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...
With astonishment came greed in the eyes of many who were present, especially Raikage. He was infamous for his cunning and thieving ways, which had earned him notoriety among the other ninja villages. But amidst the crowd, one person coveted the talisman more than anyone else: Konan. She believed that if she could obtain this mysterious artifact, it might hold the key to healing Nagato properly, sparing him from a life of disability.
Not only Konan, but even Kakashi had an idea cross his mind. He considered that if Guy were to utilize the 'Eight Inner Gates' to its fullest, reaching the 'Eighth Gate,' the Toad Sages could use the talisman to heal Guy completely at the moment of his death. However, this thought only lingered for a split second in his mind, and Kakashi promptly dismissed it, feeling guilty for contemplating such a thing about his best friend.
Among the onlookers, many carried regrets in their hearts. They lamented not having this treasure in their possession, believing it could have saved their loved ones or friends, offering a ray of hope in desperate situations. The weight of their yearning for the talisman-like artifact hung heavy in the air.
The most prominent individuals with these feelings were Obito and Kakashi, who remembered Rin, Nagato and Konan for Yahiko, Tsunade for Kato and Nawaki, Jiraiya and Kakashi for Minato and Kushina, Neji and Hiashi for Hizashi, and Guy for his father, Duy.
The people gathered here knew that Fukasaku was not dead, thanks to the Sensory ninjas, and this was confirmed by Hiashi and Neji. They informed Tsunade that Fukasaku was still alive. Even if one second had passed before Gamamura used the artifact, Fukasaku would have been dead.
At this moment, Gamamura and the other toads could clearly sense the greed in many of the people present. However, they were powerless to act on it because their priority was to save Fukasaku.
Next, Gamamura said, "Fukasaku, Shima, and all others, step back. Fighting Jiryoku will be futile for all of you. From here on, Sage Iwayado and Sage Gamashiri will take over."
Upon hearing Gamamura's words, Fukasaku immediately replied, "No, Great Toad Sage. As long as we are alive, you don't need to fight."
"Fukasaku, I am not weak, and based on Jiryoku's displayed strength until now, he is very powerful. You are not his match and attempting to fight him would only be a futile sacrifice," Gamamura cautioned.
Upon hearing Gamamura's words, Fukasaku and the others felt a profound sense of helplessness. After all, Gamamura was the Great Toad Sage, one of the most formidable creatures in the ninja world.
Gamamura, Gamashiri, and Iwayado advanced, and Gamashiri, the tallest of the toad sages present, led the way. Observing this, one of the Jonin from Konoha who had survived the Nine-Tails' rampage years ago couldn't resist commenting, "The tallest toad among them is nearly as towering as the Nine-Tails that once wreaked havoc on Konoha."
Other ninjas in attendance found themselves nodding in agreement.
At that moment, Jiryoku also rose to his feet, as expected by Gamamura. To everyone's astonishment, he appeared entirely unscathed, not a speck of dirt marring his body. Those aware of Jiryoku's might weren't surprised by this development.
Jiryoku decided to test the defensive capabilities of these toad sages by executing a move known as the 'Gravity Blade: Raging Tiger.' A massive, ferocious slash surged in the direction of Gamamura and the other two toad sages. Gamamura prepared to react but was held back by Gamashiri.
Gamashiri asserted, "He used that attack to gauge our defenses. Let me handle this; I'll show him just how impenetrable my defense is."
Gamamura nodded in agreement and refrained from countering Jiryoku's attack. Gamashiri boldly leaped in front of the slashing force, and upon collision, a tremendous dust cloud enveloped the area. The sheer impact of the collision was evident, sending shudders through those who witnessed it.
When the dust finally settled, Gamashiri emerged from the haze. The onlookers were left in sheer astonishment. The very same attack that had nearly claimed Gamasin's life with a single blow from Jiryoku had failed to leave so much as a scratch on Gamashiri. In fact, Gamashiri remained steadfast, not having budged an inch from his original position.
As Fukasaku observed the battle, he couldn't help but comment, "Sage Gamashiri's defense is nearly as unyielding as diamonds. Coupled with his formidable 'Sage Mode,' he appears almost impervious to such attacks."
The onlookers, hearing these words, were left in awe of Gamashiri's remarkable defensive skills.
Confident in his abilities, Gamashiri taunted, "Your attacks won't work on me. You can't penetrate my defense."
Jiryoku, however, remained unfazed. He shook his head and calmly responded, "So, you're quite sure of yourself? While I'd rather not shatter my opponent's confidence, if you believe that was my best attack, you're mistaken. You haven't even seen my true strength yet; I'm only using 70% of my power."
After uttering these words, Jiryoku tightly gripped his sword, 'Armament Haki' enveloping it. The surrounding gravity began to concentrate on the blade as he prepared to unleash a devastating strike. Gamamura, noticing the impending danger, quickly employed the 'Frog Kata' technique, with Gamashiri as his intended target.
Jiryoku swung his sword down, 'Gravity Slash.'
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