Chapter 53: Kekkei Genkai: Steel Release
After announcing the start of the match, Pakura stepped back from the arena, unlike before when she stood at the edge of the field.
This was a decision made by the three Kage.
No interference in the finals.
In other words, the proctor's authority to intervene was stripped away.
Life and death left to fate.
This proposal was put forward by Ōnoki.
Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally disagreed, but after persuasion from Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, he eventually agreed.
Of course, Ōnoki offered some benefits in return; otherwise, did you really think the two elders were out of their minds?
As for whether it was disadvantageous to Uchiha Takashi?
Come on, before saying that, take a look at his surname.
Uchiha!
Just this surname alone was seen as an original sin in the eyes of the two elders.
In the past, they refrained from suppressing him out of respect for the 'Will of Fire.' Now, since it's beneficial for the village, making such a decision is quite normal.
"Gang Tu!"
"Uchiha Takashi!"
The two opponents stepped into the arena, locking eyes, understanding that this was their final opponent.
Because this time, they would not only determine a winner but also life and death.
There wasn't even a proctor present; this was not a hint but a clear indication.
"Didn't expect you to be my opponent in the finals, but this makes it more interesting!"
Gang Tu looked at Uchiha Takashi as if he were prey, completely shedding his previous honest and steady demeanor.
Something's wrong! Uchiha Takashi frowned.
His keen intuition made his whole body tense, like an unarmed person encountering a wild beast in the wilderness.
"What are you...?"
He instinctively asked.
Because the feeling the opponent gave him was completely different from before.
Rip!
Gang Tu tore off his clothes.
This wasn't for show, but because his metallic body had grown a few sizes larger, making wearing clothes uncomfortable.
"My 'Steel Release' Kekkei Genkai allows my body to become hard and powerful. Unfortunately, once awakened, I won't live long, but before I die, I'll make the ninja world understand that Iwagakure also has geniuses not inferior to Konoha!"
Without answering Uchiha Takashi's question, Gang Tu introduced his situation.
His tone was calm and determined.
It was clear he was prepared to die.
Iwagakure has no geniuses!
This had become a humiliation for Iwagakure, and Gang Tu wanted to wash it away.
Steel Release Kekkei Genkai? Upon hearing this, not only was Uchiha Takashi bewildered, but so were the others.
Because this was an unheard-of Kekkei Genkai, but its effects could be analyzed from the opponent's battle.
Strong recovery, enhanced Earth Release, extraordinary body strength... and more.
What was once thought to be his talent was now clearly a Kekkei Genkai.
In the ninja world, Kekkei Genkai are like a cheat code for ninjas. Ordinary ninjas compared to those with bloodline limits are worlds apart.
Like how Kumogakure has always coveted the Hyuga clan's 'Byakugan' bloodline.
No one had heard of Iwagakure's Kekkei Genkai, and now one suddenly emerged.
But knowing the opponent's bloodline flaw, it was clear why such a powerful bloodline had no fame.
Awakening leads to death, how could it be famous?
It must have awakened when he was near death in the Forest of Death.
That's why he could continue to compete despite his severe injuries and even improve significantly.
Now, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Konoha higher-ups understood why Ōnoki proposed not allowing proctors to interfere in the match.
It was all to let Gang Tu, before his death, take out Uchiha Takashi, this Konoha genius.
Though it was regrettable that they couldn't deal with Kakashi before, taking out one was better than none.
Given the situation, and Uchiha Takashi being an 'Uchiha,' the Konoha higher-ups didn't stop the match from proceeding.
In the arena.
Boar-Dog-Rooster...
Uchiha Takashi swiftly formed hand seals.
In less than two seconds, he completed the seals.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
His right palm slammed heavily onto the ground.
With Taiichi by his side, no bloodline limit could faze him. Having a powerful summoning beast in hand brings such confidence.
Boom! A large cloud of white smoke rose.
Swish! The dense white fog was torn apart by a pair of massive black wings glowing with golden light.
"So big..."
"It's a summoning beast!"
"This size is just too exaggerated, isn't it?"
...
The appearance of Taiichi instantly ignited the audience's enthusiasm.
They hadn't seen Taiichi in action during the previous battles in the Forest of Death, so this was their first time witnessing such a large summoning beast. It was no wonder they were excited.
What Uchiha Takashi didn't expect was...
Swish! Gang Tu unfurled a scroll and quickly formed hand seals.
"Not good!"
Uchiha Takashi immediately realized something.
Having Taiichi as a summoning beast was no secret.
From a ninja's perspective, Gang tu would definitely find a way to counter it.
"Earth Release: Giant Rock Seal!"
As Gang Tu completed the hand seals, he immediately activated the sealing technique.
When dealing with large targets, simple taijutsu or ninjutsu wouldn't be very effective. Usually, genjutsu or sealing techniques are used.
That's why the Iwa ninja had prepared this sealing technique in advance.
Boom!
The area centered around Taiichi instantly caved in, and then massive rocks spread from the edges of the pit, completely covering the depression and Taiichi beneath it.
Uchiha Takashi wasn't worried about the safety of his summoning beast.
The sealing technique could only trap it for a while, not indefinitely.
"Now, it's our turn!"
Gang Tu spoke after swallowing a soldier pill.
Uchiha Takashi didn't want to interrupt the sealing of his summoning beast.
The problem was that the sealing area was right between them. As he charged forward, he almost got sealed along with it, but fortunately, he retreated in time, allowing the opponent to complete the seal smoothly.
As for using kunai or senbon for long-range attacks?
Sorry, the opponent's body was as strong as steel. In the previous battle with Kakashi, it had already shown what it meant to be 'impervious to blades and spears.'
It was as if he had the 'Earth Spear' defense jutsu activated the whole time.
Under such circumstances, besides throwing a kunai to test, Uchiha Takashi couldn't stop the opponent's sealing.
The test result was... the opponent's body was indeed immune to physical attacks.
Now, rather than a body of flesh and blood, it was more like a body of steel.
Gang Tu!
That name was truly fitting.
Even a Jonin would find such a target extremely troublesome, let alone a Chunin or Genin.
Fire Release: Flame Cloak! Uchiha Takashi didn't waste any time, quickly performing the Flame Cloak.
With the support of the Fiery Fist, this jutsu's effect could soar to the level of an A-rank jutsu, definitely capable of threatening the opponent.
The opponent had a Kekkei Genkai as a cheat, but he also had his own 'pay-to-win' advantage, so it wasn't impossible to fight.
What frustrated Uchiha Takashi was that he couldn't use long-range ninjutsu to resolve the battle.
Because of the opponent's Kekkei Genkai, their defense was maxed out. Even if he exhausted his chakra with long-range ninjutsu bombardment, it wouldn't resolve the fight.
Before Uchiha Takashi, enhanced by the Flame Cloak, could reach the opponent, Gang Tu had already made his move.
"Earth Release: Added-Weight Rock Technique!"
A jutsu that only a Jonin could master, yet he used it swiftly.
This B-rank jutsu had multiple effects.
Not only could it create earth blocks to suppress the target.
It could also envelop an area with gravity, preventing the opponent from moving quickly.
Additionally, it could be used on oneself to enhance impact force.
No wonder it's a B-rank jutsu! Normally speaking.
A Jonin's trump card is a B-rank jutsu, with only a few elite Jonin mastering A-rank jutsu.
So, Gang Tu being able to use B-rank Earth Release meant his strength could rival a Jonin.
It could only be said that Kekkei Genkai is indeed powerful.
Before and after awakening, the strength was completely different.
And Uchiha Takashi had to fight to the death against such an opponent.
(End of Chapter)
Extra chapter soon thanks for the PS.