"Damn it, why is he so powerful?" Kakuzu gritted his teeth, his eyes full of shock and unwillingness.
At this moment, the oppressive aura radiating from the towering black figure reminded him of the time he once faced Senju Hashirama. That same feeling of overwhelming despair came rushing back.
And Kakuzu wasn't the only one shaken—every member of Akatsuki stared wide-eyed at the giant in disbelief. The immense pressure it exuded made them feel a threat unlike anything they had ever encountered.
"This… Is this the true power of the Mangekyō Sharingan?" Orochimaru murmured, dazed, a trace of awe glinting in his snake-like eyes.
At that moment, he finally understood how Uchiha Madara had once stood shoulder to shoulder with Senju Hashirama at the peak of the ninja world.
So this was the true terror of the Mangekyō Sharingan—it was power that could bring despair.
Orochimaru couldn't say for certain if Uchiha Fugaku was stronger than Madara, but one thing was clear: with his current strength, defeating Fugaku was impossible.
"Chief, what should we do?" Biwa Juzō shouted, his voice tinged with panic.
To be honest, the moment he saw the fully manifested Susanoo, his first instinct had been to run. But as a member of Akatsuki, retreat wasn't an option. And yet, against such a monstrous foe, he truly didn't know what to do next.
Though each of them possessed Kage-level strength, Fugaku was clearly in a league far above. This was the difference between being "Kage-level"—and surpassing it.
Pain narrowed his eyes, watching Fugaku intently. A rare look of fear flickered behind his Rinnegan.
"We did underestimate Uchiha Fugaku's strength," he admitted grimly. "But that doesn't mean we've lost! Everyone—attack together!"
Without waiting for a response, Pain charged forward, heading straight for Fugaku without hesitation.
Even though Fugaku's overwhelming strength unsettled him, Pain still had confidence—confidence born from the Rinnegan itself.
After all, how many could boast of having the same eyes as the Sage of Six Paths?
Snapped out of their fear, the others quickly followed suit. Now was not the time to falter.
"Haha, the leader is right. We may not lose!" Orochimaru smirked, a glint of confidence flickering in his gaze.
A vibrant blue aura suddenly burst from around him, swirling like ethereal mist.
His clothes fluttered in the wind, stirred by invisible force.
Feeling the surging spiritual energy inside his body, Orochimaru clenched his fists with excitement. "The third level of foundation building? I didn't expect a breakthrough at such a critical moment."
In an instant, his hesitation and doubt vanished. His mentality had shifted completely.
The newly awakened power gave him fresh insight—and overwhelming energy.
His eyes locked on Fugaku, sharp and filled with fighting spirit. "Let me experience the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan myself."
Elsewhere, the Red Sand Scorpion burst into manic laughter. "Hahaha! It's been a long time since I've felt this excited!"
In a blur, he dashed forward, wielding his poisonous weapons with dazzling speed and deadly precision.
Not far behind, Konan and Kakuzu also surged ahead, rushing toward Fugaku without hesitation.
Only Biwa Juzō remained frozen in place.
He looked at the massive black giant ahead, then back at his companions charging toward it, utterly confused. "What the hell? Since when were you all so brave?"
But in the next breath, he forced himself to act.
"No choice now. Screw it—I'll fight too!"
He gritted his teeth, raised his beheading sword high, and stormed ahead.
Suddenly, massive paper wings unfurled from Konan's back. As they flapped, she soared into the air, her hands slicing through the air to release a storm of paper.
What had once been soft and fragile now transformed into a barrage of razor-sharp blades, hurtling toward Susanoo like a rainstorm of death.
But Uchiha Fugaku simply watched, his gaze calm and unmoved. He trusted Susanoo's defense completely.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The barrage of paper struck Susanoo's armor like rain against steel, producing a chorus of crisp, metallic sounds. But no matter how many sheets struck, none left a scratch.
Susanoo stood tall, unshaken and impenetrable.
---
In the Mine
Obito suddenly twitched. "Hey… did you hear that? A metallic clanging?"
Kakashi groaned. "Of course I heard it." He was getting increasingly irritated—Obito had been jumpy all day.
Obito perked up. "Haha! See? I knew I wasn't hearing things!"
Kakashi didn't respond. He simply pointed toward a spot nearby.
Obito followed his gaze—and saw Shisui hammering rocks with a shovel, sparks flying with every hit.
"...Actually, that's not the sound I meant..." Obito mumbled awkwardly.
Kakashi's patience snapped. He threw his own shovel to the ground with a clank. "Damn it, are you still suspicious?!"
His eyes were ablaze with rage, as if ready to strangle Obito on the spot.
Seeing Kakashi furious, Obito gave an awkward laugh and returned to digging quietly.
"...But I really did hear something..." he muttered under his breath, barely audible.
"Say that again! I swear, I'll give you masala!" Kakashi barked, grabbing a rock and hurling it at him.
"Wah—!" Obito yelped, ducking to avoid the flying stone.
Seeing Kakashi fuming, he wisely chose silence.
---
Back on the Battlefield
"Shinra Tensei!"
"Paper Style: Paper Sword Rain!"
"Lurking Snake Hand!"
"Iron Ore Boundary Technique!"
"Fire Style: Head-Hard Jutsu!"
"Go, Beheading Sword!"
In a flash, countless attacks poured down on the complete form of Susanoo from all directions—desperate to bring down the seemingly invincible giant.
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