"Heh… heh heh heh…"
Hanzō of the Salamander's deep, menacing laughter reverberated across the battlefield, each syllable like a snake's hiss—cold, cruel, and mocking. He didn't feel the slightest trace of fear as Tsunade and her companions launched their joint attack. Instead, there was an air of amusement about him, as if he were a cat toying with a helpless mouse.
Tsunade's fists generated howling winds as chakra condensed into powerful, tangible force. Each strike was a miniature explosion, capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks. But Hanzō, as elusive as a ghost, darted through the air, effortlessly avoiding each blow.
"Too slow, too slow!" Hanzō's mocking voice rang out in Tsunade's ears as he vanished again, slipping through the shadows like an ever-present phantom.
Orochimaru's "Hidden Shadow Snake Hands" followed, with a wave of venomous snakes surging from his sleeves, fangs bared and ready to strike. Yet, Hanzō anticipated every move, gliding through the swarm with calculated precision, dodging at impossible angles.
Jiraiya's "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique" followed right behind, the flames roaring like a beast hungry for destruction. The searing heat scorched everything in its path, warping the air itself, but Hanzō's face betrayed no fear.
His hands moved in a blur, forming seals in an instant.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
A massive wall of water rose from the ground, perfectly intercepting the flames. The impact between fire and water created a sizzling sound, steam billowing into the air, momentarily obscuring vision.
"Boom!"
The flames were effectively neutralized, reduced to vapor.
"Useless. Your attacks pose no threat to me." Hanzō's voice cut through the mist, dripping with mockery.
Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya paused for a moment, their faces grim. Their combined efforts had been effortlessly countered. The reality of Hanzō's overwhelming strength was becoming apparent.
Jiraiya wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice low but resolute: "Hanzō's strength exceeds our intel. We need to change tactics."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, determination blazing in them. "We can't keep playing defense. If we don't change, we'll lose."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, the gears turning in his mind. He was already calculating, searching for a way to break Hanzō's overwhelming control over the battlefield.
"Damn it!" Jiraiya snapped. "Summoning Technique!"
In a puff of white smoke, Gamabunta, the giant toad, appeared on the battlefield. His massive blade gleamed in the dim light as he slashed toward Hanzō.
Tsunade quickly shouted to Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, use your ninjutsu to limit his movements!"
With a cold smile, Orochimaru performed more hand seals, his voice dripping with malicious intent, "Hidden Shadow Multiple Snake Hands!"
The three Sannin launched their attacks once again, but this time, with a newfound fury, they aimed to overwhelm Hanzō.
The tension in the air thickened as the battle reached a fever pitch.
It was then that Hanzō's demeanor shifted. His calm confidence wavered just for a moment, as the combined strength of the Sannin began to press him.
"Seems I can no longer afford to underestimate you," he muttered, his chakra spiking as he summoned his beast.
"Salamander!"
A gargantuan salamander appeared beside him, its body writhing with power. It opened its massive mouth and released a poisonous mist that quickly spread across the battlefield.
"Careful, poisonous mist!" Tsunade shouted, her voice sharp.
The Sannin immediately retreated, but the mist spread too quickly, adhering to everything in its path. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't escape its effects entirely.
"Cough… cough…" Jiraiya and Tsunade staggered, their bodies weakening from the toxin. Their vision blurred.
"Damn it… this poison is too strong…" Jiraiya muttered, his face pale as his strength drained.
Hanzō's cruel laughter echoed through the mist. "In front of my poisonous fog, your struggles are futile."
"Can you still hold on?" Orochimaru's voice was low, his body surrounded by a faint chakra, protecting him from some of the toxins.
"I'm fine… I can still fight," Tsunade gritted her teeth, her resolve unwavering.
"I'm not done yet. We'll finish this together," Jiraiya added, his voice ragged but determined.
"Interesting…" Hanzō's voice now had a hint of respect, though the malice in it was undiminished. "Very interesting."
With the Sannin still fighting through the toxins, the battle seemed at a stalemate.
However, a weak but unwavering voice broke through the chaos.
"No… it's not over yet!"
The sound of the voice—faint yet filled with fierce confidence—caught the attention of everyone on the battlefield. All eyes turned to see Itoshiki, barely standing but still holding his ground, his body shaking with effort, his eyes burning with determination.
"Hanzō, do you really think you can defeat us like this?" Itoshiki's voice rang out, full of resolve despite his weakened state.
"Oh? What other tricks do you have?" Hanzō's eyes gleamed with curiosity and a touch of arrogance.
Itoshiki inhaled deeply, his body exuding a surge of chakra, stronger than before. His presence on the battlefield intensified, a new aura emanating from him that made Hanzō pause for the first time.
"This is…"
Hanzō's eyes widened slightly, sensing the shift in the air.
Itoshiki let out a battle cry, his chakra exploding outward as his body swelled with raw power. Muscles bulged, and his entire frame seemed to harden like steel.
"This… this isn't just Super Strength!" Tsunade's eyes flickered with recognition.
"No, it's more than that," Orochimaru muttered, his serpentine gaze sharpening. "It's something else…"
"It's a power beyond Super Strength!" Jiraiya's eyes widened in astonishment.
Hanzō's eyes narrowed, now realizing this was something different, something far more dangerous.
"Let's see how you handle this!" Itoshiki roared, charging at Hanzō like a living cannonball, his chakra spiraling into his fist, forming a devastating drill of force.
"This is my move—Lion King's Roar!"
The combination of Super Strength, Steel Fist, and Rasengan swirled together into a singular, unstoppable force. Itoshiki had discovered the key to breaking through Hanzō's defense.
"Good!" Hanzō grinned, raising his kusarigama to meet the attack.
The two clashed with a deafening impact.
"Clang!"
The sickle collided with the spinning fist, sparks flying.
"Bang!"
This time, instead of being sent flying, the rotational force of Itoshiki's attack overpowered Hanzō's weapon, sending the kusarigama flying and driving Itoshiki's fist into Hanzō's chest.
Hanzō was sent hurtling back, coughing up blood, his expression a mix of disbelief and rage.
"How is this possible?"
"It's simple, Hanzō," Itoshiki's voice rang with finality. "I'm not done yet. And I will defeat you!"
"Arrogant brat!" Hanzō snarled, charging forward, but this time, his pace was slightly slower, as if the previous blow had rattled him.
Itoshiki, exhausted from his earlier battle with the toxins, struggled to maintain his footing. In the end, Hanzō proved to be too much, and the toxins took their toll. Itoshiki collapsed, unable to continue.
"Itoshiki-kun!" Tsunade quickly moved to protect him, shielding him from any further attacks from Hanzō.
However, Hanzō did not press the attack. He stood still for a moment, staring down at the group.
He seemed to consider something, his gaze lingering on the unconscious Itoshiki before he spoke again, his tone oddly respectful.
"It seems Konoha has won this battle. I'll let you live," Hanzō stated coldly.
Jiraiya's eyes blazed with anger. "We don't need your mercy!"
"Stop talking, Jiraiya," Tsunade cut in, her voice sharp. She knew this was a moment to regroup, not to continue fighting.
"You three are powerful enough to survive this," Hanzō continued, his voice softening as he looked at the Sannin.
Then, his eyes shifted to Itoshiki.
"A lion who hasn't yet grown… can only show its teeth and claws. Wait until you become a real lion."
With one final glance at the battlefield, Hanzō turned and began to walk away, his massive salamander following behind him.
The battle was over, and Konoha had emerged victorious… but at a heavy cost.
The name of the Sannin would resonate throughout the ninja world. And Itoshiki, who had fought despite the odds, earned a new title—the "Mad Lion."
But while the battle had ended, the strife within the ninja world was far from over.
... hello readers, get your hands on more chapters on my patreon page; Seasay . The fanfic is at chapter 80 and I drop 10 to 15 chapters weekly on my patreon page. Check it out and pledge at only 5 dollars. Have a great weekend.