Chapter 105: Deception! Sneak Attack! This is the Thrill of Ninja Combat!
Mangetsu's first strike—the blade stretched eight meters, like a freight train at 180 mph, bearing unparalleled force.
This second strike, precisely measured by Tsukasa's Sharingan, revealed a maximum length of only six meters.
While still long, its devastating power was noticeably diminished.
Combined with the unique properties of the twin-bladed Hiramekarei from the original story—this blade accumulates chakra from slain enemies, increasing its power. It's a weapon that grows stronger with each battle.
Mangetsu's immense chakra capacity, combined with the chakra absorbed from the numerous Kirigakure ninja he'd cut down with his blade, allowed him to unleash such powerful techniques.
However, this power had its limits.
As Mangetsu continuously released Hiramekarei's stored energy, depleting the inherent chakra within the ninja sword, its power would diminish.
Assuming the blade shortened by two meters each time, he could still use it at least three more times.
Tsukasa, on the other hand, knew his own situation.
He could only use the same Blade-Breaking Flame Fist twice more.
In terms of raw endurance, even if he could now unleash Fire Release: Chakra Mode without damage, he was still no match for his opponent.
But it didn't matter—that was how ninja battles worked!
Tsukasa had intelligence about the ninja sword, while Mangetsu had no information about his regeneration.
So he started bluffing!
As long as Mangetsu believed him, he would become a truly unkillable opponent who could fight all day.
And just like that, Mangetsu fell into Tsukasa's carefully laid trap!
Meanwhile, outside the central battle, the Root operatives—caught in the aftermath—were unable to participate. They could only retreat, observing events coldly from the sidelines.
Their mission was to protect Tsukasa from death.
Now that Tsukasa was capable of counterattacking, they lacked the ability to intervene in a fight of this magnitude. Like Mei, they could only watch helplessly from the sidelines.
But if Mangetsu showed any opening, they would strike decisively.
Ryoma Aburame, who led the Root operatives and was currently facing Yagura, looked at Tsukasa with surprise that gradually turned thoughtful.
Finally, his gaze lingered on Tsukasa's fully repaired right arm.
"So that's why Orochimaru accepted him as his disciple."
"Haha, those two are quite a match."
As if thinking of something amusing, Ryoma suddenly smiled and shook his head:
"One pursues immortality, the other is immortal. Tsk tsk."
"This is really... interesting."
Yagura, standing across from him, was equally amazed.
He looked at Tsukasa's intact right arm.
Though they were opponents, he couldn't help but exclaim:
"That jutsu is incredible!"
"High-speed cellular regeneration combined with powerful Fire Release techniques. Is this the essence of a thousand-year-old clan?"
"But—" Yagura frowned slightly. "Why is this technique called 'Immortal Asura'? That name is rather ominous."
His eyes looked at Tsukasa with growing solemnity.
He'd sensed danger earlier, and now it seemed he'd underestimated this kid.
Who would have thought such a young Uchiha could unleash this kind of power?
And soon, that solemnity turned into killing intent.
Yagura finally understood why Mangetsu had to kill him here.
Such a dangerous young prodigy from an enemy village—especially an Uchiha!
If two tomoe were this dangerous, what would three tomoe be like?!
Even if his and Mangetsu's plan was exposed, it was necessary to eliminate this threat now!
Yagura took a deep breath, raised his hooked staff, and a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
The next moment, he charged forward, his small frame stomping on the water's surface, stirring up massive waves!
He rushed brazenly toward the battlefield!
However, Ryoma—who'd been monitoring him constantly—immediately flipped his hand and released a cloud of insects to block him.
If Yagura dared to push through, his chakra would be devoured and he'd die instantly.
Ryoma adjusted his sunglasses and said lightly:
"You can't get through. And if you want to know why—"
"That's just because—"
"I'm strong!"
"Hmph!" Yagura snorted, backflipping away. He pressed his palms against the water to halt his charge.
He shook his head, clasped his hands in the Snake seal, and laughed heartily:
"You're wrong. It wasn't you who stopped me."
"It was me who stopped you!"
"You underestimated Mangetsu Hōzuki. If that's all this brat is capable of—"
A cold glint flashed in Yagura's eyes. Two water dragons suddenly burst from beneath his feet, lunging at Ryoma!
"Then he's already dead!"
"Water Release: Twin Water Dragon Technique!"
The next moment, a cloud of insects swept across the sky, transforming into a tornado! The water dragons roared, and water danced through the air!
The two elite warriors engaged in another clash.
Meanwhile, Mangetsu looked at Tsukasa with a twisted expression, staring at his brand-new right hand.
He had to admit—he'd underestimated him.
But he took a deep breath, his gaze turning cold, fierce killing intent flashing in his eye!
Even if what Tsukasa said was true, he was confident of victory!
With this thought, Mangetsu raised his Hiramekarei, gathered the massive chakra blade, twisted his feet against the water, and charged forward in a running sprint, creating splashes with each step!
He meticulously analyzed the details of Tsukasa's super-regeneration technique.
It seemed the opponent couldn't achieve true, perfect regeneration—at least, the speed of complete recovery was extremely slow.
Tsukasa was actually using tiny threads to gather and reassemble the body tissue he'd crushed into the water, then activating his regeneration based on that.
In other words, by dismembering the opponent and scattering the pieces where the black threads couldn't reach, those parts wouldn't be able to regenerate instantly.
And from their previous encounter, Mangetsu knew that Tsukasa's basic taijutsu and swordsmanship were utterly inadequate.
As long as he reserved three uses of Hiramekarei: Liberation to counter those Flame Fists, those three chances would buy him significant time.
And he wouldn't even need that many—only ten exchanges!
Within ten moves, using his secret Hōzuki-style swordsmanship, he could overwhelm Tsukasa with pure blade work!
Dismember him completely!
However, as he watched Mangetsu charge at him with a wildly confident smile, Tsukasa gave a sinister grin.
When Mangetsu fell into this line of thinking, it meant the opponent had taken the bait!
He was now completely different from the one who could only survive with tricks and deception!
Tsukasa now possessed the skills to actually harm Mangetsu Hōzuki!
The next moment, Tsukasa clasped his palms together, and raging flames surged through his body once again.
Fire Release: Chakra Mode—activated!
The blazing flames transformed into a cloak of fire.
In the light of those flames, a pair of burning red Sharingan lit up, fire dancing in their depths!
As he stared intently at Mangetsu's movements, two pitch-black tomoe began spinning rapidly!
He formed hand seals: Rabbit-Monkey-Snake!
Water Release: Water Fang Blade!
After a burst of water mist, a six-foot flaming blade materialized!
Gripping the handle of the flowing flame blade with both hands, he staggered his feet shoulder-width apart.
Tsukasa revealed a ferocious smile.
Now that the prey had walked into his carefully prepared trap, what was there to wait for?
Now it was time to feast!
End of Chapter 105
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