This was the only way Haruto Saito could think of to use "Forbidden Technique: Bloodburn Explosion" without letting this S-rank forbidden jutsu go to waste!
Using a clone to activate an S-rank forbidden jutsu—Haruto estimated that even a Shadow Clone wouldn't be able to do it. While Shadow Clones can use ninjutsu, they are too fragile and likely wouldn't withstand the violent chakra fluctuations before the Bloodburn Explosion was fully unleashed.
However, Blood Clones were different. They were more solid than Shadow Clones, reinforced with the user's own blood, making them more durable and less prone to destruction.
That said, using a clone for self-detonation wouldn't be as powerful as if the original body performed it. The explosion's power was determined by the amount of chakra used. Therefore, even with two Blood Clones self-destructing, the full might of the Bloodburn Explosion wouldn't be displayed.
But it would still be terrifying!
Especially with Hiruzen Sarutobi standing so close!
After all, this was an S-rank forbidden jutsu—no, two S-rank forbidden jutsu detonating at the same time!
The deafening explosion shook the heavens!
Flames and shockwaves seemed to tear through space and time. It all happened too fast!
Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't expected Haruto to unleash such a devastating move, nor had Tsunade and the others. The blast radius had already reached them. Hatake Sakumo reacted the fastest—he was about to grab Uzumaki Mito and retreat. The others? He didn't have time to worry about them. Uzumaki Mito was more important than anyone else.
Just as he was about to move, he saw Uzumaki Mito raise her hand, slicing her right palm with her left. As she thrust her left hand forward, droplets of blood scattered in the air. An ominous aura surged from her body, and from the sleeve of her extended arm, several sealing chains shot out. These chains pierced through the falling blood droplets.
It all sounded complex, but it happened in mere moments.
Buzz!
As the flames and shockwaves approached, the scattered blood turned black upon contact with the sealing chains. Then, like expanding light, they transformed into pitch-black orbs, spreading outward into an enormous black net. The net expanded over thirty meters in diameter, forming a massive barrier in front of everyone.
Sealing Defense!
Boom!Boom!
The shockwave slammed into the black net but was completely blocked. Since this wasn't the explosion's epicenter, the weakened shockwave wasn't strong enough to shake Uzumaki Mito's sealing defense.
It was as if two worlds had been separated. Behind the black net, not even a gust of wind could be felt, while in front of it, the explosion raged and the air currents ran wild.
Haruto had already moved out of the explosion's range, standing near the lake's edge. He glanced in Uzumaki Mito's direction, slightly surprised.
He knew the Blood Clones' self-destruction would reach them, but he was also certain that it wouldn't be a problem. Hatake Sakumo and Tsunade were present—there was no way the explosion's residual force would harm them.
What he hadn't expected was for Uzumaki Mito to take action herself!
Haruto shifted his gaze back to the explosion's center, thinking, There's no way you're coming out of this unscathed! He was filled with malice—Hiruzen Sarutobi had underestimated him, and while killing him outright was impossible, injuring him was certainly doable!
As the flames reached their peak, they quickly receded. The shockwaves died down, space stabilized, but the explosion zone was still filled with thick clouds of dust.
Silence.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the settling dust. Aside from Uzumaki Kushina, whose face was tense with worry, the others remained calm—including Hiruzen Sarutobi's son, Sarutobi Shinsuke. He knew his father too well. If a single surprise explosion could kill Hiruzen Sarutobi, then enemy suicide bombers would have taken him out long ago.
That was impossible!
The dust gradually dispersed.
A massive crater came into view—over twenty meters in diameter and at least three meters deep, created by the twin explosions.
No sign of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Crack!Crack!
Suddenly, the ground split apart, cracks spreading outward.
Boom!
At the center of the crater, the earth burst open, rocks scattering as a figure shot out from underground, landing gracefully at the crater's edge.
It was, of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Despite everything, he still exuded an imposing aura—majestic, composed, and authoritative. However, he did look somewhat battered. His face was covered in soot, half of his cloak had been burned away, and his robes were tattered with several gashes. But more importantly—he was injured.
His right hand was a bloody mess, with flesh torn apart, and blood was dripping from his fingertips.
"Oh my, Teacher! Oh dear, what happened? Are you hurt? Is it serious? Do you need your dear student to heal you?" Haruto ran up to Hiruzen Sarutobi, his exaggerated tone filled with fake concern.
Internally, he was thrilled—serves Hiruzen right for underestimating him and mocking him earlier.
Hiruzen, however, said nothing. Instead, he reached out with his left hand and grabbed Haruto's wrist. Instantly, Haruto felt Hiruzen's chakra invading his meridians.
Haruto was, of course, injured—having lost a significant amount of blood after using the forbidden jutsu.
Hiruzen was checking the effects of the forbidden technique on Haruto's body.
Although he didn't know exactly what two jutsu Haruto had used, he could tell they were forbidden techniques. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so extreme and sinister.
Uzumaki Mito, Tsunade, and the others also approached. Without saying a word, Tsunade immediately began healing Hiruzen's wounds.
"What's there to be smug about, kid?" Uzumaki Mito scolded. "Hiruzen was only defending and only used a fraction of his strength. Meanwhile, you had to resort to forbidden jutsu, and yet you still ended up injuring yourself."
"Lady Mito, your words are wise," Haruto quickly responded obediently. He had no intention of arguing—Uzumaki Mito was not someone he wanted to provoke.
Hiruzen released Haruto's wrist without further comment. He had confirmed that Haruto was only suffering from severe blood loss, not any life-threatening injuries. A few days of rest would be enough for recovery.
"Where did you learn those two techniques?" Hiruzen asked seriously.
"The Land of Rain," Haruto answered briefly. The less he said, the better. If Hiruzen pressed further, he'd have to make up a story.
Hiruzen already knew Haruto had the ability to copy techniques. While the idea of copying forbidden jutsu was alarming, Hiruzen didn't know whether Bloodburn Explosion was S-rank or A-rank. If it were A-rank, it would still be understandable.
Hiruzen decided not to probe further. He only wanted to know where these techniques had originated—how Haruto had learned them was less important.
After all, geniuses always break the rules.
Hiruzen looked around before turning to Uzumaki Mito. "Lady Mito, you may need to relocate. That explosion was too loud, and the terrain has been altered. There's a risk that enemy spies might detect your presence."
"Alright, you make the arrangements," Uzumaki Mito nodded.
At that moment—
A sudden gust of wind swirled beside them, and a figure appeared out of nowhere.
It was the enigmatic Danzo Shimura!
He had sensed the explosion from kilometers away and rushed over from his Root organization base in the forested mountains.
Upon seeing Hiruzen's condition, Danzo was stunned. Forgetting to greet Uzumaki Mito, he blurted out, "Hiruzen! Who injured you?!"
"Just a minor accident," Hiruzen replied indifferently.
Danzo still looked doubtful but calmed down when he saw everyone else was at ease.
Then—
"Haruto Saito, hear my command!" Hiruzen suddenly declared in a firm tone, speaking as the Hokage.
"Yes, sir!" Haruto responded.
"From this moment on," Hiruzen continued, "you are officially a member of the Anbu, assigned to the First Division's Assassination Squad."
"Yes, sir!" Haruto accepted the order, secretly delighted.
It was done!
Danzo, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes. His gaze toward Haruto took on a different edge.
"Oh, and one more thing," Hiruzen added.
"What is it?" Haruto looked up at him.