's body was split in two, blood staining the steps, and in the assailant's hand was a pitch-black longsword that appeared out of nowhere.
"I'll fight you all!" Natsu, disregarding everything, desperately squeezed the trigger, unleashing a barrage of kunai in a fit of madness.
"Clang clang clang!"
Hiruko spread his hand, and with just his steel-formed palm, he decisively blocked the gun barrel, sparks flying.
With a cold smirk, he slashed through Natsu's throat with a reverse cut, and suddenly the air fell silent.
Holding the sword in one hand, Hiruko stepped into the entrance of the main building, and only then did Natsu collapse, blood gushing forth, flowing down the steps.
Orochimaru and Nian exchanged glances; the former smiled and shook his head, then followed Hiruko into the main building.
The corridor buzzed with noise, red alarm lights flashing wildly, while empty changing rooms lined either side, clearly indicating that all the Sky Ninjas had been deployed.
At the far end was the lift that connected all the floors.
As Orochimaru took a look around, a curious expression appeared on his face. He was quite intrigued about what technology and strength allowed such a massive flying fortress to take off.
If conditions permitted, perhaps one day he could build his own aerial laboratory…
Suddenly, two Sky Ninjas emerged around the corridor's corner. Seeing the intruders swaggering boldly, they instinctively raised their weapons.
Hiruko's gaze sharpened abruptly; he took a step forward like a shooting arrow, and due to incredible speed, the black sword and the arm holding it became indistinguishable.
"Thud! Thud!"
With a horizontal sweep, the blade bisected both Sky Ninjas in a single glance, their firearms severing in half, the cut as smooth as a mirror.
Steel Release, that mutated special bloodline limit, granted chakra a heavy, refined metallic quality.
Depending on the changes in chakra's properties, it could evolve into alloys that nature itself does not possess, combining hardness and flexibility. When combined with taijutsu, its effectiveness was outstanding.
After two and a half years of development, Hiruko could even apply it to other objects, imparting them with the qualities of Steel Release.
When applied to metals, it could alter their atomic structure, changing their magnetic fields and achieving a "demagnetization" effect, which was his greatest confidence in countering the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release.
In terms of large-scale destructive power, it certainly didn't compare to the original "Explosion Release," but in evaluating overall capability and practical application, "Steel Release" was undoubtedly overwhelming.
Under Hiruko's lead, the three stepped into the elevator. Based on past experience, places like the control room should be on the top floor.
The indicator lights were flashing wildly, yet the three began chatting casual topics.
"Where do you plan to go after this?"
"Back home for dinner," Nian stretched lazily.
"Is that the master's cooking?" Hiruko blinked.
"It's my aunt…"
Hiruko shook his head in disappointment. "Let's just say that's a no-go."
"I'm going to report you, Hiruko."
Orochimaru stared at him, expressionless, "You actually disdain my aunt's cooking; you must really not want to live."
"Damn… I didn't…"
"Ding dong—"
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and the casually chatting trio was immediately spotted by several Sky Ninja guards.
Upon seeing these three blood-soaked, murderous youths, they hesitated not at all, raising their guns to fire, the muzzles glowing with sparks.
Hiruko stepped forward protectively in front of the two, bracing himself immovably.
"Steel Release: Iron Body!"
A dense barrage of kunai rained down, striking Hiruko's darkened body, yet it had no effect whatsoever.
Clanging sounds and flying sparks resulted in the Sky Ninjas being hurt by their own rebounding kunai, causing cries of agony.
Inside the fortress, to avoid causing damage, their kunai were not fitted with explosive tags, making the push for the trio much simpler.
"Snake Binding!"
With a series of eerie hissing sounds, the Sky Ninjas in front were ensnared by the vipers, collapsing from the poison and writhing in agony.
Meanwhile, the three had already passed by them, making their way to the entrance of the control room.
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