Chapter 069: A Day Without a Day

It was precisely because of Wang Bo's reminder that Bai had been keeping an eye on Might Guy during the battle.

Now seeing him open the Eight Gates, Bai immediately became solemn, not daring to be the least bit negligent. Even if the opponent had only opened six gates, it was enough to make Bai cautious.

On the other hand, after clashing head-on with Bai, Might Guy was sent flying back, his face full of surprise.

Because he felt as if he had kicked not a human body, but a piece of refined steel.

This guy's body was way too hard.

Might Guy thought that after opening six gates, he could contend with Kage-level fighters, but he never expected that against Bai, he wouldn't gain any advantage; instead, his right foot ached from the kick.

So he quickly warned, "Everyone be careful, this guy's taijutsu is no less than mine."

Everyone was taken aback. No one expected that Bai, this tall, slender, androgynously handsome man, possessed taijutsu on par with Might Guy.

That was too exaggerated.

"It's Iron Body." Uchiha Shisui had spent several years at Wang Bo's base. Although he hadn't learned the seal-less ninjutsu Wang Bo created, he was very familiar with their names and effects.

"This is a seal-less ninjutsu that can make one's body as hard as steel, while also enhancing the user's physique. The longer one practices, the harder the body becomes."

"Given Bai's mastery of this taijutsu, A-rank ninjutsu and below can't even scratch his body. Even A-rank ninjutsu won't have much effect. Everyone be careful."

Hatake Kakashi felt like cursing, "This taijutsu is way too unfair."

Although he was known as the Copy Ninja, most of the jutsu he copied were ordinary rank. He didn't have many A-rank ninjutsu either.

His best was Chidori.

And then there was the upgraded jutsu based on Chidori... Raikiri.

That was a genuine S-rank ninjutsu with immense destructive power, but the problem was that it required over a dozen hand seals to perform. Without a comrade to hold Bai back, the opponent could kill him in an instant.

Bai said coldly, "The seal-less ninjutsu bestowed upon us by the master—you have no idea how precious they are."

With that, he appeared before Nara Shikaku in an instant.

This guy was Konoha's strategist. If he were killed here, attacking Konoha next would be many times easier.

Nara Shikaku narrowed his eyes, but before he could react, Uchiha Shisui appeared in front of him, blocking Bai's attack.

The two sides clashed instantly.

But at that moment, Nara Shikaku suddenly laughed and shouted, "Now!"

His two teammates and Sarutobi Asuma simultaneously slammed their hands on the ground and yelled, "Four Violet Flames Formation!"

In an instant, a rectangular barrier of purple transparent flames expanded, enveloping Bai and trapping him inside. The barrier was covered in purple flames, preventing anyone from entering or exiting. Anyone touching the barrier's walls would be burned.

Bai looked expressionlessly at this barrier jutsu and immediately understood their goal. "I see. Your goal from the start wasn't to kill me, but to trap me with this Four Violet Flames Formation."

Uchiha Shisui nodded. "Yes."

Bai continued, "And then? What do you plan to do?"

Hatake Kakashi curled his lip and said, "That's none of your concern."

Bai said coldly, "Even if you don't say it, I know. You trap me here to deal with my subordinates. If I'm not mistaken, Uchiha Shisui will use Transformation Jutsu to become me, and you'll find someone else to become Uchiha Shisui."

Everyone present was startled, because Bai had guessed correctly—that was indeed their plan.

Bai continued, "You plan to take my form and lead my subordinates to their deaths. No wonder you've been inactive while we've been advancing to Konoha's gates. So this is your scheme. I imagine there are layers of traps ahead. Once my comrades step into them, they'll be met with a heavy blow."

"Then you can kill my comrades at minimal cost."

"Impressive plan."

"You must have been waiting for me to be isolated all along."

No one spoke, because everything Bai said was correct.

Nara Shikaku couldn't help but say, "It was indeed right for Igarashi to make you the commander. You are truly excellent."

Bai looked at him and said, "The one who came up with this plan must be you, Nara Shikaku. As Konoha's strategist, you are indeed extraordinary, very excellent."

"Thank you for the compliment." Nara Shikaku said slowly.

Bai said calmly, "This plan is excellent, but it has one flaw."

Nara Shikaku's expression shifted, and he asked softly, "Oh? What flaw might that be?"

Bai said, "You should have used the Four Red Yang Formation instead of the Four Violet Flames Formation. Then your plan would have succeeded. The mere Four Violet Flames Formation is too fragile."

As his words fell, his right hand clenched into a fist, and his entire arm turned pitch black like iron.

The next second, he vanished and reappeared before the Four Violet Flames Formation, his fist crashing out like an avalanche.

Supersonic Iron Fist!

Bang!

A huge explosion was heard, and the Four Violet Flames Formation shattered on impact. The barrier jutsu that could trap Kage-level fighters was broken by Bai's single punch.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Sarutobi Asuma all suffered backlash, and they were sent flying in unison.

Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Shisui, and Might Guy braced themselves.

"I told you, you should have used the Four Red Yang Formation." Bai said expressionlessly.

Nara Shikaku smiled bitterly and said, "Even if you say that, we can't use it."

The Four Red Yang Formation was extremely powerful, dozens of times stronger than the Four Violet Flames Formation, but it had a flaw: it required four top-tier ninjas with chakra reserves at the Hokage level to activate.

Without Kage-level fighters, they couldn't deploy the Four Red Yang Formation.

Bai exhaled and laughed, "How pathetic. Konoha, once so prosperous, can't even use the Four Red Yang Formation anymore. The master was right—under Sarutobi Hiruzen's leadership, your Konoha is indeed declining day by day."

Hatake Kakashi's face reddened. He was a member of the Hokage faction and naturally wouldn't allow others to speak ill of the Hokage.

"What do you know, you bastard?"