Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 289 The Real Fear

As the Hyuga clan drew ever closer to the gate, the Konoha ninja's hearts pounded harder, as if they were about to leap out of their throats. Most of them had received orders from Shimura Danzo to stop the Hyuga clan at all costs. However, the powerful aura that Hyuga Kanan had just unleashed still resonated in their hearts, and that awe-inspiring power made them hesitant to act rashly.

As the Hyuga clan finally reached the gate, preparing to cross the threshold symbolizing freedom, the Konoha ninjas knew this was the final line. Once the Hyuga clan left the village, it meant they would lose control of the clan. Those ninjas and Root members who were fiercely loyal to Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer cared about their earlier fear; they gripped their kunai tightly, their eyes gleaming with resolute determination.

Just then, the Konoha ninja began forming hand seals, chanting incantations, their chakra flowing through the air as their hands moved. Immediately afterward, a series of dazzling ninjutsu techniques were released from their hands, like brilliant shooting stars streaking across the sky. These techniques, carrying immense destructive power, hurtled towards the Hyuga clan members, instantly shattering the tranquil atmosphere.

Faced with the sudden attack, the Hyuga clan did not panic. They reacted swiftly, unleashing various defensive techniques to defend themselves. Hyuga Kanan stood at the forefront, his eyes slightly narrowed, revealing a sharp aura. Without hesitation, he unleashed the Eight Trigrams Palm, striking out a series of palm shadows with astonishing speed, shattering the incoming ninjutsu one by one. At the same time, the other Hyuga clan members also used their signature techniques, engaging in fierce combat with the Konoha ninja.

For a time, both sides exchanged blows, neither giving an inch. The intensity of the battle was beyond imagination, each attack imbued with boundless killing intent. The Konoha ninja fought with all their might, attempting to stop the Hyuga clan's departure; while the Hyuga clan steadfastly guarded their beliefs, determined to break free from constraints and pursue freedom. This battle was destined to become a legend in Konoha's history, witnessing the deep-seated grudges and passions between the two forces.

Hyuga Kanan's face was frighteningly grim, as oppressive as the sky before a storm. His eyes were wide, fixed on the direction of Shimura Danzo, his heart filled with disbelief and rage. He never expected that after making concessions to Shimura Danzo, the other party would be so ungrateful, not even wanting this last bit of face. Clearly, Shimura Danzo hadn't realized the vast difference in their strength and still clung to a sliver of hope.

Hyuga Kanan took a deep breath, deciding to show no mercy. He suddenly released a powerful aura, surging like a volcanic eruption. His eyes sharpened like knives, locking onto Shimura Danzo, emanating an undeniable pressure.

At the same time, Hyuga Kanan loudly ordered the Hyuga clan members to immediately leave the scene and stop entangled with the Konoha ninja. Those Konoha ninjas who approached the Hyuga clan felt Hyuga Kanan's powerful aura and were all pressed to the ground, unable to move. They could only watch helplessly as the Hyuga clan members took the opportunity to retreat, powerless to resist.

The Hyuga clan members acted swiftly, leaving the gates of Konoha without hesitation. Their steps were steady, their expressions serious, clearly prepared for any eventuality. Once all the Hyuga clan members had safely evacuated Konoha, Hyuga Kanan finally felt relieved. Now, he could launch an attack on Konoha without any worries.

This time, Hyuga Kanan didn't simply try to intimidate the Konoha ninja with his aura; he decided to take a more direct approach. He stood alone at the Konoha gates, calmly watching the Konoha ninjas steadily approaching. At that moment, the energy within him surged like a raging tide, and simultaneously, the surrounding natural energy seemed to be summoned, rapidly converging towards Hyuga Kanan.

Hyuga Kanan slowly extended a hand, palm facing the ever-converging Konoha ninja. Just then, the ground began to tremble violently, as if the earth itself felt his power. Immediately afterward, countless trees burst forth from the earth, growing and transforming at an astonishing speed. In the blink of an eye, these trees transformed into enormous trunks, charging towards the Konoha ninja with a fierce aura.

In the blink of an eye, everything around them was swallowed up by this vast sea of ​​trees. The gates of Konoha were completely submerged in a green ocean, and the Konoha ninjas who had charged forward were impaled by branches and hung from the trees. Their blood stained the emerald leaves, creating a shocking scene.

The sea of ​​trees, however, did not stop its advance, continuing its rapid spread towards Konoha. Under Hyuga Kanan's control, the trees did not harm the ordinary people and their homes. Instead, they seemed to possess a life of their own, avoiding all civilian buildings. But when they encountered Konoha ninja coming to their aid, the tree trunks would attack mercilessly, impaling them and suspending them from the branches. In a mere instant, thousands of Konoha ninja perished, and their numbers continued to rise. As the sea of ​​trees extended, it reached the Hokage Building, easily tearing the iconic structure to shreds. Even Shimura Danzo, hiding within, was not spared; his body was ripped apart by the tree trunks, becoming a victim of this catastrophe. But this was not the end. The expansion of the sea of ​​trees continued until it reached Hiruzen Sarutobi's Hokage Rock behind the Hokage Building. These massive rocks were shredded by the tree trunks, reduced to ruins.

As the last giant tree rose from the ground, Hyuga Kanan finally ceased controlling the sea of ​​trees. At this moment, the area stretching from the gate to the Hokage Building was completely covered by a dense forest. Although the houses of ordinary villagers remained undamaged, the once wide roads were now filled with dense trees, resembling a green ocean. However, in stark contrast to this vibrant scene, bright red blood dripped continuously from every tree trunk, a chilling sight.

Hyuga Kanan's attack inflicted enormous losses on Konoha. According to incomplete statistics, over two thousand ninja perished in the disaster, and the Hokage Building was completely destroyed, leaving only ruins. Fortunately, areas with pre-placed barriers survived, but it was a drop in the ocean. The entire village was plunged into chaos and panic; people couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Hyuga Kanan didn't even glance at them, turning directly towards the Hyuga clan's group. His steps were steady and firm, as if the battle hadn't affected him at all. His tall and imposing figure exuded an irresistible aura of authority.

The Hyuga clan members couldn't help but swallow hard; it was the first time they had ever witnessed Hyuga Kanan in action. They had only heard that Hyuga Kanan was the clan's strongest ninja, a figure who could intimidate the entire ninja world, but to them, it was more like a legend, a distant and mysterious tale. Now, however, having witnessed Hyuga Kanan's power firsthand, they truly realized the reality and terrifying nature of this legend.

Their eyes widened in shock as they stared at the devastated land in the distance and Hyuga Kanan's departing figure. At that moment, they finally understood why Hyuga Kanan was the clan's strongest ninja, why he could dominate the entire ninja world. Because his strength had surpassed everyone's imagination; his power was enough to destroy the world.

Countless members of the Hyuga clan felt a surge of excitement, their eyes burning with fervor as they watched Hyuga Kanan approach. Their eyes were filled with reverence and awe, as if they were seeing a god-like figure. They knew that with such a powerful figure in their ranks, the Hyuga clan would become even stronger, and their future would be filled with hope.

Hyuga Kanan's appearance ignited the atmosphere within the entire Hyuga clan, with excitement and anticipation radiating from everyone's faces. They began whispering amongst themselves, discussing Kanan's strength and future prospects. Some of the younger members even started imitating Kanan's movements and postures, attempting to learn his techniques and power.

At this moment, Hyuga Kanan became the focus of the entire Hyuga clan, and his name will be forever etched in the family's history. He proved his worth with his strength and brought endless glory to the Hyuga clan.

Meanwhile, Konoha was gripped by terror. The ninja clans, witnessing the scene unfolding nearby, began to tremble uncontrollably. Their eyes widened, their faces filled with astonishment and fear, as if they were witnessing the end of the world. Unable to contain their terror any longer, they collapsed to the ground, their bodies limp, as if all strength had been drained from them.

They finally understood why the Hyuga clan had the confidence to leave Konoha so easily, and why they weren't worried about their safety after leaving the village. It was because they possessed immense strength and self-confidence, capable of handling any threat.

At the same time, they were also thankful that they had heeded Nara Shikaku's advice and refused Shimura Danzo's orders. If they hadn't followed Shikaku's advice and instead chosen to obey Shimura Danzo's orders, then those tree trunks might now be occupied by their own clan's ninjas. Thinking of this, they couldn't help but feel a chill of fear, and fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.

Nara Shikaku sighed deeply. Konoha had suffered such a severe loss once again, and even the foundation for maintaining the five great ninja villages had been destroyed by an idiot like Shimura Danzo. Even if Tsunade returned to inherit the Hokage position, there was no way to reverse Konoha's decline.