C83 I'll Kill It!

"We cannot allow Black Earth to perish within the borders of our Grass Country. If that happens, the Tsuchikage will be enraged, and our nation could face annihilation!"

Witnessing the unfolding crisis, Kawabata Nozomu clenched his jaw, his grip on his long blade tightening—a clear sign of his resolute decision, his face etched with a resolve to face death.

"Mr. Gekka, you must escape! This colossal ape is overpowering. Even the barrier set by three Elite Rock Ninja has been shattered. I fear we're all doomed here today. I'll hold it off—go now!"

Karin suddenly positioned herself in front of Yang Ming, her petite frame seemingly ready to shield him from the elements.

"How could I possibly flee? I've come a thousand miles in pursuit of this very moment. And to think I would concern myself with a mere spirit beast? You're underestimating me," Yang Ming chuckled, brushing past the astonished pair and advancing towards the three-handed giant ape.

"Miss, leave this to me and get to safety!"

In that moment, the three-handed giant ape launched its assault on Black Earth, its roars relentless, its ferocity unmatched, its speed blurring its form into the valley's echoing tumult.

Black Earth evaded with diminishing space, but the ape's might was overwhelming, crushing everything in its wake like a juggernaut—shattering stones, splintering trees, leaving destruction in its path.

As Black Earth's room to maneuver waned, Akatsuchi charged into the fray.

His slightly corpulent frame glowed with a yellow hue, the manifestation of the Earth Escape Hardening Technique. Drawing upon the earth's power, his body became as fortified as steel armor. He hurled a powerful punch at the three-handed giant ape!

Simultaneously, the ape's counterattack struck with equal ferocity!

"Boom!"

The impact resounded like thunder, the giant ape stumbling back several paces, its gaping maw revealing menacing fangs, its face registering a shockingly human expression of surprise.

It was taken aback that Akatsuchi had managed to force it back with sheer strength—a first in its memory!

Akatsuchi, reeling back dozens of steps, saw the earthen glow on his body fade, as if much of it had been dispersed.

His face was etched with gravity, clearly indicating that he was far from at ease.

At that moment, he called out to Hei Tu, and upon noticing her hesitation, he urgently yelled to Wenyu and Wenyu.

"Get them out of here, fast! Hei Tu can't die; she's the next Tsuchikage. They can't die either; they're the future of our Rock Ninja. I'll cover the rear!"

"Understood!"

Wenyu and Wenyu nodded in agreement.

As Elite Ninja, their mission was paramount. Without delay, they escorted Hei Tu and swiftly gathered the six Journeyman Ninja, making a break for the valley's edge.

"Uncle Akatsuchi!"

Hei Tu's gaze lingered on the solitary figure remaining in the valley, her emotions a tangled web. She struggled to articulate the turmoil inside her.

The Tsuchikage had always taught her to prioritize maximizing benefits. Departing now was clearly the optimal choice, yet Akatsuchi had been like a mentor to her, stirring a storm of mixed feelings.

Despite her inner conflict, she didn't resist as Wenyu led her away, her eyes fixed on Akatsuchi, lost in thought.

Just then, a slight figure darted across her field of vision.

Her pupils constricted as she recognized the person, surprise etched on her face.

"Gekka Ming, what are you planning to do?"

"That area's dangerous. Are you out of your mind?"

To her, Yang Ming had always been a kid, tagging along with Kawabata Nozomu for the sake of gaining experience and broadening his horizons.

But now, with a battle raging, wasn't he simply seeking his own demise?

"I'm going to take it down!"

In response to Hei Tu's question, Yang Ming looked back with a grin, his teeth a stark white against his smile.