Compared to the excitement of the Konoha alliance of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, the shinobi of Kumogakure were scowling.
Even with the Two-Tails Jinchūriki going full Tailed Beast Mode, they couldn't gain the upper hand over that lone Uchiha. In fact, the Uchiha's superior speed gave him a decisive advantage. The Two-Tails couldn't keep up.
A blond-haired Kumogakure shinobi, C, proposed an idea in frustration.
"How about we provide support from long-range? If this continues, even the Two-Tails Jinchūriki might be defeated."
Mabui, calm and calculating, shook her head.
"No. You saw that Uchiha's speed, didn't you? He's far faster and more agile than the Tailed Beast. Even if we launch ranged attacks, we might miss and accidentally hit our own comrade."
"Not only would it be useless, we could end up becoming a burden."
C clenched his fist, visibly frustrated, but couldn't refute her logic.
"Then what should we do? We can't just stand here and watch!"
"There's still a lot we can do," Mabui replied firmly.
"Let the Two-Tails keep him occupied. Even with his speed, he can't easily defeat a fully-transformed Tailed Beast."
"Our focus should be the Konoha allied forces ahead of us. We outnumber them two to one. If we eliminate them quickly, we can turn back to assist the Jinchūriki."
C's eyes lit up at her strategic plan.
"That's a solid idea."
He turned to the shinobi behind him and shouted,
"Everyone capable of long-range ninjutsu—step forward and target the Konoha forces!"
Before engaging in close combat, he intended to soften up the enemy with a barrage of ranged attacks. Among the Kumogakure shinobi, many specialized in kenjutsu and Lightning Release techniques. Those skilled in long-range attacks promptly stepped up and began forming hand signs.
In an instant, the entire Kumogakure front line shimmered with flashes of lightning.
Uchiha Hachidai, leading the Konoha side, immediately noticed their preparations. A grin curled on his lips.
The Uchiha clan had never been afraid of a ninjutsu face-off.
Though outnumbered, every single Uchiha present was a seasoned user of Fire Release techniques.
"All Uchiha, step forward and unleash Fire Release jutsu on the enemy lines!" Hachidai commanded.
Each Uchiha warrior stepped up eagerly. With practiced precision, they formed hand seals. Their stomachs expanded with inhaled chakra before they exhaled massive fireballs toward the Kumogakure formation.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
In moments, the sky turned crimson, filled with roaring spheres of flame raining toward the enemy.
On the other side, Kumogakure fired back. A barrage of Lightning Release techniques surged forward, streaking like blue meteors across the sky.
The clash of elements lit the sky in dazzling orange and electric blue. Many of the fireballs and lightning bolts collided mid-air in explosive bursts. Some fireballs made it through, crashing into the Kumogakure camp, scorching dozens of shinobi.
Likewise, several Lightning Release jutsu broke through and electrocuted Uchiha warriors in the Konoha ranks.
The Hyuga clan, lacking in long-range jutsu, were momentarily sidelined. But their support medics immediately rushed in, treating the wounded as best they could under the chaotic conditions.
Back in the Kumogakure formation, C scowled, gritting his teeth.
"Damn Uchiha…"
As much as he hated to admit it, Fire Release jutsu covered a much wider area than Lightning Release techniques. The Uchiha clan's counterattack was brutal.
If not for Kumogakure's superior numbers, they might have already lost the exchange.
Still, they were being pushed back.
C raised his voice and shouted,
"All units, charge! Engage Konoha in close combat!"
The remaining battle-ready Kumogakure shinobi surged forward. The time for hand signs had passed—now came the clash of bodies.
Seeing the enemy advance, the Hyuga clan prepared to meet them. In taijutsu combat, they had no fear.
The Uchiha were just as eager.
"Charge!"
Sharingan eyes ignited across the battlefield, crimson and deadly.
Uchiha warriors rushed forward with bloodlust in their eyes, eager for battle.
Observing all this, Ryosuke—still locked in combat with the Two-Tails—frowned. While the Hyuga and Uchiha were strong, the numerical disadvantage would grind them down over time. Losses would be inevitable.
He clenched his fists. These were his people—he couldn't let them be slaughtered.
But before he could act, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki smirked.
"Kid, I'll give you credit. You're strong. But you're alone. If I hold you here, it's our side that wins the battle."
She didn't believe the Fourth Raikage or Killer B would lose in their respective battles. As long as she stalled Ryosuke, it would be enough.
Even if she couldn't win, her raw destructive power—fully Tailed Beast Mode—outclassed his. And she still had a technique up her sleeve powerful enough to reshape the battlefield.
But Ryosuke's expression only grew colder.
"You think you can stall me?"
"Try it."
His eyes burned crimson. Waves of pressure radiated from his gaze.
"Sharingan Genjutsu."
This was no ordinary genjutsu. It was the same eye technique Uchiha Obito had once used to control the Nine-Tails. Ryosuke wanted to see if it could work on the Two-Tails as well.
The Jinchūriki's face twisted in alarm as her limbs froze.
Those cursed eyes…!
She realized she was being trapped in an illusion. Her body refused to respond.
But at that moment, a massive surge of chakra erupted from within her. The Two-Tails—Matatabi—was fighting back from the inside, dispelling the illusion.
Her control returned.
She narrowed her eyes at Ryosuke and laughed.
"Nice try. But your genjutsu won't work on me."
With Matatabi's help, Sharingan-based illusions that tampered with her chakra had no hold.
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