Chapter 409: Extermination Battle, Part VI
"One trillion exploding tags... Grand Burial Formation! Release!"
With a single icy command, the ground beneath was revealed for what it truly was a layer upon layer of explosive tags, each as powerful as a bomb. It was impossible to tell just how many layers had been buried to reach this staggering count. Instantly, deafening explosions filled the air as dense clouds of dust rose high into the sky.
As the tactical commander for this operation, Shikaku Nara, known for his mastery of strategy, had predicted Myoboku's likely escape routes. He had, naturally, anticipated this area as a critical weakness and set up a powerful ambush. Despite his success, he scowled as he realized the implications. "Damn it… that's going to mean sharing the credit."
Konan, a shinobi of distinct talents, had been deemed vital by Ye Wen for a reason. Her unique mastery over Paper Release, along with her unparalleled skill in creating exploding tags, made her a force to be reckoned with. Originally, Konan had expected to die in captivity, clinging to the memory of her two lifelong companions. But as she reflected, their demise had always been inevitable given the insurmountable odds they faced. Her mentor Jiraiya, though well meaning, had left her and her friends with little more than basic ninja skills.
Yet that was all in the past.
With her two closest friends gone, Konan had resolved to follow them, but Kakashi persuaded her otherwise. Following Ye Wen's orders, Kakashi selected capable individuals within the Seikai who could aid in the inevitable war against the Otsutsuki Clan. Now, though peaceful, this new world required an unflinching defense for the sake of family and loved ones. For the chance to resurrect her lost friends in this new era, Konan was willing to follow this bloody path to its end.
As the explosive barrage quieted, Konan surveyed the battlefield from atop a cliff, astonished by the resilience of the toads. "Impressive… so many toads survived even this level of assault," she murmured.
The toads, led by the giant Gamabunta, had protected themselves by using Earth Style techniques to harden their skin. Although battered, these giants had successfully shielded their kin from Konan's attack, though many now lay wounded and bleeding. Konan's feelings toward her former mentor, Jiraiya, had long since cooled; her focus now was on victory and the future it could bring.
Summoning her chakra, she ignored the fatigue creeping over her body. Her resolve ignited, her gaze fierce, she spread her arms, generating countless sheets of paper that began to fold themselves into airplanes, filling the sky.
"Shikigami Dance: Paper Storm!"
Realizing the danger, Fukasaku Sage shouted, "Gamabunta! Use Fire Style! Keep those papers at a distance!"
The massive toads immediately followed his command, countering with an onslaught of Fire Style attacks. Konan's paper planes, many of which were laced with explosive tags, clashed with the toads' flames, igniting into a violent inferno midair. She clenched her teeth in frustration, realizing her tactics alone wouldn't be enough to stop them.
From a distance, Konan saw the reinforcement troops closing in. Refusing to lose her prey or the victory she sought, she unleashed her ultimate technique.
"Shikigami Dance: Paper Shuriken Whirlwind!"
The origami planes transformed into deadly shuriken, encircling the toads in a swirling vortex. With unpredictable trajectories, the whirling shuriken struck down countless smaller toads. But despite her attack, Fukasaku quickly assessed the situation, his voice booming.
"Shima, prepare the fire jutsu!"
Understanding immediately, Shima summoned her Sage chakra. "Sage Art: Flame Hurricane!"
With Fukasaku adding his wind chakra, the fire technique surged, ripping through Konan's deadly paper storm. But Konan, now adept in the five elemental attributes, retaliated.
"Earth Release: Rising Stone Spires!"
The earth responded to her call, creating walls that disrupted the toads' escape. Yet, Fukasaku had anticipated this, shouting, "Gamabunta! Grab as many toads as you can and flee! No one holds back, go!"
(End of Chapter)
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