In Konoha Village, at the Hokage Building.
Shikaku entered his office with an unusually grim expression. Something had happened that troubled him, making his demeanor strange.
Those kinds of emotions were normally seen on regular ninja, so it felt strange seeing them on someone known as the Hokage's top strategist.
Minato was flipping through some documents but noticed Shikaku entering and looked up curiously.
"What's wrong, Shikaku?"
Minato asked casually. He had just sent Shikaku to dispatch a scouting and medical unit to follow The Third. Judging by Shikaku's reaction, something must've come up.
"Nothing serious. I've already made the arrangements! The unit has followed The Third and is already en route!"
Shikaku stroked his beard while his eyes sparkled with thought. He was still mulling things over.
"Okay then, who's in the group?"
Minato stretched lazily. He trusted Shikaku to handle the details, so this was just a routine check.
"The captain of the scouting team this time is Hizashi Hyuga, along with several other ninja. As for the medical team, I originally wanted to recruit a few from the Medical Division, but I ran into Tsunade-sama, so…"
"Oh, did Tsunade-sama join this mission?"
Minato's eyes lit up briefly, though he immediately remembered something.
Tsunade's fear of blood still hadn't gotten any better, so she wasn't really suited for this kind of mission. But if she decided to go, no one could stop her.
Minato hadn't planned to hide the nature of this mission from her anyway. If she found out and showed interest, letting her tag along was fine!
Even if Tsunade couldn't directly confront enemies, her strength would definitely be enough for self-defense!
"Yes, Tsunade-sama and her team have already left. I also dispatched a few other medical ninjas to follow along and provide backup assistance."
Shikaku nodded. As one of those aware of Tsunade's condition, he sounded somewhat courteous when speaking about her.
"Then there shouldn't be any problems!"
Minato returned his focus back to work. With such an elite lineup for this mission, he had practically nothing left to worry about.
Hizashi Hyuga was also an exceptionally strong Jonin. For this support squad, he would serve as a formidable combat presence.
Plus, with his powerful bloodline limit, his abilities would give the group unmatched battlefield awareness, offering both offensive and defensive versatility!
...
"Tsunade-sama, it seems The Third has already engaged the enemy. Should we quicken our pace?"
Hayato crouched on a tree branch, thick, bluish veins pulsing around his eyes.
Their current mission was to report developments back to the village and provide support and treatment to Kakashi's team.
Behind him were several Leaf ninja wearing forehead protectors. Standing beside him, Tsunade wore a focused expression as she contemplated.
"Haven't spotted anyone else yet?"
Tsunade asked, knowing Jiraiya had brought another team here much earlier.
"We did see some people, but they looked severely injured — definitely critical wounds."
"I currently don't sense Jiraiya-sama's chakra fluctuation. I'm not sure about his condition."
Hayato had worked with Jiraiya before and naturally recognized his chakra, but through his Byakugan vision, he found nothing.
"Let's move forward and prepare to rescue the injured!"
Tsunade wrinkled her eyebrows, her flawless complexion revealing some confusion.
"Where did that Jiraiya go? And there's also Orochimaru mentioned in Shikaku's report..."
The reason she chose to leave the village with this team was mainly because of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and The Third.
Without these individuals, she would have had no reason and no interest in leaving the village at all.
She left the village in such a rush that she hadn't even contacted Shizune, who was helping Rin at the hospital, so Shizune had no idea what Tsunade was up to.
If she knew, she definitely would've been the first to volunteer.
...
With a "swish!" sound, Susanoo swung its left-hand blade, attacking The Third on the ground.
The air was torn apart, making a "whooshing" sound, while flames seemed to burn endlessly on the blade as if they would never extinguish.
"Scatter!"
The Third called out solemnly, then leaped aside.
This Susanoo, though enormous in size, remained remarkably agile—just like an ordinary-sized body.
That made things very difficult!
"Swoosh!"
The Third jumped aside without looking back, rushing directly toward the stone wall at high speed, clearly with a strong purpose.
"Da-Da-Da!"
Saitama maneuvered Susanoo in pursuit, continuously launching attacks that slashed the ground into pieces.
"Swoosh!"
The Third moved extremely fast, dodging Saitama's attacks while constantly heading toward his own target.
Soon, he arrived beneath the cliffside, then kicked off the ground, climbing rapidly up the steep rock face.
"Enma!"
Reaching the highest point, The Third shouted loudly, using the cliff's height to launch himself into the air, reaching approximately the same level as Saitama's Susanoo chest.
"I understand!"
Previously, Enma had dispersed from his position with The Third, and Saitama hadn't pursued him, so he was currently behind Saitama.
Upon hearing The Third's voice, Enma quickly realized what he needed to do.
He pushed off the ground and leapt into the air, shooting toward the skeletal frame surrounding Saitama.
Mid-flight, he transformed into a black rod, growing continually thicker and longer while attacking Saitama.
"Duang!"
Enma's Adamantine Staff collided violently with the blade under Saitama's control, producing a dull crashing sound and showering sparks everywhere.
[Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Jutsu!]
Taking advantage of Saitama momentarily turning sideways, The Third instantly activated his ninjutsu.
A dragon-shaped inferno roared toward Saitama, even bigger and fiercer than before.
Although casting the Lightning Release: Clone Technique had already consumed nearly half of The Third's chakra, as a veteran Kage-level ninja, his chakra reserves remained substantial. Moreover, every time he performed a technique, the chakra used was precisely allocated where it should be, wasting absolutely nothing.
Therefore, he continued launching ninjutsu without hesitation or calculation—he had no need to hold back.
"Crash!"
[Fire Dragon] roared as it struck the right shoulder of Susanoo. Flames instantly engulfed everything, enveloping both Saitama and Susanoo.
Saitama showed no concern. He pressed down on Enma's staff form for leverage, then raised his blade and slashed downward, driving it forcefully into the ground.
At the exact spot where the Third had attacked, some flesh-like substance began to gather. It started to condense and spread outward, using the shoulder as its center to extend throughout the entire body.
"What is this..."
The Third's eyes widened as he watched the area he had struck gradually harden. Flesh continuously grew, muscles intertwining with one another.
"Crash!"
Enma slammed into the ground, reverting to his ape monkey form.
As soon as he landed, he attempted to rise again and rejoin the fight.
But Saitama was faster. The blade was already above Enma's body.
The flaming blade pierced straight through Enma's body.
Time seemed to freeze—while the Third had not yet touched the ground, his gaze was locked onto Saitama's movement.
Blood splattered violently as Saitama drove Enma straight into the earth like a spike.
"Ugh..."
Enma opened his eyes wide, clearly unable to believe he had actually been pierced. Blood poured from his chest and mouth without stopping.
"Clang!"
Saitama pulled out the blade. Susanoo then kicked one foot forward, mercilessly slamming it into Enma's body.
"Boom!" Enma flew like a cannonball, whistling through the air toward the distance before crashing onto the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. He lay motionless.
"Enma!!"
The Third roared in fury. As soon as he landed, he rushed over immediately, seemingly intent on checking Enma's condition.
But Saitama gave him no chance. Controlling Susanoo, he swung his blade downward at the grounded Third.
The flames on the sword could extend outward but drained a significant amount of chakra and eye energy.
At this point, however, Saitama had no intention of conserving anything. If he could defeat the Third quickly, he could leave sooner.
The Third probably hadn't come alone—he must have moved ahead of the main force. More Konoha ninjas would arrive soon enough!
"Crack!"
The blade came down just beside the Third, unleashing a sea of flames that engulfed him.
"Die!"
Still controlling Susanoo, Saitama continued his relentless assault.
While dodging frantically, the Third realized there was no longer any opportunity to check on Enma. Instead, he dashed off in another direction, attempting to lure Saitama away.
Without hesitation, Saitama gave chase immediately. His blade swung without pause, forcing the Third into a desperate, battered retreat.
Although Saitama hadn't landed a direct hit yet, the scattered flames emitted by the blade had already left numerous wounds across the old man's body.
Deep black burn marks now marred the old man's already wrinkled face.
Even the long, pale beard beneath his chin had burned away significantly, leaving him looking extremely ragged.
Soon, the two chased each other into another area. This place was far more open, the ground flatter.
[Earth Release: Earth Flow Great River!]
The Third dodged Saitama's attack with a flip, landing on the ground the next instant, his hands slamming hard onto the earth below—as if he had been planning this move for quite some time.
The ground beneath Saitama quaked violently as waves of mud surged up, transforming the battlefield into a sticky swamp that pulled relentlessly at Susanoo's limbs, dragging him downward.
[Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet Jutsu!]
Without wasting a moment after landing a hit, The Third continued his assault, weaving hand seals once again to unleash another ninjutsu technique.
With chakra surging, a massive brown-yellow dragon head formed beside him, sculpted from rough earth—nearly identical to the muddy terrain under Saitama's feet.
[Fire Release: Great Dragon Flame Projectile!]
Once more, The Third opened his mouth wide, and a giant red fireball appeared by his lips.
Beside him, the earthen dragon also opened its maw, gathering torrents of dirt within.
"Hmph!"
Leaning back, The Third exhaled the fiery projectile forward, synchronizing it perfectly with the stream of earth unleashed by the dragon beside him.
Their target—Saitama and Susanoo, both trapped deep in the mud.
These techniques radiated immense pressure, far surpassing typical ninja arts.
Saitama struggled within the mud using Susanoo, but quickly realized it was useless—the soil was extremely sticky, making escape nearly impossible.
Then, he noticed The Third had stopped moving and begun launching attacks directly at him.
[Electric Shock!]
Without hesitation, Susanoo released a powerful surge of electricity. White arcs crackled across his muscular frame, growing thicker and denser until they hardened into what looked like an additional armor layer.
"Hmph!"
The flames crashed against Susanoo's body. Saitama could feel the force behind the blast, but it failed to break through Susanoo's defenses.
Susanoo merely leaned back slightly, shrugging off the blast with ease.
"Pfft!"
The sudden burst of electricity scorched the muddy ground beneath him, drying out the sludge and stripping it of its clinging grip.
So, with a single leap, Saitama propelled Susanoo out of the filthy swamp.
Midair, Susanoo slashed forward once more, cutting straight through the incoming stream of earthen attacks.
Flames roared along the blade, reducing the earth-based jutsu to nothing more than minor annoyances.
Just like slicing through fruit, Susanoo effortlessly cleaved through The Third's technique.
"Swoosh!"
Having shattered The Third's jutsu, this slash now aimed directly at The Third himself, the flame atop the blade even more focused and deep-hued, seemingly increasing in destructive power.
"Crap!"
The Third's expression shifted rapidly. His own techniques were failing to harm Saitama at all. Encased within Susanoo, Saitama seemed practically invincible!
Planting both hands firmly on the ground, The Third twisted his body skillfully to evade Saitama's strike. He rolled backward several times before landing again, eyes locked cautiously on his opponent across the field.
"Boom!"
Just as he was about to launch another attack, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
Saitama froze mid-motion. His eyes instantly widened, revealing a flash of surprise.
Likewise, the Susanoo under his control hesitated for a brief moment.
"What is this..."
The Third naturally noticed this change. Yet before he could react, his thoughts were interrupted by an unexpected strike from the Susanoo.
"It seems my eye power has been drained quite heavily... Although I possess Hashirama's cells, restoring my spiritual energy still takes time. Continuously using such high-level Ninjutsu places too much strain on my eyes!"
Saitama reflected on his body's immediate reaction. A strange pressure built up behind his eyes, and his vision had turned slightly blurry—no longer sharp.
"But taking down the Third should still be no problem!"
Focusing sharply, Saitama fixed his gaze on the dodging Kage while pushing aside all distracting thoughts.
"Although Susanoo offers strong defense and offense, if it can't land a hit on the Third, killing him will remain difficult! Looks like I'll need my regular form to finish him off quickly!"
After just a moment's thought, Saitama already had his plan. While the Susanoo might place him in an unbeatable position, failing to actually strike the enemy meant ultimate failure.
If this dragged out any longer, the Third might get reinforcements, putting me back at a disadvantage!
"ZAP!"
The Susanoo leapt high into the air with a powerful push of its legs. Its sword raised overhead, ready to strike.
"Crackle!"
A surge of electric energy wrapped around Saitama's body, white currents snapping loudly. At the same time, Sage chakra continued flowing within him, providing immense physical power.
"SWOOSH!"
Like a phantom, the Susanoo instantly vanished—dissolving into mist or merging back into his body—as Saitama emerged from inside, previously shielded by the divine warrior.
He materialized the Chidori Light Sword in his right hand. Glaring down at the Third below, Saitama's eyes burned with killing intent as the muscles in his arm tensed tightly.
"WHOOSH!"
Mid-descent, Saitama flung his right arm forward, hurling the Chidori Light Sword downward.
"FWUMP!"
The Third narrowly sidestepped. The Chidori Light Sword embedded itself deeply beside his foot.
But within seconds, Saitama crossed over a dozen meters, appearing directly next to the Chidori blade—and right in front of the Third.
"Huh?" The Third puzzled slightly, caught off guard for half a second.
He cast a sidelong glance and noticed a row of strange Runes along the Chidori blade. Instantly, realization struck hard—he now knew exactly how Saitama had appeared so suddenly at his side.
[Flying Thunder God]...
"CRASH!"
The moment Saitama landed, he immediately launched a kick straight into the Third's chest, leaving no time for reaction or defense.
"CRACK!"
The Third's chest armor fractured, sinking inward with a distinct footprint marking its surface.
"Hmmp!" Following the initial blow, the Third flew upward—but hadn't even risen far when Saitama seized one of his arms.
"WHAM!" Another punch came crashing down squarely against the Third's face.
The electric current on Saitama's fist instantly exploded. Saitama saw surprise and fury flash across The Third's face.
"Zap!"
Saitama launched another strike, but it was blocked by one hand raised by The Third.
"Thud!"
Bending his legs, The Third kicked powerfully at Saitama's chest.
Yet a second before impact, a sturdy layer of white lightning armor formed over Saitama's chest, absorbing most of the damage from the blow.
"Duang!"
Saitama caught The Third's foot with one hand, while the other came down in a fierce slash charged with white electricity.
"Crack!"
The sound of bones breaking echoed between them.
["Wind Release: Cyclone!"]
Grimacing in pain, The Third inhaled sharply and then blasted a powerful gust of air straight at Saitama.
A tangible, immensely strong wind surged toward Saitama.
With a hiss, the technique struck Saitama directly in the face, sending him flying backward.
"Boom!" "Boom!"
Two thuds hit the ground—one from The Third, and one from Saitama.
But Saitama quickly got back to his feet, his exposed face bearing only light wounds.
Those wounds were already closing fast—his incredible body working its magic.
However, The Third remained motionless for a long time after hitting the ground.
Because Saitama's precise Palm Strike had cleanly snapped both of his lower legs.
From Saitama's perspective, the leg guards worn by The Third had completely shattered. Both legs were severely deformed, each suffering fractures of varying degrees.
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