Chapter 77: Captured Alive — Subdued in One Move!
Kisame Hoshigaki's squad had already arrived at the ambush site and had been waiting for over three hours.
Yet there was still no sign of the enemy.
"Strange… Lord Oborotsuki and Lady Risa disappeared somewhere. I hope nothing happened to them?"
A Kirigakure ANBU codenamed "Haru" muttered to himself in a low voice.
Hearing this, Kisame gave a light chuckle:
"You weren't outside the village back then, so you didn't see Lord Oborotsuki take on the Three-Tails, right?"
"His power is simply beyond imagination. Even the Three-Tails was instantly defeated—couldn't resist at all."
"That man… is truly terrifying."
After Kisame finished speaking, another ANBU couldn't help chiming in:
"Is he really that strong?"
"But if even you—the one called 'Tailed Beast Without a Tail'—say so, then Lord Oborotsuki's strength must be incredible."
"…"
As the group was talking, the other ANBU squad that had been scouting ahead suddenly rushed back.
"The target has entered visual range!"
"She's moving along the predetermined route. Everyone—prepare!"
The squad leader warned in a deep voice.
The team immediately became alert.
"This is going to be troublesome… Capturing that woman alive won't be easy…"
Kisame muttered to himself.
His words instantly made the other ANBU even more cautious.
The rumors of Yekura's strength were known more deeply and painfully in Kirigakure than in any other village.
After all, that knowledge had been bought with rivers of their own blood.
"Lord Oborotsuki still hasn't returned?"
Someone couldn't help asking.
"It's been almost four hours. Lady Risa isn't here either. Everyone—watch carefully when the time comes. No mistakes. We must ensure absolute success!"
…
Oborotsuki stood contentedly on the cliff, basking in the bright sunlight. His whole body felt refreshed and revitalized.
It was as if he had been fully restored—energy at an all-time high.
Risa, on the other hand, was in miserable shape.
"It's about time. Yekura should have reached the ambush point by now."
"You rest here. I'll go join them later."
Oborotsuki glanced back at Risa, gave his instructions, and vanished from the cliff in a flash.
On the other side, Yekura walked slowly along a narrow valley path.
According to the intelligence, this rarely used trail would lead her straight to the rear mountains of Kirigakure.
And there shouldn't be many guards along the way. With her strength, she could easily avoid any sentries.
Since this information had been obtained by Sunagakure ANBU at the cost of their lives, Yekura had complete trust in her comrades.
She had no idea she was walking straight into a deadly trap.
Soon, Yekura reached the ambush point prepared by Kisame and the Kirigakure ANBU.
"Move!"
A low command came from both sides of the cliff.
In the next instant, a sky full of kunai rained down toward Yekura.
Yekura's pupils contracted slightly. Reacting extremely quickly, she drew her own kunai to deflect while leaping several times to avoid most of the attacks.
But the assault had been too sudden. Caught off guard, she still suffered injuries.
Her arms, legs, and even her back now bore wounds of varying severity.
"Take her down!"
Kisame was the first to jump out, blocking Yekura's retreat path from behind.
The other ANBU immediately surrounded her.
"Kirigakure ANBU…"
Judging their identity from the masks and uniforms, Yekura's expression turned extremely grave.
"So I've been discovered… In that case, I'll have to go all out."
Thinking this silently, she slowly sheathed her kunai and began gathering chakra.
BOOM—
Suddenly, several enormous fireballs appeared around her body.
These fireballs were unlike ordinary ones. Each one burned like a miniature sun, radiating terrifying heat that distorted the air while spinning to protect Yekura.
"Scorch Release—"
Yekura quickly formed hand seals.
But someone moved even faster.
"According to the intel, we can't let you use that technique so easily!"
"Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave!!"
Kisame opened his mouth and unleashed an enormous waterfall straight toward Yekura.
The massive torrent of water came crashing down with overwhelming force.
"Over-Steaming Murder!!"
At that moment, Yekura's technique was completed.
The intense heat from the surrounding flames rapidly spread. A "hissing" sound filled the air as the thermal energy clashed with the water, instantly producing huge clouds of scalding steam that rose into the sky.
"Zzz—"
One of the Kirigakure ANBU who had stood too close was burned through his clothes—the steam scalded his skin in moments.
In the blink of an eye, Kisame's massive Water Release was completely evaporated by Yekura.
The air still lingered with thick, scorching steam.
Moisture on the surrounding ground was visibly evaporating at a rapid pace.
"She really is a terrifying woman… But you're not getting away!"
Kisame sneered coldly. Together with the other five ANBU, he attacked simultaneously.
Facing the combined assault of six powerful Kirigakure ANBU, Yekura quickly fell into a disadvantage.
But the power of Scorch Release was truly formidable.
For the time being, Kisame and the others couldn't subdue her—after all, Oborotsuki's order was to capture her alive.
"Hmm… not bad at all…"
As the group continued surrounding Yekura, a playful voice suddenly came from the right hillside.
Kisame looked up and saw Oborotsuki—already standing there at some point—watching with folded arms.
"You're all dismissed."
After watching for a while, Oborotsuki shook his head and gave the order.
The six ANBU immediately leaped back, taking up positions in every direction to prevent Yekura's escape.
Oborotsuki flashed forward and appeared behind Yekura.
In the same instant, a sharp kunai was already pressed against her slender neck from behind:
"Move, and you die."
His cold voice rang out.
"S-so fast…"
Yekura's entire body stiffened. Cold sweat slid down her cheek.
The six ANBU—including Kisame—were equally stunned by Oborotsuki's sudden attack.
"As expected… Lord Oborotsuki's strength…"
"Ah… completely beyond imagination! I never thought he was this powerful!"
"One move… and he subdued her. We surrounded her for half a day and still couldn't take her down…"
"…"
All six Kirigakure ANBU—including Kisame—now looked at Oborotsuki as though he were a god.
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