Naruto: Lost to Hinata on Purpose, and Now Everything's a Mess Chapter 54 54 : Kekkei Genkai

A hadn't expected Riku to imdiately recognize the secret technique described by Yugao.

In truth, for those who had thoroughly studied dical ninjutsu, this so-called "secret technique" wasn't really a secret at all.

After thinking for a mont, A said, "Gather everyone. Let's see who these intruders are first."

The detection barrier could confirm the presence of strangers, but not their identities.

B nodded in agreent.

anwhile, in the underground prison where he was draining blood, Dong was clearly displeased upon receiving the order.

He had yet to reach Jōnin-level strength before being thrown into battle—sothing that irritated him deeply.

Soon, atop the tower, A led two Jōnin—B and C—and four Chūnin nad East, West, North, and South, heading toward Riku and his team.

After entering the city, Riku, Kakashi, and the others were imdiately enraged.

The entire city was drenched in darkness—this was what remained after the Bloodline had passed through.

Guy growled, his voice tight with anger. "How many people have these monsters killed? They're absolute beasts."

Although he had survived the Third Great Ninja War, he had never witnessed anything this horrifying.

Blood soaked the entire city, its thick stench choking the air. One didn't need to see the victims to feel the sheer brutality they had suffered before death.

Kakashi's fury simred beneath the surface, but he knew better than to let it consu him. Their top priority now was eliminating these people. They couldn't be allowed to escape.

If they made it into the Land of Fire, the consequences would be catastrophic.

"Guy, we have to wipe them all out here. If not, this will happen again—sowhere else."

Guy nodded. Though burning with rage, he still maintained his composure.

The group of five continued toward the central tower, and upon reaching a small lake, they encountered their enemies.

A, though fifty years old, appeared to be in his thirties thanks to his use of forbidden techniques.

Upon seeing the newcors, A chuckled. "I didn't expect Konoha to send you, Hatake Kakashi—the Copy Ninja of the Leaf."

He turned his gaze to the woman beside him. "And the one who escaped us last ti… I'm surprised you ca back. You really aren't afraid of death, are you?"

The rest didn't even register in his mory.

In Kakashi's generation, he was by far the most famous. The entire ninja world knew his na.

He had countless titles—Copy Ninja, Konoha's Technician, Sharingan Kakashi…

Guy and Yamato were comparatively unknown. Yamato remained hidden in ANBU, and Guy, a pure taijutsu user, had few accolades. In his youth, even in taijutsu, he had ranked below Kakashi.

So it was no surprise A didn't recognize them. In the ninja world, Kakashi's na eclipsed theirs.

As for Yugao and Riku? They were nobodies in his eyes.

But after mocking Kakashi, A's eyes landed on Riku—and he froze.

"A Genin? Heh… Has Konoha lost its mind? Sending a Genin on a mission like this? Are they trying to get you killed?"

A found the idea laughable. Even sending a Chūnin might have made sense—but a Genin? From one of the Five Great Nations?

Riku didn't respond to the mockery. He simply smiled, calm and unreadable.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he took in their opponents. "We tried to give you a chance. You could've surrendered."

His voice was flat, but the fury in his heart was very real.

A burst into arrogant laughter. "Hahaha! Kakashi, have you lost it? You want us to surrender? If we were afraid of you, do you think we'd have slaughtered this entire city?"

"You've been through war, haven't you? This isn't new to you. Don't act so outraged."

"Kakashi, your strength is impressive. Your blood should give a lot of chakra. A single Jōnin's blood contains more chakra than a thousand ordinary people combined."

The thought made A's mouth curl in satisfaction. The four shinobi in front of him—excluding Riku—were more valuable than any civilian.

Even if draining four Jōnin wouldn't push him to Kage-level, it would raise his power imnsely.

"Konoha really sent a generous gift."

Behind him, B and C looked equally greedy. Four Jōnin—if they could drain even one each, their power would surge.

But when their eyes flicked toward A, their ambition withered. They didn't dare make a move without his permission.

Though technically all three held Jōnin rank, A's strength far surpassed theirs. If A let loose, he'd be closer to an elite Jōnin. B and C were rely average.

Kakashi frowned. "These people… sothing's off."

He turned to his team. "The three Jōnin are ours—, Guy, and Yamato. Riku, Yugao—you two handle the four Chūnin."

"With your strength, you should be able to manage. Riku, I'm counting on you to watch her back."

Riku nodded. "Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei. I've got it."

But he could feel it—his blood was stirring.

Will these opponents finally force to go all-out?

Yugao wanted to object—she didn't need protecting—but she couldn't deny that the enemy Chūnin had overwheld her before.

Their taijutsu was far superior to hers. One misstep could an death.

She couldn't afford to underestimate them.

Standing beside her, Riku drew the short sword at his waist.

Facing the approaching Chūnin from all four directions, he said calmly, "Sister Yugao, kill freely. Don't worry—I'm with you. I won't let them lay a hand on you."

He only said it to ease her mind—so she'd fight without hesitation.

Yugao was touched. She nodded. "Thank you, Riku. I'll make sure they don't leave here alive."

Just then, Riku turned his head. "Kakashi-sensei—be careful. Their speed and reflexes are abnormally high. You'll need the sa mindset as when Guy opens the Eight Gates."

Kakashi nodded. "We know. Yugao already told us their abilities."

"Good," Riku replied.

But just as he prepared to charge, he suddenly paused and asked, "Kakashi-sensei… if I use a certain Kekkei Genkai technique, can you keep it a secret?"

The question stopped Kakashi, Guy, and Yamato in their tracks.

All three turned to look at Riku with surprise—and understanding.

"You succeeded…?"

They had previously given Riku the thod to fuse a Kekkei Genkai—so it wasn't unexpected. But hearing that he'd actually pulled it off still stunned them.

Riku smiled faintly, his eyes sharp. "You'll see how it performs soon."

"Assuming, of course, these enemies are strong enough to force to use it."

Yugao nodded seriously. "Riku, whatever Kekkei Genkai you've fused, I promise I'll keep it secret."

Kakashi and Guy echoed her. "We swear—we won't tell anyone."

Yamato hesitated. As an ANBU captain directly under the Hokage, keeping secrets was dangerous.

But looking at Riku's calm, unwavering back, he made his decision.

"Don't worry. As far as I'm concerned, I didn't see a thing today."

Riku smiled. "Then let's see if they can force to show my cards."

In truth, he didn't mind being exposed—but he didn't want to be labeled a traitor.