Looking at the Mangekyō Sharingan gleaming in Sarada's eyes, Akira felt a surge of satisfaction.
What an unexpected gain… not only did I secure Sarada's loyalty, but I also obtained a pair of eyes that rival even Kamui.
He gently cupped her face, wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes as his tone softened. "Silly child… you really are deeply devoted to Boruto."
Sarada's eyes trembled with hope. "Y-you… you'll save him?"
Akira stood up. "Of course. How could I let my own disciple die?"
Sarada quickly removed her glasses, wiping her tears as she hurriedly reported, her voice still shaking. "There are three enemies! A fat one, a thin one, and that mixed-haired guy!"
"The fat one releases a virus-like mist! That's what got Boruto!"
"The thin one fires carbon-like projectiles! Wide range, extremely fast—even the Sharingan can't track them!"
"And that mixed-haired one! He has a Kāma just like Boruto's, and he uses scientific ninja tools! He stabbed Boruto through the chest while he was weakened!"
"Mitsuki is holding all three of them off by himself so I could come back! He's in danger too!"
Akira nodded. "Understood. Let's go save them."
Sarada clenched her fists. "Y-yes!"
...
Valley.
Fragments of white snakes floated across the water's surface.
Mitsuki had already been forced out of Sage Mode.
Now he lay on his back atop the water.
Piercing wounds covered his right chest, left waist, both shoulders, abdomen, and left leg, blood flowing endlessly, soaking his blue and white clothing. His hair lay disheveled across his pale face. The wound in his chest had damaged his lungs, making his breathing labored and heavy. His amber eyes were bloodshot.
He had no strength left to fight.
Even so… his gaze never left Boruto.
During the battle just now, Kawaki hadn't even participated—he simply couldn't keep up.
Mitsuki alone had held off both Boro and Deepa for nine full minutes.
And within those nine minutes, he had created no fewer than five moments of brilliance.
At first, his Great Snake Lightning defense couldn't withstand the combined assault of Deepa's carbon projectiles and Boro's Lava Release. Realizing Sarada had reached safety, he decisively used a substitution technique to escape.
Then, he launched a surprise counterattack, using white snakes to bite Boro and collect his blood. Through the snakes, he cultivated antibodies against Boro's virus.
Once immune, he unleashed his full power, using Sage Mode to destroy half of Boro's body.
Unfortunately, without Sharingan, he couldn't precisely locate Boro's movable regeneration core.
Realizing killing Boro was unrealistic, Mitsuki shifted his focus to Deepa, who lacked regeneration.
Why was he certain of that?
Because of the equal standing between Boro and Deepa in their interactions. If Deepa possessed both an indestructible carbon body and near-infinite regeneration, his strength would be on an entirely different level—far beyond equal.
Defense and regeneration couldn't coexist perfectly. Either the technology had limits, or the human body did.
Mitsuki's relentless assault pushed Deepa to his limits.
But Deepa soon revealed more terrifying abilities.
His carbon manipulation wasn't limited to projectiles—it could form spikes, fluid blades, spinning wheels… deadly weapons for piercing and slicing.
Many of Mitsuki's vital points had been pierced.
The scattered snake remains on the ground were the result of those high-speed cutting wheels.
Even so, Mitsuki relied on his own regeneration to keep up, refusing to fall behind.
But in the end… his attack power was his weakness.
He failed to deal decisive damage before his Sage Mode ran out.
And ultimately, with Boro assisting from the side, he was defeated by Deepa's ultimate technique.
"You brat… you actually forced me into this form."
Standing before Mitsuki, Deepa's body was covered in a dense black-and-white carbon armor.
He grabbed Mitsuki by the head and lifted him into the air, his crescent-shaped eyes narrowing beneath the armor.
"How should I deal with you? Snap your neck for a quick death… or tear off your limbs, split your body in half, and then take your head last?"
Normally, Mitsuki wouldn't waste words even in the face of death.
But now… he needed to buy time.
"If possible… tear off my limbs first, split my body in two, then take my head. If you can… cut me into eight pieces."
Deepa blinked, intrigued. "Oh? That's interesting. Do you have a thing for pain?"
"Not really. I'm just curious."
"Curious about what?"
"Because of my… family, I've never really feared death. I'm curious whether I'll feel fear as my body is torn apart."
Boro burst into laughter. "Hahaha! What a freak. Truly Orochimaru's child!"
Orochimaru…
At that name, Deepa's thoughts shifted.
Orochimaru… one of the earliest researchers of Hashirama cells. And a beneficiary himself.
Victor had mentioned him many times.
If I can find Orochimaru… then Hashirama cells…
Deepa craved regeneration.
No—what he truly desired was immortality.
Jigen had told them that Kara's ultimate goal was for every Inner member to consume a chakra fruit and gain eternal life.
Deepa didn't want to die.
But immortality was still far away.
Regeneration, however… could be achieved through Hashirama cells.
He wanted it desperately.
"Mitsuki, right?" Deepa said. "How about a deal? Take us to Orochimaru, and I'll spare your life."
Mitsuki hadn't expected such a turn. He immediately responded, "Alright, I'll take you—"
"Don't go!! Take me to Jigen now!"
Kawaki's furious voice cut in.
Deepa turned to him slowly. "What did you say?"
Every second wasted here meant more danger for the Seventh Hokage.
Kawaki had reached his limit. He grabbed the laser sword and pressed it against his own throat.
"I'm done wasting time! Kill that half-snake brat now and take me to Jigen!"
Deepa sneered. "Heh, spare me. You think we—"
Without hesitation, Kawaki dragged the blade across his neck.
"Stop!" Boro instantly appeared, grabbing his wrist and throwing the sword aside.
Cold sweat drenched his back.
Kawaki… he's serious.
If Kawaki really wanted to die, they couldn't stop him every time.
And if the vessel died under their watch…
Jigen would never forgive them.
"I'll bite my tongue next," Kawaki said coldly.
"Alright, alright!" Boro quickly gave in, turning to Deepa. "Kill him quickly."
"Tch." Deepa clicked his tongue. I'll just find Orochimaru myself later.
With a swift motion, his carbon blade sliced through Mitsuki's neck.
His head fell.
Deepa reverted from his armored form, licking the blood from his blade.
"Let's go. I'll take you to Jigen."
The three of them turned to leave—
But as they did, a small figure stumbled out of the mist.
Kawaki's heart skipped.
"…Himawari…? W-why are you here!?"
Seeing her injuries, panic filled his face. "You're hurt? What happened!?"
He rushed forward, wanting to pull her into his arms.
Himawari also ran toward him.
It's okay… I'm here…
But what he received—
Smack!
Himawari raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
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