Chapter 125
Kakuzu hadn't expected his masked tentacle creature to be dispatched so easily. A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes before he quickly hardened his resolve.
It seemed like he had no choice but to fight. Otherwise, he wasn't leaving here alive.
With that realization, Kakuzu's entire demeanor shifted. He no longer attempted to evade, his tentacles ceased their restless writhing, and his gaze locked onto Zixu with a cold intensity.
"How about this?" Zixu stepped forward with a smirk. "Hand over the secret jutsu of Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear), and I'll spare your life. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it?"
Kakuzu instinctively took a step back, maintaining a careful distance. He didn't respond, only letting out a cold snort. The last remaining mask on his back slithered under his skin, reappearing on his chest. Its mouth gaped open, expelling a concentrated blast of wind.
A massive Fūton: Atsugai (Wind Release: Pressure Damage) surged toward Zixu, the intense wind pressure whipping his hair into disarray. Without hesitation, he activated Hachimon (Eight Gates), his muscles tightening with explosive power. One punch shattered the wind sphere midair, and without missing a beat, he lunged straight at Kakuzu.
Seeing Kakuzu directly attack him, Zixu didn't bother with more words. "You're my enemy, right? You want to kill me, right? Then it's simple—only one of us is walking away from this." His eyes sharpened. "Let's cut the talking and get down to business."
Kakuzu sneered, his voice laced with disdain. "Then let me show you the difference that experience makes." His hands formed seals as his tentacles lashed forward in unison.
It should have been the beginning of a brutal clash, but before Kakuzu could react, he felt an excruciating pain in his chest. His eyes widened in shock—Zixu had vanished.
No, he hadn't vanished.
A towering shadow loomed over him, blotting out the sun.