Naruto: Reborn as Neji Hyuga After Dying in One Piece-Chapter 92. Shukaku: Are You Kidding Me? Since When Was I Ever Afraid?!

Chapter 92 - 92. Shukaku: Are You Kidding Me? Since When Was I Ever Afraid?!

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A strange, foreign energy surged through Neji's arm, feeding directly into his mind.

The system interface materialized in the abyss of his consciousness floating within a sea of shadows.

Beside it, suspended in dim light, was the familiar lion-headed subscreen, bound by chains. It first appeared when he interacted with the [Poneglyphs] in the One Piece world key narrative objects deemed essential by the system.

Back then, he'd died recklessly, trading everything he owned items, experience, and will for a second shot at life. The [Poneglyphs] had been classified as core-world artifacts, unlocking that mysterious subsystem.

Now, it was happening again.

As the miniaturized Shukaku the One-Tail transmitted its chakra into Neji's body, a flicker of golden data coalesced in his mental interface.

Click!

A new subscreen appeared, faint and fogged in mist but distinct and anchored beside the others.

Not unlocked, Neji noted grimly. Just another sealed node.

Just like last time, it would probably require numerous "core items" from this world to activate fully.

He didn't like where this was going.

---

"Neji! LOOK OUT!"

Naruto's shout jolted him back.

Shukaku's half-formed eye snapped open no longer human, but a beast.

From within the corrupted Gaara, a monstrous voice bellowed:

"I'M FINALLY OUT!"

Temari's face paled as the true form of the One-Tail towered above them.

"...It's over," she whispered, her knees buckling. "We're all going to die..."

"Hell no, we're not!" Naruto shouted. "No one's dying today not on my watch!"

Blood ran from his lip as he bit down, channeling chakra. He began forming hand signs fingers trembling but determined.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

POOF!

...A palm-sized toad blinked up at him. "Ribbit. Oh hey, kid. Do you have any snacks? No food, no fun."

"WHAT?!"

Naruto flailed. "Why is it always YOU?! I HATE these frogs!"

"You little punk! Don't diss amphibians!"

The two launched into a full-blown argument, much to Temari's disbelief.

She stared at them, speechless.

Why did I even expect anything else?

Off to the side, Sasuke managed to stagger upright still pale, the Curse Mark pulsing along her skin.

She locked eyes with Naruto, then looked up at the monstrous Shukaku, and finally to the lone figure standing atop its massive skull.

"...Naruto!"

The word cut through the chaos.

Naruto froze. The toad paused mid-snap.

"There's no time for games. This is the moment Neji was waiting for!"

He glanced up. Shukaku loomed, and Neji stood alone atop the beast, barely more than a speck.

"...You're right."

Naruto's expression shifted determined and focused.

"I'll summon the boss toad... no matter what!"

Sasuke collapsed against a tree, pain racking her body.

"I trust you," she whispered. "Neji's buying you time. Don't waste it."

---

Up top, Neji stood poised on Shukaku's head, breath shallow.

No EXP prompt. Which means... this fight isn't over.

From beneath, the beast's voice growled:

"You've got some freaky energy in you, kid. I'll give you that. You even managed to knock him out for a minute."

Shukaku let out a gleeful shriek.

"But now it's my turn to play! First prize? You get to die!"

The sand demon laughed, stretching its arms wide. The wind was sweet. The air was free.

"Ahh... freedom. Smells good!"

Then his tone darkened.

"Let's start with squashing the punk on my head."

CRACK!

Two enormous sand tendrils shot out like twin lances, slicing through the air toward Neji.

"Ugh, pain in the—!"

Neji launched back, feet barely brushing the air as twin sand geysers exploded upward behind him.

This thing's faster than Gaara ever was... it's controlling the sand directly.

Shukaku cackled.

"Don't take it personally, kid I just hate it when people stand on my head!"

"Figures," Neji muttered.

[Moon Step]!

BOOM!

A sonic burst echoed as Neji compressed air beneath his feet, crafting temporary footholds out of chakra and pressure.

He veered sideways in midair, dodging again.

"Nice moves, brat!"

Shukaku chuckled, eyes glittering like marbles.

"Looks like there's some fun new tricks in this world. I'm gonna enjoy this!"

"Yeah?" Neji smirked. "Hope you keep that same energy later when you're locked back in your bottle."

"Oh please. ME? Afraid? You're hilarious!"

We'll see, Neji thought.

He wasn't done yet.

If he wanted to finish this he'd need to go all in.

Fine. Let's show them what I've been holding back.

His thoughts shifted briefly.

With Hiruzen gone, Root lacked power. Even Danzo's reach wouldn't be enough to touch him now, not with the Hyuga clan at his back and the Leaf in disarray.

He could finally show this.

His palm opened. A glowing orb of rotating energy formed.

[Spiral Chakra Core]

The air trembled.

Half the size of Shukaku's head, the orb spun with spiraling Chakra threads raw, condensed force coiling into a semi-solid sphere.

Shukaku's pupils shrank.

"...What the hell is that?!"

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