[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch":3,"chapter-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-357":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1819418,2309,"Chapter 357 - Kakuzu vs Kitazawa!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-357",357,"\u003Cp>Monday arrived—the beginning of a new week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Genius Class had theory lessons today, Kitazawa didn’t need to be at the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he would use this time to train Wood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this Monday was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was the day he had promised Konan he would spar with Kakuzu—using Wood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had never met Kakuzu, but he knew him extremely well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His greatest secret wasEarth Grudge Fear, Takigakure’s forbidden technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It allowed him to produce black tendrils capable of stealing and embedding hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including his own, he could house up to five hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each stolen heart granted him a chakra nature and allowed the use of that element’s ninjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu carried five: Earth, Water, Fire, Lightning, and Wind—making him a complete Five-Elements shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a heart was destroyed, that nature vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more outrageous—he could replace hearts and inherit the remaining lifespan of the person they were taken from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Kakuzu wastheoreticallyimmortal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he had hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all five were destroyed, he would die—just as he eventually did in the original timeline, defeated by Kakashi, Naruto, and Shikamaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had already acquired three of Kakuzu’s signature techniques through system rewards, including the compound Flame-Wind combo attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Kakuzu’s true ultimate technique was the three-element composite jutsu:Earth Grudge Fear: Final Shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa expected to see it today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s already half past eight, Kitazawa,\" Konan reminded him gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa opened his eyes. His vision was blocked—not by darkness, but by fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was lying with his head resting on Konan’s lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see. Let’s go,\" he said, sitting up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan followed him out of the ANBU base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Valley of the End lay north of Konoha—about twenty to thirty minutes away for an average shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how fierce today’s battle, the village wouldn’t be affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they reached the edge of the Forest of Death, Kitazawa stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Konan, cleared his throat, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Time’s short. Fly me there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan stiffened slightly at first, breath catching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly relaxed, saying nothing, merely spreading her paper wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rose into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa felt her warmth through her clothes, her faint fragrance brushing past him as they flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below them, two colossal statues emerged—the legendary figures of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara standing on either side of the waterfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This valley did not exist before their battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been carved open by Hashirama’sSage Art: True Several Thousand Hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reminder of how terrifying that final clash had been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before reaching the valley floor, Konan slowed and began descending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She released him, lips parting as though she wanted to speak—but she hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, she would have landed directly in the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But being seen arriving in such close proximity with Kitazawa... by Kakuzu, no less...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kakuzu reported to Nagato, things would get complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa studied her for a moment and understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Konan to worry meant only one thing—her feelings for him had already softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go,\" he said simply, sparing her the awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a small breath of relief and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu was already there—standing beneath Hashirama’s statue, waiting quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing footsteps, he turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore the Akatsuki’s black cloak patterned with red clouds, and a black mask that hid his face except for his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakuzu, this is Kitazawa,\" Konan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pleasure,\" Kakuzu replied shortly. \"Shall we begin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over there,\" Kitazawa said, smiling. \"If we damage the statues, I’ll be the one fixing them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu gave no response—simply moved to the open field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu nodded and removed his robe, revealing a sleeveless garment beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shoulders and arms were stitched with black seams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa couldn’t help thinking he resembled Frankenstein from his previous life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But stripping before a fight...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing this wasn’t a real Akatsuki deathmatch—otherwise, him removing clothing would practically guarantee his death, given the organization’s notorious \"strip-and-die\" curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu clapped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His torso split open, and countless black tendrils erupted outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They writhed, forming four masked entities—each one with a different colored mouth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His original heart was Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu stared at Kitazawa, finally showing seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very few ninja remained calm after witnessing Earth Grudge Fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who did were always exceptionally strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lightning Release: False Darkness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without preamble, Kakuzu attacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lightning mask lifted its jaw, unleashing a bolt of lightning that rapidly expanded into a long, curved spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It shot across the battlefield instantly—fast enough to pierce boulders clean through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa reacted immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wood Release: Locking Wall!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick wooden pillars burst from the ground on both sides of Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They curved inward, forming a protective arch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, the lightning spear smashed into the wooden barrier—and tore through it effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the lightning spear pierced no deeper than ten centimeters before stopping dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s eyes narrowed. He immediately unleashed a second technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire Release: Intelligent Hardwork!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fire Mask opened its maw and spat out a blazing fireball that struck the ground and erupted into an expanding inferno.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a sea of flames surged outward, swallowing the wooden wall—and Kitazawa—whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wood Locking Wall ignited, then exploded violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scorching heat rolled across the valley, shaking the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release: Violent Tree Spikes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the flames, several thick vines shot upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They twisted together, rapidly forming a towering tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The raging fire crashed against its trunk and branches, entering a deadlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stood atop the giant tree, calm and steady as he gazed down at Kakuzu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Release: Pressure Damage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s hands blurred into seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wind mask spat a condensed sphere of compressed air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment it struck the ground—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A violent storm exploded outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t just Wind Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sea of flames from previous jutsu still raged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind fed the fire, causing the inferno to flash-expand like a living tidal wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temperature skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The giant tree beneath Kitazawa sizzled, cracked—then crumbled to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the tree gone, nothing stood between Kitazawa and the encroaching wall of fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood alone—like a small boat about to be swallowed by a blazing ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa remained unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth rumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless vines burst forth, rapidly growing into towering trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Branches intertwined, weaving into an impenetrable forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The raging flames halted immediately, unable to advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire theoretically countered Wood—but that was only theory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release was alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In seconds, his overwhelming sea of flames had been swallowed whole by a living forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard of Deep Forest Emergence...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had never seen it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, Hashirama had beaten him half to death before he even had the chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No time for nostalgia now—because the forest moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Branches and vines surged toward him like a green tsunami, an ocean of trees ready to devour him whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Release: Pressure Damage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu retreated, unleashing another storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tornado-like blast erupted, tearing leaves and snapping vines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he felt no relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the forest healed instantly—branches regrowing, vines knitting back together in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa wasn’t just creating a forest—Hecontrolledit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Kitazawa’s chakra held, this forest was immortal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only solution—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Target Kitazawa. Not the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment he stepped inside, he would be surrounded by a living cage of wood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, if he stayed outside, it would become a battle of attrition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he doubted he could outlast Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three elemental masks—Wind, Fire, Lightning—attached themselves to his right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu thrust his arm forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Branches and vines writhed toward him like a monstrous green tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Grudge Fear: Final Shot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three masks opened their mouths at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive beam of condensed chakra roared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It tore through the forest with terrifying speed—everything in its path, leaves, vines, even giant trees, was obliterated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the blast, Kakuzu sprinted forward, following the destruction into the forest’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There—Kitazawa stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Release: Earth Spear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu clapped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His skin hardened, turning pitch-black and dense like steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite its name, Earth Spear wasn’t a weapon—it was pure defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu lunged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black tendrils writhed around his body, transforming him into a monstrous sea urchin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching Kitazawa, the tentacles split into eight massive threads, each as thick as an arm, shooting toward Kitazawa from every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flawless kill box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa lifted his right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His skin rippled, sprouting eight wooden rods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They shot forward, curved midair, and clashed with Kakuzu’s eight black tendrils, locking together like wrestlers grappling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dug his heels into the earth and pulled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But an overwhelming force ripped through him—He was dragged forward against his will, gouging trenches in the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing he couldn’t overpower Kitazawa, Kakuzu made a split-second decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He severed his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stump erupted in a spray of black tendrils that shot toward Kitazawa like a hail of arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding branches and vines curled in front of him, shielding him effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: False Darkness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu retracted his tendrils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lightning mask opened and fired a spear of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It blasted through the defensive vines—Only for the ground to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single vine—thicker, denser, and visibly harder—shot upward like a spear of its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It intercepted the lightning head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning dissipated against it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This vine wasn’t just strong—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was evolving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa dispelledWood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The living forest collapsed instantly, and Kakuzu’s eight massive tendrils lost their anchor point. His balance faltered as he lurched forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the same instant, Kitazawa surged upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vine burst from the ground, lifting him high into the air as it elongated at incredible speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s pupils shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AWood Dragon, over fifty meters in length, materialized behind Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its serpentine body twisted through the air, casting a massive shadow across the valley. The sheer pressure warped the space around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s enormous tail swept toward Kakuzu like a falling mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Grudge Fear: Final Shot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu reacted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind, Fire, and Lightning masks converged on his right arm and released a blinding torrent of chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cannon-like blast slammed into the Wood Dragon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A devastating shockwave detonated outward, scattering leaves and igniting the air itself in a storm of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu skidded back, shielding his eyes from the blast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could fully assess the damage—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forest answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless branches burst from every direction, whipping toward him to bind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s reaction was sharp. He leapt upward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only for a colossal shadow to loom beneath him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wood Dragon’s tail lashed around his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What—?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black tendrils exploded from his body, stabbing toward the Wood Dragon in a frantic attempt to break free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wood Dragon tightened its coils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming weakness hit Kakuzu like a thunderbolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chakra—five hearts’ worth—was being devoured at a terrifying rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu’s face drained of color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kitazawa had opened with the Wood Dragon...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t have survived even a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strongest attack, Final Shot, hadn’t evenscratchedit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I surrender!\" he shouted without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he waited a moment longer, he’d be crushed—or drained into a corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wood Dragon instantly loosened its grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu dropped to the ground, barely landing on his feet. He gasped for breath—his body felt hollow. His chakra reserves were less than ten percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he hadfive hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since being humiliated by Hashirama Senju decades ago, he had trained relentlessly. Earth Grudge Fear had turned him into a monster. He felt unmatched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in front of Wood Release...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still crushed like an insect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had only usedWood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not Water Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not Medical Ninjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not his other fearsome techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t even Kitazawa fighting seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu lowered his head in grim silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan—who had watched everything unfold—barely reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression remained as calm and cool as ever, but inwardly, she had expected this outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Against Mōryō’s chakra, even Kakuzu fell short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he would lose against Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Mission: Challenge from Kakuzu—Defeat him with Wood Release.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission Reward: Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission complete. Reward issued.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new flood of information surged into Kitazawa’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true Wind Release:Rasenshuriken—countless microscopic chakra blades that shredded the enemy at the cellular level. A forbidden technique precisely because of its devastating internal damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa rubbed his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hemightsurvive using it, thanks to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Seal\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sign-less Healing\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senju Chakra Mode\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Release Chakra Mode\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But surviving wasn’t the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why injure himself at all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep Forest Emergence and Wood Dragon were more than enough for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu approached, expression solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you... for the spar,\" he said stiffly. \"If there is another chance, I hope we can spar again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There will be,\" Kitazawa replied calmly. \"But next time, it won’t be a friendly spar. Not if you remain in the Akatsuki.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Kitazawa was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next time they met, they would likely stand on opposite sides of a war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said nothing more, pulled his cloak from the ground, and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan bit her lip gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her suspicions were confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had accepted Kakuzu’s challenge solely because of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She owed him yet another favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s time to head back, Konan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa released the Wood Dragon and the forest, letting nature return to stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan’s eyes softened for a moment; she couldn’t hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward and embraced him of her own accord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her white paper wings unfurled behind her—graceful and quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with a single beat, the two lifted into the sky, flying back toward Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +40 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",2302,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","75c0d4989d6e028448e55785a0ab38cc2969b678ff4b6cb44d1f24a8a247e338","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-261","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-260",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]