Chapter 47: A Blazing Resolution
Seeing the Scarlet Sand Scorpion immediately deploy the Third Kazekage puppet, Uchiha Naoki's body also began to glow with extreme intensity. Gurgling magma continuously compressed around him, emitting a palpitation-inducing, oppressive fluctuation. Finally, it transformed into a terrifying crimson shockwave released indiscriminately.
"Magma World: Scorching Detonation!"
The moment Uchiha Naoki launched this attack, the Root operatives sensed the danger and tried to evacuate rapidly.
But compared to this raging, tsunami-like heatwave roaring outwards, they were far too slow.
"Ahhh!!!"
It was like being in a scorching hell. Their flesh and blood evaporated rapidly, their chakra dried up. Even their bones were scorched, shriveled, and then annihilated. They only had time for a desperate scream before their entire beings vanished from this world.
Even the Scarlet Sand Scorpion, protected by the Third Kazekage puppet a hundred meters away, still felt the sharp pain as his chakra core was nearly scorched. As for the ground below, the once dense jungle was now charred black, turned into blistering sand, with only rolling heatwaves distorting the air.
"Naoki's power has grown stronger again," the Scarlet Sand Scorpion noted naturally. Compared to the time they killed Orochimaru, the temperature and destructive power of that blast had increased significantly. "This guy is truly a freak. His growth rate is too fast."
He knew Uchiha Naoki was talented, but he never imagined it would be to this extent. He was astonished by the speed of his progress.
"Let's go," Uchiha Naoki said calmly after the Scorpion landed. But upon closer inspection, one could see the coldness hidden in his eyes.
If the Scarlet Sand Scorpion could realize it, Uchiha Naoki certainly could as well. The fact that Root members could ambush them here so precisely naturally meant someone within Akatsuki had betrayed their whereabouts. And that person could only be one.
Uchiha Obito, have you finally been unable to restrain yourself from moving against me?
He was the only one who could know their route to the Land of Water and also communicate with Konoha's Root.
"Fine. It's time to settle this," Naoki thought. He was no longer the boy who was passive against Uchiha Obito when he first joined. Now he had the strength to confront Obito head-on. Since Obito was so impatient, Naoki had nothing to fear. He would face the challenge directly.
"It's just that I might disappoint you. Your plan to use Root members to probe my abilities is unworkable." Uchiha Naoki glanced subtly towards a spot behind him, a mocking smirk playing on his lips. About two hundred meters behind him, he sensed the presence of Zetsu.
Thanks to his mastery of 'Life Return,' the range and precision of his Observation Haki had increased significantly, as had the number of presences he could track. The previous limit of 200 meters had now expanded to 300 meters.
"This guy... found us again?" After Uchiha Naoki left, the pitcher plant-like Zetsu emerged from the ground. Watching Naoki's retreating back, he couldn't help but feel a chill. "His perception range has increased again! It seems the intelligence we gathered before is already useless."
Previously, they were sure Uchiha Naoki's perception range was 200 meters. Clearly, that was no longer the case.
"Moreover, this guy instantly grasped our intentions and ended the battle immediately, giving us no chance to observe and collect information on his abilities at all."
"It's troublesome. Now Obito will have to slowly figure out this guy's abilities during actual combat."
They suddenly understood why Uchiha Obito was so eager to eliminate Uchiha Naoki.
"He possesses a mind no less sharp than Uchiha Itachi's, coupled with an insight and mystery that Itachi lacks," the dark half, Black Zetsu, said sharply. "If it were me, I'd get rid of this guy first too."
White Zetsu strongly agreed.
Four Days Later
The two arrived at the 'Yukiguni Port' in the Land of Water as scheduled. Uchiha Itachi and Juzo Biwa were already waiting for them. After a long wait, Deidara and Zabuza finally arrived.
Immediately, everyone began discussing the specific action plan.
"The main capture mission falls to me and Brother Sasori," Uchiha Naoki laid out his plan. "Itachi, Brother Juzo, you two are responsible for stopping the Mizukage's guards and any other potential enemies."
"Deidara, Zabuza, you two will wait in the air, monitoring the surroundings and providing off-site support."
"What do you all think?"
"If things don't go well, how do we handle being surrounded?" Uchiha Itachi glanced at Naoki and asked. "After all, we are intruding into Kirigakure's territory. We must be fully prepared."
Hearing this, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion and the others all looked at Uchiha Naoki. They found his plan sound and decided to follow it without proposing their own.
"We retreat in a basic two-by-two formation," Uchiha Naoki answered. "Deidara provides air support. After suppressing the enemy's pursuit, I will take over and control the situation."
"At the same time, Brother Sasori will attach his chakra strings to me. Then Deidara will take everyone into the sky. I will continue providing covering fire from the air to ensure a smooth retreat."
Hearing Uchiha Naoki's retreat plan, everyone nodded in approval, their recognition and goodwill towards him growing slightly. This, naturally, made Uchiha Itachi even more wary of Naoki. He knew Uchiha Naoki held no goodwill towards Konoha. With abilities so outstanding, whether out of a desire to protect Konoha or to protect his younger brother, Itachi knew he must remain vigilant against Uchiha Naoki.
"Good. Since no one objects, we'll implement the plan as discussed," Uchiha Naoki said, then looked at Itachi and Juzo. "If something unexpected happens, Itachi, I hope you won't hesitate to use your intellect and devise an escape plan."
Uchiha Itachi's mind was extremely sharp, and Uchiha Naoki had no intention of letting him just sit on the sidelines.
"Understood," Uchiha Itachi replied calmly.
With the plan set, the operation began. According to the intelligence provided by Zetsu, after suppressing the Kaguya clan, the Fourth Mizukage had remained at a certain beach outside Kirigakure to handle affairs. This was to lure out all opposition within the village, allowing him to eliminate his opponents later and clear obstacles to his control over Kirigakure. It was also a deterrent to the restless forces around, positioning himself on the front lines to prevent and control any potential invasion.