[{"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-373":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},1819449,2309,"Chapter 373 373: 373 - Minato astonished by Kitazawa's power!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-373",373,"\u003Cp>\"Sorry to keep you waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato paused briefly before continuing, \"We'll proceed to meet the Queen of Rouran now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no need to rush.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa shook his head calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anrokuzan hasn't made a move yet. Let everyone rest first—we'll prepare as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato's voice carried genuine sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to reunite with Naruto—himself and Kushina—was largely thanks to Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, Kitazawa had taken exceptional care of Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's nothing.\" Kitazawa smiled and didn't dwell on it. He leaned back on the sofa and casually extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold mist gathered in his palm, instantly crystallizing into ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's amazing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata, who had just sat down beside him, widened her eyes in wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flick of his wrist, the ice reshaped itself into a small popsicle. Kitazawa handed it to her without ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…It doesn't really taste like anything.\" Hinata tilted her head after licking it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's because it's pure ice,\" Kitazawa replied with a chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want flavor, I can add some.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had plenty of seasonings stored away in his summoning scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, this is fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata shook her head, then asked curiously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this the same Ice Release as Haku's?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Kitazawa said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's formed by combining Wind Release and Water Release.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei really can do everything…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Admiration flickered in Hinata's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll be incredible too when you grow up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa reached out and gently patted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata nodded earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll work hard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An hour later, the brief rest ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's group and Minato set out together toward the Royal Palace of Rouran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being called a country, Rouran was little more than a single city. The palace wasn't far, and they arrived quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're surrounded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibi narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are puppets stationed all around us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anrokuzan isn't foolish,\" Minato said with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must have sensed us long ago. It seems he plans to capture us all at once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Flying Thunder God at his disposal, Minato wasn't worried in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Rouran fell, he could evacuate Naruto and the others instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And frankly—he didn't believe Anrokuzan stood a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five jōnin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six elite students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the young Kakashi Hatake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Chōza stepped out from within the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is the Queen?\" Minato asked immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's safe,\" Chōza replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anrokuzan attempted to meet her yesterday, but we stopped him outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well done.\" Minato nodded. \"Let's go in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Led by Chōza, the group entered the palace's main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen of Rouran sat at the head, with Sara beside her. Nearby stood the young Kakashi Hatake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he saw Kakashi Hatake, the younger Kakashi stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Why does he look exactly like me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi met his gaze for a split second—then deliberately looked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his younger self only reminded him of Minato, Obito, and Rin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some memories were better left undisturbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato stepped forward and produced a scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This contains our findings on Anrokuzan over the past two days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your efforts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen accepted the scroll without questioning Kitazawa or the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, understanding Anrokuzan's true nature mattered most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan had arrived six years ago, diligent and orderly—almost exemplary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But everything changed when he proposed exploiting the Power of the Dragon Vein.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, he had already gained immense prestige and political backing, forcing her to concede.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was how Rouran's puppet army came to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never imagined his ambitions extended beyond Rouran—toward the entire Ninja World.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the report, the Queen's expression darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the recent disappearances… Anrokuzan was responsible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abusing the Dragon Vein. Capturing civilians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By Rouran's laws, this was a capital crime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy footsteps echoed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A formation of towering puppets marched in—far larger than the ones Kitazawa had encountered before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At their head stood Anrokuzan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anrokuzan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen rose to her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think you're doing?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty,\" Anrokuzan replied smoothly, \"I heard Konoha ninja intended to harm you. I came to rescue you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept over Minato and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arrest them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppets immediately advanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop! I invited them here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen shouted, hurling the scroll toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anrokuzan, explain yourself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's nothing to explain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan glanced at the scroll, then tore it apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyone who obstructs Rouran's development must die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are the one obstructing Rouran's future!\" The Queen snapped. \"I hereby strip you of your position as minister!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Genjutsu is truly frightening,\" Anrokuzan sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, you've clearly been deceived. Don't worry—I'll save you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What shameless nonsense!\" Minato barked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough talk.\" Anrokuzan waved his hand coldly. \"Kill them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier command had been to capture them—but now that Anrokuzan had openly severed ties with the Queen of Rouran, there was no need for pretense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Choza—Kakashi—escort Her Majesty out of here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato issued the order instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Kakashis answered at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Ahem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato turned his head and corrected himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You—stay and help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi Hatake froze for a split second before realizing the misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The younger Kakashi wanted to ask questions, but with no time to spare, he swallowed his doubts and immediately followed Choza.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the word left Minato's mouth, a Flying Thunder God kunai flew from his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vanished—reappearing directly in front of Anrokuzan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chakra surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Rasengan slammed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan reacted a beat too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His clothes were shredded on impact, exposing a grotesque, puppet-like body beneath. Purple chakra rippled across his surface as the Rasengan struck—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan was blasted backward several steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single wound appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan threw his head back in manic laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am no longer human! With the Power of the Dragon Vein, I am an immortal, indestructible puppet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata felt an unsettling sense of déjà vu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Satori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mōryō.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zero-Tails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them had once claimed immortality—before becoming nothing more than sealed weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch out!\" Naruto shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan opened his mouth and spat out a massive sphere of purple flame, roaring straight toward Minato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato's body flickered—and he was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fireball smashed harmlessly past him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flying Thunder God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless the kunai themselves were destroyed or deflected, there was no reliable way to counter it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto slammed his hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of shadow clones burst into existence—but instead of charging blindly, they formed ranks in front of Minato and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wind Release: Shuriken!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto infused wind chakra into a shuriken and hurled it forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every clone followed suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a storm of razor-sharp shuriken engulfed Anrokuzan and his puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One puppet after another was shredded and blown apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That chakra is monstrous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibi couldn't hide his shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his first time witnessing Naruto fight firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most jōnin couldn't even maintain a dozen shadow clones—let alone hundreds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato, having seen it once before, wasn't surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That overwhelming chakra… It was unmistakably Kushina's legacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning suddenly split the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke, Three-Tomoe Sharingan blazing, charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder roared as he swung the Thunder God Sword, lightning swallowing everything in its path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppets collapsed in smoking heaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing a wide arc, Sasuke glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Worthy of being my lifelong rival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto grinned and flashed a thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can feel my youth burning!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Multiple Arrows!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata and Neji fired in unison, finishing off the puppets stunned by lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibi's lips twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing it with his own eyes, he realized Shino hadn't exaggerated at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These \"students\" were terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph… you do have some skill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan spoke calmly—even though more than half his puppets lay destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire royal palace shuddered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's happening?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it collapsing?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The palace walls exploded outward on all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Endless ranks of puppets poured in, completely surrounding them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is my Puppet Army!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan spread his arms, laughter echoing through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are the first ninja who will die by their hands. Consider it an honor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato vanished again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rasengan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reappeared before Anrokuzan, driving the spinning sphere forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Puppet Transformation: Spinning Assault!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan had already anticipated this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A harsh metallic screech rang out as spinning blades erupted across his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blades pierced the Rasengan and lunged straight for Minato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato flickered away at the last instant—reappearing at his original position, brows furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Flying Thunder God combined with Rasengan was terrifying…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it had a fatal flaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato's offensive options were limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Rasengan failed, he had no immediate follow-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Anrokuzan fully merged with the Dragon Vein, boasting terrifying regeneration and defense— The Rasengan… Wasn't enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, it wasn't just the Rasengan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the original history, Uzumaki Naruto's Wind Release: Rasenshuriken had failed to finish Anrokuzan. In the end, it took the combined strength of father and son—and the Taiji Rasengan—to bring him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto created another hundred shadow clones in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wind Release: Shuriken!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every clone hurled a shuriken at once, turning the battlefield into a storm of spinning blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosive Arrow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata drew her bow without hesitation and released an arrow wrapped in violent chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosive arrow reached Anrokuzan first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caught it barehanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosion tore through the air—but Anrokuzan stood unmoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was no longer flesh and blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dense rain of shuriken followed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a casual wave, purple chakra surged outward, forming a solid barrier in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every shuriken was blocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppets around him weren't so lucky—many were shredded apart by the wind-enhanced blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet compared to the seemingly endless puppet army, these losses were insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Use Multiple Arrows!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neji shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata immediately shifted her aim toward the surrounding puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Shino and Shibi raised their hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A swarm of Kikaichū burst forth, flooding toward the puppet ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though puppets lacked life, their joints were still weak points. Under the relentless biting of the insects, many collapsed, their movements completely disabled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp cry pierced the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi Hatake and Sasuke charged in from opposite sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already realized Minato's dilemma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Chidori lacked the sheer destructive force of the Rasengan, its piercing power was far superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Puppet Transformation: Dragon Vein Great Fireball!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan tilted his head back, unleashing two massive spheres of purple flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three-Tomoe Sharingans spun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi and Sasuke dodged effortlessly, leaping through the firestorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their Chidori pierced Anrokuzan's body like twin blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get lost!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades erupted from Anrokuzan's arms, slashing outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Kakashi and Sasuke retreated instantly, widening the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato's gaze fell on the two gaping holes torn through Anrokuzan's body—and he exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Puppet Transformation: Hyper Regeneration!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple chakra surged violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, the wounds sealed shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato, Kakashi, and the others felt their expressions darken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we don't sever his connection to the Power of the Dragon Vein,\" Kitazawa said calmly, \"he can't be defeated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did he truly notice something unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From beginning to end, Kitazawa hadn't used a single ninjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn't mean he couldn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Naruto's stories alone, Kitazawa was clearly at least an elite jōnin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We split up,\" Kitazawa continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One group holds Anrokuzan here. The other goes to find the Queen of Rouran and shuts down the Dragon Vein.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll stay,\" Minato said instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan was the most dangerous enemy—and only the Flying Thunder God could restrain him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll stay too!\" Aburame Shibi added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minato-senpai and I will handle this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan roared with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think I don't exist?! None of you are leaving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding puppets surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll take you there!\" Minato said urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only Flying Thunder God can break through—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's chakra flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden light surged over his body as Yang Release Chakra Mode activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brought his hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had waited until now simply to give the students room to grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he acted… this fight was already over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth trembled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vines burst from the ground, shooting skyward and transforming into towering trees in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than a second, the shattered royal palace was swallowed by a primeval forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wood Release?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato and Aburame Shibi stared, shock written plainly across their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto and Shino had spoken of Kitazawa's teaching—but never of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're… Kitazawa?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a former Sunagakure ninja, he knew that name well—the Wood Release user who shook the shinobi world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never imagined meeting him here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what if it's Wood Release?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have endless Dragon Vein chakra! You can't defeat me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa lifted a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forest responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vines and branches lashed out, binding puppets by the dozens and freezing them in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan's pupils shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fire!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple chakra blasted outward, detonating among the trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forest was torn apart—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—and regenerated in the next breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan's heart skipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But hope still burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon Vein was infinite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's chakra was not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakashi! Shibi!\" Minato shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go now! Shut down the Dragon Vein!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move!\" Shibi barked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi leapt away at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan tried to pursue—but Minato appeared in front of him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced to choose, Anrokuzan unleashed every remaining puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many were swallowed by the forest. Others chased after Kakashi's group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But against Naruto and the others, they posed no real threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan finally stopped holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Puppet Transformation: Super Dragon Vein Great Fireball!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A colossal sphere of purple flame—far larger than before—formed above him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forest ignited instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato vanished, refusing to face it head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blazing mass crashed toward Kitazawa like a falling sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go!\" Minato reappeared, reaching for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa calmly formed seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A seed struck the ground—and transformed into a massive, horned wooden dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It charged forward without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fireball shattered on impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fragments were instantly absorbed by branches and vines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anrokuzan's expression twisted in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wood Dragon lunged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crushing pressure slammed into him, freezing his movements completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple light erupted—then flickered… and faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Theoretically, the Dragon Vein was endless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But against a chakra-absorbing Wood Dragon—It was locked in stalemate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minato stared as Anrokuzan flickered helplessly, like a lantern running out of oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That's it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fearsome Wood Release lived up to every legend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Minato's confusion only deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With power like this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had Kitazawa been completely unknown in the past?\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>",2427,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","6817001aea9654dcf25f55ae16af5fa1700d737f2d37544888cbd3c39efa8028","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-276","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-275",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]