"Hatake Secret Technique: Shadow Slash!"
Sakumo's eyes flashed with lightning, his chakra surging outwards, distorting the air around him. He vanished in an instant, reappearing before Chiyo. In her eyes, Sakumo's form fragmented into streaks of blinding white light, his movements impossible to track.
A chorus of whooshing sounds filled the air as those white lights materialized around Chiyo, leaving only the echoes of their passing. Sakumo was nowhere and everywhere at once, a chilling aura of death washing over Chiyo. The fury that had fueled her momentarily faltered, replaced by a bone-deep dread.
A barrage of white light erupted, striking from every direction. Within seconds, three of the Chikamatsu puppets, Chiyo's ultimate technique, were decimated. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, fear creeping into her eyes. Yet, the afterimages of Sakumo remained, relentless and patient like a predator toying with its prey.
Three more puppets fell, leaving Chiyo desperately fending off Sakumo's onslaught with the last four. It was clear to all that her defeat was imminent. Even Chiyo herself... was facing death.
"Sister, run!"
At the critical moment, Ebizo's giant puppet intervened, forcing Hatake Sakumo back with its immense size. Chiyo cast a bitter glance at Sakumo but, without a word, retreated towards Ebizo's location, who was hiding nearby. Sakumo, sensing his own waning energy, did not pursue them. His earlier assault, though impressive, had taken a toll on his chakra reserves. Coupled with the instant elimination of a near-Kage level ninja and forcing the retreat of two Kage-level shinobi, Sakumo was now operating at less than half his peak strength. He was, after all, not yet a true Kage-level powerhouse.
"Sakumo, you came just in time!"
"Indeed, how did you know we were in danger?"
Mitarashi Zashi and Yoru rushed towards Sakumo, their faces filled with relief as they bombarded him with questions.
"It was Orochimaru. He discovered the secret communication between Suna and Land of sky a day ago and asked me to come provide support," Sakumo replied with a smile.
"Orochimaru?!" A complex expression flickered across Zashi's face. Despite their strained relationship, he had served as Orochimaru's jonin captain during the First Shinobi War, providing him with care and guidance. At that time, Zashi had not yet achieved the position of Hokage due to Hiruzen Sarutobi, creating conflict with the Hokage lineage. Now, in this Second Shinobi War, it was his former student who had come to his aid. Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.
"Yes, my speed allowed me to arrive first. The elite troops led by Orochimaru will be here soon. Once he arrives, we can ensure a successful retreat from today's battle," Sakumo affirmed.
Zashi and Yoru's expressions grew serious. While Sakumo's arrival had temporarily stabilized the Konoha forces, he was still only one person and couldn't single-handedly turn the tide of the war.
"While the Chiyo siblings have retreated, let's fortify our defensive lines and hold out until Orochimaru arrives," Anko declared decisively.
Sakumo and Yoru agreed without hesitation. Despite their diminished status as former ANBU, the three shinobi dispersed to different parts of the battlefield, bolstering Konoha's defenses against the Suna forces. The battle reached a temporary stalemate.
"Shatter! Kyouka Suigetsu!"
"Wind Style: Violent Wind Palm!"
Amidst the tense battle, Aizen and his companions fought valiantly, utilizing their unique skills. However, the focus had shifted from these young prodigies. Now, the Konoha forces placed their hopes in the high-level combat prowess of individuals like Senju Nawaki.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
Ryuken's hands formed intricate seals, his body radiating a powerful aura. The battlefield's moisture was rapidly drawn towards him, coalescing into a massive wave that surged towards the Suna forces.
The S-rank water jutsu unleashed its devastating power, instantly sweeping hundreds of Suna ninjas away, creating a gaping hole in their formation.
"Is that Lord Ryuken's Water Release? It's incredible!"
"Lord Ryuken, grandson of the Second Hokage, is truly amazing!"
"Long live Lord Ryuken!"
Konoha shinobi erupted in cheers, their morale soaring as they witnessed Ryuken's impressive display.
However, Aizen's situation took a turn for the worse. Ryuken's Water Severing Wave had not only removed moisture from the battlefield but specifically targeted Aizen's location, dispelling the mist created by his Kyōka Suigetsu.
Dozens of Suna ninjas, previously trapped in the illusion, were suddenly freed and launched a fierce attack on Aizen. Only his swift use of a sword technique saved him from being overwhelmed.
Aizen's face darkened. He was certain that Ryuken had intentionally sabotaged his illusion, aiming to use the Suna ninjas to eliminate him. Aizen's gaze shifted towards Ryuken, who appeared nonchalant, as if nothing had happened. Yet, when their eyes briefly met, Aizen detected a flicker of regret in Ryuken gaze.
A burning rage ignited within Aizen, fueling his desire for power. Never before, since arriving in the Naruto world, had his thirst for strength been so intense.
He swore that he would turn Senju Ryuken into a pile of minced meat! However, just as Aizen was plotting Ryuken's demise, the immense sword energy he had unleashed caught the attention of Hatake Sakumo.