Chapter 149: Reinforcements Arrive — Oborotsuki Shows His Cards!
The violent surge of senjutsu chakra poured out, not only slamming Itachi's Susanoo to the ground and splitting the earth apart,
but the residual chakra spread outward like a raging tsunami, unleashing a terrifying shockwave that instantly destroyed every tree within hundreds of meters.
The lush, dense forest was leveled in an instant.
The shocking scene made Shisui's face change dramatically, while Itachi—the one directly hit—coughed up blood repeatedly.
Even the so-called strongest defense, Susanoo, had been shattered in a single strike.
With Susanoo broken, Oborotsuki's palm hovered less than ten centimeters above Itachi's face. He did not press down further.
But with just a slight push, under the overwhelming force, Itachi's head would surely explode on the spot.
"Cough… cough cough…"
Itachi coughed up several large mouthfuls of blood. His expression was pale and defeated, his eyes filled with shock as he stared at the man before him.
"So… so strong…"
"This is the most powerful chakra I've ever encountered!"
Itachi's heart was shaken to the core, yet at the same time filled with confusion:
"Why didn't he kill me?"
He had barely managed to block even one of the opponent's moves.
With Susanoo shattered, if the enemy continued to press the attack with that level of chakra impact, there was no way he could survive.
"Oborotsuki, stop!!"
Mikoto couldn't hold back any longer and shouted loudly.
Oborotsuki had been waiting for exactly this moment. To win Mikoto over, he naturally could not kill Itachi.
Otherwise, she would likely never submit to him.
"Considering your youth and ignorance, I'll give you one chance to redeem yourself."
"Spend the rest of your life repenting for everything you've done, Uchiha Itachi."
Oborotsuki said indifferently, then turned and walked toward Mikoto.
In this battle, he had thoroughly tested the limits of his combat power.
Even while facing simultaneous attacks from two Mangekyō Sharingan users, he had handled everything with ease.
This meant that, in the current era, there was likely no one left who could be his match.
Unless Uchiha Madara revived, reclaimed his Rinnegan, absorbed the Ten-Tails to become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki… or one of those monsters from the Ōtsutsuki clan personally intervened.
Just as Oborotsuki returned to Mikoto's side, dozens of figures appeared from all directions.
They were uniformly dressed in sleeveless flak jackets, wearing animal masks, and carrying standard short swords on their backs.
These were Konoha's ANBU—direct subordinates of the Third Hokage.
They had just arrived, personally led by Hiruzen Sarutobi to capture the culprit who had attacked Danzō.
They never expected to witness the scene of Oborotsuki shattering Uchiha Itachi's Susanoo with a single blow.
Everyone immediately became wary. They could only glare menacingly at Oborotsuki and Mikoto from a distance, not daring to step forward and engage.
"So he's the one from Kirigakure who attacked Danzō?"
Hiruzen stepped out from the crowd, gripping his Adamantine Staff, his sharp gaze first sweeping over Mikoto and the infant Sasuke in her arms.
Then, his eyes locked onto Oborotsuki.
"Lord Third."
"That man… I think I've seen him before…"
Kakashi racked his brain for a moment, then realization dawned.
This was the same man he had encountered on the road while leading the team to intercept the fleeing Uchiha non-combatants.
Back then, Root ANBU had ambushed them, slaughtering nearly every Uchiha woman, child, and elder. Kakashi had survived thanks to his quick reflexes and considerable skill.
Before escaping, he clearly saw someone intervene, eliminate Danzō's men, and rescue Uchiha Mikoto.
Seeing Oborotsuki again now, he immediately recognized him.
"Oh?"
Hiruzen looked curiously at Kakashi, who quickly recounted the incident.
"So he was the one who saved Uchiha Mikoto and the child…"
"In that case… what exactly is his goal? Does he have some kind of cooperation with the Uchiha clan?"
Hiruzen felt deeply puzzled and began forming guesses.
His gaze returned to Oborotsuki, sizing him up carefully, but he kept his thoughts to himself.
"It's been a long time since this old man ventured outside. I never expected Kirigakure to produce a talent like you."
"However, the Land of Fire and the Land of Water have signed a ceasefire agreement, formally ending the Third Great Ninja War."
"Now, people from Kirigakure have invaded Konoha—what exactly does this mean?"
Hiruzen emerged from his thoughts and looked coldly at Oborotsuki.
Having just witnessed Shisui and Itachi teaming up against this man with no success whatsoever, Hiruzen felt a deep sense of caution.
That was why he hadn't rashly ordered his men to attack.
Under normal circumstances, a group of ANBU would have already moved in to capture the target.
He would never be this courteous toward an intruder from another village.
"Oborotsuki…"
Facing encirclement by dozens of Konoha's elite—including the Third Hokage himself—Mikoto felt a surge of nervousness.
"How about we retreat for now… we can take revenge another time."
She looked worriedly at the injured Itachi and Shisui. The two had already returned to Hiruzen's side and were now reporting the situation—clearly sharing the intelligence they had gathered about Oborotsuki during the fight.
Hearing Mikoto's words, Oborotsuki let out a cold laugh.
"Since I've come all this way, why would I leave?"
"After settling our business here, I will naturally take you with me when I go."
"For now, just stand aside and enjoy the show."
With that, Oborotsuki strode openly toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In an instant, the surrounding ANBU members became highly alert. Every one of them stood ready, prepared to act at any moment to prevent Oborotsuki from launching a surprise attack on the Third Hokage.
"I came to Konoha for two personal matters—nothing to do with nations or ninja villages."
Oborotsuki stopped about twenty meters from Hiruzen, raised one finger, and explained calmly:
"The first matter is purely my personal business. I don't intend to tell you."
"As for the second matter—it stems directly from the first. I am here to kill Shimura Danzō. I hope you won't make things difficult."
Oborotsuki looked straight at Hiruzen and spoke with complete seriousness.
Hearing this, Hiruzen's brows furrowed deeply:
"So you're openly admitting that you were the one who injured Danzō."
"Why wouldn't I admit it?"
Oborotsuki asked back.
"Very well. In that case, there's nothing more to discuss."
"Danzō is a Hokage advisor of Konoha. Not only have people from Kirigakure invaded the village, but you've openly attacked a Konoha high-ranking official. This is an act of war!"
"In our eyes, this is no longer a personal grudge. Right now, we will arrest you here!"
"Afterward, we will contact the Land of Water and Kirigakure! If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation, this matter will not end so easily!"
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