The facts have proven it once again.
In the face of absolute power, numbers held no meaning. Even if ten thousand Anbu ninja attacked together, there would still be only one outcome—he would wipe them out in an instant.
However, Heiyan hadn't actually used lethal force.
The fallen Anbu slowly pushed themselves up, each struggling to their feet. None had died or sustained serious injuries, but their internal meridians had been damaged, temporarily rendering them unable to fight.
As soon as Heiyan struck, panic swept through the plaza. Most of the spectators fled in terror, quickly leaving the area wide open.
He kept advancing, making his way directly toward Tsunade.
Tsunade still stood there, her hands braced on the podium, frowning as she glared at Heiyan.
She wouldn't run or back down. If Heiyan dared approach, she would strike without hesitation.
Just then—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three figures burst out from behind Tsunade, blocking Heiyan's path.
It was Hiruzen Sarutobi and his two apprentices—Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Swish!
Hiruzen ripped off his long robe, revealing his battle armor underneath. At the same time, he flipped his right hand, summoning his Multi-Size Staff into his grasp.
"Heiyan, you've vented enough. It's time to stop."
He spoke with a furrowed brow, seriously pleading with him.
"You're here to stop me?"
Heiyan asked casually, not pausing his steps.
"I'm not trying to stop you. I just hope you won't act recklessly. We can talk this through calmly."
Hiruzen sighed deeply.
"Regardless of everything, in my heart, you've always been a hero of Konoha. Konoha will forever be your home."
His voice was filled with grief and remorse.
"Unfortunately, there's little to discuss. My demand is simple—I want Tsunade handed over to me."
Unmoved, Heiyan rejected Hiruzen's plea outright.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen's expression changed. He asked in confusion,
"Why must you take Tsunade away? You could stay here—you'd be welcomed by everyone. If you and Tsunade worked together, you could surely lead the shinobi world into a brighter future..."
He didn't give up, continuing his earnest persuasion.
Hmph.
Heiyan merely chuckled after hearing that.
His gaze swept around, observing the looks in the crowd—hatred, fear, anger... Everyone saw him as a threat, desperate to see him gone.
And Hiruzen expected him to lead these people into a future?
Were they even worthy?
So Heiyan shook his head and said, "One last chance—step aside. My mercy has limits."
Before his voice faded, an overwhelming aura naturally radiated from his body, immediately exerting immense pressure upon the three facing him.
Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly, and he took a quiet step back.
His goal was immortality; he had no intention of dying pointlessly here. Though he knew Heiyan wasn't someone who killed needlessly, there was also no reason to stick around and get beaten up.
"Orochimaru, you..."
Jiraiya noticed that Orochimaru had actually run away. His eyes widened in shock and he was about to accuse him when a warning came from Hiruzen Sarutobi beside him:
"Watch out!"
A whistling gust of wind slashed through the air—
Heiyan instantly activated, shooting forward toward the two men and throwing a punch at Hiruzen.
He moved too fast—like teleporting. Hiruzen couldn't dodge in time and could only take the hit directly.
However, the moment he started to assume a defensive stance, even though he clearly saw Heiyan's fist still some distance away, the impact had already struck him full force.
How is this possible...
Shock filled Hiruzen's heart. His vision turned black before his eyes, and he flew backward like a cannonball.
The next instant, Heiyan spun around and kicked Jiraiya in the abdomen.
Jiraiya's pupils shrank. He recognized the secret behind Heiyan's taijutsu—it closely resembled the Mount Myoboku Sage Art: Frog Kata.
[Sage Art: Frog Kata]
That was a Sage Mode technique, utilizing natural energy invisible to the naked eye to extend the range, precision, and destructive power of attacks.
That's why Hiruzen had been completely taken by surprise and blasted away.
Despite Jiraiya's incredible insight into identifying Heiyan's technique, he couldn't retaliate by instantly entering Sage Mode like Heiyan could.
So just like Hiruzen, he was kicked flying too.
CRASH!
With countless eyes watching in horror, Hiruzen crashed headfirst into the giant 'Fire' kanji atop the Hokage Tower, leaving a gaping crater in its wake.
As for Jiraiya, he smashed into a wall beside the stage and was buried beneath the rubble.
Another instant knockout.
Former Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and Master Jiraiya were both wiped out with a single punch and kick.
This scene was broadcast live across the entire shinobi world by dozens of remote video cameras.
In front of TVs and theater screens, countless viewers sat frozen, unable to speak or move.
[Gulp...]
Orochimaru swallowed hard, relieved he'd known his own limits and backed off in time. Otherwise, he'd probably be lying on the ground now too.
After dealing with Hiruzen and Jiraiya, Heiyan continued moving forward.
To him, anyone who stood between him and Tsunade would suffer one fate—being crushed into submission.
Unexpectedly, under Heiyan's terrifying pressure, someone actually dared step forward.
Moreover, they were two comrades who once fought side by side with him.
Fugaku and Hiashi exchanged glances, then stepped forward together.
"Heiyan, exactly what has happened to you? Can't you calm yourself down a little?"
Hiashi said, somewhat excitedly.
He couldn't understand why Heiyan had become so unfamiliar, no longer the person who firmly believed in the Will of Fire and was willing to sacrifice everything for his ideals and the village.
"Heiyan, Hiashi is right. Let's talk things over calmly."
Fugaku also spoke heavily.
"Fugaku... Hiashi... Even you two are going to try to stop me?"
Heiyan finally stopped walking, looking at these two comrades who once faced life and death alongside him.
"No matter what, we cannot let you take Tsunade away."
"That is our duty as Konoha ninja."
They spoke in succession.
"Since that's the case, let's begin then. I've been wondering how much you've improved over these past few years."
Heiyan smiled and stood his ground, waiting for them to make their move.
What was going on?
The former Konoha Sannin were about to fight each other in public like this?
Their words caused an even bigger stir among the distant onlookers.
The Konoha Sannin.
This trio had once been Konoha's greatest pride and a legend throughout the shinobi world.
They had been like Konoha's Dragon-Spike Pillar, preventing other ninja villages from making any reckless moves.
Yet today, before the entire shinobi world, they might be engaging in a life-or-death battle.
Setting Heiyan aside, Fugaku and Hiashi had become the respective clan heads of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Among all Leaf Village ninjas, aside from Tsunade, they were considered the two strongest warriors.
What's more, when working together, their combined strength was unquestionably greater than the sum of their parts — 1+1>2. Even Tsunade might stand no chance against them.
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