Under this intense deadlock, the Seven-Tails' attacks grew fiercer, while the Ninjas' sealing efforts became more resolute. This battle concerning life and death continued fiercely on the battlefield, where strong winds howled and lights flashed.
However, the Seven-Tails' power was simply too great. Although the Ninjas fought with all their might, the damaged spots on the sealing light net continued to increase, and each repair seemed more difficult than the last.
Just as everyone felt the defense line was about to completely collapse, the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps suddenly echoed from the distance.
Everyone looked over and saw a figure rushing toward them like a gust of wind. The iconic Uchiha Clan crest fluttered on his cloak—it was Uchiha Kaede.
Uchiha Kaede arrived before the seal, looking at the massive Tailed Beast. This was absolutely the best time!
He slowly extended his hand, and the moment his hand touched the Seven-Tails' body, the absorption ability manifested once again.
Terrifying Chakra surged toward him like a tide. The Seven-Tails felt the Chakra on its body rapidly draining away again and finally panicked.
It continuously slammed into the sky, attempting to break free of the seal, but the Takigakure Ninjas below desperately held it down.
After a brief standoff in this manner, the massive body of the Seven-Tails actually began to look somewhat ethereal!
Kaede also carefully observed the inside of his body. He found that the Chakra within him had not taken on a shape similar to that of a Tailed Beast.
Instead, it circulated within him in a normal state, just like his original Chakra.
In other words, he was now essentially a small Seven-Tails. He could even use Chakra to conjure six pairs of wings, just like the Seven-Tails, to fly!
Following this logic, did this mean that if he absorbed all nine Tailed Beasts, he could become another Ten-Tails?
The Seven-Tails before him was now incredibly weak, its previous rage completely gone. It raised its head and glanced at Uchiha Kaede with a hint of fear.
Subsequently, it stopped struggling and quietly allowed the Takigakure Ninjas to seal it back into the Jinchuriki's body.
To the Takigakure Ninjas watching, Uchiha Kaede had come to help them, because the Seven-Tails' struggles diminished significantly after he made contact.
As the last trace of Tailed Beast Chakra entered the Jinchuriki's body, the group of Takigakure Ninjas all collapsed onto the ground, their faces showing exhaustion from depletion.
"Hey! Are we still fighting?" Kaede asked playfully. These Takigakure Ninjas were quite dutiful; they nearly lost their lives for the sealing process.
"No, no more fighting!" The Leader's mouth twitched as he looked at Uchiha Kaede, who was still standing. What kind of monster was this!
"You helped us subdue the Tailed Beast, so let's call it even," the Leader said, panting.
"Oh? Really?"
What else could they do? Were they supposed to fight until every single Takigakure Ninja was wiped out?!
"But if you can't fully control the Tailed Beast, why did you dare release it?" Kaede was very curious. If he hadn't been there, these people might not have been able to suppress it.
"W-we originally planned to have the Jinchuriki use a portion of the Tailed Beast's power, combined with our efforts, to defeat you. Then we would just reinforce the seal right here," the Leader stammered in reply. "But we didn't expect the Seven-Tails' complete form to appear."
Uchiha Kaede raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, a hint of contemplation flashing in his eyes.
He looked at the exhausted Takigakure Ninjas, understanding that they had truly given their all.
He figured they believed the main force of Takigakure plus a Tailed Beast transformation Jinchuriki would be enough to take him down.
But he hadn't bothered to engage with the Takigakure Ninjas; the moment he spotted the Tailed Beast, he rushed over, ready to absorb its Chakra.
After he absorbed the Tailed Beast Cloak, the Seven-Tails' complete form emerged.
The Takigakure Leader was somewhat dejected. This time could be considered a total loss; the entire Takigakure was in a sorry state.
They had originally intended to use a portion of the Tailed Beast's power to fight Uchiha Kaede, and simultaneously demonstrate Takigakure's strength, providing a deterrent to other powers coveting the Village.
At this moment, the Leader looked at the messy scene around them, but also breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, this battle took place outside the Village, and there hadn't been too many Ninja casualties.
Uchiha Kaede crossed his arms, glanced at the Leader, and slowly said, "Alright, now it's time to settle the matter of the water of heroism."
Hearing this, the exhausted Takigakure Ninjas looked at him warily.
Kaede waved his hand. "Don't be afraid. I don't plan on attacking. You are indeed in the right regarding this matter."
"Being in the right doesn't mean much in the Ninja World," the Leader said, eyes wide. He never expected Uchiha Kaede to say such a thing.
"However, I can compensate you," Uchiha Kaede continued.
The Leader quickly waved his hands. "No need, no need. How could we dare ask for your compensation?"
"How about this: consider it a favor I owe you. You can come to me to collect it later," Kaede said after some thought.
"Really?" The Leader's eyes lit up instantly. If it were a favor from an ordinary person, he wouldn't care.
But the person before him was a powerhouse capable of clashing head-on with a Tailed Beast, and how old was this kid? His future achievements were simply unimaginable.
The water of heroism was certainly important, but its limitations were also significant. It could only boost the Chakra reserves of those with low amounts by dozens of times; the higher a person's Chakra, the smaller the boost. Furthermore, it was only effective the first time.
This was also why their Village had many Jonin but few Kage-level experts. The main reason was that their Village was small and had few people; without the water of heroism, they probably wouldn't even have many Jonin.
However, trading it for a favor from a Kage-level or even stronger expert was worth it, and most importantly, they still had the water of heroism!
That's right. They had originally gone to Konoha just to save face; otherwise, if the Village's secret treasure was stolen and they remained silent, it would be unacceptable.
They hadn't expected Konoha to actually hand over the person; they only wanted to threaten them for more compensation.
"So you agree?" Uchiha Kaede took off the tattered cloak he was wearing.
"Agree, agree! We agree!" The Leader quickly nodded. This was a huge gain.
"Then can I leave now?" Uchiha Kaede asked.
The Leader nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course. However, if you don't mind, Lord Uchiha, you could rest in our Takigakure for a while before departing."
Kaede looked at the surrounding Takigakure Ninjas. Although they were still somewhat reserved, the hostility in their eyes had vanished, so he nodded slightly and said, "Very well."
Upon arriving at Takigakure, the villagers were greatly shocked to see the Leader returning with Uchiha Kaede.
The Leader briefly explained the situation to the villagers, and everyone looked at Kaede with eyes full of awe.
During his days in Takigakure, Kaede witnessed some unique Ninjutsu traditions.
Any Ninja here who trained up to the Chunin level could apply to the Leader for the water of heroism, and then quickly reach the Jonin level.
However, progressing further became extremely difficult. After drinking the water of heroism, their Chakra advancement slowed down significantly, which was considered another side effect.
But this wasn't an issue for Kaede. He spent very little time cultivating Chakra himself, as he mostly absorbed it.
Meanwhile, the Takigakure Ninjas discovered that Kaede was not as cold and ruthless as they had imagined; rather, he was very easygoing.
Several days later, Kaede prepared to leave.
The Leader came to send him off. "Lord Uchiha, we hope you can visit our Village again in the future."
Kaede smiled. "Don't worry, if the opportunity arises, I will certainly return."
With that, his figure flashed and disappeared from the sight of the people of Takigakure.
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