Meanwhile, Konoha, in their gassed-out states, had much of their Shinobi and high end combat power diminished. The likes of Orochimaru and Minato had used significant portions of their chakra and had to be much more conservative given the new enemy. Others like Might Duy, who had opened his 6th gate at one point to protect his son's squad when they were in a dangerous position, were also incredibly fatigued. Duy was forced to turn off his Eight Inner Gates technique after having it on for such an extended period after using it against Kiri not too long ago. The lack of rest meant his body hadn't been able to recover, and risking using it more now could lead to permanent damage.
This meant that even if Konoha had the strongest Shinobi, they weren't able to cross the huge numbers gap that they may have been able to. Even those less tired couldn't flip the script, lacking the raw power to be able to kill many or deal with a Tailed Beast, such as the Hyuga brothers who, while powerful, were limited by the very Taijutsu that made them strong.
Minato moved more directly to deal with the 5 Tails to ensure that a rogue Tailed Beast Bomb wouldn't leave hundreds of families grieving. He was most suited to do so due to his sealing expertise, and from his performance over the past few days had earned the respect and trust of his comrades. Even though the Uzumaki were on the battlefield, they lacked the strength Minato had to directly hold off the 5 Tails himself.
Unfortunately, this also meant that Konoha's single biggest trump factor in this battle, who might have been able to turn it around, was held up. Things were working out perfectly for Iwa, and they couldn't have known just how much.
As a consequence, Konoha's ranks were suffering. Having fought Kumo they had already used up chakra more frugally seeing themselves winning and in no way expected to fight another battle. Their numbers as Iwa attacked were closer to 6000 than they were to 7000 from the casualties they inevitably suffered which rapidly decreased as they were sandwiched. Even after Kumo retreated, they were still against a force of 12,000. Likely the largest army the Shinbi world had seen to date.
It meant that for each Konoha Shinobi there were almost 2 Iwa Shinobi, and therefore each man would have to fight two.
Even as Katsuro fought Lava and Rock with his Wind and Lightning he noticed. Even under the 2 v 1, his versatile and powerful arsenal of Jutsu including the Flying Raijin and Shadow Clones meant he was still comfortable, and even winning.
His sword enhanced with the wind chakra armour and usual lightning had a much more penetrative effect than Onoki was used to, making even the rock armour he believed in become increasingly worthless. It slowed it down, in exchange for endurance but when Katsuro was getting through it often as he blitzed around it became worthless.
He would have had to abandon it before Katsuro used a stronger Jutsu that would deal lethal damage, but luckily Onoki wasn't alone. He was working together with Roshi, and was acting as a tank to Roshi's damage dealing.
Onoki couldn't predict or react to Katsuro, but he could react to Roshi. With his experience, he would predict and anticipate how Katsuro would attack Roshi to use his heavy gauntlets to block it, trying to hold onto Katsuro to allow for Roshi to counter. The first time he did this, Katsuro was surprised, raising his eyebrow as Onoki grasped onto his hand and used his Heavy Weight Rock Technique to hold him in place.
To his credit Roshi reacted quickly to make use of the opportunity, sending a searing fist of magma towards Katsuro's face from behind Onoki. Unfortunately for them, Katsuro's enhanced reaction speed was simply too quick, and with a tilt of his head, he dodged the blow, feeling the heat from the side of his head.
He manipulated his Wind Chakra Mode around the sword arm Onoki was holding onto for dear life, sending a burst of wind in a spiral to send his opponent flying off, before delivering a lightning quick kick as he stomped down with his left foot, while twisting his hip and right leg into the side of Roshi. His own Wind Chakra Mode armour protected him from the heat of Roshi's own Lava Chakra Mode during the brief contact and proceeded to send him flying precisely towards where Onoki was as well, forcing him to catch a burning Roshi just as he was recovering and getting up himself.
With them both together, in the same motion, Katsuro used the rocks and debris he had kicked up with his stomp before motioning with his hands in a push to manipulate Earth and Wind Chakra to create little stone shotgun pellets rushing at the Iwa pair.
"Earth Style: Stone Bullets!"
Roshi, being in front, had to tank the attack, being in no position to dodge and while his Lava Chakra melted the stone away, the force of the blow still created large welts and bruises, even if they failed to pierce through.
The battle continued in a similar fashion, with Onoki and Roshi both doing their best to bring down the Senju Patriarch, trying to coordinate their strongest attacks and defences, hoping that Katsuro would many a mistake - any mistake - but it was futile, and at the end of each and every exchange, the result was always the same. Katsuro, be it by a direct hit on Roshi or Onoki, or in terms of chakra use / depletion, always came out on top.
Onoki gritted his teeth in frustration.
Even though I have a Jinchuriki fighting by my side, it changed barely anything.
I'm still losing! But if we can at least hold him here, Konoha will suffer!
Katsuro knew, of course, his battle could be won, while the rest of Konoha was struggling to keep up. He wanted to wrap up his own fight, but he knew that Onoki and Roshi would stubbornly hold on to give their forces time to win. Even if he won, the sacrifice would be his village and his people, which was a sacrifice he refused to make.
"Everyone, fall far back!" Katsuro yelled decisively to the rest of the Leaf Shinobi, who followed their orders without question, while managing to defend their backs and others held off the enemy with their lives. Fortunately for the Leaf Shinobi, their opposition didn't seem to pursue them too quickly, and instead took a slower approach, seeing Katsuro between them and their enemies. Furthermore, the battle between the Cloud and Stone grew larger as a result of Konoha's retreat. Katsuro aided the stranglers in getting back and stood in front of the remaining Leaf force.
Among them, he saw people he had known his whole life, close friends, allies, clansmen. Katsuro refused to accept defeat, and he could see in the rest of his fellow Leaf Shinobis' eyes that they too were ready to push themselves further. However, throughout the crowd, a few eyes of worry and near defeat looked up at him.
Hmm, it seems I will have to use it. The situation is perfect for it, and at this point I'm the strongest anyway, who cares if they know my cards. I'll cover the backs of my comrades. Onoki will have to think twice if he believes just this is enough.
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