Chapter 158
As the flame clouds expanded, the speed at which the Whirlpool Country ascended also steadily increased. Gravel and soil around it continued to rise into the air, revealing a massive island emerging from the ground.
The shinobi within Whirlpool Country might not have had a clear view, but from the sky, Ōnoki could see everything distinctly. The bottom of this immense island resembled the tip of a spire, and below it were numerous densely packed metallic structures. The most striking feature was a black hole-like opening at the base—a massive barrel, resembling a cannon.
As the floating island drifted, the cannon beneath it slowly adjusted its angle. It was a moving fortress.
"What an impressive aerial fortress! Even the battle-hungry shinobi of Kumogakure aren't this advanced. And here I thought Whirlpool Country was peace-loving..." Ōnoki grumbled internally. This level of development—were they planning to launch a full-scale ninja war? This was too sophisticated.
The Sky Island of Whirlpool Country was still ascending. Ōnoki knew he had to return soon; otherwise, flying at such an altitude would be exhausting. After all, he was old, and his body wasn't what it used to be.
But just as he was about to retreat, he noticed something troublesome. A black and blue barrier, resembling a bubble, had enveloped the entire island. He didn't sense any immediate danger from it, so he flew straight into it without much thought.
"Ugh...!" Ōnoki winced as pain shot through his lower back. Something was off about this barrier.
"The moment I touched it, my chakra was suppressed... A barrier that nullifies ninjutsu and prevents enemies from escaping? How fascinating..."
Just as he realized this, Ōnoki, who had already sprained his waist, began plummeting from the sky.
Kurotsuchi spotted her troublesome grandfather right away and had no choice but to leap high into the air, catching him mid-fall.
Meanwhile, Zixu had returned to his normal form, though the surrounding flame clouds continued lifting the island higher. No one knew how far it would ascend before stopping.