bookpower 149. The Current State of Affairs on the Battlefront (2)
149. The Current State of Affairs on the Battlefront (2)
149. The Current State of Affairs on the Battlefront (2)
Fugaku's tension eased slightly with the renewed analysis. The defensive posture and apparent internal discord within Sunagakure's ranks suggested they were more likely grappling with internal issues rather than celebrating any major victory against Hikari.
If they had indeed managed to incapacitate Hikari, Fugaku reasoned they would have likely publicized such a significant triumph to demoralize Konoha's forces.
Moreover, the disappearance of both Pakura and Sasori alongside Hikari pointed to a more complex scenario than a straightforward battle outcome.
Understanding that Hikari had initially planned to target enemy elites using his adeptness at masking his presence, and everyone agreed to it, Fugaku wasn't surprised that Hikari had chosen that particular area for his first operation on this battlefront.
The real conundrum was the total absence of any news from him post-engagement. If Hikari had been victorious, surely he would have reappeared by now to bolster the morale of Konoha's troops and to strategize further moves.
The presence of Iron Sand added another layer of mystery, intertwining with the puzzle of the ongoing conflict.
Therefore, given the swirling uncertainties and the lack of concrete information, Fugaku decided it was more prudent to focus on the immediate tactical engagements rather than speculate on incomplete reports.
He needed to maintain his command and ensure the effectiveness of his forces in the ongoing skirmish.
Addressing the shinobi, Fugaku gave his orders with a firm resolve, "Ok, I will take you back. Remember to keep me updated on any developments. Monitor that area closely.",
With a swift motion, the massive arm of his Susanoo re-engaged, carefully placing the shinobi back into the fray. As the golden avatar receded, Fugaku refocused on the battlefield ahead.
Fugaku focused his attention on the tactical deployment of his special unit of Uchiha elites, selecting only the strongest few dozen jonin with two or three tomoe Sharingan to receive the enhancement from his Mangekyo Sharingan.
This powerful ability, however, came with significant limitations; it could only be applied to a finite number of shinobi, necessitating a careful choice of recipients to maximize its effectiveness on the battlefield.
The ability also required Fugaku to maintain a precise distance—about 50 meters from his troops—to keep the enhancement active.
This range was critical to ensuring he could both influence the battle effectively and maintain his own safety.
Too far, and the ability would deactivate, significantly reducing the combat effectiveness of his unit. Too close, and he risked becoming an easy target for enemy attacks.
Fugaku had to meticulously manage his movements and those of his selected elites, balancing his position to optimize the reach and impact of his Mangekyo ability.
This careful strategic management was crucial as he directed his forces, using their enhanced abilities to spearhead assaults and hold strategic positions.
As Fugaku surveyed the battlefield more and more, a gradual sense of cautious optimism began to settle in. The Sunagakure forces were increasingly distracted, possibly giving his troops an upper hand.
This development brought him a measure of relief, as it meant he might not need to reveal his second, more secretive Mangekyo Sharingan ability—a power so unique and formidable that he considered it almost divine.
This second ability, tied to his other eye, was unlike anything Fugaku had ever encountered or heard of in the shinobi world. Its sheer potency and the strategic advantage it offered were unparalleled.
This technique merged Yin Release with Wind Release, creating a sinister blend of chakra that manipulated both the physical and the mental realms.
The Shadow Wind manifested as dark, swirling currents of black or dark gray wind, embodying the elusiveness of shadows with the relentless force of wind.
Kazuto's strategy hinged on maintaining distance. He used his Shadow Wind to slice through the air and send gusts of cutting wind toward Takumim, trying to overwhelm his enemy.
The ethereal nature of his jutsu made it a formidable challenge, as it could potentially disrupt both his opponent's physical body and mental state.
On the other side, Takumi utilized the renowned Gentle Fist technique of the Hyuga Main Branch, enhanced by his unique integration of Yin Release.
This allowed him to launch external attacks that targeted not only the chakra pathway system but also his adversary's mental faculties.
His style was designed to disrupt from both close range and a slight distance, causing havoc within an opponent's chakra system and potentially affecting their cognitive functions if the chakra circulated to their brain.
As the fight progressed, Takumi sought to close the gap between them, countering Kazuto's distancing tactics and better employ his Gentle Fist style.
Despite Kazuto's attempts to keep Takumi at bay with his Shadow Wind, Takumi's mastery over his own chakra and internal systems gave him one crucial edge as he was a Hyuga.
He could dispel the effects of the Yin Release even after multiple hits, maintaining his focus and structural integrity against Kazuto's invasive attacks.
This dynamic created a tense standoff, with each shinobi playing to their strengths in a high-stakes duel of wits and power.
"Our techniques are quite similar; it could even be said that you are blending ninjutsu with genjutsu, and I'm blending my taijutsu with genjutsu...",
Takumi observed, gauging the nature of their respective abilities during the brief pauses in their engagement.
They had been sizing and feeling each other only up until now. He realized that this wouldn't be easy for him and that, at best, they should be on an equal level.
"That's an oversimplification, Hyuga...", Kazuto responded, his voice emanating from behind his Anbu mask, maintaining the typical stoicism of a commander accustomed to the shadows.
However, despite his dismissive words, Kazuto acknowledged the truth in Takumi's internal observation.
This recognition was crucial; it explained Takumi's adeptness at countering his Yin-infused Wind Release—his familiarity was indeed troubling.
Therefore, he needed to escalate his tactics, deploying the full might of his Shadow Wind Release.
His next moves would have to be overwhelming, crafted to surpass Takumi's Byakugan's defensive capabilities and exceptional chakra control. His previous shadowy tactics, which were ANBU-style, obviously won't work against his enemy from the Hyuga clan.
With this realization, Kazuto prepared to unleash more potent and intricate combinations of his unique jutsu, aiming to break through Takumi's defenses with unprecedented force. He needed to overwhelm him so much that he wouldn't be able to cleanse his internals on time. However, that kind of attack needed to be set up carefully, or it would all go to waste.