The river water surged violently, creating towering waves. In an instant, whether it was Ōnoki, Orochimaru, the Konoha-nin, or the retreating Iwa-nin, everyone was stunned by the sight before them.
The colossal Buddha statue reaching into the clouds felt like a massive boulder pressing down on the hearts of the Iwa-nin. This scene caused the veteran shinobi's pupils to tremble.
"God of Shinobi?" Someone suddenly uttered these words, immediately stirring up the entire Iwa-nin force.
Kitsuchi stared fiercely at the person who spoke. "God of Shinobi? You mean Hashirama Senju? Isn't he already dead? How could he appear on the battlefield?"
The shinobi shook his head. "I don't know if it's Hashirama Senju, but this technique is his signature move!"
Kitsuchi's heart wavered. If that was the case, then his father... no. "Senior, please return to the camp and summon all the shinobi there to pressure Konoha. Otherwise, I fear..."
Kitsuchi's voice trembled slightly as he spoke. He looked at the veteran, who nodded gravely. Ōnoki could not die. Iwagakure could not afford to lose Ōnoki.
"I understand. I'll head back to the camp immediately." The veteran swiftly departed for the camp. Kitsuchi watched his retreating figure and thought, 'Please hurry!'
Then, Kitsuchi turned to the other shinobi. "Those who aren't afraid of death, follow me!" With that, he charged toward the battlefield alone.
Not a single shinobi hesitated. They all understood Ōnoki's importance to Iwagakure. If Ōnoki fell, not only would Konoha be a threat, but even the Kumo-nin from the Land of Lightning would slaughter their families and loved ones.
Land of Water, Tree Hollow
Madara Uchiha exclaimed in shock, "What! My grandson is fighting Ōnoki? Not only has he mastered Sage Mode, but he also clapped his hands and summoned the True Several Thousand Hands?"
Madara was now in a state of delirium. He couldn't help but laugh wildly. "Hahahahaha! Hashirama, I may have lost to you, but when it comes to descendants, you are no match for me! I wish you could come back to see what my grandson is capable of!"
Black Zetsu narrowed his eyes, lost in thought. Madara glanced at him and sensed something amiss.
'Black Zetsu isn't acting right. If he were truly my manifestation, he would know how overjoyed I am right now. Yet, he seems preoccupied.'
Konoha
"What! Ryun has returned? And he used the First Hokage's True Several Thousand Hands?" Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted into the small communicator.
On the battlefield, Orochimaru swallowed hard. "That's correct, Hokage-sama. I'm watching the fight right now from the front lines. The scene is... quite intense."
Hiruzen could hear Orochimaru's voice along with the chaotic shouts of the Konoha-nin. Some were yelling "Elder Ryun," others "God of Shinobi," and some even "Military God." Their voices were filled with excitement.
The small communicator was a device Orochimaru had developed during his research period. However, due to its high production cost, only two existed—one for himself and the other for his teacher, Hiruzen.
Originally, he had sent someone to inform Hiruzen that Ryun had returned and was joining the front lines, delaying his return. But the current spectacle was too thrilling.
He couldn't resist calling his teacher.
"Alright, alright. Understood. Just... try not to kill anyone." With that, Hiruzen ended the call and took a deep breath.
"Anbu!" Hiruzen called out.
"Here!" An Anbu operative appeared instantly.
"Summon all the elders for an emergency meeting. Wait, also bring Lady Mito, Tsunade, and Hirotomo Uchiha. Hurry!" Hiruzen was overwhelmed. He needed to discuss this situation with everyone.
Front Lines
Ōnoki looked up at the giant Buddha, his heart trembling. 'This is enormous! Even if I drained myself dry, I couldn't produce a Particle Style technique of this scale!'
"Ōnoki, don't you enjoy looking down on others? How does it feel to be the one looking up for once?" Ryun said calmly.
"I originally wanted to interact with you as an ordinary person, but all I got in return was distance. Fine, I'll stop pretending. I admit, I know quite a few things." Ryun felt exhilarated.
Ōnoki inwardly sighed. 'Can we just reset? I was wrong. I won't act tough anymore. I'll withdraw the troops. From now on, Iwagakure and Konoha will stay out of each other's way. Is that okay?'
Ryun crossed his arms and gazed at Ōnoki. The wind howled around him, tousling his hair and making his clothes flutter.
A sense of supremacy, as if standing atop the world and looking down on all below, emanated from him.
Ōnoki gulped. The 'Will of Stone' he had just mustered up was slipping away again. He opened his mouth to speak, but his throat felt tight.
'What kind of pressure did the First Tsuchikage face back then?' he wondered.
(First Tsuchikage: 'Don't ask me. I'm dead. Light some incense if you need me.')
"I..." Ōnoki's voice trembled as he uttered the first word. Then, he heard a voice from behind. "Father, run! I'll hold him off. Iwagakure can survive without me, Kitsuchi, but it cannot lose you, the Tsuchikage!"
With that, Kitsuchi leaped down, landing between Ōnoki and the Buddha. He expended nearly 80% of his chakra to cast Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall, shouting, "Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"
The wall rose from the ground. Admittedly, its height blocked Ōnoki's view of Ryun.
Ryun found this interesting. He wasn't in a hurry to attack. He wanted to see how far their unity would go.
Ōnoki's voice shook. "Get back! If I die, you must carry Iwagakure's future on your shoulders! Lead our people forward!"
Kitsuchi grinned. "Officially, Iwagakure can survive without me, Kitsuchi, but not without Tsuchikage Ōnoki!"
"Personally, I'm your son. What kind of son would stand by and watch his father die without doing anything?"
"Kitsuchi!" Tears welled up in Ōnoki's eyes. This son of his, whether in temperament or talent, was his favorite. Seeing him stand before the Buddha for his sake moved him deeply.
"Tsuchikage-sama, retreat! We'll cover you!" Over two hundred Iwa-nin simultaneously cast Earth-Style Wall, layering barrier after barrier in front of Ōnoki.
Ōnoki shuddered. He hadn't expected his people to...
His eyes hardened with resolve. Gathering a massive amount of chakra, he roared, "Weighted Rock Technique!"
Instantly, the Earth-Style Walls became many times heavier, making them far more durable.
"Children, you must retreat! Even if I die, I will tear a piece out of Ryun Uchiha! You've done enough!"
"If I fall in battle, do not grieve. Surrender to Konoha and submit a letter of surrender. With Hiruzen Sarutobi's temperament, he won't mistreat you!" Ōnoki was now prepared for a desperate fight.