Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

The Art of Immortality

[System Notification: You have encountered a ninjutsu that meets the requirements for splitting the clone. Please analyze and seize the opportunity.] 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Just as Zixu was wondering if his opponent had consumed some kind of "Sit-Up Fruit," the system's prompt jolted him from his confusion.

"What the hell? A ninjutsu that fits the bill for separating clones? Could it be..."

Zixu's eyes sparkled as he looked at Kakuzu, the stitched-up monster standing before him.

Could the technique used by this guy actually separate a clone from the body? Damn, that's an unexpected bonus. There's no way I'm letting him escape now.

Kakuzu, already furious, saw the strange, almost perverse glint in Zixu's eyes. The occasional smirk that appeared on the young man's face made his instincts scream danger. His body stiffened, and his mind raced.

Why the hell is this brat looking at me like that?

Most people either avoided him or showed fear when they saw his grotesque, tentacle-covered form. But Zixu? His expression... Kakuzu clenched involuntarily.

"You bastard..." Kakuzu growled, feeling a rare sense of humiliation. That look in Zixu's eyes—it reminded him of the bounty collectors he had dealt with in the past.

Squelch!

Suddenly, a mass of dark tentacles burst from beneath Zixu's feet. The two were still at a considerable distance, yet Kakuzu had already tunneled underground with his tentacles, executing a surprise attack.

"Ignore~"

Though Zixu hadn't activated Kagura Shingan (Kagura's Mind Eye), his Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) wasn't just for show. He sensed the incoming attack and effortlessly flipped backward, dodging the ambush.

Instead of getting angry, Zixu chuckled. Looks like getting my hands on that technique is going to take some effort.

"Your transformation technique is quite interesting," Zixu remarked, arms crossed casually. "Is it some kind of secret jutsu? It doesn't seem like standard shinobi techniques."

Kakuzu paused for a moment, his stitched lips curving into a slow grin. The grotesque tentacles writhing beneath his dead-yellow skin twitched.

"Another young fool? Heh... fine, I'll humor you," Kakuzu muttered, regaining his composure. His tone carried the weight of someone who had lived far too long.

"Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear) was originally a secret technique of Takigakure. I was once tasked with assassinating the First Hokage. After failing, I somehow survived despite his pursuit and returned to my village..."

At the mention of the First Hokage, Kakuzu's hunched posture straightened with a sense of twisted pride.

He really thinks surviving Hashirama is something to brag about? Zixu thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He wasn't sure if Kakuzu was exaggerating, but if he truly escaped Senju Hashirama, then that alone was an impressive feat.

"The technique grants me a form of immortality," Kakuzu continued, his stitched mouth curling into a sneer. "No matter what your reason is for targeting us, I suggest you turn back. The gap in battle experience between us is beyond your comprehension."

Zixu remained silent, noting Kakuzu's subtle glance at a nearby tree. Something's up.

"I need to distract this brat and make my escape," Kakuzu thought, continuing his tale without pause.

"When I returned to Takigakure, they turned on me, branding me a failure. Enraged, I killed the village leader and took Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear) for myself."

Zixu appeared genuinely intrigued, his stance relaxing slightly. Kakuzu took the bait.

Meanwhile, Kakuzu's tentacles slithered discreetly toward the unconscious forms of Nibi no Jinchūriki (Two-Tails' Jinchūriki), preparing to snatch them away.

"This technique allows me to steal the hearts of others and prolong my life. It is true immortality," Kakuzu boasted. "Boy, I can afford to make mistakes. You, on the other hand, can only make one."

He intentionally exaggerated, hoping to scare the young man into backing down.

Zixu, however, wasn't buying it.

Just as both fighters tensed, ready to strike, a loud, frustrated scream echoed across the battlefield.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

It was Hidan's voice—filled with impotent rage.

The moment the shout reached them, both Zixu and Kakuzu moved simultaneously.

Zixu lunged forward.

The air around him crackled from his sheer speed. His hand was positioned like a straight punch, yet his fingers were clawed, revealing his true intent.

Kakuzu, unfazed, immediately detached two of his masks, forming grotesque humanoid figures from his writhing black tentacles.

One of the creatures intercepted Zixu's attack, absorbing the impact. At the same time, Kakuzu's tentacles shot forward like ravenous insects, attempting to ensnare Zixu.

The mask on Kakuzu's creature began accumulating chakra. A burning heat filled the air—he was preparing a Katon: Zukkoku (Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work).

Kakuzu himself? He dashed toward the tree, grabbing the unconscious Jinchūriki and preparing to flee.

"Tch... losing two hearts to this brat was unexpected. I'll need to find replacements."

As for Hidan? He's immortal. He'll figure it out.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion erupted behind him. A scorching heatwave and charred tentacle fragments filled the air.

Kakuzu turned in shock.

Standing amidst the flames was Zixu, his crimson hair now ablaze like a living inferno. The fire chakra surrounding his body burned away any lingering tentacles.

His appearance was almost divine—like Nika no Kami (Sun God Nika).

In one hand, he held Kakuzu's destroyed mask. The severed tentacles twitched feebly before going limp.

Zixu grinned, his sharp gaze locking onto Kakuzu.

"You're in a hurry," Zixu murmured. "Why don't we have a little chat?"

His body flickered, leaving behind a trail of fiery afterimages. In a blink, he reappeared before Kakuzu.

"Because I'm really, really interested in Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear)."

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