Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 104: Clearing the Field with Ryūjin Jakka, Capturing the Three-Tails

In the Land of Fire, within the newly rebuilt Konoha, the preliminary rounds of the Chūnin Exams carried on predictably.

To those observing, each match seemed almost scripted. Tsunade had apparently adopted Hiruzen Sarutobi's habit of manipulating outcomes, subtly stacking the deck in Konoha's favor.

Strong competitors from other villages were pitted against each other early, ensuring their elimination, while weaker candidates faced off against Konoha's contenders.

Surprisingly, neither Iwagakure nor Kumogakure seemed to care much about the exams. Their representatives maintained a passive demeanor, allowing Tsunade's machinations to go unchallenged.

By the end of the second round and the preliminary matches, 16 participants advanced to the finals. These included:

Sunagakure: 3 participants

Kusagakure: 3 participants

Amegakure: 3 participants

Iwagakure: 1 participant

Kumogakure: 1 participant

Konohagakure: 5 participants — Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, Rock Lee, and Shino Aburame

Notably, Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka, both weaker competitors, were paired against each other in what seemed a prearranged match. To everyone's surprise, the two fought to a draw and were eliminated together.

The finals were scheduled for a month later, providing time for preparation, training, and intelligence gathering.

With the exams paused, Uchiha Yi (Flame) prepared to act on his own mission. He left his shadow clones and loyal "Transformers" to ensure the safety of Karin, Hinata, and Haku in Konoha. With Karin being a relative of Tsunade's and Hinata previously from Konoha, there was no immediate threat from the village's leadership.

Once everything was set, Uchiha Yi donned his orange spiral mask and used his Fire Release: Ashen Flight Technique to swiftly reach the Land of Water.

---

The Land of Water was as mist-shrouded and eerie as Yi remembered. He moved directly toward the location of the Three-Tails.

"Looks like the Kirigakure shinobi have already discovered the Three-Tails' presence," Yi mused. "No matter. I'll clear the field."

He reached for the blade at his waist, Ryūjin Jakka, its power still largely untapped. Though he had achieved its Shikai (initial release) form, Yi had refrained from using it recklessly.

The weapon's flames were said to sear not just flesh but also the soul. Fearing that it might interfere with his system's ability to collect soul points, he had avoided testing it in earnest.

It wasn't until the previous year that Yi confirmed his concerns were unfounded. The system could absorb fragmented or "burnt" souls just as effectively as whole ones. With this reassurance, Ryūjin Jakka became one of his most formidable assets.

---

"Reduce all creation to ash: Ryūjin Jakka!"

As Yi uttered the command, the blade's steel was engulfed in roaring flames, transforming into a fiery blade.

The oppressive heat radiating from the sword quickly turned the surrounding area into a hellscape. Vegetation withered and died, water sources evaporated, and the earth cracked under the unbearable temperature.

Near the Three-Tails' location, Kirigakure shinobi stationed as sentries began to feel the heat. Sweat poured from their faces, and their bodies quickly dehydrated.

"What is this?!" one of them exclaimed, moments before collapsing.

In a flash, a wave of fire swept through the area. The shinobi didn't even have time to scream. Their bodies disintegrated into black ash, leaving no trace of their presence.

Yi remained motionless, his expression calm. He didn't need to move a finger; the intense flames did all the work for him.

"This is the power of Ryūjin Jakka," Yi muttered.

With the area clear, Yi directed his fiery wind to propel him toward the center of the dried-up lake where the Three-Tails lay. The once water-filled basin was now a scorched wasteland.

The massive turtle-like beast, its body covered in thick armor, seemed lethargic at first. However, the moment it noticed Yi, its eyes burned with rage.

"You again!" the Three-Tails roared, recognizing the man who had once manipulated it, leading to its humiliating demise through its Jinchūriki's self-destruction.

The shame of that event still haunted the beast, fueling its fury.

Opening its massive mouth, the Three-Tails began gathering chakra for a Tailed Beast Bomb.

But Yi wasn't about to give it the chance.

He accelerated using his flame-propelled technique, closing the distance in an instant. Standing atop the Three-Tails' head, Yi placed a glowing hand on its armored skull.

"Fire Release: Heavenly Prison!"

Chains of fire erupted from Yi's palm, wrapping tightly around the Three-Tails' body. The sealing technique, derived from the Heavenly Prison jutsu of Hōzuki Castle, was enhanced to the highest level through Yi's system.

The fiery chains suppressed the Three-Tails' chakra, burning it whenever it tried to resist.

"Arghhhh!" the beast howled in pain.

Unable to use its chakra, the Three-Tails attempted a physical counterattack. Curling into its massive shell, it launched itself forward like a spinning wheel, aiming to crush Yi.

Yi smirked. "Still trying to fight? Looks like I've been too lenient."

The beast's attempt only strengthened his resolve to put an end to the struggle.

---

The heat from Ryūjin Jakka intensified, transforming the air around Yi into a shimmering haze. The lakebed itself began to glow red as the flames licked at the ground, turning it into molten rock.

The Three-Tails, despite its armor and size, was beginning to falter. Its roars grew weaker as the relentless heat sapped its strength.

"Let's finish this," Yi said, raising Ryūjin Jakka high.

---

The battle was over in minutes. The Three-Tails, subdued and shackled by flames, lay motionless at the bottom of the scorched crater.

Yi secured the beast with additional seals, ensuring it couldn't escape.

As he prepared to leave with his prize, he glanced at the desolate landscape around him. "No witnesses, no interruptions. This is how you clean the field."

The mission was a success. With the Three-Tails in his possession, Yi could now focus on the remaining tailed beasts.

---

Unbeknownst to Yi, his actions had not gone unnoticed. Far from the battlefield, figures in Kirigakure and beyond were already moving, plotting their responses to the man who wielded fire capable of turning everything to ash.

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