Ep. 11 Spiders On Spiders, Kimiko The Weaver

Azuki watched from high above slowing his descent to that of a feather. He could sense and see everyone mobilizing to fight.  His major concern had been the academy but powerful chakra signatures flocked. A single flocked towards near Darkside and he didn't bother worrying about the gates. He had teleported far too much and would be forced to free fall for now. The wind blew through his now stained hair. The stress he had went through within the last weeks turning it grey mixed in with his natural black hair. The hospital robes fluttered every so freely as he felt a strange calm. He had embraced Jashin, embraced his emotions, embraced his numbness. The mental state he found himself was a dreadful calm. It was repressed but he wasn't destined to act any way because of it. So just be natural, don't reject things anyway for the sake of principle. Simply let go and just be.


He hurdled down like bullet before a massive burst of smoke came from Shinoda springs. Followed with a great explosion of water a massive spider that had to be at least 30m in size.  His face grew a smile seeing the Spider woman clutching her broken arm. She looked weakened and withered from their first introduction. But now with this change of events the battle would become rather dire. He did in fact wast a large chunk of chakra before hand. With a quick weaving of seals Azuki scanned the entire area. It had seemed everyone had evacuated meaning he could go all out. "Let's play chicken !" Azuki cackled with raw craze for battle.  

He did not divert his path and would dive bomb head face towards the massive spider. "You insolent fucking VERMIN! I am Kimiko the Weaver of the Aranha clan !" She had matched his pace with jutsu seals. But hers were shorter as multiple 2m sized spiders burst from the nearby area of trees and small hills. Azuki furled his brown at the sudden counter attack as wave after wave of spider webs shot for the path of his descent. " Is that suppose to mean something?!" He teased activating his wind jutsu in quick succession. With a single burst he sliced through the air at an angle. The propulsion and mid air somersault evading the grasp of the webs.

A final burst let him sail into striking range which she narrowly dodged. "Caught in my web already? How utterly predictable." Azuki's face didn't betray the sinking feeling in his chest. But as he landed on the spider's back it was too late. All of the smaller summoning spiders had high jumped and spiraled through the air. They spun rapidly in interwoven formations to create a 30x50m dome with the back of the giant spider as the  basis.He was cut off from the outside world but he wasn't the one who needed to run.  Azuki betrayed nothing but confidence on his face. "You must think I'm trapped in here with you." His chakra oozed out as the blackish red miasma cursed the air like a repugnant odor. " I'll remind you how surely mistaken you are."  

Kumiko returned the gesture her own ominous purple chakra matching his own. "A mere insect thinking it can defy a spider? Laughable.I've spun my web and death allows follows." She hissed baring her fangs. The battle was just beginning. Unfortunately due to his expenditure they were on more level ability. Back up may turn the tide of battle but he couldn't expect it. No his victory was ensured the moment they invaded. He reached for his headband in his hospital gown and wrapped it firmly around his head. "Time to die hag."

WC:616

Azuki braced themselves as the woman jumped away. He wasn't as fast as he wanted to be anymore. But that observation led him to  believe she detested close combat. He raced towards her in zig zag lines but the sound of moving flesh alarmed him. With a loud screech the giant spider and the dome shifted as the screeching pains of death reverberated the air. The footing became unstable and spiders burst from around him. Tearing through the back and abdomen.Did she sacrifice the main body to create more spiders somehow?!

He slid to a halt as webs spun around him. However with ease he activated his imitation white whole. The sudden implosion coating him and the nearby area in a powerful explosion. The webs and spiders deteriorating before their very eyes into ash. He couldn't waste any more chakra when fighting a summoner like her. Even a weaker blow if overwhelmed could still kill him. But the first trap had been laid. The cocoon behind him would be weakened and create an opening. A hole for escape or for the chance opportunity back up would arrive.

As the explosion subsided Azuki's eyes were alive as he activated his chakra sensory. The 10m field conveying hidden secrets of the battlefield. Like the projectile aimed between his eyes. He fell forward and low letting it sail over head sensing more within  range. Kimiko was wielding some strange golden bow prompting his series of erratic movements. He rolled jumping off the ground to his left forced to be kept within 5m of his original placement. The arrows ripped and tore through the flesh of the spider's back. The sound of wind being torn and shredded aided him rather fill him with dread.

He was pinned down as he attempted to burst forward. "Your fate was sealed the moment I took aim." Kimiko spat as she using her 2 free arms to create more arrows. She was using her amazing mobility to dance around the top of the cocoon.  Her limit was 2 arrows considering her broken arm.  Azuki steeled himself and embraced death as the barrage came about. He slid under the first and rolled into a handstand whipping his legs to dodge. Springing to his feet with a backwards kick up, he feigned a moment of hesitation.  A subtle grin as he twisted through the air the force of the arrow slicing his arms and part of his chest as he guarded. But she fell for his trick, as the arrow on timing hit the part of the cocoon where he had weakened.

The force of the blow burst creating an explosion of dust as he landed on his feet. Droplets of blood splattered at his feet but the 5m opening had been created. His chest heaved with the strain due to the lack of full recovery. Not to mention no matter how much his body remembered he was not strong enough to be a close ranged specialist. With a quick weave of seals during her next reload the two carefully traced each other's movements. Azuki was able to counter attack the next barrage with brute force. Jumping into the air he feinted with a hard left the burst of wind guiding him. His aerial superiority knew no bounds.

With a deep inhale his chest expanded creating a momentary vacuum. Pursing his lips he heaved with all his might.  Creating a small pressured burst of wind that knocked her arrows off course. She had enough room to dodge but the resulting explosion of force knocked her through the air."How infuriatingly persistent. Know your place, insect!" Kimiko retorted as he trapped her, veins ready to burst. With a few seals a portal opened in front of him and behind  Azuki happily flowed chakra through his feet running wall of the cocoon. Kimiko caught off guard fell through the art portal. He clenched his fist and connected with her jaw with an overhead right. "Stick to spitting silk and not shit out your mouth!" Azuki taunted as she grabbed his arms.

She attempted to stab him with the tip of her bow but he turned the tables. He pressed off the wall as the two tumbled teleporting over the cocoon like vanishing phantoms. They tussled and tumbled fighting for superiority.  Azuki accustomed to the acrobatics slipped his grip to grip her wrist. Tossing her over his head he kicked her stomach. He tossed her again never letting go planting powerful kicks forcing her to cough blood. Every time she would escape he immediately dodged, struck and regained his grapple. Then with a sudden ferocity he rapidly spun like a windmill from hell. With a final toss he threw her or so he thought. Spiders had chewed through more spots of the cocoon and caught his leg. But he didn't let get either flooding his body chakra as the two were swung through the air crashing into the center  of the spider's back. A collision of flying spider flesh and blood after the intense exchange.

WC:839  TWC: 1,455

Seikatsu was meandering through the labyrinthine streets of Tsukigakure, on his way back to his residence, when a strange, ominous sensation gripped him. He couldn't pinpoint the source of this unsettling feeling, but he trusted his instincts enough to let them guide his steps. These instincts unerringly led him to the Shinoda Springs training grounds—a place steeped in both personal history and village lore, and one he hadn’t visited since his attempts to integrate fully into the village life. Back then, his efforts had ended more to his disappointment than to his advantage, leaving a complex mix of emotions associated with the location.

Shinoda Springs was renowned among the Tsukigakure shinobi community. It was more than just a training facility; it was a place where ninjas could push their limits and hone their skills. There was an enduring rumor that magical powers lingered in the air around Shinoda Springs, supposedly enhancing the learning speed of those who trained there. Though this was widely regarded as just folklore, the rumor added a mystical allure to the grounds. Seikatsu, however, remained skeptical about such claims. Despite his skepticism, the gravity of the place and its potential to unlock hidden strengths was not lost on him, drawing him back in a moment of uncertainty.

”This feeling - I can’t help but feel a sense of kindredness to it. I, I’m not sure exactly what it is.”

The tall, lanky figure of Seikatsu crossed the threshold into the training grounds, his gaze immediately drawn to an unusual sight—a strange creature that seemed out of place even in the eclectic environment of Tsukigakure. As he watched, he observed the tail end of a confrontation, catching snippets of dialogue exchanged between the creature and another shinobi. To Seikatsu's astonishment, the creature identified itself as belonging to the Aranha clan, using the name Kimiko and calling herself the weaver of the clan.

Seikatsu's deep blue eyes narrowed as he focused intently on Kimiko. He was familiar with the Aranha surname—it was his own, after all—but he had never fully explored the depths of his lineage or the secrets it might hold. The revelation that a creature, a spider no less, claimed a connection to his clan was both shocking and intriguing. How was he to interpret this encounter? Was Kimiko an ally, a foe, or something else entirely? And what did her existence imply about the history and nature of the Aranha clan?

The significance of this moment was not lost on Seikatsu. He stood there, conflicted yet curious, pondering his next move. Would he approach Kimiko as a potential relative, or would caution prevail, treating her as a potential threat until more was understood? His heart raced as he considered the possibilities, his mind racing through scenarios of what secrets might unfold from this unexpected link to his heritage. As he stood, transfixed, he knew that the decisions he made today might well redefine his understanding of his own identity and destiny.

Having made his decision on how to address the chaotic scene before him, the boy knew he couldn't stand idly by while his fellow villagers were under threat. His immediate strategy focused on reducing the swarm of smaller spiders that had spun an intricate dome web, trapping a comrade within its sticky threads. To combat this, he adeptly formed a series of hand seals, channeling his chakra to summon fifteen lightning spheres. These spheres materialized around him, crackling with intense electrical energy, before he propelled them towards the smaller spiders.

As the spheres hurtled through the air and collided with the mass of spiders, bursts of light and energy erupted across the training ground, illuminating the area with sporadic flashes of destruction. The impact was spectacular, scattering remnants of web and tiny arachnid bodies in a fiery spectacle.

Emboldened by the success of his initial attack and eager to test the limits of his abilities in the dynamic environment of the training ground, Seikatsu prepared another jutsu. With precise movements, he executed another set of seals, and a potent lightning arrow surged forth from his left arm. The arrow, shimmering with raw power, sped towards the larger creature, Kimiko, at an astonishing speed. It narrowly missed her, instead striking the base of the dome with a resounding crash, sending vibrations through the structure and further destabilizing it.

”Maybe that helped get rid of the dome”

Kimiko's attention sharply turned towards the young man, Seikatsu, as she detected his unique chakra signature—a telltale sign of his connection to the Aranha clan. Realizing the familial bond, albeit distant, Kimiko sensed an opportunity to engage with her kin in a twisted game of predator and prey. With her superior strength and sadistic inclinations, she relished the prospect of demonstrating her dominance over Seikatsu, who appeared noticeably less formidable in comparison.

Her sinister smile widened as she observed that Seikatsu had employed techniques that were not traditional to the Aranha clan. This deviation not only irked her but also fueled her desire to educate him on the true essence of their lineage's jutsu. It was an affront to the legacy of the Aranha that Kimiko felt compelled to correct through demonstration.

With a flick of her wrist, Kimiko began to weave complex signs, her fingers dancing through the air with eerie precision. She was about to unleash the formidable might of Aranha clan's jutsu, specifically their renowned sticky webbed techniques. Her intention was clear: to overwhelm Seikatsu with the sheer power and versatility of the spider-based abilities, showcasing what he was missing by not delving deeper into his ancestral arts. This encounter was no longer just a battle; it was a lesson in heritage and power, taught by a creature who embodied the dark heart of the Aranha legacy.

---

The blood had settled and Azuki was breathing heavily as he body flickered away from the settling. He suppressed his chakra needing to recover what he could. He clutched his mouth with fits of twisting knots in his stomach coughing up blood. He bit his tongue to silence himself. His body was still ruined mainly from forcing himself to use space time. He took a knee watching as Kimiko neared one of the holes and preparing jutsu.Whoever stole her attention would need to keep it. Hopefully they didn't die too quick.  Azuki meditated and focused on recovering chakra placing his palms on the back of the dying spider. As all living things had so chakra so did this.  He sucked the remaining chakra out of the spider. Envisioning branching roots piercing and absorbing chakra. He felt invigorated but it wasn't enough for the final counter attack.


Kimiko weaved her signs as the living spiders converged on her location. A evil gleam as she licked blood from her lips. "More insects to fall prey within my web." She cooed with a venom oozing from every word. "Whatever familiarity I sense from you shall be purged. A spider has it's fangs and poison-!" Kimiko would suddenly disappear as the spiders near the dome would fire medium sized webs to entrap Seikatsu. Reappearing 20m above her shadow encompassing the area below.

 She breathed as a blast of poison shot forth in a straight line.Traveling the full 20m it would expand into a 20x20m cloud of poison.  With an acrobatic portrayal she created a platform of webs to sit far above her poison mist. The ends  creating a defensive web around the opening within the dome. Almost some semblance of a protective cone.Her spiders scattering about as she spit out two more arrows.  She loaded both arrows waiting for her prey to arise. "Dance for me insect so I may pierce you're heart. " She cackled her chakra emanating from her with an elusive aura.Azuki opened his eyes hearing the scuttling tips of the impending swarm. From the opposite side of the dome and conflict the rest of spiders came for him. However he did not break focus , nor lose his cool.

WC:366 TWC:1,821

”Shit!”

The single word that slipped from Seikatsu's lips as the gravity of his situation fully dawned on him. He was outmatched and underprepared, having already expended the two techniques in his arsenal that he thought might have any impact in this battle. His primary objective had been to liberate his fellow villager trapped within the dome, but in his haste, he had failed to consider that Kimiko was also inside, complicating the situation.

Seikatsu realized that he had inadvertently tangled himself in a duel with a far superior opponent. The other shinobi, perhaps intimidated or unsure, had not engaged, leaving Seikatsu alone to face the formidable Kimiko. This isolation plunged him into deeper peril, emphasizing the disparity in their combat abilities.

As he stood there, his mind raced for solutions while his heart pounded with the adrenaline of confrontation. He needed a strategy, not just raw power, to maneuver this predicament to his advantage—or at least, to survive it. Seikatsu's thoughts whirled as he considered his limited options, each scenario playing out with varying degrees of hope and despair. The battle had quickly escalated beyond a simple rescue mission, and now, it tested his resolve and ingenuity under pressure. He had to think quickly and act even quicker if he was to turn the tide in his favor or, at the very least, ensure his own safety and that of his comrade.

First and foremost, Seikatsu knew he had to be acutely aware of every element unfolding around him. His deep blue eyes scanned the battlefield intently, taking stock of the rapidly changing situation. He noticed spiders being catapulted from an opening in the dome, each firing medium-sized webs aimed directly at him. This immediate threat demanded his attention, but there was more to contend with.

Simultaneously, Kimiko had executed a tactical maneuver by teleporting herself above the fray. From her elevated position, she quickly formed hand seals, conjuring a dense, purple mist that began to descend menacingly towards Seikatsu. The mist, swirling with an ominous energy, seemed designed to disorient or incapacitate him, adding another layer of danger to the already perilous situation.

In addition to these assaults, Kimiko was making full use of her agility and strategic acumen. She crafted a landing pad out of her webbing, positioning herself securely in the air. From this vantage point, she launched a series of arrows aimed at Seikatsu. These projectiles sliced through the air, each one a deadly missile intended to hinder his movements further or incapacitate him.

Seikatsu, now fully engaged in this multifaceted attack, had to quickly devise a method to defend himself against the onslaught and counterattack. The complexity of Kimiko's strategies left little room for error, and Seikatsu's response would need to be both swift and clever to navigate through the barrage of threats. Each moment was critical, and his next actions would be crucial in determining the outcome of this intense confrontation.

As the wind blew gently, the dark blue overcoat of Seikatsu swished, it was time that the young man put on his survival boots and ultimately just tried to make the best of the situation that he was in. He was fortunate that the purple mist was moving at a snail’s pace, so dodging that would be easy. As fast as he could, he managed to maneuver himself out of the mist's way and it’s range that apparently had expanded to what seemed to be about twenty by twenty meters. The problems now were the arrows and the spiders that had begun to chase after Seikatsu. By moving to his current position, he naturally dodged the medium sized webbings that had been launched by several spiders.

As this series of events turned and twisted, a subconscious thought became clear within the mind of Seikatsu. If he was of the same heritage as this sadistic witch above him, then shouldn’t he be able to perform the same types of abilities as she is? It only made sense for that to be the case. He then remembers as quickly as flipping a light switch up and down, a technique that he had seen from somewhere before. He couldn’t exactly remember where, but it was a sort of sticky webbed technique where thread-like shapes were able to emit from any part of the body. Seikatsu allowed his hands to move in unison as fast as possible to perform certain hand seals - then holding out his right hand in front of him with his thumb and four fingers pointed outward - threads were launched in the direction of the chasing spiders and the attacking arrows.

”I, I can’t believe that worked” A note of slight shock tinged Seikatsu's voice as he witnessed the effectiveness of his countermeasures. His swiftly deployed threads had sliced through the weaker spiders, simultaneously knocking Kimiko’s arrows just enough off their trajectory to miss him. The genin had narrowly survived the onslaught, relying on quick thinking and precise execution. Although he had managed this feat, the battle was far from over.

Now, Seikatsu's primary goal shifted to maintaining Kimiko's attention on him. He needed to keep her engaged and distracted, buying precious time for his comrade—the one who had managed to defeat the large spider—to recover and rejoin the fight. This strategy was their best hope for turning the tide of battle in their favor.

---

The sound of explosions and combat shook the world around them. Whoever was out there was doing a damn fine job. The spiders inside were upon him, and what better sacrifices. Leaning into an all fours animal-like stance. His body hummed to life with half the chakra he would normally use. Shock and realization plagued his mind, he was a fool. What was the best way to fight? Minimally and efficiently, which gave birth to two more ideas. He sprung like a spring, flipping over the initial wave. The spiders on the walls, shooting more webbed projectiles. Even upside down, the young commander was not disoriented. Rotation allowed him to derive an accurate account.

A measly 30 spiders? With his new revelation, the key was energy efficiency. Why focus all that power into a single attack, when more was less. As always, his adaptability was ingenuous in the heat of battle. The concept, albeit was something a child could rationalize. He spun, so much so the air tore at his presence, glimmering to life with a white light. Accompanied by the soft gentle glow of a light bluish energy, that was his storm release. The initial flash eviscerated the webs that could come into contact, all before being redirected outward with precision. "Storm Style Night Of Falling Stars!" With a devilish grin, he pushed out his hands, releasing the chakra to target every living creature.

The chakra streams of storm energy hummed and met their mark. Each beam roughly the size of 4cm in thickness. He took all of the energy he had, split it up, and refined it against itself. Making more with less, and with the soft bodies, flesh was nothing to him. Each laser bore through the heads of each spider, each one so precise it targeted every soft weak point in their heads. With the nature of control over storm release, he was able to target a second point. Striking the following weak points within the dome. With the aid of the lightning jutsu, combined with his meticulous attacks, brought down the massive web dome. Using the air as a step stool, Azuki bore through the center while grabbing two of the falling spiders. He immediately sapped whatever chakra was left, finding himself 50m in the air.

Azuki spun forward, shifting the two spiders below him with a mid-air tuck and roll. Using his chakra as adhesive, he slowed his descent with the lightness. His feet attached to the back of the spiders for stability. With quick seals, he had summoned two scrolls in his hands. The first he tossed in front of him, letting it open, as the second he arced through the air. These were nothing but prototypes and under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have access. But he needed them for the moment. As long as they held up enough to kill this hag.

He sucked in air, enhancing his body and lungs with breath. A leapful bound as the first scroll activated, summoning his prototype of a puppet. The wearable like armour with its white gleam, opened up to him. Azuki combined with the puppet as it closed and collapsed onto his body. The storm engine he developed on its back, whirring and humming to life with the aid of his chakra strings. The second scroll would meet his hands as what looked like a sharpened shovel would appear. From hell above, he would decimate the battlefield with the physical aide of his puppet. A press of a button made the shovel weapon extend into the length of a usable short spear. Demonic laughter erupted from high above, as Azuki embraced the free fall. He had never felt more alive, the lingering touches of death.

"From Hell above and depths unknown, I alone pierce the heavens." Azuki opened his palm and aimed it directly at Kimiko. The sound of his Storm Engine and chakra. "With death, I will smite you and bring demise upon ruin! Slaughtering ANY who stand before me." His spear cleaved, summoning the shredding winds he was vastly known for. "Secret Art: Sulking Dragon Weeps!" Azuki turned into a blur, as with practiced precision, he infused his jutsu with the power of storms. Wildly, in a frenzied dance, a torrent of 15m sized storm-infused wind dragons coveted the battlefield below. The resulting effect was a simultaneous explosion of wind and electricity.

Unbeknownst to him, Kimiko gritted her teeth, shielding her body. A gold sticky-like substance, similar to the arrows, blanketed her body. The armour would have been her only saving grace amongst the winds of death.

WC: 766 TWC: 2,587

The recovery process for Seikatsu's comrade, who had been ensnared in the large dome, was surprisingly swift. Seikatsu marveled at the resilience and sheer determination exhibited by his teammate, as well as the adeptness in executing such powerful jutsu under pressure. As he observed, his comrade burst forth from the confines of the dome, shattering the web and annihilating the weaker spiders that had swarmed around them. Now, elevated above the battlefield, his teammate was poised to unleash a devastating counterattack on Kimiko. For the first time since the battle had commenced, Seikatsu felt a real shift in momentum. They finally had the upper hand, and the energy in the air was palpable. His comrade, fueled by a fierce resolve, prepared to rain down a formidable onslaught on Kimiko. Seikatsu watched intently, curious about how Kimiko would respond to this escalated threat. The sheer force about to be unleashed on her was immense, and Seikatsu could only speculate about her next move.

As the powerful technique reached its climax, and the intensity of his comrade's assault began to wane slightly, Seikatsu noticed something extraordinary. A golden-like material started to encase Kimiko's body. It shimmered with the same metallic sheen as the material from which her arrows were crafted. This development hinted at a new layer of defense or capability that Kimiko might have been concealing up until now. The appearance of this material raised several questions for Seikatsu. Was this a defensive mechanism triggered under extreme duress, or was it a countermeasure specifically designed for such heavy assaults? As the battle dynamics changed with this new revelation, Seikatsu realized that they might still be far from a definitive victory. He needed to reassess their strategy, taking into account this new variable, as the fight took on a new dimension with Kimiko's unexpected adaptation.

”Damn, so she was able to protect herself, that’s wild.” Seikatsu’s words expressed a slight concern, though it was only for a brief moment, as he realized that now was the time to attack. She was clearly in a weakened state and that armor couldn’t have fully protected her, at least that’s what his thoughts were. ”Time to go back where you came from you sadistic b****”.

Seikatsu seized the moment with swift determination, dashing towards Kimiko with all the speed he could muster. He hoped that her focus was still diverted by the recent onslaught from his comrade. As he closed the distance, his hands moved quickly, forming a series of hand seals. His recent observations of Kimiko's formidable use of Aranha techniques had inspired him to delve deeper into his clan's jutsu. The power that Kimiko wielded with such mastery was a clear indication that these techniques held significant potential.

With Kimiko's recent display of the golden sticky armor still fresh in his mind, Seikatsu made a mental note to carefully analyze and remember the specific seals she had used. The armor not only served as a robust defense but seemed to enhance her combat capabilities, making it an invaluable technique to learn and perhaps adapt for his own use in future battles.

For now, however, his immediate goal was to keep Kimiko on the defensive and test her limits. Channeling his chakra, Seikatsu launched another lightning arrow, this time aiming it with precision towards Kimiko’s chest. The air crackled with energy as the arrow tore through the space between them, a direct and forceful attempt to penetrate her defenses and deliver a significant blow. He watched intently, hoping that his attack would find its mark and gain them further advantage in this fierce confrontation that had become about more than just defense—it was a test of skill, power, and familial legacies.

Seikatsu followed up his lightning arrow attack, hoping that the golden armor she had created for herself had crumbled by now. His right fist would swiftly move through the air, attempting to connect with her chin, soon after he’d let his left leg come up, attempting to further damage the broken arm that had been caused from earlier in the fight. From here, Seikatsu would begin to coordinate his attacks with his fellow shinobi, hoping to keep Kimiko off balance and from doing anything unnecessary.

---

The puppet and his shovel fell apart but no matter. He was in for a fresh coat of paint on his fist. The aftermath of the barrage  prompted him to keep his sensory seeing  his soldier  combat her. He used his momentum  to descend, all the while hiding his foot steps.  He honed in like a hunter marking his prey. Syncing his timing with the right to her arm .Azuki did a barrel roll before landing a nasty whipping kick. The combined kicks struck like lightning shattering the sticky armor sending her rag dolling along the water.

Kimiko shed the armor in favor of movement speed. She slide to a stop along the water's edge screeching like a banshee.  Folding her arms a seal unveiled on her head which slowly healed her injuries. "Miserable fucking WRETCH." Azuki's maniacal laughter boomed in her face. "Have at it !" Their fist collided in an equal exchange, followed with mutual swarms of punches. Both figures stood their ground filled with rage, blood lust, and even some excitement. Azuki lacking the extra arms, found himself on stable ground. Both of theirs blows became blurs, but he out paced her in every exchange.  Little by little he pushed her back with overwhelming speed. Small steps became large gaps as Kimiko suffered on the defensive. In a final attempt of desperation, she struck down against Azuki's arms with a sweeping smash.

"Heal all you want." He flowed with the counter attack, resulting in a forward roll in the air. He snapped, from the apex of his heel , hammering  it down into her crown. The cartwheel axe kick from hell. "I'll kill you." Clutching her head ,he drove an upward knee. Her head punted back, he snagged her lower  right arm.

"Over and over!"With a quick yank and release to disrupt her footing. He met her nose with a reverse elbow. "I'll impose death !" The second spin smashing  a back handed throat chop."Faster than you can regenerate!"  He deflected the oncoming combination with circular stepping and forearm blocks. It  was akin to flowing water, lucid and unending. Piecing together blow after blow slipping past every guard, attack, every escape.  The onslaught was relentless as he was fueled with the power of Jashin. He did not simply give in,he embraced it. This power was his to wield, it yielded to his fist alone.

"PERISH INSECT!" Kimiko had tried some last ditch effort. Her chakra hummed to life with a puppetry skill familiar to him. Within a single moment she had released slicing chakra threads. The water and stone platforms sliced to shreds. Yet Azuki was nowhere to be found...at least from her perspective. Flying out the water with a flying kick to the jaw. Two uppercuts juggled her overhead as he snatched all four of her arms. He whirled around on his heels before chucking her back towards Seikatsu. "You're feeble medical ninjutsu is nothing against my brutality!"

WC:491 TWC:3,078

As Kimiko's golden sticky armor dissipated, the two ninjas, strangers to each other but united in their cause, unleashed a relentless assault upon her. They rained down attack after attack, a veritable hell's parade, as Seikatsu marveled at Kimiko's resilience. Despite the coordinated fury of their onslaught, Kimiko seemed nearly unphased, absorbing and withstanding every blow with a frightening stoicism. It was during this barrage that Seikatsu noticed something crucial—Kimiko's wounds were healing at an unnatural rate. She was employing medical ninjutsu, skillfully weaving healing techniques to recover faster than they could inflict damage.

Observing this, Seikatsu also took note of his comrade's growing fury. The young shinobi was driven by a deep-seated rage, a relentless determination to obliterate Kimiko. His attacks were ferocious and unyielding, and despite Kimiko's rapid healing, he was managing to progressively wear her down. The intensity of his comrade's assault was such that he was nearly outpacing her regenerative abilities.

In this whirlwind of action, Seikatsu found himself momentarily sidelined, watching as his partner took the lead. He felt a mix of admiration and frustration, impressed by his comrade's tenacity yet unsure of how to effectively contribute without disrupting the furious rhythm of the attack. His eyes darted around, seeking an opening or a strategic point where he could re-enter the fray and deliver a significant blow. The battle was unfolding at a breakneck pace, and every moment of hesitation seemed to cost them dearly. Seikatsu needed to find the right moment and the right move to ensure that together, they could put an end to Kimiko's threat once and for all.

As the fierce battle raged on, Kimiko unleashed a formidable technique, one that Seikatsu had never witnessed before, showcasing an immense display of power. However, in her intense focus to take down Azuki, she overlooked Seikatsu's presence on the battlefield. This oversight proved costly as Azuki, with remarkable agility and tactical acumen, managed to dodge the powerful attack. He surged out of the water like a force of nature, delivering a rapid succession of blows that staggered Kimiko.

Seizing the moment, Azuki gripped Kimiko firmly, using her momentary disorientation to his advantage. With a powerful swirl of his body, he hurled her directly towards Seikatsu. This unexpected maneuver caught Kimiko off guard, and she hurtled through the air, her trajectory set straight for the waiting Seikatsu. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for—the pivotal moment that could turn the tide of the battle in their favor.

As Kimiko approached, Seikatsu steeled himself, channeling his chakra and preparing for the crucial confrontation. This was more than just a fight; it was a chance to end the menace that had terrorized Tsukigakure, a chance to protect the village and its inhabitants, and a direct opportunity to showcase the unity and strength of its shinobi. With his heart pounding and his focus razor-sharp, Seikatsu readied his most powerful jutsu, aiming to intercept Kimiko with a decisive strike. This moment was not just about personal glory; it was about delivering justice, safeguarding his fellow villagers, and proving his mettle as a protector of Tsukigakure. As Kimiko closed in, every muscle in Seikatsu's body tensed, prepared to execute the move that could potentially bring the battle to a victorious close.

As Kimiko hurtled through the air towards him, Seikatsu's hands swiftly moved through a sequence of familiar signs, each motion fluid and precise. With a focused intention, he extended his right hand forward, chakra surging to his fingertips where threads began to form. These were not ordinary threads but reinforced with his chakra, making them both resilient and deadly.

The threads shot out towards the airborne Kimiko, their trajectory calculated with precision. Four of these threads aimed directly at her limbs—four targeting her, each of her arms, designed to pierce through and immobilize Kimiko.. The intent was clear: to neutralize her ability to counter or escape by binding her arms tightly. The fifth and final thread was directed straight towards her center mass, a strategic strike aimed at further restraining her movements and possibly pinning her to whatever surface she collided with next.

If all threads hit their intended targets, Kimiko would be completely incapacitated, effectively suspended by the threads of Seikatsu’s making. Although this would likely not be lethal, it would render her unable to move or use her limbs effectively, giving Seikatsu and Azuki a critical advantage. This method of attack was not just about stopping her momentarily; it was about gaining control of the fight, allowing them to dictate the next moves under less pressure. It was a tactical approach that balanced the urgency of neutralizing a threat with the need to do so without causing the ultimate consequence of battle, death.

---

Azuki felt liberated,as if the weight of the world shed like second skin. The euphoric sensation racketing the depth of his soul. How liberating, how wonderfully sensational. "Ha..ha.haha. haah!"  On the water's surface he collapsed to his knees.Clutching and grasping at his head with reckless abandon.  Some sinister essence being purged from his soul. A frothy mess of what seemed to be black blood emanated from his orifices.  "You have managed to slip my grasp once more child." Eldritch whispers sung deep from the far reaches of his mind. "I am yours no longer Jashin! " To all around Azuki was a demented gurgling mess. An explosion of chakra fled his body creating ripples and waves within the water. His aura was demonic, and evil before. Tainted but now a seismic shift within himself.  Flickers of a great spirit flashed within this expansive energy.

Spoiler:

Azuki refocused as he was lost within his mind. The darkness and ominous aura which stained his soul faded. Splashes of a vibrant red swallowed the darkness. From this colorful display appeared a massive giant. It was familiar to him somehow... A part of himself now truly manifested. This powerful spirit like creature looked akin to a elemental of sorts. What seemed like fire felt more like just raw chakra and energy. "We are one you and I. But you are still far too weak to control me." Azuki floated aimlessly unable to speak and could only peer at this creature. "You have awakened the spirit of Atman." Atman? He had never felt this presence before, never fathomed a spirit like this could exist.

"Take pride in us. I am a manifestation of your tenacity. All of your trials and tribulation made real. I have purged Jashin from you, but I, nothing more than your will personified.Stand tall Azuki and cast yourself from despair. When you are ready, you alone will guide the path. We are not alone, and more shall be born from our will. " With a wave of its hand the Atman spirit launched him from his mind. Azuki was done tweaking out as he wiped wiped his face clean. Kimiko was subdued and his chakra waned. He choked and splashed himself with water slowly rising to his feet. His legs buckled, yet he steeled himself from crumbling. Not in front of anyone, never again would he show vulnerability.


It was if blinked from existence along with Kimiko.  10m he had dragged her face through the asphalt of the stone lily pad."Aghn ugh I-"   Gripping her neck he could see her still regenerating, unable to choke the words out. With a few seals he leaned close to her lips.As he peered into her soul. "You thought you could invade my village, kill my people, injure my family." He spoke albeit somewhat calmly.  "What's most insulting is you dare address my Sister. A village leader and the hope of thousands with such disrespect. Some bow legged, 4 eyed 4 armed bandit, silk slinging, mandible maven claw ass mouth, googly eyed, bleached diseased arachnid fang tangle tooth,  wall scuttling, webbed headed tarantula temptress, venom vixen, THE audacity!" With a sigh he cranked his neck to Seikatsu squinting and pointing . "No Offense to you troop." He spat before returning to face Kimiko in the same breath.

"To dare say Junko is anything but perfect. May this one side ass whooping be a lesson.  Now die a thousand deaths hag." He weaved the signs for the poison mist just exhaling the mist directly from inches away. The poison filled her system filling her lungs as she slowly fell asleep.  With her regeneration the destruction of her body would equalize and simply put her to sleep for now. As insurance, he placed a binding fuin seal above the spider webs. "What is your name. What division are you apart of? I haven't seen you in the combat division? If you can fight go aide your people.If not help evacuate and do what you can. Your abilities will prove useful regardless." Azuki threw Kimiko over his shoulder for now. He was severely weakened but the invasion was not over. He would wait for the reply of the unknown shinobi. He had been resting in the hospital for so long it was only natural for new faces to slip through.

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