Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template-Chapter 186

Once that thought entered Uzumaki Zixu's mind, it stuck like gum on a shoe. It felt like hearing a game would go on sale tomorrow, but if you bought it today, you'd get a free limited-edition costume. Zixu was stuck in a serious dilemma.

"Should I risk my life or play it safe? That's the damn question," he muttered, pacing back and forth like Hamlet with a death wish.

Rossinante wasn't sleeping for once—a rare occasion. He dragged his big, fat snake tail behind him and strolled like some retired old dude walking a bird for fun. He was just looking for a quiet place to chill and walk, but what he found instead was Zixu deep in some dramatic internal struggle.

After hearing Zixu's rambling, Rossinante didn't even hesitate. He tossed the fat snake aside, walked over, and slapped a hand on Zixu's shoulder.

"It's simple. Rock-paper-scissors. If I win, I won't jump. If you win, you jump. Fair enough, right?" Rossinante flashed a tired smile and prepped himself for this bizarre "duel."

Meanwhile, Aburame Hatsuizumi was having a private talk with Guren. Yukimaru had slowly regained consciousness under Tsunade's treatment, though he still had amnesia. Guren had been caring for him nonstop. When Hatsuizumi noticed Yukimaru was showing signs of recovery, he tried to persuade Guren to join their "Anti-Akatsuki" movement.

Hyuga Chinano and Karin were wandering the streets. Sky City at night wasn't any less empty than it was during the day, but the lights and sounds made it feel alive. Still, they were too drained to shop or eat. All they wanted was a peaceful walk and some fresh air.

"Hey, Chinano, have you noticed Zixu's been acting a little off lately? It's like something's been pushing him forward," Karin said as she licked a strawberry-flavored ice cream.

"I've noticed too, but I don't know what it is," Chinano replied, nodding thoughtfully. Anyone paying attention could tell something was bothering Zixu.

"If he's not saying anything, we shouldn't worry too much. He knows his limits," Hatsuizumi added, casually finishing off the egg roll in her hand and brushing the crumbs away.

"There's someone up ahead," Chinano pointed toward the outskirts of the city.

"So late at night? What kind of crazy people are hanging out past the guardrails? Isn't that dangerous?" Karin squinted into the distance.

"Wait... those two look like Zixu and Rossinante?" Chinano squinted harder. Even with the poor lighting, she could tell who they were.

The two seemed to be playing some kind of hand game. But just as Chinano tried to make it out, she saw Rossinante let out a heavy sigh—and then just kicked Zixu off the edge.

"What the—!?" Chinano didn't wait. She darted forward like a cheetah on the hunt, chakra surging in her legs. Karin didn't know what was happening, but when she activated her perception and felt Zixu's chakra plummeting, her heart dropped. She went full Hōō Keisei (Phoenix Form) and sprinted toward the cliff's edge.

Chinano reached Rossinante first and slammed him to the ground. He lay there, staring at his fat snake now sleeping peacefully nearby. He sighed, thinking maybe he shouldn't have gone for a walk tonight.

Sky City was protected by Rossinante's barrier. Anyone trying to pass through it would have their chakra suppressed temporarily. Karin's Devil Fruit abilities were also affected. The moment she crossed the barrier, she reverted to her original form. Flailing in the air, she looked down at the clouds and felt herself spinning. She tried activating ninjutsu, but her chakra was locked up like a rusted gate.

Zixu was already halfway down. The air up this high was freezing. The wind rushing past him whipped his clothes, dragging him upward slightly.

"No powers. No cheats. Just fall and feel it. Embrace death..." he kept telling himself. But his body still instinctively manipulated the airflow around him.

Even as he plummeted, his descent slowed—something was subconsciously pulling him back.

"This won't work... it's too safe," he muttered and canceled the airflow technique. He started falling again, free and unprotected.

The closer he got to the ground, the more he felt that coldness piercing his soul. The shadow of death loomed over him. In that moment, he activated his Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), trying to etch the sensation into his memory.

"Just as I thought... one dive isn't enough." Zixu sighed. When he was just a few meters from the ground, he shifted into Senkō Ryūjin (Coiled Dragon) and landed safely.

As he turned back into his human form, a scream pierced the air. He looked up and saw Karin spiraling down toward him, tears in her eyes.

The wind gathered beneath her like a soft bed, slowing her descent. It felt like a high-speed slide straight into Zixu's arms.

He looked down at Karin, shivering and crying, and didn't know whether to laugh or panic.

"Uh... I'm fine. Are you okay?" he scratched the back of his head, waiting awkwardly for a response.

Karin clung to him tightly, muttering stuff like "I almost died!" and "That was insane..."

After returning to Sky City with Karin in his arms, Zixu saw Rossinante again—this time with Chinano pressing a knee into his back.

After Zixu explained everything, Chinano let Rossinante go.

"I swear I'm never going for a night stroll again..." Rossinante muttered, dragging the fat snake's tail behind him as he walked away, totally defeated.

"This is part of my training. Only by brushing against death repeatedly can you understand life's meaning and sharpen your danger instincts," Zixu explained, bullshitting his way through it. Chinano didn't really get it, but she trusted him.

As for Karin, she had mostly recovered but still clung to Zixu like a koala, a soft grin on her face.

Chinano sighed, picked Karin up by the collar, and started walking off. "You're fine now. Quit being dramatic."

"Zixu, take care of yourself. That kind of training... it might be too much for us."

"HEY! Let me go! Get these giant melons away from my face! I'm gonna pass out!"

Karin kept shouting but didn't resist too hard. She knew now wasn't the time to mess with Zixu.

Once they were gone, Zixu exhaled deeply. That death dive? Gave him a feeling he'd never forget.

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