Chapter 491: Quietly work hard, then amaze everyone

"..."

The moment this topic was brought up, the F6, who had just been full of joy, seemed to have been silenced, becoming speechless.

And they all moved their eyes away from Uchiha Kagami's gaze simultaneously, as if deliberately avoiding something.

Speaking of debt, the few of them, like Danzo, had all reached out to Kagami for help to varying degrees.

In the early days of Konoha's founding, the newly joined ninja clans basically faced a financial crisis for a long period due to some reason.

Everyone tightened their belts to get by, and the young Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others lived through difficult times of "recalling bitterness and thinking of sweetness."

However, ninjas mature early, and maturity symbolizes the need for a certain material foundation as support.

Among them, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already made a lifelong commitment to his current wife before he was ten years old.

Unfortunately, although he was a young clan head, his pocket money didn't grow, and his shriveled wallet couldn't satisfy the daily expenses of dating his girlfriend.

Having no other choice, he had to reach out to the only financier among the F6. It was with Kagami's assistance that Sarutobi Hiruzen was able to walk with Biwako until they stepped into the hall of marriage.

It could be said that, apart from Danzo, he owed Kagami the most money.

Mitokado Homura only borrowed some rice from Kagami to tide over when he occasionally discovered limited-edition new frames.

As for Utatane Koharu, it was because she was addicted to personal photo shoots for a period of time, and in a moment of heat, she customized hundreds of expensive, professionally edited photo sets from a certain photographer.

Not only did she borrow a large sum of money from Kagami, but she also threw in her own dowry.

Even now, she still owed a significant balance that hadn't been cleared, and from time to time, she would receive collection letters sent by the mysterious photographer.

Akimichi Torifu went without saying. As a gourmet, in order to taste the top-tier cuisine of the Land of Waves, he didn't hesitate to borrow money to order the legendary ultimate ingredients.

It was said that it was a supreme delicacy hidden in the deep sea, and even the Daimyo had to queue up to taste it.

"Eh? Why have you all stopped talking?"

Uchiha Kagami, who was constantly monitoring the clone's movements, noticed his teammates collectively muted themselves and turned his head in confusion to ask.

"Cough, cough, cough... Kagami, after we return from this mission, I will definitely pay back the money I borrowed."

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed a few times, then promised in a clear and resonant voice.

Kagami must be using this rescue to beat him into submission, implying that whether he lived or died was up to him.

Better pay him back a little, otherwise, next time it was his turn to encounter danger and Kagami stood by, he would only be able to regret it in the afterlife.

"Oh my, Kagami, if you hadn't mentioned the money, I would have almost forgotten. Tomorrow, tomorrow I will pay you back for the frames."

"That... Kagami-kun, I'm a bit tight on cash recently. I'll pay back a portion first, and the rest I'll clear once my parents have prepared the new dowry."

"Kagami, you know my character. Even if I have to cut off my own flesh, I will pay back the money I owe you."

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, the others woke up as if from a dream, immediately scrambling to make promises to the bewildered Uchiha Kagami, fearing they would be too late.

"It's fine, it's fine, just a little money, you can pay it back whenever."

Uchiha Kagami blinked in confusion. Although he didn't know why his friends were bringing up paying back money at such a life-or-death moment,

He still waved his hand generously, indicating he wasn't in a hurry.

"How can that be! No one's money comes from a strong wind!"

Kagami indicated that this was indeed the case; his money was all earned by kowtowing.

"Exactly, exactly~"

"Wait, I'll pay you back right now!"

"Boom! ——"

Just as the group was scrambling to express their determination to pay back the money, in the sea of fire not far away, countless thick wooden branches rose from the ground. After clearing the flames, they finally transformed into a cute-looking Wood Human, staring straight at the F6.

"Oh no!"

Even though the group hadn't faced Senju Hashirama's Wood Human directly, the aftermath of the melee on the side was clear to see. This kind of great power, far exceeding that of ordinary ninjas, was not something a few ordinary ninjas like them could handle.

"Where did the teacher go? We might not be able to hold on."

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned. Ever since the battle began, Senju Tobirama had disappeared without a trace with another clone, his life or death unknown.

"I believe the teacher will be fine."

Kagami shook his head, no worry in his crimson eyes. Senju Tobirama's strength had been authoritatively certified by Uchiha Gin; even if he couldn't defeat the opponent, he could still retreat unscathed.

"Thud! Thud! Thud!"

Not far away, the massive Wood Human was running toward them. The heavy footsteps were like hammer blows, striking fiercely at the hearts of the group.

Clang! ——

"Big guys, there's no retreating now."

Standing the Blood-Drinking Sword in front of him, there was not a hint of cowardice on Uchiha Kagami's face. If they retreated even half a step now, they might change the entire battle situation.

His tall and firm back was etched into the eyes of the others, like a dose of reassurance for the confused group.

A moment later, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others regained their spirits, standing in a row with Kagami, who held his weapon.

"Kagami, don't think about hogging the spotlight alone; we're a team."

Tightening his slightly loose gauntlets, a high fighting spirit surfaced on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face again.

Akimichi Torifu, whose arm had already healed, wiped his nose, his chubby face full of confidence.

Mitokado Homura habitually pushed up his glasses, a mysterious smile playing on the corners of his mouth.

Utatane Koharu pulled out the slender senbon she carried with her, looking like a heroine who wouldn't yield to men.

"Umm... umm..."

"Danzo!"

Just as the group struck their poses, preparing to welcome a great battle, a groan suddenly sounded from the unconscious Danzo behind them. They immediately turned their heads, looking with joy as he slowly opened his eyes.

"Kagami, what kind of potion did you feed him just now? The effect is so significant!"

"That's the little sweet water brewed by Uncle Gin, given to me for self-defense."

"So that's it, that makes sense."

Learning the source of the potion, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully.

If there was anyone he couldn't see through, Uchiha Gin, the F6's enlightening mentor, would certainly be at the top of the list.

Not to mention that after so many years, the other's face remained unchanged, which was enough to shock them for a long time even if explained by forbidden techniques.

What he couldn't figure out most was where an ordinary ninja with only Jonin-level strength got such enormous wealth?

And those research results that could be called unbelievable.

"Monkey, everyone, did you not survive either?"

The awakened Danzo was surprised to find that not only was his body in no major trouble, but he was also full of strength, and the wound on his butt had recovered as before.

The only explanation for this situation was that he was already in the Pure Land.

"Idiot, you're still alive. It was Gin-san-san's medicine that saved you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, with a face full of joy, knocked on Danzo's head, explaining to him.

"Ah!"

Danzo widened his eyes in surprise. Just before losing consciousness, he had vaguely seen a figure beckoning to him, urging him to hurry over and report. He hadn't expected that upon opening his eyes, he would be alive again.

"Thank you, Kagami. From now on, you are my foster father!"

Landing in front of Kagami with a swallow-like flip, Danzo clasped his hands, preparing to bow, but was intercepted by the other first.

"This is what I should do."

Kagami smiled, looking at Danzo with a faint teasing look in his eyes.

"Besides, didn't you already bow when you borrowed money last time?"

"Many thanks to foster father for saving me~"

"Thud! ——"

"Alright, the jokes end here. Time to fight!"

The Wood Human had already reached a position less than a hundred meters from them. Uchiha Kagami, who had just been laughing, changed his expression.

"Then let me take the lead!"

The aggressive Akimichi Torifu stood out first. With the blessing of their bonds, he felt full of strength, and a raging fire of battle ignited in his eyes.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded without hesitation. Among them, the only one capable of giantification was Torifu.

"I'll go first."

Having gained the approval of his partners, Akimichi Torifu took out a green pill and swallowed it.

"Super Multi-Size Technique!"

Then he leaped, his robust body expanding rapidly in the air, finally transforming into a giant like a small mountain, landing on the Wood Human's path.

"Before I fall, don't even think about hurting my partners!"

Akimichi Torifu, transformed into a giant, wiped his nose and strode toward the menacing Wood Human.

"Boom!"

The two giants collided, and a thunderous sound rang in everyone's ears.

"Quick, go assist Torifu!"

Seeing Akimichi Torifu hugging the Wood Human's waist tightly, actually stopping the unstoppable Wood Human, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew he couldn't continue to "OMO" (slacking off) and immediately called the others to join the battle.

Uchiha Kagami locked his target onto the clone on top of the Wood Human's head. If he wanted to destroy the Wood Human, the best way was to cut off the caster's chakra supply.

Rat-Tiger-Dog-Ox-Rabbit-Tiger

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

His hands performed seals rapidly, his mouth opened wide, and he spat out several gorgeous flames, spreading in all directions. These fire-transformed firebirds, under his precise control, rushed toward the clone.

Under such dense attacks, if the opponent didn't want to take it head-on, the only way was to dodge.

But the result was not as Uchiha Kagami expected. Facing the astonishing number of firebirds, the clone had no intention of dodging.

It only saw it raise one hand, and the giant dragon carried on the Wood Human's back instantly detached from its body.

"Roar!"

The hideous dragon head opened its mouth, swallowing Uchiha Kagami's firebirds in one gulp. Not only that, but after being full, the Wood Dragon didn't lose momentum, continuing to rush toward the F6.

"Danzo, use that!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen widened his eyes, calling out to Danzo beside him.

If this Wood Dragon wasn't removed, they would likely find it difficult to enter the battlefield.

"Alright!"

The tacit understanding cultivated over many years allowed Danzo to understand his best friend's intent immediately. He began to prepare, his hands rapidly performing the hand seals he had practiced ten thousand times.

On the other side, Sarutobi Hiruzen had also finished his seals, scorching fire-attribute chakra condensing in his throat. Glancing at Danzo beside him, he was surprised to find that the other's cheeks were not puffed up.

Could it be that Danzo misunderstood?

"Monkey, let me show you my newly developed special release method!"

Feeling his best friend's gaze, Danzo immediately revealed a mysterious smile.

For this day, he had worked hard for several years, just to amaze everyone at the critical moment.

Now that the arrow was on the string, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't doubt him, opening his mouth to spit out a massive fire dragon.

"Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"

After spitting it out, he immediately turned his head, wanting to see what Danzo was up to.

Under the gaze of everyone, Danzo turned around with a slight smile, sticking out his massive, recovered perky buttocks.

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could be confused, he was surprised to find that within that bottomless crack, a violent wind force was brewing.

"Hum hum~ Butt Style: Wind: Vacuum Great Sphere!"

When that wind force, emitting a strange odor, condensed to the limit, a massive dark yellow wind bullet was ejected from Danzo's crack, chasing the Great Fire Dragon Sarutobi Hiruzen had unleashed at a speed invisible to the naked eye.

Seeing this unbelievable scene, everyone present, including the clone standing on the Wood Dragon's head, froze in place simultaneously.

"This smell... Ugh! Danzo, I... ugh!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the person closest to Danzo's crack, smelled that scent that seemed to come from hell in the first instance, almost vomiting the meal he had eaten last year.

But there was no time to complain about the source of this smell. The scene before him directly dropped his jaw.

"Holy crap! How is this possible?"

Because the moment his Great Fire Dragon touched the slightly foul-smelling Vacuum Great Sphere released by Danzo, its body actually expanded by several times. Just looking at the volume, it already completely crushed the Wood Dragon that had been arrogant just a moment ago.

【Combo Technique: Dragon-Holding Jade: Modified】

Thus, the Great Fire Dragon, performing the Multi-Size Technique and holding the foul-smelling Vacuum Sphere in its mouth, swallowed the clone's Wood Dragon with a destructive force, counterattacking toward the Wood Human without losing momentum. It looked like it was about to hit Akimichi Torifu's back.

"Torifu, dodge quickly!"

Seeing this, Mitokado Homura shouted. Akimichi Torifu canceled the Multi-Size Technique with a "pop," his shrunken body landing safely, brushing past the edge of the Dragon-Holding Jade.

"Thud!"

"Boom!"

The clone, facing a strange move it had never seen before, directly manipulated the Wood Human to raise its hands to block. In its shallow cognition, mere Fire Style + Wind Style, not a Kekkei Genkai, couldn't hurt the Wood Human at all.

The result was as it expected: the thick fire dragon smashed into the Wood Human, only sparking small flames.

It was indeed an attack that was all show and no substance.

The next second,

"Rumble!!!"

The Dragon-Holding Jade, unilaterally improved by Danzo, actually produced a secondary combustion after hitting the Wood Human.

The flames, catalyzed by the flammable and explosive gases contained in the Vacuum Sphere, instantly swallowed the Wood Human and the clone.

The violent explosion even produced a strange mushroom cloud in the center of the battlefield, and a pungent odor permeated the entire battlefield.

"This..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was so surprised he forgot to cover his nose, looked at the triumphant Danzo. After digesting it for a long time, he finally blurted out a heartfelt remark.

"Danzo, you are truly a genius!" (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 492 =====