Boom!
A massive explosion erupted across the sea, sending towering waves crashing into the sky.
A deep, muffled blast echoed from beneath the surface, and before the waves could settle, a furious roar shook the air.
"ROAR—!"
A colossal shell covered in jagged bone spikes slowly rose from the water, streams of seawater pouring down its ridges.
Moments later, a monstrous turtle-like Yokai head emerged—dark green scales, blood-red eyes locked onto the figures in the sky, filled with savage intent.
Gōra.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Several openings along its shell lit up with an eerie glow.
With a thunderous roar, dozens of spheres of Yokai energy launched into the air, curving toward Uchiha Kasage and Kikyo.
At the same time—
"SCREECH—!"
A piercing cry split the sky.
From deep within the island, a swarm of flaming birds surged upward, their blazing wings trailing fire as they shot toward Entei.
Kasage glanced at the incoming attacks, completely calm.
"They're eager to die."
He gaze shifted toward a cliff on the island.
Three figures stood there, watching from above.
Ryūra.
Kyōra.
Jūra.
The remaining War Gods.
"Shinra Tensei."
A calm voice echoed.
In an instant—
An invisible force exploded outward.
The flaming birds and the incoming Yokai energy spheres slammed into an unseen wall and detonated midair.
Fire and smoke scattered violently across the sky.
On the cliff, Kyōra watched the explosion lazily.
"They should be dead by now," he said, her tone bored. "Weak humans don't survive that."
But the next second—
Entei burst through the smoke.
Unharmed.
Carrying both Kasage and Kikyo.
Kyōra's expression changed instantly.
"…What?"
Disbelief flickered in he eyes.
Kasage's attention shifted downward again, locking onto Gōra.
The massive Yokai opened its jaws, gathering energy for another attack.
Kasage raised her hand—
But Kikyo gently stopped he.
"Kasage… let me handle this one."
Kasage glanced at he.
There was no hesitation in Kikyo's eyes.
Only quiet resolve.
She remembered.
Fifty years ago—
Gōra had ambushed he.
Drained her blood.
Kasage understood immediately.
"…Alright."
She lowered he hand.
"Then this one is yours."
A faint smile appeared.
"I'll deal with the others."
Before Kikyo could respond—
Kasage moved.
She stepped off Entei's back and dropped into the air.
Wind roared past her as she fell.
In one smooth motion, she drew a kunai and flicked her wrist.
The blade shot forward like a black streak, aimed directly at Ryūra.
"Kasage—!" Kikyo called instinctively, he heart tightening for a moment.
But Kasage simply glanced back and gave a small, reassuring gesture.
No need to worry.
On the cliff—
Jūra let out a cold laugh.
"You jumped down to die?"
Even so, he didn't hesitate.
He raised his arm, energy gathering rapidly.
With a thunderous blast, he fired a massive projectile straight at the falling Kasage.
At the same time—
The kunai sliced through the air, heading straight for Ryūra.
"Hmph. Pointless."
Ryūra raised he arm casually, her dragon-scale armor gleaming.
Clang!
The kunai struck the scales, sparks flying as it was knocked away instantly.
At that exact moment—
The projectile roared toward Kasage.
She was still midair.
No footing.
No escape.
Yet—
She remained completely calm.
Just before the attack hit—
He figure vanished.
Ryūra's pupils shrank.
Gone?
The next second—
Kasage appeared right in front of them.
She caught the rebounding kunai effortlessly.
He other hand rose.
Aimed directly at all three.
"Shinra Tensei."
Boom!
A devastating force erupted outward.
The three Yokai had no time to react.
They were hurled backward instantly, crashing through multiple massive trees before slamming violently into the rocky cliff behind them.
The impact shattered stone.
Smoke and debris exploded into the air, engulfing their figures completely.
Above—
Kikyo exhaled softly.
Relief flickered across he face as she saw Kasage standing unharmed.
But she quickly refocused.
He gaze locked onto Gōra.
Below, the massive Yokai continued firing energy spheres relentlessly.
But none of them could touch Entei.
With swift, precise movements, Entei dodged each attack effortlessly, flames trailing through the sky.
"Now…"
Bang! Bang!
Two bursts of smoke appeared beside Kikyo.
A longbow formed in he hand.
A quiver appeared across her back.
She drew an arrow smoothly, he expression sharpening.
"Charge, Entei."
"HIIIN—!"
Entei neighed loudly, flames igniting around its hooves as it surged forward.
Straight into the storm of attacks.
Below—
Gōra roared again.
But this time—
Kikyo's arrow was already drawn.
Deep within the island
Inside a dark cave, a small group of hanyō children huddled together.
Explosions echoed faintly from outside, shaking the ground.
"Big sister Asagi… what's happening?" Lan asked softly, he voice trembling.
Asagi, the eldest, looked toward the cave entrance, her expression serious.
"It sounds like… the Four War Gods are fighting someone."
She frowned slightly.
"But that shouldn't be possible."
"The Time Barrier hasn't opened yet. No one else should be on the island."
Moegi tilted his head.
"Could the barrier have activated early?"
Asagi shook her head immediately.
"No. Without the Resonance Cauldron, it can't activate on its own."
Another explosion echoed outside.
The ground trembled again.
Asagi clenched her fists.
"You all stay here. I'll go check."
"Asagi-neechan, we're coming too!" Green said quickly, turning to her brother.
"Yeah! Let's go together!" Orange nodded eagerly.
"No. It's too dangerous." Asagi's voice was firm.
With her ocean-blue hair swaying slightly, she stood protectively in front of them.
"I'll go alone."
"Sister, we want to help too," Moegi insisted, his eyes determined.
"That's right… I want to go with you…" Lan added, clutching Asagi's sleeve tightly.
Asagi froze for a moment.
She looked at their faces—
Fearful.
But resolute.
For a brief second—
She didn't know what to say.