"Give up? We'll talk about that when we wake from this dream. Since everyone is here, I no longer need to hold back. The warm-up ends here."
"What?"
Warm-up? The battle just now was just a warm-up? Rasa was momentarily unclear about Ruri's intentions.
Is it a bluff, or...
The next moment, his breath was caught.
His face was overshadowed by a shadow that blocked out the sun.
Not just him, many Hidden Sand Ninja faces were also shrouded by a massive shadow, their whole bodies consumed by the Samurai's colossal shadow rising from the ground.
The previously half-bodied Susanoo swiftly manifested its legs, standing tall on the desert, draped in thick Chakra Armor, a helmet falling with a mask to cover the giant Samurai's face, leaving only the eyes and forehead exposed.
Lightning flashed and thunder rolled, entwined around the giant Samurai, slowly raising its left hand, an identical dark red Chakra Giant Sword to the one in its right was grasped from the void, tightly held.
Ruri herself stood amidst the giant Samurai's brow, surrounded by the copper wall-like protective layer formed by Susanoo's Chakra Armor, looking down upon the desert.
"What is this?"
Rasa stared in shock at the colossal Samurai that defied reason, its size comparable to a mountain-like Tailed Beast.
A Ninja's body, before such a behemoth, was merely a slightly larger insect.
Facing such a gigantic figure, Rasa felt helpless, not knowing where to strike.
He had no idea Ruri was concealing such a technique.
Could it be that the previous two battles with him were just mere... warm-ups as she claimed?
Rasa found it hard to accept such a cruel reality.
Looking at the Samurai as large as a Tailed Beast, is this truly the level a Ninja can achieve?
"Who are you, really?"
Rasa asked with difficulty.
Ruri swept her gaze over him indifferently, as if speaking to the Konoha Ninja:
"Just a Ninja inheriting the name of the Uchiha."
Uchiha.
The name of this clan once was as flourishing as the Senju Clan, where the God of Ninja, Senju Hashirama, came from.
However, due to a recent event, many believed that the once-mighty Uchiha Clan in the Ninja Realm had completely fallen.
Being exterminated by a thirteen-year-old boy, the Uchiha Clan became the punchline among the high ranks of the Great Ninja Village.
Only seeing the power Ruri displayed now did Rasa realize how shallow his understanding of the Uchiha Clan's strength was.
He truly wished to believe this was an illusion.
However, the thick pressure solidified in the air, showing that this was no illusion.
But a brutally harsh reality.
"Really? But it's a pity; I am the Kazekage!"
Rasa's eyes became resolute; the enemy's power was undoubtedly strong.
However, if the united force of Hidden Sand admitted defeat now, Hidden Sand would completely become the laughingstock of the Ninja Realm.
The true outcome of victory and defeat is only known after the battle.
"Do not fear, advance with me!"
Rasa took a deep breath, his body's Chakra flowing vigorously, causing waves to rise in the desert, and Gold Sand surged, rushing toward Ruri.
The Hidden Sand Ninja did likewise; though witnessing such power could drive fear into their hearts.
Yet, some things require stepping up to fight even if understood.
There was nowhere to retreat.
"Kill!"
Bolstered by their fighting spirit, the Hidden Sand Ninja shouted in unison.
The frontline Hidden Sand responsible for the main assault fearlessly charged forward, while those responsible for restraint released Ninja Techniques from the rear, engaging in feints and distractions.
Their strategy for dragging out the battle to wear down the enemy remained unchanged.
Yet such an approach would inevitably entail many sacrifices.
Ruri watched countless Hidden Sand Ninja begin their charge, a countless number of Ninja Techniques and Explosive Kunai aimed at her.
She leisurely observed this scene, then crossed the twin swords from Susanoo's hands, swinging them sharply outward.
The overwhelming sword force, without any Ninja Techniques, formed a powerful storm, repelling all minor attacks.
Sword light slashed out, and Hidden Sand Ninja were sent flying.
Yet more Hidden Sand Ninja charged up without giving up.
Ruri watched these fearless Hidden Sand Ninja, lightning flashing in the eyes of her Mangekyo Sharingan.
The twin swords slashed at these Hidden Sand Ninja mercilessly.
This was a respect given to warriors.
Both sides fought for their positions, indifferent to justice, good, or evil—only victory and the vanquished matter.
Such was the Ninja's combat.
Even if the enemy's individual was weak, their will cannot be insulted.
For this reason, Ruri displayed her full strength to respect the fighting spirit of these Hidden Sand Ninja.
Even if such respect would lead to countless deaths and sacrifices.
For Ruri, there were many reasons for fighting.
But they do not include peace or righteousness.
She was rather selfish.
Family, clan, nothing more.
For her husband, her future children, for the family's reputation, and to fight formidable enemies...
These reasons were more fitting to be her reason to fight.