Naruto Shadow Mage

"Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu!"

"Boom!"

Single-handed hand seals!

When "Mou" performed the Earth Release jutsu, Cross Country was astonished to see that "Mou" used the incredibly skillful technique of single-handed hand seals!

It was well known that only a few individuals could perform single-handed hand seals in the original storyline!

One notable figure in this regard was Itachi, who had an exceptional mastery of hand seals!

Inspired by Itachi's single-handed hand seals, which were both impressive and practical, Cross Country had also studied this technique for a long time.

However, despite his ability to throw Wind Release: Rasenshuriken with one hand and his unparalleled mastery of chakra control, Cross Country had made no progress in single-handed hand seals.

Even when he used Shadow Clones to perform hand seals instead of his main body, showcasing the power of seal-less jutsu in another way, Cross Country had no clue about single-handed hand seals.

At this moment, the mysterious ANBU "Mou" first displayed extraordinary perception abilities and now used single-handed hand seals to perform Earth Release, leaving Cross Country and Kakashi speechless.

Especially Kakashi. When Cross Country was astonished by "Mou's" single-handed hand seals, he noticed a look of realization in Kakashi's eyes, making Cross Country ponder, "It seems Kakashi knows 'Mou's' true identity. Probably, I'm the only one in Blade Squad who knows nothing about 'Mou'."

"But now is not the time to be distracted while fighting Mist ANBU!"

"As for 'Mou's' true identity, I'll ask Kakashi after the battle!"

With this thought, Cross Country focused entirely on the upcoming battle. As he concentrated, "Mou" used the C-rank Earth Release jutsu to force all twelve Mist ANBU back!

Left hand forming a seal, right hand slamming onto the ground!

From the moment "Mou" started forming seals, in less than half a second, the power of the Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu was displayed before the Mist ANBU!

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Almost as soon as "Mou's" right hand touched the ground, the ground emitted a violent rumbling sound, hard to believe it was caused by a C-rank Earth Release jutsu.

Next, the ground's rocks slightly protruded, transforming into stone arms that reached out to drag the Mist ANBU into the earth for burial.

Using a mere C-rank Earth Release jutsu with the impact and effectiveness surpassing an A-rank jutsu, it was evident that "Mou" had an extraordinary mastery in perception and Earth Release jutsu!

The nature transformation of the earth chakra leans towards an extreme, hinting at breaking through the second stage barrier, reminding Cross Country of the Fourth Hokage's insights into wind chakra.

Furthermore, although initially only pushing the Mist ANBU back, the emerging stone arms from the ground showed a sudden brilliance in "Mou's" eyes. Another row of stone arms appeared, pulling the two Mist ANBU targets assigned by Shisui into the ground, burying them alive!

"Shun, my targets are eliminated."

"Now it's your turn!"

Using a C-rank Earth Release jutsu, "Mou" repelled the attacking Mist ANBU and completed Shisui's assigned task.

The mysterious ANBU "Mou" showcased his abilities, impressing both Cross Country and Kakashi, who prepared to eliminate their own targets assigned by Shisui.

Just as Kakashi finished forming his seals, the dazzling lightning appeared in his right hand, preparing to use Chidori!

Just as Cross Country merged with the "wind," ready to use Wind Body Flicker!

Suddenly, with a swift sound!

Shisui of the Body Flicker vanished from beside Cross Country and Kakashi!

When Shisui reappeared, his short blade had already slashed the throats of two Mist ANBU!

The flowing blood indicated that Shisui had also completed his task!

"Not only was I slower than 'Mou,' but even Shisui of the Body Flicker surpassed me?"

"Damn, there's no room for distraction in front of these monsters!"

"Kakashi, even if I'm slower than 'Mou' and Shisui, I won't lose to you!"

"Wind Body Flicker!"

"Swoosh!"

First "Mou" showed his prowess, then Shisui followed closely.

Seeing their impressive performances, Cross Country couldn't afford to lag behind Kakashi and tarnish the name of the Fourth Hokage!

Using Wind Body Flicker, Cross Country's figure disappeared from the spot with a swift sound!

Using Wind Perception, he locked onto the auxiliary-type Mist ANBU ahead. In an instant, his right hand glowed with a bright blue light!

"Rasengan!"

"Boom!"

The blue light formed into a Rasengan, striking the auxiliary-type Mist ANBU.

But Cross Country knew that just Rasengan alone couldn't ensure the kill.

As the Rasengan hit the Mist ANBU, sending him flying uncontrollably, Cross Country swiftly drew a kunai and slashed the Mist ANBU's throat!

Mirroring Shisui's high-speed combat style, Cross Country eliminated his target with precision.

Seeing the fallen Mist ANBU corpse, a faint smile appeared on Cross Country's lips. But glancing at Kakashi, who was advancing with dazzling lightning, Cross Country noticed that Kakashi had eliminated the medical-type Mist ANBU at the same time he finished his own target.

Cross Country and Kakashi's gazes met mid-air, and sparks seemed to fly between them!

In this first round, Cross Country and Kakashi were evenly matched.

So, as Kakashi lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan, Cross Country coldly smiled and formed seals in mid-air, preparing to face their real opponents, the Jonin-level Mist ANBU.

Beside them, Shisui of the Body Flicker nodded approvingly at Cross Country and Kakashi's performance.

Especially when he glanced at "Mou," Shisui smiled casually and remarked, "Mou, it seems you won't have many chances to sigh."

"Because not only am I here, but Shadow and Lightning are both incredibly fast!"