Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

"It's coming towards us! It's a large army, with more than a hundred people!" 

Uzumaki Raiden looked at the forest on the other side of the river with a serious expression, stood up, stored the water-filled bamboo tube into the scroll, and then pressed his right hand on the handle of the long knife, becoming vigilant. 

Seeing Raiden's reaction, Shikaku Nara and others also realized something was wrong and immediately stood up. Among them, Inoichi Yamanaka shouted, "Enemy attack!" at Sakumo Hatake. 

But Sakumo Hatake didn't need Inoichi's reminder. Just as everyone became alert, a violent explosion occurred in the forest on the opposite bank. The next second, a figure surrounded by flames quickly jumped out of the forest and plunged into the river with a loud splash. Soon after, many small black bugs floated on the river's surface. 

Not long after, Shibi Aburame emerged from the river and swam to the shore with all his strength. With Nara Shikaku's support, he climbed out of the water and collapsed on the riverbed, panting heavily. 

"Shibi! How are you?" 

Shikaku looked at Shibi, who had suffered severe burns, and asked with concern, while the others turned their attention to the forest, fully alert. Hatake Sakumo, perched on the treetops, already had a dagger in hand, gazing intently at the woods across the river. 

"It's Sand Ninja; I'm poisoned," Shibi said weakly. His words prompted Uzumaki Raiden to notice the parasites on Shibi's calf, densely packed in a line. Some of the bugs were turning purple and falling off the swarm. 

The wound seemed to be on Shibi's leg. Despite the situation, Shibi was still conscious, likely thanks to his parasites, which were helping to counteract the toxin. 

"Antidote! Don't worry, I took some from Lady Tsunade before we set off. Although I don't know if it's the right one, it should suppress the toxin," Shikaku said, pulling out an injection. He was about to administer it to Shibi when Raiden stopped him. 

"Wait. His condition isn't severe yet," Raiden said. "Also, Lady Tsunade's antidote isn't a cure-all. Let Shibi handle this himself to be safe." 

Raiden glanced at Shibi, whose parasites could adapt to toxins. If the poison wasn't immediately fatal, allowing the parasites to develop resistance was the best option. This approach was critical for their team, which was traveling deep into Sand Ninja territory without ample antidotes. 

Shikaku frowned but held back as he noticed numerous ninjas gathering on the opposite riverbank. Leading them was Pakura, with more than a hundred Sand Ninja standing behind her. Judging by their aura, these were skilled fighters. 

"The main force is here!" 

Sakumo Hatake descended from the treetops, standing in front of Raiden and the others, dagger in hand, protecting Shibi and the team. Shikaku quickly carried Shibi on his back, retreating toward the woods to find cover. 

Choza Akimichi stood beside Sakumo, gripping a long staff. Behind him, Inoichi Yamanaka crouched in the shadows, pressing his hand to the ground with his eyes closed, seemingly sensing the enemy. 

Raiden, however, stood still, left hand on the hilt of the Totsuka Blade, right hand in his pocket, maintaining a calm demeanor. 

"Who are you? Why did you attack us?" Sakumo asked. Though he already knew their identity, he hoped for a peaceful resolution. 

"The one with white hair is Sakumo Hatake, the 'Konoha White Fang.' Captain, I want to avenge my brother myself!" 

On the Sand Ninja side, a middle-aged ninja stepped forward and addressed Pakura. Ignoring her response, he tossed a scroll into the air. A snake-shaped puppet emerged from it, coiled and menacing. 

"Is there nothing to discuss?" Sakumo said bitterly, his gaze sharpening. 

"Senior Ichikawa, your opponent is Konoha's White Fang, the man who killed Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law. Are you sure you want to face him?" Pakura asked coldly, her emotions unreadable. 

"He killed my brother and sister-in-law! If I don't kill him, how can I face Grandpa Ebizo or Grandma Chiyo?" Ichikawa retorted, his anger burning. 

Ichikawa ignored Pakura's attempt to dissuade him. Manipulating the snake puppet, he launched a barrage of Senbon at Sakumo. 

"Disperse!" 

The Senbon barrage was dense and fast, covering a wide area that included Raiden and the others. Knowing they couldn't counterattack in time, Sakumo shouted for everyone to evade. 

"Is that Pakura of the Sand Ninja?" Raiden muttered, drawing his long knife. While others dodged, Raiden remained in place, unfazed. 

"Raiden, retreat! Sand Ninja's puppet techniques are dangerous!" Sakumo shouted. 

As if in response, the Senbon split mid-air, doubling their density. 

"This is similar to the shuriken shadow clone technique, but it's achieved through puppet mechanisms," Raiden observed. 

He raised his blade, summoning a purple lightning barrier. The Senbon shattered upon impact but released yellow gas that quickly spread across the river and the riverbank. 

"Just one attack, and it's over!" Ichikawa laughed maniacally. "Is this all Konoha's ninja have to offer?" 

(End of this chapter)