429. The Wrath of the Crowd

"It seems Itachi's already started over there?" Kabuto adjusted his glasses, smiling as he heard the explosions in the distance. "Looks like I need to pick up the pace too."

With that, a cold glint flashed across his glasses as his icy gaze fell on a patch of grass in the forest.

"Your turn, spectators."

In the grass, three Kirigakure genin shivered under Kabuto's gaze.

The next moment, Kabuto appeared on a branch right in front of them. "So, will you hand over your scrolls willingly, or do I have to take them by force?"

Kabuto stood on the branch, smiling gently, but his presence alone put immense pressure on the three Kirigakure genin.

No matter how kind or gentle he seemed, there was one undeniable fact about him—he was the disciple of the "Darkness of the Shinobi."

No one would believe that a student trained by someone as infamous as Danzo could be anything but ruthless.

"Kabuto, we have no grudge against you. The relationship between Konoha and Kirigakure is stronger than ever. There's no need for you to attack us," one of the Kirigakure genin gritted his teeth and reminded him.

The implication was clear: with their strength, Kabuto's team didn't need more scrolls, and attacking Kirigakure might damage the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Kabuto nodded thoughtfully, but then he smiled and said, "If attacking you would harm the relationship between Konoha and Kirigakure, then I'll just attack everyone equally."

If he attacked indiscriminately and treated all teams the same, no one could accuse him of targeting anyone specifically!

With this thought, Kabuto unleashed the results of his months of intense training under Might Guy.

The three Kirigakure genin didn't even have time to react before Kabuto appeared behind one of them.

With a flick of his chakra-infused needle, the first genin collapsed to the ground.

The other two quickly tried to create distance, but it was too late.

Two white doves, symbols of peace, suddenly flew out from the dense forest, their sharp beaks striking the backs of the remaining two Kirigakure genin.

The chakra released from the beaks instantly sealed their pressure points. A moment later, Kabuto arrived and finished them off effortlessly.

By the time the battle ended, the three Kirigakure genin lying on the ground, unable to move, still couldn't comprehend how they had lost.

Or rather, they knew how they had lost, but they couldn't understand why the gap between them and Kabuto was so vast, even though they were all genin.

"Kirigakure Team 4 has been eliminated."

"Eliminated by: Konoha Team 3."

As the announcement echoed, Chinō also sprang into action.

However, compared to Kabuto's methodical and precise approach, her methods were far more brutal.

She started with a genjutsu. If that didn't work, she bombarded her enemies with Blood Dragon Bullets. If that still didn't suffice, she unleashed a barrage of blood crystals and blood cores!

For a while, the surrounding forest was filled with the stench of blood.

Of course, Chinō's brutal tactics were highly effective, as evidenced by the constant announcements—

"Iwagakure Team 3 has been eliminated."

"Eliminated by: Konoha Team 3."

"Sunagakure Team 5 has been eliminated."

"Eliminated by: Konoha Team 3."

"Sunagakure Team 7 has been eliminated."

"Eliminated by: Konoha Team 3."

The constant announcements made one thing clear to all the teams—

Konoha's team had gone mad!

They were attacking every village's teams indiscriminately, like rabid dogs. If they saw you, they would bombard you without hesitation!

——————

"As expected of Elder Danzo's disciples... they're certainly... lively," said the Hokage, Minato, sitting in the audience. His smile looked somewhat awkward.

Beside him, Shikaku Nara's mouth twitched, unsure of what to say.

While they had anticipated that Danzo's disciples would retaliate after Deidara started targeting Konoha, this indiscriminate assault, aiming to eliminate everyone, was beyond their expectations.

Minato glanced nervously at the representatives from other nations.

Mei Terumī, acting as the Mizukage, was relatively calm.

At first, she had been annoyed when Kirigakure's team was taken out, but after realizing Konoha was targeting everyone, she felt better.

After all, Kirigakure had sent the weakest team among the Five Great Nations. If everyone got eliminated, it wasn't so bad—at least they'd all be back on equal footing!

Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, and A, the Raikage, were also relatively calm, both crossing their arms.

After all, they still had their trump cards. Ōnoki had Deidara, who was currently chasing Itachi, and A had his team, Karui and Omoi, waiting in the wings.

Only Baki, the Sunagakure representative attending on behalf of the Kazekage, Rasa, had a dark expression.

Despite cheating by sending overage participants, Sunagakure still stood no chance against Konoha.

This stark contrast made him clench his fists, wishing he could step in himself.

Fortunately, the situation soon changed. Under Konoha's relentless pursuit, multiple Sunagakure teams finally banded together and surrounded Chinō like a pack of wolves!

This turn of events reignited Baki's hope.

The girl named Chinō had already expended a significant amount of chakra in the previous battles. If they attacked now, they could definitely take her down!

Not only that, but teams from Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure were also converging on Chinō's location.

It seemed these arrogant Konoha kids had truly angered everyone.

With so many teams together, there was no way they could win!

Ōnoki and the Fourth Raikage exchanged glances, rare agreement between them on this matter.

Back in the arena, Chinō looked at the five Sunagakure teams surrounding her, her small chest heaving.

"I should've listened to my senior brother. I shouldn't have used up so much chakra at the start," Chinō regretted, realizing she had gotten carried away earlier.

Despite the months of intense training that had increased her chakra reserves, sustaining this level of combat was still too much.

"Give up, disciple of the Darkness of the Shinobi."

"I admit your strength is impressive, but this is the end."

The Sunagakure ninja closed in, their eyes filled with malice.

Seeing this, Chinō narrowed her eyes, a look of determination crossing her face.

"Then I'll take down as many as I can before I'm eliminated..."