Chapter 323: Instant Release Saves the Day
Using the various instruments in his laboratory and his own neural sensory probes, Tonbo Tobitake conducted a comprehensive examination of Urashiki's body.
He discovered that the most valuable asset was the genetic information of Otsutsuki Urashiki. Crucially, he found that the Otsutsuki physique was exceptionally suited for information transmission, and their genetic code was incredibly complex. It was the most intricate biological individual he had ever studied—far more complex than Naruto's state when Nine-Tails' chakra leaks out to form a chakra shroud.
Recalling things he had seen in his previous life:
Otsutsuki Kaguya ate the fruit of the God Tree, using its immense energy and information to compile and reorganize the Otsutsuki genetic code. That was how she achieved evolution.
"Then my method of evolution isn't really different from the Otsutsuki! Only the process varies slightly."
The result was the same, even if the methods differed. Tonbo felt he was on the right path. However, he still needed to research this thoroughly; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to utilize Urashiki's physical data. Tonbo's "Information Evolution" required a deep understanding of the target's data to evolve his own body safely. He couldn't blindly absorb information and let his body evolve chaotically—that would turn him into a monster.
"These eyes..."
Tonbo looked at Urashiki's Byakugan. Once the research was finished, who should he give them to?
The Fourth Great Ninja War was approaching fast. From start to finish, it would only last about a month. After that, there would be no familiar plot left, only scattered bits of intelligence. He wasn't sure if his power would be enough or if he would need more support.
According to the prophecy Jiraiya received from the Great Toad Sage, his strength might still fall short. Otherwise, the prophecy wouldn't have predicted only one uncertain path with a mere "chance" of success. Therefore, in addition to a scientist like Orochimaru, he needed to gather other forces.
Naruto, Sasuke...
"Maybe I can research a way to infuse Urashiki's Byakugan ocular power into Hinata or Neji? Could it drastically enhance their vision and perhaps awaken the power of the Tenseigan?"
The Tenseigan was the first thing that came to mind. Since he didn't want the eyes for himself, he could give them to others. As a pure-blooded Otsutsuki, Urashiki's ocular power should be enough to help Hinata or Neji awaken it.
"Sigh, I'm thinking too far ahead. One step at a time. First, I need to create a jutsu to counter Reflection Shinjutsu, then develop a way to prevent precognition. Only then can I consider other matters."
Tonbo's mind raced as he planned for the future. He hadn't even come up with a direction for countering prophecy yet.
BOOM!
Just then, a massive surge of chakra entered his sensory range. He paused his deliberations. His perception swept out of the lab, past Konoha, and some distance further. A giant monster was exposed to his senses.
"The Gedo Mazo? Holy crap."
Whoosh!
"This scale of destruction... it was a clash between high-level ninjutsu masters."
Tobi appeared at the site where Tonbo and Urashiki had fought, accompanied by Zetsu. He surveyed the environment.
"Those two ninjas were certainly impressive. This is on par with Nagato's Almighty Push," Zetsu remarked. Suddenly, Zetsu sensed a disturbance back in Konoha. "Nagato has summoned the Gedo Mazo."
"Sage Art: Rasenshuriken!"
Naruto appeared on the battlefield out of nowhere, slamming a Rasenshuriken into the giant monster.
Vroom!
It was useless. The immense power of the Rasenshuriken only managed to push the Gedo Mazo back a short distance. During that slight movement, the statue's feet crushed several ninjas who couldn't react in time.
"Dammit, this is on a totally different level compared to the Pains from earlier!"
Naruto sensed his comrades supporting him from below and realized they were suffering heavy casualties now that this monster had appeared. Granny Tsunade had also exhausted herself fighting the Pains. She was currently on the sidelines with Sakura, providing medical support, but her chakra was nearly depleted.
"Naruto! Go find the enemy's main body! We'll hold it back!"
Below, the Nara clan ninjas used the Gedo Mazo's staggered momentum to initiate Shadow Possession Jutsu. Beside them, members of the Yamanaka clan were collapsing one by one; as soon as one was forced out of the statue's mind by its sheer power, another would immediately follow up with the Mind Transfer Jutsu.
The Akimichi clan ninjas used their Multi-Size Jutsu to surge forward and physically suppress the Gedo Mazo. Shikaku and Shikamaru were in the center, managing the overall situation and directing Naruto.
Naruto: "Uncle Shikaku, but what about—"
"Go! we can't hold out much longer! Only finding the main body can solve this monster!" Shikaku urged.
"I understand! I'll take out the main body!" Sage markings appeared around Naruto's eyes as he dashed toward the enemy's location. He looked back at his comrades with worry. How could they possibly defeat such a terrifying beast?
ROAR!
Less than a minute after Naruto left, the Gedo Mazo broke free from the Konoha forces' restraints. It let out a heaven-shaking roar, and lightning began to brew on its shoulders.
A vortex appeared. The masked man and Zetsu watched the Gedo Mazo's rampage from a distance.
"Hehe, to think Konoha forced Nagato to bring out the Gedo Mazo. This time, Konoha is truly doomed," Zetsu chuckled.
Tobi replied, "Not necessarily. Konoha isn't that easy to take down." His eyes shifted as if he were calculating something.
"This is bad."
Shikaku watched his teammates fall one by one. Looking at the energy gathering on the Gedo Mazo's shoulders, his expression turned grim. If Naruto couldn't solve the main body before they were all wiped out...
ROAR!
The Gedo Mazo bellowed, the lightning on its shoulders reaching its peak. The sky turned dark as the atmosphere warped.
"It's over."
Not just Shikaku, but all the Konoha ninjas in the distance—including Tsunade—sank into despair. They looked back toward the village; only seeing that the village was still protected by the barrier did they feel a slight relief. At least the village was safe for now. But if all of them, the main fighting force, were killed here, Konoha would be finished anyway.
"Instant Release!"
Just as the Gedo Mazo was about to fire its attack, a thunderous shout echoed. Everyone turned to see a black figure appear, delivering a massive flying kick to the monster's side.
BOOM!
The monster's attack fired, but its trajectory was knocked off course. It shot diagonally into the sky, punching a massive hole through the clouds. Sunlight poured through the gap, shining brilliantly upon the black figure.
"That's... Captain Tonbo!"
"It's the former Acting Hokage!"
"Incredible!"
"As expected of a man who held the title of Hokage!"
Many surviving ninjas recognized Tonbo Tobitake. Shikaku let out a long sigh of relief. He hadn't expected that a Genjutsu specialist like Tonbo would possess such terrifying Taijutsu.
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