Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template-Chapter 158

As the flame clouds expanded, the speed at which the Whirlpool Country ascended also steadily increased. Gravel and soil around it continued to rise into the air, revealing a massive island emerging from the ground.

The shinobi within Whirlpool Country might not have had a clear view, but from the sky, Ōnoki could see everything distinctly. The bottom of this immense island resembled the tip of a spire, and below it were numerous densely packed metallic structures. The most striking feature was a black hole-like opening at the base—a massive barrel, resembling a cannon.

As the floating island drifted, the cannon beneath it slowly adjusted its angle. It was a moving fortress.

"What an impressive aerial fortress! Even the battle-hungry shinobi of Kumogakure aren't this advanced. And here I thought Whirlpool Country was peace-loving..." Ōnoki grumbled internally. This level of development—were they planning to launch a full-scale ninja war? This was too sophisticated.

The Sky Island of Whirlpool Country was still ascending. Ōnoki knew he had to return soon; otherwise, flying at such an altitude would be exhausting. After all, he was old, and his body wasn't what it used to be.

But just as he was about to retreat, he noticed something troublesome. A black and blue barrier, resembling a bubble, had enveloped the entire island. He didn't sense any immediate danger from it, so he flew straight into it without much thought.

"Ugh...!" Ōnoki winced as pain shot through his lower back. Something was off about this barrier.

"The moment I touched it, my chakra was suppressed... A barrier that nullifies ninjutsu and prevents enemies from escaping? How fascinating..."

Just as he realized this, Ōnoki, who had already sprained his waist, began plummeting from the sky.

Kurotsuchi spotted her troublesome grandfather right away and had no choice but to leap high into the air, catching him mid-fall.

Meanwhile, Zixu had returned to his normal form, though the surrounding flame clouds continued lifting the island higher. No one knew how far it would ascend before stopping.

By the time Ōnoki returned, the other Kage had gathered, discussing the situation.

Jiraiya: "You sure flew up high."

Chiyo: "What I'm worried about is how we get down. If we fall from this height, we're dead for sure."

Mei Terumi: "Are we under house arrest in this situation?"

Ōnoki, trying to maintain his dignity, straightened up and addressed them.

"Everyone, there's more bad news. A barrier has been set up around the island's perimeter. If you attempt to force your way through, your chakra will be severely suppressed, and recovery will take time."

Hearing this, the unease among them deepened. Whirlpool Country had truly prepared something astonishing.

Zixu approached them with his hands behind his back, grinning as if nothing had happened.

"Well, security is adequate now, don't you think? But don't just stand there. The martial arts tournament isn't over yet."

With a wave of his hand, various prizes appeared in the open space before them.

Famed swords, ninja tools, ninjutsu scrolls, puppet mechanisms, firearm blueprints—everything imaginable was displayed. But the most eye-catching item was a seemingly ordinary fruit placed among them. Despite lacking any chakra fluctuations, everyone instinctively knew it held immense value.

Zixu picked up one of the renowned swords, performed a few precise cuts with one hand, then gently plunged it into the ground. A crooked tree in the distance snapped with a loud crack, yet the cut didn't resemble a blade's work—it was as if the tree had been smashed by a hammer.

"And this fruit... well, if you eat it, you'll gain an unknown power. Think of it as a unique Kekkei Genkai. Come on, Karin, give them a demonstration."

Zixu draped his arm over Uzumaki Karin's shoulders, motioning for her to display its effects.

"Got it!" Karin responded immediately. One of her arms ignited with a green flame. Instead of heat, the flame radiated warmth. When it spread to Zixu's skin, he absorbed it effortlessly. He felt revitalized, and the strain of controlling the flame clouds eased slightly.

"Well, that's about it. The tournament isn't over yet, so keep going. Even those who lose will receive a consolation prize. Let's go, everyone!"

Encouraging them once more, Zixu placed his hand on Karin's shoulder and walked away.

Neji took over the proceedings, while the three princess, who had been idle before, finally emerged to maintain order. It was understandable why they hadn't acted earlier—though they had a close relationship with Zixu, they officially represented Ryūchi Cave and wouldn't interfere unless necessary.

Supported by Karin, Zixu collapsed onto a chair. Creating and maintaining the flame clouds had drained him significantly, and setting up the barrier with Rosinante had only added to his exhaustion.

"Hah... but at least the main objectives were achieved. A unified front, a display of strength, and a shift in focus toward Akatsuki. If only we could eliminate them outright... but that's unlikely..." Zixu muttered to himself, contemplating his next move.

At that moment, Aburame Hatsuizumi returned, looking exhilarated after riding on a massive beetle. Her hair was messy, but her expression was carefree.

"Zixu, Zixu! When are we taking care of those daimyō? They were eyeing me like perverts! I behaved and didn't kill them, though."

After her little joyride, Hatsuizumi suddenly remembered something and began bombarding him with questions.

"Hmm, if they refuse to cooperate, we'll deal with them. But for now, keep them alive. If you're bored, we have some prisoners—interrogate them."

Zixu initially thought about handing over Hoshigaki Kisame to Hatsuizumi, but after reconsidering, he decided against it. If she accidentally tortured him to death and someone resurrected him with Edo Tensei, it would be a hassle.

Noticing the gleam in Hatsuizumi's eyes, he sighed and pulled out another restrained captive.

"Forget it. Study this guy instead. His reanimated body is indestructible. Remember the sealing techniques I taught you? Don't let him escape."

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

"Immortal, huh? That works too." A brief look of disappointment flashed in Hatsuizumi's eyes before a sinister smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

But at that moment, Kakuzu—who was wrapped up like a dumpling—suddenly froze. His expression dulled, and his voice turned stiff and mechanical.

"Zixu, it's me—Orochimaru."

The hoarse voice emerging from Kakuzu's mouth unmistakably belonged to Orochimaru.

"Oh? You're still not defecting? Why are you contacting me? Trying to play double agent?" Zixu smirked, watching him with amusement.

"Of course not. I've discovered something interesting about that fruit. Would you like to hear it?"

As soon as Orochimaru spoke, Zixu's expression darkened. Something wasn't right. Had Orochimaru discovered a weakness in the fruit?

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