klisemfg Chapter 622 Provocation
Chapter 622 Provocation
However, Zhang Hai interrupted Mikoto. Ignoring Fugaku's provocation, he turned his gaze back to Mikoto, his tone serious and firm: "Mikoto-nee, there's no need to say more. I only need one answer: come or not?" He left the choice entirely to Mikoto, not wanting her to be in any predicament.
Seeing Zhang Hai completely ignoring him, Fugaku's aura surged. His three-tomoe Sharingan spun rapidly, radiating intense chakra fluctuations, as he launched a genjutsu attack on Zhang Hai, attempting to overwhelm him with sheer force. His tone was full of provocation: "Looks like you didn't hear me, sir." He was warning Zhang Hai not to try and take Mikoto away.
Zhang Hai sneered inwardly. Since you made the first move, don't blame me for being impolite. His Sharingan with three tomoe also began to spin rapidly, and an even deeper and more powerful genjutsu chakra instantly erupted from his body, directly meeting Fugaku's genjutsu attack.
The clash between illusions was silent yet breathtaking. Fugaku activated his Sharingan, attempting to disrupt Zhang Hai's vision and perception, but Zhang Hai's soul, tempered by countless worlds, was already immune to illusions. With a swift movement, he nimbly dodged Fugaku's visual illusion, and in the blink of an eye, he closed in, launching a high kick at Fugaku's head.
Fugaku easily blocked the attack using the perception of his Sharingan. He turned around, took out several kunai from his ninja tool pouch, and threw them backhand, aiming straight for Zhang Hai's vital points.
"Clang!" The short sword was drawn, and Zhang Hai, sword in hand, instantly transformed, his previous composure replaced by a fierce killing intent. After parrying the kunai, he didn't hesitate, immediately unleashing his sword dance. Dense flashes of sword light rained down like a storm, blocking all of Fugaku's escape routes. Within the flashes of light lay deadly intent; the blades themselves, like venomous snakes, aimed straight for Fugaku's throat, intending to kill him instantly!
Fugaku's Sharingan clearly saw Zhang Hai's every move, and he distinctly sensed the approaching death. He couldn't imagine that someone could master swordsmanship to such a level; it had transcended mere skill and reached the realm of art. Under the threat of death, he decisively abandoned his defense, wielding a kunai and aiming it at Zhang Hai's throat, intending to take Zhang Hai's life the instant Zhang Hai killed him, in a suicidal attack.
When Mikoto saw that the two were about to fight to the death, she cried out, "No!" and rushed over without thinking, trying to stop the impending tragedy.
Zhang Hai noticed Mikoto's actions and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He knew that if Mikoto were involved, the consequences would be unimaginable. At the critical moment, he withdrew his swordsmanship and retreated a few steps like a ghost, putting distance between himself and Fugaku.
Fugaku also withdrew his kunai almost simultaneously, but a chill ran down his spine. He was shocked by Zhang Hai's power; if Mikoto hadn't intervened at the crucial moment, the two of them would likely have been separated by life and death in that instant. His eyes were filled with vigilance and a hint of fear.
In reality, Zhang Hai's sword dance had already been modified. He couldn't possibly kill an Uchiha clansman here; doing so would have prevented his own escape and would have attracted the pursuit of the Konoha leadership and the entire Uchiha clan. However, injuring him without killing him was entirely possible. It was just that Mikoto rushed in at the crucial moment, forcing the battle to end there.
Fugaku initially thought Zhang Hai was just an ordinary ANBU member, after all, there were quite a few mediocre individuals in the ANBU. However, their brief exchange just now made him clearly realize that this masked man was definitely an ANBU ace, even stronger than a typical Jonin. He couldn't help but turn to look at Mikoto, his tone filled with doubt and wariness: "Who is he?"
Zhang Hai didn't answer Fugaku's question. Instead, he said with a hint of sarcasm, "The village rules state that the identities of ANBU members are top secret. Jonin Fugaku, it seems you don't respect the village at all." His words were clearly provocative. Hearing Zhang Hai's impolite sarcasm, Fugaku's anger surged again, and he was about to explode.
Mikoto quickly stepped between the two, reaching out to press down on Fugaku's arm, stopping his impulsive act. She turned to Zhang Hai, her tone tinged with apology and helplessness: "You should go, Zhang Hai. I won't go to the Anbu with you."
Hearing this answer, Zhang Hai's heart sank. Undeterred, he asked, "Can you tell me why?" He hoped to hear a reason he could accept.
Mikoto looked at Zhang Hai with a hint of apology in her eyes, but her tone was firm: "I'm already engaged to him, and we'll be getting married soon. Maybe in the future, I'll even leave the guard team and stay at home to be a wife and mother." She paused and said softly, "In that case, I naturally can't join the Dark Division."
Zhang Hai sighed inwardly. So that's how it is; it seems he's too late. The gears of fate had already begun to turn without her even realizing it. He knew that Mikoto had already made her own choice, and it was the future she herself desired. He couldn't force her, nor should he.
He walked away without a word, each step heavy. Just before leaving the guardhouse gate, he couldn't help but turn back and say to Mikoto, "I wish you happiness in the future." His voice was soft, carrying a faint blessing, but also a hint of indescribable loss. Then, without looking back, he disappeared from the guardhouse's sight.
Mikoto watched Zhang Hai's retreating figure, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. She knew Zhang Hai meant well, but her choice was already made. Fugaku stood beside her, his gaze coldly fixed on the direction Zhang Hai had gone. He sensed Zhang Hai's power, and also the ruthlessness within him that was not typical of the Uchiha clan.
With a touch of melancholy, Zhang Hai left the guard unit. Mikoto Uchiha's choice caused a lingering pain in a corner of his heart. Since she refused to leave the Uchiha clan, her future was already sealed. However, Zhang Hai quickly put that sense of loss behind him. Thinking of the speed at which his strength was increasing and his premonitions about the future, he believed that protecting Mikoto's life in the future shouldn't be a problem. With this thought, he felt much better. At least, he still had the ability to protect those he cared about.
The recruitment of the first team member went wrong, which gave Zhang Hai a headache. As for the second team member, he had no idea at all.