Renzo ignored his missing arm and all his injuries and tried to analyze when Fujin switched with a clone. He realized, 'According to the intel, he moves very fast. That is why we set up the trap and prepared the formation in the first place. However, when he escaped, his speed didn't match the intel. But our minds were too occupied with claiming his bounty and we didn't notice the anomaly. He probably switched himself with a clone even before we exited the hidden bases while his clones moved slowly to catch us off-guard with that combination jutsu.'
Renzo's analysis was very close to the truth. Fujin created a shadow clone with 20% of his chakra and escaped right after sensing that he was facing 35 enemies. He hid his chakra signature and scent and moved without making any sounds or leaving any trail due to which the sensors among the bounty hunters never sensed his main body.
Later on, when he saw the Four Violet Flames Formation, Fujin realized why he was feeling a sense of danger. After realizing that his backup was Kakashi, he stopped hiding his scent so that Kakashi could smell his scent and stop worrying. While it could expose a flaw to the bounty hunters, Fujin didn't care as the bounty hunters were already in deep trouble.
Inside the barrier, everyone looked at the SealMaster, who was also a sensor, as he exclaimed loudly, "His chakra!"
Renzo looked at him and asked, "What about his chakra?"
The SealMaster gulped and said, "It's massive! It's almost twice your maximum chakra, Renzo. He likely only used around 20-25% of his chakra on those 4 shadow clones."
The eyes of the ninjas inside the barrier widened in horror as they took a look at Fujin once again. Though Fujin had improved a lot during his time in the Anbu, his biggest improvement was the increase in his chakra reserves.
As Ryu had speculated, the growth in Fujin's chakra reserves had begun slowing down. But thanks to the fact that his chakra reserves were already comparable to a Jounin and the aid provided by the Elemental crystals, his growth was still massive.
His chakra reserves had grown by three times in the last 20 months. In another six months, his chakra reserves would reach the same level as Renjiro's. However, Fujin did sense that his growth was slowing down rapidly. So he wasn't sure about reaching Hiruzen's level of chakra at his current rate.
Kakashi looked at the spot where Fujin's three clones had exploded and said, "Focus your jutsus on that ninja again."
The Konoha ninjas were about to attack when Fujin said, "Wait, I'll give them a few more explosions."
He created 6 shadow clones, each with 5% of his chakra. Three flickered close to Shiro while the other 3 flickered close to the other three ninjas maintaining the formation. Kakashi nodded and weaved a few hand signs as well.
'Lightning Release: Shadow Clone jutsu'
A shadow clone infused with Lightning appeared and followed Fujin's clones. Fujin's clones once again touched the barrier and exploded. Shiro was prepared this time and poured more chakra into the barrier. However, the explosions were much stronger as the clones were full of chakra.
The impact of the explosion was once again sent through the barrier. As the person closest to the explosion, once again the majority of the impact was borne by Shiro. He collapsed on the ground and almost lost consciousness. However, he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay awake. He said to himself, "No! I have to stay awake! Otherwise, all of us will be dead."
Through sheer will, he forced himself to stay awake. Unfortunately, Kakashi's Lightning Shadow Clone appeared and transformed into Lightning and hit the barrier on one single point. The barrier could no longer hold on and a small hole appeared in it as the Lightning broke through. It hit Shiro and electrocuted him.
Shiro was already on his last legs. He didn't even have the energy to scream as his body was electrocuted to death.
With his death, the entire formation collapsed. Immediately, all 5 Konoha ninjas flickered towards the opponents. The bounty hunters were on guard as well. As soon as the formation collapsed, they began running away in different directions. However, compared to the fresh Konoha ninjas, the bounty hunters were extremely tired.
Fujin's clones immediately attacked the other 3 ninjas who were maintaining the formation. They were already exhausted and low on chakra. None among them could put up a fight and were beheaded with ease. Fujin's clones immediately flickered towards the ones who were escaping.
Kakashi flickered behind Renzo. Despite being gravely injured, Renzo stopped running and swung his sword at Kakashi. However, Lightning appeared in Kakashi's hand and hit the blade. Despite the chakra around Renzo's sword, Lightning still conducted through his sword and into his body.
Kakashi said, "Higashi Renzo, you are a long way from home."
Renzo's sword shattered and Kakashi's hand pierced into his chest.
At the same time, Guy appeared behind Shingo. Shingo began weaving hand signs. However, Guy grinned, "Too Slow!"
Before Shingo could complete his hand signs, Guy had already reached his position. His eyes widened as he saw a kick coming at him from the top. He immediately moved to his right. Guy's kick landed on the ground. Shingo was still maintaining his hand seal, however, Guy's kick tore the ground open. Hundreds of small stones were launched in all directions. Shingo was hit by dozens of small stones at rapid speed. He was still unharmed, however, he couldn't continue weaving hand signs.
Guy quickly attacked him once again. Shingo snorted internally, 'Do you think that only you can use Taijutsu?'
Shingo's physique was much larger and more muscular than Guy's. He formed his fist and punched back at Guy. Their fists collided. Shingo's expression immediately changed. An intense pain coursed through his entire arm. He cursed, 'What the fuck is his body made of?'
Unfortunately, he didn't have any time to actually ask that question. Guy's second punch was coming straight at him. Unwillingly, he had to punch back with his other arm. And intense pain coursed through that arm as well. However, it was much worse due to the injury caused by Fujin earlier! He cursed, 'Fuck! It feels like my arm will break into two.'
Guy immediately noticed that his opponent was in a lot of pain. He didn't miss the opportunity and bombarded Shingo with punches and kicks. Shingo, who dared to match Guy in Taijutsu despite his injuries, was overwhelmed! He was beaten to a bloody pulp. Guy knocked him unconscious and tied him up while thinking, 'Lord Hokage wanted some prisoners to check their memories. This guy looked quite strong. He should have some information.'
Some distance away from where Guy and Shingo were fighting, Fujin flickered behind one of the three remaining subordinates of Shingo. The bounty hunter noticed Fujin and turned around to fight. However, he was already very exhausted. There were dozens of small cuts on his body from the earlier fights. He had seen Fujin's clones cut through kunais with ease. So he began weaving hand signs. However, Fujin opened his mouth and shot 8 Vacuum Bullets.
One bullet was aimed at his forehead and another was aimed at his heart. The remaining six were to cut off his escape route. The bounty hunter moved his head out of the way and tried to twist his body. However, the Vacuum Bullets were too fast. One grazed past his face and tore his right cheek and ear off. His bloody teeth could be seen. Another bullet hit his rib cage and pierced through his chest. It avoided his heart, but he was on his last legs. With a swing of Fujin's sword, he was beheaded.
Fujin spread his chakra field to observe the other battles. He noticed, 'So Kakashi has already killed their leader. My clones and that guy have killed their opponents as well. Guy should win soon too. So just that SealMaster and the one-legged bounty hunter are alive.'
Fujin sensed that Kakashi was moving towards the one-legged guy. So he moved towards the SealMaster. Fujin's clones followed him as well. Yamanaka Ken had confronted the SealMaster. Both entered in a fight and were evenly matched.
The only bounty hunter who wasn't attacked so far was the one-legged Jounin from Kiri. Despite having just one leg, he was moving quite fast through the forest. Unfortunately, Kakashi killed Renzo too quickly. He immediately gave chase and caught up. The Jounin noticed Kakashi and immediately turned around and weaved hand signs. Kakashi noticed his hand signs and weaved hand signs as well.
'Water Release: Water Clone jutsu'
'Fire Release: Fireball jutsu'
4 Water clones appeared next to the Kiri rogue. They saw a giant fireball headed straight at them. One of the clones weaved hand signs.
'Water Release: Water Wall jutsu'
A water wall appeared in front of them. The Fireball hit it and exploded. A lot of water was turned into smoke and covered the area while the rest was splashed back at the ninja and his clones. They were about to attack once again when a sound of Lightning was heard. Lightning travelled through the water that was splashed on them and electrocuted them all!
All four water clones were instantly dispelled. The one-legged Jounin's eyes widened. He realised, 'He used my own jutsu against me!'
He barely maintained his consciousness. However, Kakashi appeared in front of him and placed his right hand on his chest. Immediately, an intense current passed through his body and knocked him out.
Kakashi tied him up and placed a seal on his chest and thought, 'One captured alive. Guy should have captured his opponent as well. This mission is successful.'
