Naruto: Reborn as Kakuzu, the Immortal Assassin

The bounty station was far enough away that it wasn't affected by the Lightning Release technique. But when Ruto saw Kakuzu instantly kill five bounty hunters, his expression grew significantly more serious. This towering ninja was leagues beyond amateurs like Ameinu. Ruto had already come to terms with that reality.

Facing such a formidable opponent, Ruto chose to strike first. In an instant, the area was filled with the boiling mist. Within half a minute, Kakuzu's body was surrounded by the corrosive gas.

"You're strong, but you're not from the Land of Water," Ruto observed, his voice steady. "Judging by how you hardened your body earlier, I'd wager you're a Earth Release user. A ninja from Iwagakure, perhaps?"

Kakuzu rose slowly, his gaze fixed on Ruto.

"You don't need to know that. All you need to understand is that I'm here to kill you."

Ruto wasn't surprised by this response—it was the kind of line he'd heard countless times before.

"Kirigakure might have been around for years, but it's still a mess internally. An outsider like you stirring things up won't end well."

Kakuzu chuckled lightly, crossing his arms as he sized up the young man in front of him. There was some truth in Ruto's words. Based on the information he'd gathered on his way here, coupled with Ameinu' last words, it was clear that Ruto's bounty had been issued by someone high up in Kirigakure.

If Ruto was truly a missing-nin, the Mist Village should've handled him internally. So why put a bounty on him in the underground market? The situation reeked of conspiracy, and the 30 million ryo bounty was steeped in uncertainty. But none of that mattered to Kakuzu—he wasn't one to back down over details.

"Heh, Boil Release. A Kekkei Genkai," Kakuzu murmured, extending a hand to feel the air. As his fingers brushed the mist, he noted the faint corrosive burn. Slowly, he turned his gaze back to Ruto.

"So your plan is to use this technique to steadily wear me down. The longer we stand here, the more damage my body takes, increasing your chances of winning. Am I right?"

Ruto stiffened. Kakuzu had seen through him entirely. But so what? The mist had been surrounding them for nearly a minute. The corrosive effects should start showing soon. Once Kakuzu collapsed, victory would still be his.

Kakuzu smirked, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Do you know why I've been standing here chatting despite knowing your intentions?"

Ruto had no answer, nor did he care. He just wanted his Boil Release to take effect, to—

Suddenly, Ruto's pupils dilated in shock.

"This... This can't be!"

The Boil Release was working. Kakuzu's exposed hand began to corrode, the skin visibly burning away. But the sight that followed left Ruto horrified. From beneath the decayed flesh, countless black threads emerged, swiftly repairing the damage. Every corroded spot on Kakuzu's body—his face, neck, arms—was instantly restored by the writhing mass of black tendrils.

Kakuzu stood there like an unyielding iron tower, unmoving, as if daring Ruto to continue.

"You're... not human," Ruto muttered, taking an involuntary step back. His throat tightened, and despite the cool air, sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Heh, sharp observation for a Kirigakure jonin," Kakuzu said with a hint of sarcasm, lowering his hand as he casually stretched his neck. "But enough playing around. Boil Release might not be able to corrode my body, but it's doing a number on my cloak. This is my only one, and walking around without it would be... indecent."

Kakuzu's tone shifted, calm yet chilling.

"So... do you have anything else that might entertain me?"

Ruto said nothing, every nerve on edge as he watched Kakuzu.

"If not," Kakuzu continued, his voice darkening, "then it's my turn."

His hands moved in a blur, forming a series of seals faster than Ruto could track. Before Ruto could react, darkness erupted from Kakuzu's position, an overwhelming wave of shadow stretching toward him.

Ruto didn't hesitate. Instinct kicked in as he leaped backward, desperate to avoid being engulfed by the spreading darkness.

His reaction wasn't wrong. It was pure survival.

But he miscalculated. This shadowy realm wasn't a physical ninjutsu—it was a genjutsu.

Dark Night Walking Technique.

The moment Ruto saw the descending veil of darkness, he had already fallen into the illusion. No matter how fast he ran, he couldn't escape being engulfed by the surrounding blackness.

"Damn it!" Ruto stopped in his tracks, planting his feet firmly on the ground. His body tensed, left hand gripping a kunai while his right hand formed a defensive seal. He scanned his surroundings, only to realize the space around him had turned into an endless night.

Ruto's sharp eyes, usually capable of piercing through even dense mist, were utterly useless in this oppressive darkness. However, he quickly steadied himself, lowering his body slightly. His thoughts cleared, and he began analyzing the situation.

This darkness blinds my vision, but it doesn't block my senses. If that's the case, I'll fight using my other senses.

Closing his eyes, Ruto focused entirely on the subtle movements around him, feeling the faintest shifts in the air.

"Interesting. If that's how you want to play, let's keep going."

In the shadows, Kakuzu observed everything with clarity. His hands crossed in front of him, a sinister smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Bang, bang, bang, bang...

Ruto's ears twitched as the sound of movement reached him. His senses sharpened, spreading outward like ripples.

Shadow clones? Ruto thought, his brows furrowing. But... why does it feel like there are too many of them? At least two hundred—no, three hundred? Is this part of the genjutsu?

Though uncertain about the scene before him, Ruto had no time to second-guess. His hands flew into a rapid sequence of seals.

"Water Release!"

Chakra flowed to his feet, and a large pool of water formed beneath him, rippling outward in chaotic, uncontrolled waves. The currents crashed and smashed into the surroundings, battering everything in their path.

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