In Seimei's perception, the transparent chains connecting him to the four Root ninjas resembled scales of balance. On one side stood himself, and on the other, the four Root ninjas.
What measured their respective "weights" was their physical and spiritual strength.
Clearly, even with the combined "weight" of their bodies and spirits, the four Root ninjas together could not compare to Seimei.
This was why shock and disbelief appeared on their faces.
Based on past records, whenever Root ninjas were forced to use this "life-for-life" sealing technique, the enemy—if caught within its grasp—would be completely suppressed and unable to retaliate.
Now, however, they could clearly sense that Seimei still had the strength to fight back.
What's more, their own life force was draining at an unexpectedly rapid pace.
Under these circumstances, they knew they wouldn't last much longer.
Realizing this, the four ninjas immediately signaled to five additional Root ninjas stationed on the perimeter, urging them to attack Seimei at once.
Receiving the signal, the five ninjas acted without hesitation. Each retrieved a talisman from their pouches, activated it, and placed it on their bodies.
With this, they temporarily nullified the suppression effects of the sealing barrier.
Then, under Seimei's watchful gaze, the five ninjas stepped into the sealing barrier.
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Several kunai flew toward Seimei, who was hovering mid-air.
At this moment, maintaining his airborne stance was already taxing for Seimei, let alone evading the attacks.
So instead, he drew the long blade from his waist and swung it.
A series of metallic clashes rang out as the incoming kunai were deflected.
Seeing this, the Root ninjas exchanged a brief glance and spread out, throwing more kunai at him from multiple directions.
They had clearly determined that Seimei lacked the agility to dodge and aimed to trap and kill him through coordinated attacks.
With the Sharingan and Byakugan, hidden beneath his forehead protector, Seimei could clearly see that some of the incoming kunai were poisoned while others were rigged with explosive tags.
Knowing he couldn't face them head-on again, Seimei blocked a few poisoned kunai with his blade, then flapped his wings to descend.
Finally, he dispelled the Wind Release: Wings of Wind and landed on the ground.
Instantly, he felt a significant relief. His body became lighter, and it was easier to manipulate his chakra.
After all, maintaining Wings of Wind was akin to constantly casting a ninjutsu. Under normal circumstances, this wasn't an issue for Seimei, given his excellent chakra control.
But under the suppression of the sealing barrier, every ounce of available chakra was precious. Freeing up some by grounding himself naturally made a difference.
As these thoughts crossed Seimei's mind, the five Root ninjas charged toward him.
Their intent was clear—they aimed to surround and kill him while he was vulnerable.
Eyeing the incoming attackers, Seimei showed no fear. Without hesitation, he activated a technique—Lightning Release: Lightning Body Flicker!
Sparks of lightning danced around him.
Seimei felt his speed and reflexes improve, albeit slightly.
Although his Lightning Body Flicker was only at Level 1, offering limited enhancement, even the smallest advantage counted in his current predicament.
Fueled by lightning, he charged toward the weakest Root ninja, hoping to eliminate him first.
However, the sealing barrier still hindered his movements. While his target failed to react in time, the other four seized the opportunity to attack.
Two of them, both true jōnin, acted with deadly precision.
One hurled a kunai aimed directly at Seimei's heart, while the other closed in, attempting to slash his throat.
It was clear—they had no intention of defending their comrade. Their sole objective was to kill Seimei.
Sensing the danger, Seimei abandoned his initial target and stopped abruptly.
He ducked, narrowly avoiding the kunai aimed at his heart, then raised his blade to parry the one coming for his throat.
The sharp sound of metal clashing rang out as Seimei deflected the kunai with a powerful swing.
Seimei darted to the side, evading a vacuum bullet that whizzed past.
A quick glance revealed a special jōnin forming another attack, preparing to launch a second vacuum bullet.
With no hesitation, Seimei dodged again—and again.
After evading seven consecutive bullets, the Root ninja finally ceased his assault.
But before Seimei could catch his breath, a piercing sonic wave hit him. The sheer force shook his body, nearly causing him to collapse.
This attack came from a ninja skilled in sound-based jutsu, who had previously demonstrated the technique.
As Seimei had anticipated, its power at close range was formidable.
Though he had seen the hand signs through his Byakugan and prepared a defense, he was still injured.
Taking advantage of this moment, the other ninjas launched a coordinated assault.
The clash of metal echoed through the air.
Despite being outnumbered five-to-one, Seimei held his ground, relying on his Byakugan and Sharingan. Although injured, he avoided lethal blows.
Conversely, the Root ninjas grew increasingly alarmed and desperate.
Time was working against them. The four maintaining the sealing barrier were rapidly deteriorating, weakening its suppressive effects.
Initially, Seimei couldn't even use Instant Sword Technique under the barrier's constraints. But now, he not only wielded the technique but used it to kill the weakest ninja among them.
Though it was a minor victory, it rattled the remaining Root ninjas, forcing them into frenzied attacks.
Yet, their reckless strategies—sacrificing teammates and seeking mutual destruction—were futile under Seimei's dual-enhanced vision.
He exploited their movements to inflict more damage on his attackers.
Finally, the two jōnin could wait no longer. They disengaged, rapidly forming hand seals to unleash powerful ninjutsu.
One released a torrent of water that flooded the entire barrier, while the other used a Lightning Release technique, electrifying the water and turning the barrier into a deadly lightning pool.
Caught in the attack, Seimei's body suffered severe burns. His hair stood on end, and his skin blackened in places, smoke rising from his injuries.
Yet, despite the damage, a smile appeared on his face.
Because the sealing chains binding his spirit and body had disappeared.
The sealing barrier had a fatal flaw. It consumed the life force of its maintainers, with this drain intensifying as the chakra within the barrier fluctuated.
This was why the ninjas had avoided overusing techniques earlier.
Now, the jōnin's desperate attack had accelerated the drain, completely exhausting the four ninjas maintaining the barrier—and freeing Seimei.