Chapter 118: Friendly Cooperation
Kokuō, restricted in movement, grew increasingly agitated. The more he struggled, the deeper he sank, now half-submerged in the swamp. A larger Tailed Beast Ball condensed in his mouth, radiating an overwhelming amount of Chakra. This one had taken longer to form and was significantly larger, making its destructive power far greater.
The Tailed Beast Ball was aimed directly at Ōnoki. Despite his rage clouding his judgment, Kokuō had identified the one responsible for restricting his movements.
"Hurry," Ōnoki urged, his voice tense. As the massive Tailed Beast Ball spewed from Kokuō's mouth, Ōnoki swiftly unleashed his Dust Release without hesitation.
This display left Kawakaze and Tsunade hesitant to intervene. Having accepted a favor but reluctant to act, they hovered in the air without making a move against Kokuō.
"Should we finish him off?" Kawakaze whispered to Tsunade, his smile tinged with mischief, showing no remorse. To him, no rule dictated that accepting a bribe meant completing the job. Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage and a sworn enemy, was also the leader of Iwagakure—a tempting target to eliminate.
"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique," Ōnoki declared, forming the necessary seal. His Dust Release clashed with the Tailed Beast Ball, triggering a violent explosion. The ninja on both sides of the battlefield, accustomed to such chaos, barely paid attention.
Ōnoki glanced toward Chōmei with suspicion, taking a cautious step back without uttering a word. His readiness to retreat was evident, as Kawakaze's sly smile hinted at ulterior motives.
"Forget it. That old man's as cunning as a monkey," Kawakaze muttered, watching Ōnoki's movements closely.
"Look at his position," Tsunade said, leading Kawakaze toward Kokuō. She observed Ōnoki's tactical maneuvering, recognizing his intent. If a fight broke out, Ōnoki would escape in a flash, leaving Konoha's evacuation team vulnerable to Iwagakure's forces.
"He's still guarding against us, even now," she noted, her tone laced with frustration.
Kawakaze sighed, abandoning his earlier thought. Cooperation, for now, seemed the better option, though he couldn't help feeling a pang of regret.