[Stone Country Battlefield]
Facing the fierce charge of Kokuo, Senku merely chanted a Buddhist name.
"Holy Seal!"
He sat cross-legged in midair, palms together, resting the monk's staff across his arms.
Behind him burst forth a blazing lotus of fire, appearing like a holy seal.
Chakra on par with a Tailed Beast surged out like a tidal wave.
Everyone present gasped coldly.
'What the hell? This old monk is this strong?'
The fiery lotus quickly transformed, winding itself around Master Senku's body.
Then it transformed into fiery whips that lashed straight toward Kokuo.
Kokuo charged ferociously forward, only to be bound by the flaming whips.
He let out a shrill scream as the whips tightened quickly around him.
These whips were in fact Rengoku's fusion of Ghost Lantern with Adamantine Sealing Chains.
It was like branding Kokuo's body with countless scorching irons. Even a Tailed Beast couldn't endure it.
Against Adamantine Chains, even the Nine-Tails couldn't resist. Let alone a mere Five-Tails.
Although Rengoku lacked the Uzumaki physique that multiplied endurance, he had chakra reserves more than sufficient, so he didn't worry about the drain.
Kokuo, bound up like a rice dumpling, was dragged directly before Master Senku.
Senku formed a seal with his hands, striking it onto Kokuo's body.
At once, dense sealing marks spread across him, and Kokuo's massive form shrank like a punctured balloon.
He reverted back into Han.
Han's face was deathly pale, he couldn't move any chakra at all.
This was a sealing technique combining the Four Symbols Seal and the Fire Prison Barrier.
Senku had gone through so many movements, yet the time spent was very short.
In just a moment, Iwa's Five-Tails jinchuriki had already been captured.
Only then did the Rock ninja rush forward in panic, trying to rescue him.
But Sasori, standing beside, extended a curved blade to Han's neck, its edge dripping with vivid purple poison.
"All of you, back off! Or I'll kill your jinchuriki right now!"
The Iwa ninja froze, halting as if slamming on brakes, looking at each other but not daring to advance.
At this moment, Konan also descended from the sky.
Though she knew Rengoku's fighting power was immense, two years ago he used Susanoo to fight the Raikage, this was something completely different.
Even as just a special clone, for Rengoku to wield sealing arts to this level.
It was simply terrifying.
Those watching from afar were all stunned.
Among them were Obito, Black Zetsu, and Tobi.
On the Sand's side were Maki, Pakura, and others.
On Konoha's side were Asuma, Kakashi, and Yamato.
Though none were dedicated scouts, Konoha's wealth of resources meant they were well equipped.
Each used Shadow Clones or Wood Clones and binoculars to observe from nearby.
And not far away, Deidara, still thinking about that "Holy Seal."
'A golden lotus… that really is art.'
Everyone seeing this old monk so overwhelmingly strong were dumbfounded.
How many years had it been since the ninja world saw sealing arts this powerful?
Why was Uzushiogakure destroyed back then, if not because its sealing arts were too heaven-defying?
And now, here appeared another top master of sealing.
The emergence of Master Senku meant that every jinchuriki in the world would have to keep their tails tucked.
Meanwhile, outside, Kitsuchi was locked in a hot fight with Kakuzu, not knowing his home had already been stolen.
When he rushed back, it was too late.
Seeing Han sealed and held hostage, Kitsuchi was completely stunned.
Iwa's jinchuriki, under such heavy protection, had been captured.
Only after hearing an explanation from the other Iwa did he realize. Han had been seized in a single move even while fully transformed.
Shock flashed in Kitsuchi's eyes.
'Akatsuki really have such monsters?'
According to the plan discussed with Rengoku, Konan spoke, "I am Konan of Akatsuki. We came here as mediators, to end the conflict between Iwa and Suna."
Kitsuchi glared at Konan, his voice deep, "The matter of the mines can be negotiated. But you must release our jinchuriki immediately."
At that moment, Senku rose from the ground with his staff.
As the rings on the staff jingled, everyone's eyes turned toward him.
He walked forward slowly, each step as if pressing against Kitsuchi's chest.
Sasori and Konan also stepped aside, giving this powerhouse proper respect.
"Poor monk Senku, greets the benefactor."
Senku carried no airs. He even bowed politely to Kitsuchi.
There was not the slightest ripple of chakra on him, as if he were not the one who had unleashed the Holy Seal just now.
Kitsuchi had seen monks before, but one this fierce, this was his first time.
Nervous, he hurriedly returned the bow, not knowing where to put his hands.
"Master Senku, this battle between us and Suna can indeed be negotiated. But we must take back our jinchuriki."
Seeing Senku seemed more approachable, Kitsuchi quickly repeated himself.
Senku tapped his staff lightly on the ground, "This time I was invited to subdue your jinchuriki, in order to end this war."
"Once negotiations are settled, the jinchuriki will naturally be returned to you intact."
Kitsuchi's expression turned startled, "Master, are you serious?"
Senku chanted a Buddha's name, "A monk does not speak false words."
Seeing Senku's dignified bearing, Kitsuchi couldn't help but believe somewhat.
After all, Senku had captured Han in a single move. To lie would serve no purpose.
"Then fine. Bring the Sand people over."
Kitsuchi had no choice. After all, their jinchuriki was in the enemy's hands.
Konan consulted briefly, then Sasori unfolded the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand wings again, taking off toward the Sand to deliver the message.
On the fringe, Kakuzu still didn't know what had happened in the center.
When Sasori came down, he quickly got the news.
Though shocked and disbelieving, with so many witnesses, it couldn't be false.
The Sand weren't blind either. They already understood what had happened.
The Iwa jinchuriki had truly been captured by Akatsuki, and in just one move.
When Kakuzu and Sasori came over, Chiyo immediately stepped forward.
"Negotiation?", Even Chiyo felt unreal.
This war dragged on so long, and Akatsuki had resolved it the moment they appeared?
"Fine, fine, fine, this old lady will come over at once."
After arranging matters with the Sand, Chiyo followed Kakuzu and Sasori.
Along the way, she saw the Iwa ninja staring at them with looks like their parents had just died.
No helping it. It was humiliating.
Before, Han thought being tricked by Sasori and Kakuzu was disgraceful enough.
Now, something even more shameful had happened.
Their hundred-man force had not only been broken through, but their jinchuriki had been taken alive.
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