Chapter 234: Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence
"Hoshikawa, have you truly thought this through?"
Samui took a deep breath and asked.
"Samui, there's no need to waste words on him!"
Yugito Nii snorted. "He is no longer worthy of being a Kumogakure ninja!"
Hoshikawa calmly released his Yin Seal.
The diamond mark on his forehead trembled slightly, and a massive amount of chakra surged out, forming crimson, petal-like markings.
However, the petals didn't spread further.
He didn't intend to use the Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth—Strength of a Hundred Technique.
Hoshikawa only needed to quickly draw upon the accumulated chakra within the Yin Seal.
"You've missed your final chance."
The Fourth Raikage shook his head.
The reason he had tolerated Hoshikawa repeatedly was his truly astonishing talent.
If Hoshikawa returned to Kumogakure, he would undoubtedly ensure a stronger future for the village.
Unfortunately, Hoshikawa, both in body and spirit, was no longer a Kumogakure ninja.
Just then, a rushing sound cut through the air.
Four figures descended from the sky: Sakumo Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, Asuma Sarutobi, and Shizune.
"Is that your reliance?"
Yugito Nii's expression darkened when she saw them.
Meeting an enemy sparks fierce hatred.
The only time she had been severely injured was thanks to Shisui Uchiha and Sakumo Hatake.
"Just four extra people."
The Fourth Raikage still believed victory was assured.
In his view, while Sakumo Hatake and Shisui Uchiha were strong, two fists couldn't defeat four hands.
Since Kumogakure now outnumbered Konohagakure by more than three-to-one, they only needed to stall for time to win.
And the first person he intended to take down was Hoshikawa.
He completely disregarded Asuma Sarutobi and Shizune.
Lightning Release Chakra Mode!
A terrifying, bright blue lightning glow burst forth from the Fourth Raikage, and a massive amount of chakra enveloped him like armor.
Stimulated by the Lightning Release chakra, his body's power increased rapidly.
"I said I wanted to show you Konohagakure's unique jutsu."
Hoshikawa scanned the surroundings, his smile growing wider.
Kumogakure's three thousand ninja had completely surrounded them.
While this formation was unavoidable due to their sheer numbers, it gave Hoshikawa the perfect opportunity.
This was the ideal time to unleash a massive, area-of-effect jutsu.
Of course, jutsu are fixed, but ninja are flexible.
Under normal circumstances, such a technique wouldn't be effective easily.
But Hoshikawa's Wood Release was alive.
"Arrogant!"
Yugito Nii said haughtily. "I've seen all of your Konoha's unique jutsu, and none of them are impressive!"
In fact, aside from Tsunade, the Konohagakure ninja were also confused.
They couldn't imagine what unique Konohagakure jutsu could turn the tide of battle at this moment.
Shisui Uchiha's heart stirred.
He recalled Hoshikawa mentioning during a spar that he had another bloodline limit he hadn't revealed.
"Have you seen this jutsu?"
Hoshikawa formed hand signs, slammed his hands together, and locked his fingers.
Since Sakumo Hatake and Shisui Uchiha had arrived, there was no need for further delay.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
An endless stream of chakra was released in an instant.
Centered around him, the ground violently swelled and cracked. Tree after tree burst from the earth, growing at an exponential speed.
Trunks and vines writhed like earth dragons, surging upward to the sky, instantaneously forming a dense forest.
"Watch out!"
The Fourth Raikage immediately shouted a warning the moment Hoshikawa began forming the seals.
Just as he was about to charge forward, countless branches seemed to come alive, surging toward him from all directions.
"Wood Release?!"
The Fourth Raikage's face paled, his eyes wide with shock.
"How is that possible?"
Killer B couldn't help but gasp.
Everyone knew what Wood Release meant—it was the bloodline limit of Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi.
"He... he..."
Samui instinctively stumbled back two steps.
Hoshikawa could actually learn Wood Release? Did he have Senju clan bloodline too?
No wonder he didn't want to return to Kumogakure.
"This is bad!"
Mabui gritted her teeth, her mind filled with panic.
Because of her high intellect, she believed most things were within her control.
She didn't believe there was any possibility of failure in their plan to use three thousand Kumogakure ninja and two Jinchūriki to surround and kill Tsunade and Hoshikawa.
Mabui had anticipated and prepared for multiple scenarios before the battle.
But Hoshikawa starting with Wood Release was entirely outside her calculations.
"Wood Release?"
"It's Wood Release! We're saved!"
"Lord Hoshikawa can use Wood Release? He definitely can't be a Kumogakure spy!"
The Konohagakure ninja cried out in astonishment.
"It's Wood Release?"
Shisui Uchiha was stunned.
He had thought Hoshikawa might have the bloodline limits of Kirigakure or Iwagakure, but he never anticipated Konohagakure's Wood Release.
Wood Release had deep ties with the Uchiha clan.
Shisui thought of Madara Uchiha, the ancestor who had been defeated by Hashirama Senju's Wood Release.
He had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and Hoshikawa had mastered Wood Release.
Shisui felt an inexplicable sense of destiny.
He thought that if Clan Head Fugaku Uchiha were here, his expression would surely be priceless.
He wondered if the hardliners within the clan would abandon their rebellious thoughts upon seeing Wood Release.
"I... I..."
Asuma Sarutobi was dumbfounded.
How could it be Wood Release?
This was like seeing a ghost in broad daylight!
"Wood Release!"
Hiashi Hyūga's eyes were wide open.
He had only one thought: the Hyūga clan had struck gold.
When Hiashi's child was born, they would have a Wood Release user as a teacher—that was as authentic as it gets!
"Truly terrifying Wood Release!"
Shibi Aburame and the others watched as the Kumogakure ninja instantly suffered heavy casualties, their minds reeling.
Only Tsunade wanted to burst into laughter.
This was her student!
And now he had successfully revived the Senju clan's Wood Release!
"We can't let this continue!"
The Fourth Raikage roared, his eyes bloodshot. "Yugito, clear out an area!"
The Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence had created a forest in a single instant.
Furthermore, the Kumogakure ninja had absolutely no expectation that Hoshikawa would use Wood Release, let alone a large-scale Wood Release.
They had all expected him to use a stronger single-target jutsu to engage in a fierce confrontation with the Fourth Raikage.
One mistake led to another.
The Kumogakure ninja found themselves trapped inside the forest in the blink of an eye.
And the giant trees, with their dense foliage, instantly came to life. Branches like sharp blades and vines like long whips completely surrounded them.
Apart from the Special Jonin and Jonin, the Chunin and Genin were virtually powerless to resist, suffering immense losses.
The Fourth Raikage looked around, seeing the corpses of Kumogakure ninja everywhere in the trees.
A wave of grief and indignation washed over him.
"Roar!"
Yugito Nii roared furiously toward the sky.
Although she was arrogant, she felt a strong sense of belonging to Kumogakure.
Seeing her comrades die tragically, she was just as enraged as the Fourth Raikage.
Full Tailed Beast Transformation!
A colossal cat-like creature appeared.
It looked ferocious, enveloped in blue flames, like a demon returned from hell.
"Get out of my way!"
The Two-Tails spoke, opening its mouth and firing an enormous fireball toward the forest in front of it.
Hoshikawa's mind moved. Branches and vines intertwined, forming a wooden shield in front of the Two-Tails.
Boom!
Flames generated a massive shockwave, sweeping out in all directions.
Both Konohagakure and Kumogakure ninja were forced to retreat.
The wooden shield trembled violently, a shallow crater was blasted into it, and then it caught fire.
But the speed of the burn was slow.
"Truly the power of Wood Release!"
Sakumo Hatake couldn't help but exclaim.
"Theoretically, Fire Release counters Wood Release, but apparently, not that much."
Asuma Sarutobi felt the trip was worthwhile, getting to witness the legendary Wood Release.
Shisui Uchiha nodded silently.
If Fire Release truly countered Wood Release, Madara Uchiha wouldn't have lost so badly back then.
Seeing this, the Two-Tails opened its mouth again, spitting out another giant fireball.
Hoshikawa flew onto the ruined wooden shield and formed hand signs.
Water Release: Water Dragon Biting Explosion!
A water vortex appeared before him, transforming into an ascending giant dragon that lunged at the fireball.
Water and fire clashed, generating a vast amount of steam.
While the Two-Tails' fireball was massive, thanks to Hoshikawa's use of the Yin Seal and the bonus from the Water Release descriptor, his water dragon was no less formidable.
"Damn it!"
The Two-Tails was instantly annoyed.
Having two consecutive fireballs blocked by a non-Jinchūriki ninja using only jutsu was a first for her.
Blocking the attack wasn't the main issue, but the time wasted meant more Kumogakure ninja would die.
"Go help her!"
The Fourth Raikage leaped forward.
"Dream on!"
Tsunade flashed into his path, punching him and forcing him to retreat.
"Get out of my way!"
At this critical moment, Killer B hesitated no longer, instantly activating his Full Tailed Beast Transformation.
A monstrous creature with an ox body and octopus tails appeared.
The Eight-Tails didn't attack the Konohagakure ninja; instead, its eight tails lashed out, slamming into the forest.
For Kumogakure, the greatest danger right now was this forest.
If it wasn't dealt with, it would continue to reap lives like the Grim Reaper.
"Stop him!"
Hiashi Hyūga shouted immediately.
They also understood the importance of the forest; without it, they would lose their means of suppressing the Kumogakure ninja.
Hiashi gritted his teeth, ready to charge forward and engage in close combat, when he saw a figure move faster than him.
He was slightly startled—it was Shisui Uchiha.
A thought instantly arose in Hiashi's mind: I can't let the Uchiha clan steal the spotlight!
But in the next second, he was left dumbfounded.
Shisui Uchiha unleashed Susanoo without hesitation.
He wasn't foolish.
He had previously concealed Susanoo because he worried that exposing it would fuel dissent within the Uchiha clan, potentially leading to rebellion.
But now, with Hoshikawa—who was stronger than him and could use Wood Release—even exposing Susanoo wouldn't have a significant negative impact.
As for those who might covet the Uchiha clan's power, he trusted Tsunade and Hoshikawa to help.
A shockwave spread out.
Centered on him, a giant, skeletal half-body shot toward the sky.
Shisui Uchiha concentrated his thoughts.
The skeletal half-body clenched its fists and smashed them toward the Eight-Tails.
Simultaneously, Katsuyu also slammed into it.
Boom!
The Eight-Tails had absolutely no expectation of something as outrageous as Susanoo and was hit squarely.
Coupled with Katsuyu's strength, its massive body tumbled backward, landing on the ground with a deafening crash.
The entire battlefield fell silent.
"What... what is that?"
The Fourth Raikage looked at the malevolent-looking Susanoo, feeling once again that the situation was spiraling out of control.
First, Hoshikawa had suddenly mastered Wood Release, leaving him completely flustered.
Kumogakure had claimed Hoshikawa was their spy, but the moment Wood Release appeared, that claim turned into a baseless rumor.
After all, everyone knew only the Senju clan could use Wood Release.
Perhaps Hoshikawa was a long-lost blood relative of the Senju.
Now, Shisui Uchiha also displayed terrifying, Tailed Beast-level strength.
Kumogakure's numerical advantage was gone.
Tsunade was slightly stunned.
The Mangekyō Sharingan and Susanoo?
As Hashirama Senju's granddaughter, and having a great-uncle, Tobirama Senju, who constantly researched the Uchiha clan, she recognized it.
While surprised by Shisui Uchiha's power at such a young age, she was primarily delighted.
No wonder Hoshikawa had insisted on bringing Sakumo Hatake and Shisui Uchiha.
"You all focus on destroying the forest!"
The Fourth Raikage, left with no alternative, could only instruct his Jonin to help.
With both Jinchūriki tied down, he had no other option.
The Fourth Raikage suddenly felt thankful that Konohagakure hadn't deployed the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, or Kumogakure would have been utterly defeated.
However, even without the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, the battle had reached this point, and he couldn't feel happy about it at all.
"Die!"
The Two-Tails grew anxious seeing the Eight-Tails and Killer B held back.
It leaped up, its giant claws, like sharp blades, aiming for Hoshikawa.
With Hoshikawa obstructing it, it was difficult for her to destroy the forest using Fire Release.
After all, his Water Release prowess was evident—even the Third Mizukage couldn't surpass him.
The only solution was to kill or harass Hoshikawa.
Whether he died or was unable to focus on controlling the forest, it would relieve the pressure on the Kumogakure ninja.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!
Hoshikawa used Water Release without hesitation.
After all, Water Release was the most powerful among all his Elemental Jutsu.
Even without rain, it still had a 250% power bonus.
Under Hoshikawa's full power, this water dragon was more than ten times larger than usual.
With one swipe of the Two-Tails' claw, the water dragon was torn to shreds.
But water is fluid.
Hoshikawa formed hand signs again.
Water Release: Water Severance Jutsu!
The splashing water transformed into countless water projectiles that slammed into the Two-Tails' body.
"Roar!"
The Two-Tails cried out in pain, its body struck and knocked out of the air, crashing into the ground.
Boom!
The ground cracked, and debris and dust flew everywhere.
"You damned bastard!"
The Two-Tails shook its head and stood up.
It looked at Hoshikawa, who stood unmoving on the wooden shield, utterly furious.
But it didn't dare to use a Tailed Beast Ball.
Because the Tailed Beast Ball had too wide a radius.
The forest was centered around Hoshikawa.
If it wanted to hit him, it would inevitably injure the Kumogakure ninja trapped in the forest.
But without using a Tailed Beast Ball, how could it defeat him?
Just then, a moisture it disliked appeared.
Hoshikawa drew the Raijin Blade, summoning dark clouds, followed by the onset of rain.
His descriptor, Rain God, was automatically triggered.
The Two-Tails' heart stirred, and an idea formed.
If it could force Hoshikawa to retreat past a certain range, it could then use a Tailed Beast Ball.
Thinking this, the Two-Tails charged toward Hoshikawa without hesitation.
The sound of rushing wind filled the air.
The Two-Tails' massive size was like a mountain; wherever it passed, the ground cracked and formed deep craters.
(End of Chapter)