Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 102: Ryoma to the Rescue, A Chaotic Battle!

On the battlefield, water dragons coiled and surged violently.

Seeing the newcomer, Yagura Karatachi's pupils contracted slightly.

This attire, combined with such advanced insect-manipulation techniques, immediately revealed the person's identity to him.

It was none other than the deputy leader of Konoha's shadowy Root organization—

The Deputy Commander of Root,

Aburame Ryoma!

Normally, the so-called "Root" operatives had no names or emotions, no past, and no future.

However, like how Kakashi later stood out during his time in the Anbu, a ninja with distinct traits and powerful combat ability, even as a member of Root, could become so feared by enemies that their identity earned them a "name."

Aburame Ryoma was precisely such an individual.

At this moment, he walked forward indifferently, drawing a hand from his pocket and making a light gesture.

A massive swarm of parasitic insects descended like a dark cloud, encircling Uchiha Ci at the center.

This was the Secret Technique: Insect Wall!

It used parasitic insects to form a rotating black cloud that ascended and solidified into a defensive wall.

This scene caused both combatants on the battlefield to pause, halting their movements simultaneously.

Now, Uchiha Ci stood dumbfounded, staring at the formidable Root ninja approaching with an air of authority.

He recognized Aburame Ryoma.

He also recognized the parasitic insects.

But this man's presence here, combined with the use of a secret technique to protect him, left Uchiha Ci utterly baffled.

Initially, when Uchiha Ci saw this individual, he assumed he was sent by Danzo to assassinate him, likely to prevent Orochimaru from taking on an Uchiha disciple.

But now... What on earth was happening?

After securing Uchiha Ci, Aburame Ryoma raised his head slightly.

Behind his dark glasses, his gaze fixed coldly on Yagura, and his voice rang out chillingly:

"So, you're Yagura Karatachi, captain of Kirigakure's jonin squad, an elite jonin.

"Is that correct?"

Yagura, equally bewildered by the unfolding events, rose from the water's surface.

Clutching his hooked staff with both hands, he pointed it at Ryoma with a frown.

"You Root operatives protecting an Uchiha? That's a rare sight indeed!"

Aburame Ryoma fell silent. He, too, had felt something inexplicably odd about this mission when receiving it from Shimura Danzo.

Nevertheless, a mission was a mission. He shook his head and replied coldly,

"Such is the way of this strange world.

"If you must ask why...

"It's because the brat you're targeting—

"Is the Deputy Commander of Root, a disciple of Konoha's Three Sannin and the Fourth Hokage's successor—Orochimaru.

"Right now, he is one of us."

These words left Yagura stunned, his gaze snapping to Uchiha Ci in disbelief.

Did he mishear?

An Uchiha became the disciple of Orochimaru and even joined Root?

This was absurdity at its peak!

And why, of all people, was it this brat?

Realizing the implications, a murderous intent surged in Yagura's eyes.

Uchiha Ci knew their plans, and now, as a member of Root, he might report everything to Shimura Danzo.

If that happened, no one could guarantee how "the shadow of the ninja" might intervene in Kirigakure's precarious state.

Despite Konoha's current conflict with Sunagakure and Amegakure in the northwest, the Leaf's full strength wasn't entirely drawn out by the Sand.

Taking a deep breath, Yagura tightened his grip on his hooked staff, his eyes cold.

"Do you intend to fight?"

Aburame Ryoma chuckled faintly, his voice calm yet disdainful.

"You and your men likely escaped through the Kabukicho secret passage.

"Being discovered is only a matter of time.

"Each moment you linger here increases your danger.

"So..."

Ryoma raised both hands, spreading his fingers, his cold gaze fixed on Yagura.

"Do you really want to stand against us here?

"Or will you leave on your own?"

"We?"

Uchiha Ci quirked an eyebrow at Ryoma's words.

In the next instant, a series of dark shadows suddenly appeared in unison, materializing in front of Uchiha Ci.

Over a dozen individuals clad in Konoha Anbu uniforms and intricate masks, each armed with ninja blades, stared coldly at Yagura, who seemed poised to attack.

The atmosphere grew tense as the Root operatives lined up, their presence imposing enough to make Yagura frown deeply.

With so many opponents, including the elite jonin Aburame Ryoma, even with an advantageous environment and Hozuki Mangetsu by his side, Yagura knew victory would be hard-won.

But if they fought here, the commotion would undoubtedly spiral out of control.

And earlier, just before Ryoma arrived, Yagura had felt a vague sense of unease, as if continuing the fight would lead to something catastrophic.

That dangerous aura stemmed from the very boy Root was protecting.

Ryoma narrowed his eyes slightly, as if pondering something.

"Despite everything I've said, you're still here.

"It must be because this boy possesses information you fear."

Yagura's expression changed instantly.

Seeing this, a faintly amused smile appeared on Ryoma's face.

"Interesting.

"Then come. Let's see if you can kill this brat under my protection."

With those words, the sky-darkening swarm of parasitic insects stirred. More poured from Ryoma's palms, forming clusters of black clouds.

Secret Technique: Insect Clone!

Three identical copies of Aburame Ryoma materialized on the battlefield.

The four Ryomas summoned twelve orbs of Secret Technique: Insect Sphere, which hovered around them.

The droning of countless parasitic insects filled the air as they gathered, forming the beginnings of a tornado.

Yagura immediately understood Ryoma's intent.

He was escalating the fight to draw attention from their pursuers.

The tornado's formation was none other than the Aburame Clan's Secret Technique: Insect Tornado, a technique both powerful and extremely conspicuous.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Yagura made his decision.

"Let's go, Mangetsu, Mei Terumi!"

However, while they were allies, they weren't subordinate to one another.

Yagura wanted to retreat, but Hozuki Mangetsu, upon seeing his enemy, was not willing to leave.

Meanwhile, the ever-watchful Mei Terumi couldn't allow Mangetsu to kill Uchiha Ci.

In the blink of an eye, chaos erupted.

Mangetsu slipped into Ryoma's Insect Wall using water manipulated by Yagura.

This movement was caught by both Mei and Uchiha Ci, who remained on high alert.

In the next instant, three simultaneous shouts rang out!

"Hiramekarei: Release!"

"Lava Release: Dissolving Monster Technique!"

"Fire Release: Chakra Mode, Activate!"

A light blade extended eight meters long, slashing toward Uchiha Ci's head!

Mei Terumi stepped in front of Uchiha Ci, forming hand seals to unleash a river of high-temperature acid mist toward Mangetsu.

Without hesitation, Uchiha Ci ignited his heart, activating his immortal body!

Flames surged skyward!

Yagura, seeing this, felt a chill run down his spine.

Ignoring any further commands to retreat, he stepped hard on the water, summoning a massive ten-meter-long water dragon to launch himself into the fray!

But Ryoma blocked his path. The four clones leaped high, merging into a vast swarm of parasitic insects that descended upon Yagura.

In an instant, the battlefield descended into chaos.

The entire scene devolved into utter pandemonium!

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