Hashirama let out a long breath of relief. "Whew... I'm starting to understand the hardships Elder Hiro'umi and the others faced on the northern battlefield."
Looking at the Two-Tails and Izuna, who were glaring savagely at him from the opposite side, the relaxed expression on Hashirama's face vanished entirely. "Wood Release..."
"Deep Forest Bloom!"
Rumble—
Here it comes, the Deep Forest!
However, since Hashirama had not yet mastered Sage Arts, his pollen lacked the chakra-suppressing properties effective against Tailed Beasts. They could attack without worry.
"Go, Two-Tails!"
Izuna narrowed his eyes. Silvery-white flames ignited around his body, rapidly encasing the Two-Tails.
Susanoo combined with a Tailed Beast!
The Calamity of the Beast!
Unlike before, this was the genuine, authentic Calamity of the Beast!
Two tails on its back gripped two massive silver chakra greatswords like hands. With a high shout from Izuna, Matatabi charged head-on toward the surging sea of trees. The greatswords on its tails swung, slicing the massive flowers preparing to bloom in half.
Hashirama's clasped hands tightened slightly, his pupils shrinking in response.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Giant vines erupted from four directions around Matatabi, binding its four legs as if attempting to tear it apart by pulling in four different directions.
"Brother, I'll help you!"
Seeing the majestic armored Two-Tails momentarily restrained, Senju Tobirama sensed an opportunity. He tossed a special kunai engraved with the Flying Thunder God formula into the air. In an instant, he appeared over a hundred meters above the ground.
"Wait, Tobirama..."
Hashirama wanted to stop him, but his mouth was not faster than the Flying Thunder God. Tobirama had already charged in.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
A jet of water, no thicker than a finger, sprayed from his mouth. The ultra-high-pressure stream, possessing the penetrating power to cut through all things, slashed toward Izuna atop the Two-Tails' head.
"Your brother is right. With your strength, you really shouldn't interfere in our battle."
Izuna's tone was filled with disdain for Senju Tobirama. The chakra within his body surged out even more violently than before.
In the next moment, from the knees of the Two-Tails' bound front legs, two arms formed of Susanoo energy extended, each also gripping a greatsword!
Buzz~~~
The greatswords danced in the air, emitting a dull, wind-breaking sound as they crossed above Izuna's head, blocking Tobirama's S-rank Water Release attack. Immediately after, the two Susanoo arms swung their blades, severing all the giant vines binding the Two-Tails' limbs.
As the greatswords parted slightly, Tobirama saw through the gap that Izuna had already completed his hand seals!
"Sage Art: Blaze Release: Imperial Flame of Heaven's Mandate!"
A super-powerful fusion Fire Release technique, imbued with Lightning attributes, formed a vast sea of fire that ascended to the heavens.
Sensing the danger, Tobirama immediately threw a Flying Thunder God kunai, escaping Izuna's counterattack by a hair's breadth.
Just as Tobirama thought he had escaped Izuna's attack range, a voice like a nightmare suddenly sounded in his ear. "Flying Thunder God, truly a troublesome ninjutsu."
Tobirama started violently and turned his head. He saw Izuna appearing less than ten meters to his right. The Mangekyo Sharingan in Izuna's left eye was spinning rapidly, and a basketball-sized Rasengan had appeared in his hand!
"But the pupil technique of my left eye is the nemesis of the Flying Thunder God!"
The advantage of the Flying Thunder God lay in its ability to teleport anywhere instantly, leaving enemies defenseless. However, the Mangekyo ability of Izuna's left eye allowed him to briefly predict the enemy's attack patterns. He knew exactly where Senju Tobirama intended to teleport.
"Die! Great Ball Rasengan!"
Izuna slammed the Rasengan down. There was no time left to use the Flying Thunder God again.
"Hraaaaagh!!!"
A roar exploded out. A fist covered in intense Yang Release chakra—visible even to the naked eye—smashed into the Rasengan from a diagonal angle below!
Izuna was startled. He cast his gaze downward and gritted his teeth. "Senju Hashirama!"
Indeed, the one who had suddenly burst in at this critical moment was Senju Hashirama!
"Matatabi!" Izuna barked.
Buzz!
The freed tails of the Two-Tails manipulated the Susanoo greatswords, swinging them down.
"Brother, watch out!" Tobirama shouted urgently.
"Hraaaaaah!!!"
Hashirama swept a kick horizontally toward the direction of the incoming greatswords.
"Are you crazy, Senju Hashirama? Opposing Susanoo with physical strength!?" Even Izuna couldn't help but exclaim.
The fist imbued with Yang Release was nearly comparable to the monstrous strength of Tsunade under the Strength of a Hundred Seal, allowing it to block the Great Ball Rasengan. But delusional enough to use a physical body to block the Two-Tails' Calamity of the Beast, whose power approached that of a Perfect Susanoo? That was seeking death!
Bang!!!!
Hashirama's kick finally collided with the greatsword, which was dozens of times his size.
"Urgh!!!"
Hashirama's face began to contort, his hands barely forcing themselves together.
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