The midair battle captured the attention of nearly everyone on the battlefield.
Between Anya and the diminutive Tsuchikage stood a thick rocky arm, with his chakra-infused blade tightly lodged within it. Yet, its sharp tip still pierced through the stone, slicing into the Tsuchikage's shoulder area.
The short-statured Tsuchikage wore an expression of pure shock—just a hairbreadth away, and his neck would've been severed by that sword. Such terrifying swordsmanship—who exactly was this person?
A name instantly sprang to the Tsuchikage's mind. He asked gravely, "What is your relation to the already-deceased Legend of Konoha's White Fang?"
Anya paid him no heed, channeling lightning nature chakra into his blade.
Lightning Release countered Earth Release effectively. As long as he shattered this rocky arm, the hidden Breaking the Blade technique waiting in reserve could unleash its final blow.
Now regarding Anya as his greatest rival yet, the Tsuchikage immediately unleashed a jutsu: [Earth Release: Ultra-Heavy Gravestone].
Powerful chakra erupted from his small frame, unleashing petrifying Earth Release energy that overwhelmed Anya's Lightning Release. In midair, Anya suddenly felt the surrounding gravity intensify, making movement increasingly difficult.
The Tsuchikage reinforced his rocky fist, which then shattered Anya's Lightning Release defense. With amplified gravitational force increasing both its weight and hardness, the fist swung toward Anya, delivering a devastating strike.
Even before the massive attack arrived, the oppressive force in the air had already momentarily halted Anya's breath.
Indeed, fighting the Tsuchikage in the air was just too difficult. A missed strike like that might not come again so easily.
Without hesitation, Anya withdrew, yanking out his blade and using the intense gravity to accelerate his rapid descent, narrowly dodging the attack.
Seizing the advantage, the Tsuchikage wasted no time launching another jutsu: [Earth Release: Earthquake Spike].
The power of the Earth Release forcefully lifted the land directly beneath Anya upward, creating a pincer formation between the rising square platform and the airborne rock fist, trapping Anya helplessly in midair.
With swift consecutive attacks, the Tsuchikage drove Anya into a desperate situation.
"Amazing," Anya couldn't help but mutter. Whether it be combat experience or application of jutsu, the Tsuchikage was currently the strongest opponent he'd ever faced.
No more holding back.
Anya activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, unleashing Genjutsu directly at the descending Tsuchikage.
The Tsuchikage abruptly halted mid-air during his attack.
Seizing this opening, Anya adjusted his stance, stepping onto the elevated rock pillar and rapidly sprinting downward.
To defeat the Tsuchikage in midair was impossible; only by bringing the fight to ground level could he find an opportunity through his sword techniques.
[Genjutsu: Release], the Tsuchikage quickly snapped himself free upon realizing he'd fallen victim to illusionary arts. Gazing coldly at the distant Anya, he realized—he had already missed his best shot for a decisive kill.
A thought surfaced within the Tsuchikage's heart: "This Anbu (special black ops) operative is incredibly strong—exactly who is he? Why does it feel like he appeared from nowhere? Our spies in Konoha haven't reported even a hint about someone like him."
"Midair, the Tsuchikage had already figured out Anya's plan. Yet he was equally unwilling to let Anya escape. With Minato ahead and this unknown Anbu behind, Konoha sure had too many geniuses.
Since I can't kill Minato, Anya must not escape either, thought the Tsuchikage with surging killing intent as he chased after Anya. The Tsuchikage and Anya moved so fast that they almost landed on the ground at the same time.
[Earth Release: Gallanty Technique!]
Upon landing, the Tsuchikage performed hand seals and poured earth-natured chakra into the ground, summoning a massive rock golem. Its huge form carried terrifying pressure as it advanced.
"Captain, we're coming to help you."
Shisui's voice reached Anya through Inoichi's technique.
Anya thought to himself: "Don't come over! Unless you've reached Kage-level strength, numbers mean nothing against him. Go help others. Inoichi, don't engage in combat. Use your sensing ability to help the team locate the enemy's positions and numbers. Remember, focus on staying alive and don't show off."
"Understood," Inoichi quickly replied.
While en route, Anya had repeatedly drilled into the others the idea that they must obey orders without question. Anyone who disobeys will be kicked out of the squad—no matter the consequences.
The rock golem marched forward, delivering heavy attacks toward Anya. Every punch and kick packed tremendous destructive power, shaking the ground beneath its feet.
Anya let out a breath of relief after dodging a couple of strikes. Fortunately, while the golem's attack power was decent, its speed was too slow. Dodging wasn't difficult, though prolonging the fight wasn't an option either.
As Anya pondered his strategy to break the deadlock, the Tsuchikage formed another set of hand seals: [Earth Release: Ultra-Lightweight Rock Formation Technique.]
This jutsu was not aimed at Anya but instead enhanced the rock golem itself. Upon receiving this technique, the golem's speed dramatically increased. Despite its enormous size, it now became surprisingly agile. Massive blows accompanied by thunderous wind formed a dense barrage like falling raindrops.
Oh no...
Forced to retreat constantly under the relentless assault, Anya realized things couldn't continue like this.
To completely destroy this rock golem, he had no choice but to use his strongest sword art currently available—[Breaking the Blade]. This technique consumed a vast amount of physical energy. After launching this strike, he needed to finish the battle as soon as possible and avoid prolonged combat at all costs.
With his tactic decided, Anya didn't hesitate. His previously retreating legs suddenly halted. His ninja blade emitted a dazzling glow. For a moment, the entire world seemed to darken, every ray of light absorbed by that blade's aura—the purest and sharpest—which shot out from the heart of darkness, finally tearing across the sky.
"Hmph!"
When the ultimate attack met the ultimate defense, a violent sound erupted, shattering the rock golem into countless fragments drifting into the air. At the same time, Anya's figure never stopped moving. He summoned up his remaining strength, his body following the blade's momentum, man and sword merging into one. Like a bolt of lightning, he shot forward and launched the [Phantom Sword Art] at the Tsuchikage right before him.
Before the Tsuchikage's astonished eyes, the blade pierced straight through his throat.
Having landed a successful hit, Anya showed no sign of joy—there wasn't even a trace of blood.
The blade of light pierced what appeared to be the Tsuchikage's body, only to find it had already become a pile of earth—an Earth Release Shadow Clone.
Where is his real body? Anya's instincts flared with imminent danger—she abruptly looked upward.
[Earth Release: Iron Prison]
White, circular stone walls shot up from the ground around Anya like the rim of a giant coliseum, sealing her in completely. Layer after layer, the walls left no space for escape.
The Tsuchikage stood directly above her, smiling proudly as he loudly declared, "I've already figured out your sword techniques. You really think I'd let you get that close? I don't know who you are, but it doesn't matter anymore. Die!"
[Dust Release: Outer Domain — Annihilation]
Unlike the earlier use of Dust Release, this time the range had been drastically expanded, engulfing the entire area within the circular walls. Powered by massive chakra, the technique expanded further, hit harder, and lingered longer. Everything inside would be reduced to dust at the atomic level.
The Tsuchikage was sure of it—there was no escape this time. The Anbu would die!
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