Behind the Konoha Ninja Academy.
The Training Ground was a mess. Blood dripped from Masahiko's shoulder, and there were several traces of burns and scalds on his body.
The blade in his hand was already broken.
In front of him—
Hiruko stood without any injuries, his expression cold. "You're worried about me taking Yakumo Kurama, but aren't you worried about her being taken by Orochimaru?"
"Compared to being taken by you, Orochimaru's side might actually be better."
Masahiko panted.
The Chakra in his body slowly healed his wounds as he stared intently at Hiruko.
"I've heard of you. It's indeed not easy for a civilian to want to become stronger—but your method is wrong."
"I've heard of you too."
The corners of Hiruko's mouth curled up slightly. "If it wasn't necessary to kill you, I wouldn't want to make a move against you. But now—"
"I can only say, this is your fate."
He sighed softly.
"Alright, let's end the talk here. I can't let you stall for time to recover anymore. If we keep chatting, Hiruzen Sarutobi will arrive."
Swift Release!
In an instant, Hiruko vanished with a Body Flicker, his speed as fast as a gale.
Such speed was already too fast for the naked eye to capture.
The injuries on Masahiko's body had come from this, but this time, at the moment Hiruko closed in, a surging stream of water exploded from the direction the wind blew.
Hiruko was startled and immediately used Steel Release to enhance his defense.
However—
Bang!
Following the burst of water was a massive electric current.
Lightning Release: Earth Flash!
Lightning surged up from the ground, traveling through Hiruko's entire body with the help of the water.
In the next second, Masahiko's arm smashed down from above like a sledgehammer, the water surging on his arm transforming into a rotating torrent—
Boom!
The impact of the water caused Hiruko to sink several inches deeper into the ground.
But at the same time, dense clouds and rain gathered above.
At the moment of Masahiko's counterattack, the clouds and rain took shape, transforming into streaks of silver-white light that shot toward Masahiko's position.
Storm Release: Thunder Cloud Inner Wave!
Swift Release, Storm Release, Steel Release—
These were exactly the three Bloodline Limits that Hiruko currently mastered.
Judging from the difference between his current appearance and the one in the movie version, it was unlikely he had a fourth.
Having gathered all the intelligence, Masahiko hesitated no longer.
In the next second, the lightning struck empty air, and the mist dissipated under the electricity.
Hiruko raised an eyebrow and was about to pursue, only to see darkness surging from all directions, completely shrouding him.
Bringer-of-Darkness Technique?
He was startled and immediately activated Steel Release.
Following that, a terrifying impact came from behind. Even though his skin was as hard as steel, a gash was still cut into it.
Luckily he dodged—
An even more terrifying impact came from his chest. A massive, rotating Chakra erupted from the front, drilling into his skin and flesh like a drill bit.
Boom!
Hiruko felt as if he had been smashed into the earth, his entire body unable to move.
In the next moment, he heard a voice say, "I'll handle it here, you go save Naruto and Sasuke."
"You are—alright, be careful of his abilities."
After Masahiko Yagyu's "shocked" reaction, his Chakra presence quickly disappeared.
Hiruko immediately tried to release the genjutsu, but in the next instant, an astonishing and terrifying Chakra was unleashed!
This was the Tailed Beast Chakra he had coveted!
"You dare to harm my teacher and even dare to control Kakashi-sensei? I'm going to kill you!"
The other party's tone was filled with rage.
Hiruko, however, was struck by a wave of shock.
What?
How did he know that I was also controlling Kakashi?
Hiruko was incredibly shocked, but the opponent's speed was so fast that he had no time to react.
Another Rasengan—he was smashed into the ground, unable to move for a moment.
Fortunately, at this time, the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique was dispelled.
Hiruko saw the appearance of the person in front of him clearly.
Dressed in a strange outfit, wearing a frog mask, and covered in a Tailed Beast Cloak.
A Jinchuriki?
But he felt no fear; instead, he smiled.
After the battle just now, he admitted that Masahiko Yagyu was very strong. The Bringer-of-Darkness Technique combined with Water Release could actually break through his Steel Release and threaten him.
Such methods were already close to the Second Hokage.
If the opponent were still that guy, he would indeed lack confidence. As for this one in front of him—
No matter how strong, so what?
Hiruko became confident again and laughed loudly. "To actually abandon yourself to save others? How foolish. Let me—"
He was laughing and mocking, trying to provoke 'Naruto' into making a move.
But in the next second, the Tailed Beast power on 'Naruto' erupted again. The Tailed Beast Cloak became even denser, and the tails increased to two.
Immediately—
Bang!
A massive force hit him in the abdomen.
Bang, bang, bang!
The opponent's speed kept increasing, and the force of the fists enhanced by Chakra was immense.
How is this possible!
Faster than Swift Release?
Hiruko was shocked and incredulous. Fortunately, his Steel Release defense was powerful. While taking the beating, he continuously consumed Chakra to condense clouds and rain.
Lightning accumulated, and Storm Release gathered.
"This turtle shell is quite hard!"
"Watch me—"
"Break you!"
'Naruto' roared, swinging his fists downward.
Boom!
Hiruko's figure vanished, and 'Naruto's' fist struck empty air.
At the moment he used Swift Release to dodge, lightning converged along the rainwater, forming a lightning dragon that lunged toward 'Naruto'.
Hiruko used Body Flicker to appear behind 'Naruto', a cruel smile curling his lips.
A pincer attack from front and back.
Just as it was about to succeed—
The two tails of the Tailed Beast Cloak suddenly gathered Chakra into a sphere, smashing toward his head.
Hiruko avoided his vitals but was hit squarely on the shoulder.
Bang!
The intense, chaotic Chakra failed to break the Steel Release defense immediately, but under the continuously rotating Chakra—
In just a moment, skin split and flesh tore, and blood flowed.
Hiruko let out a miserable scream.
At the same time, several Chakra presences from above were tracking them.
'Naruto' turned his head to glance, then vanished from the spot with a Body Flicker.
Just as Hiruko recovered from the pain, he saw Asuma, Shikaku, and the others surrounding him.
"Damn it, have all my subordinates been dealt with?"
"I can't stay and fight!"
He endured the sharp pain and fled in the direction of Uchiha Itachi.
'Naruto' and Hiruko left one after another. Asuma and Shikaku chased after them, exchanging shocked and incredulous looks.
Who was the person who just blocked Hiruko?
Masahiko, who was running toward the forest, soon received feedback from one of his Shadow Clones.
Neji's side was finished.
Shennong had been killed by the Shadow Clone he had left behind.
At the same time.
[Filming of 'naruto: prequel' Episode 32 is complete!]
[Editing in progress—]
[Film successfully produced!]
[Total screen time: 10 minutes 36 seconds. Scene ratio: 50.5%]
—
[As a villain character, your screen time exceeded 50%, and your salary has received a significant boost.]
[Since there are many characters appearing in this episode, and as a villain, your screen time exceeded 50%, your salary prize pool has been expanded. There is a probability of Bloodline Limits, Secret Techniques, advanced cultivation modules, etc., appearing.]
[Prompt: —]
Once again—
Masahiko exhaled slowly.
His efforts weren't in vain!
He had to prepare well for this draw.
However.
Right now, the key was to finish the wrap-up and perform the final segment.
The presences were getting closer and closer!
Masahiko looked toward the woods and increased his speed.