A small fireball from Fire Release: Searing Migraine plummeted to the ground.
In an instant, the flames surged, engulfing kilometers in a blazing inferno, a testament to the power of Fire Release ninjutsu.
Following it, Wind Release: Pressure Damage amplified the fire's intensity.
The combined assault transformed the blaze into a tidal wave of flames, roaring toward Tengen.
This composite attack, blending two ninjutsu, was far more formidable than either alone.
Were it not for Kakuzu's pseudo-immortality, such an attack would already be devastating. His ability to wield all five chakra natures, thanks to his stolen hearts, allowed him to overpower most Jonin. Yet, against Kage-level opponents, he was vulnerable.
Tengen, in many ways, was Kakuzu's natural counter.
Tengen knew Kakuzu's weaknesses. Neither Kakuzu's taijutsu nor his ninjutsu could match him. Even in a battle of chakra attrition, Tengen's Uzumaki heritage ensured rapid chakra recovery, giving him the edge.
Thanks to his system, Tengen had developed his abilities comprehensively, taijutsu, kenjutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, leaving no vulnerabilities.
Uchiha Itachi, with his Mangekyo Sharingan, wielded near Kage-level power. Minato dominated the Third Great Ninja War with the Flying Thunder God Technique and Rasengan. Sakumo Hatake reigned supreme in the Second Great Ninja War with his kenjutsu.
Tengen's strength was undeniable.
Since absorbing the elite Jonin experience pack, his abilities had fused seamlessly. Previously, their application felt rigid, with inefficiencies in chakra consumption. Now, Tengen wielded them with growing mastery.
The result wasn't merely additive but exponential.
Facing Kakuzu's combined Wind and Fire Release attack, Tengen's hands blurred through seals, then pressed to his mouth.
A familiar ninjutsu.
"Fire Release: Majestic Flame Destroyer!"
A fire-based technique spanning kilometers surged toward Kakuzu's assault, powered solely by Tengen's strength.
The two fiery onslaughts clashed, the intense heat cracking the earth and turning rocks red-hot.
In Kakuzu's eyes, both Fire Release techniques dissipated into nothing.
"Kakuzu, let's destroy another of your hearts to put you at ease." Tengen's voice rang out beside him.
"Not good!" Kakuzu tried to recall his masked beasts, but two Tengen clones, each wielding a long blade, struck the creatures.
Piercing screams echoed as the masked beasts vanished under Tengen's power.
Kakuzu managed to retrieve one, leaving him with only two hearts.
With three hearts destroyed, he hesitated to act rashly, fearing Tengen might finish him off in a frenzy.
The anger in Kakuzu's heart had given way to dread. He wasn't ready to die, he still craved life.
"Kakuzu, it seems you've finally calmed down." Tengen said, approaching slowly. The two Tengens beside Kakuzu dissolved into puffs of smoke.
Shadow Clones.
"You're really that Konoha Chunin, Tengen? They say you're only nine." Kakuzu said, still in disbelief.
At nine years old, with a 20-million-ryo bounty on the black market, Tengen had seemed an oddity. Now, 20 million seemed laughably low, 50 million wouldn't do him justice.
Tengen wasn't merely Chunin-level; he was Kage-level.
In Kakuzu's mind, even the Kages of the great villages would struggle against him. With the Flying Thunder God Technique, Tengen's attacks were unpredictable, and he could escape at will.
"I am Tengen, and yes, you know my age." Tengen said with a faint smile. "Now, let's talk cooperation."
"What kind of cooperation?" Kakuzu asked, his voice low.
He was like fish on a cutting board, with no room to negotiate.
"A money-making venture." Tengen replied.
"Money?" Kakuzu's eyes lit up.
Had he known this was Tengen's offer, he'd have skipped the fight and gone straight to negotiations. But that was hindsight.
Tengen's high bounty had clouded his judgment, and at the time, he'd dismissed Tengen's words as childish jest.
Now, Kakuzu didn't dare make a sound. Marked by the Flying Thunder God seal, escape was futile, Tengen could catch him instantly.
And the prospect of profit piqued Kakuzu's interest. Money was his sole obsession.
"Let's head to the nearest town to discuss." Tengen said.
"Alright, but the closest town is some distance away." Kakuzu hesitated.
"Then let's move." Tengen said, grabbing Kakuzu and soaring into the sky with the Flying Technique, vanishing in a streak of light.
The speed was blinding, marked only by a sonic boom as they disappeared.
"Truly impressive." Kakuzu muttered, his scream fading as they vanished.
In a town in the Land of Earth, Tengen and Kakuzu sat in a teahouse, sipping tea and eating.
"What's this money-making plan?" Kakuzu asked, eyeing Tengen.
"We'll go into trade, selling unique goods." Tengen said. "Our market is the five great nations and other ninja villages."
"What goods?" Kakuzu asked, intrigued.
"Items unlike anything here, one-of-a-kind." Tengen replied.
He began placing objects on the table.
***
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