As the battle raged on, the resurrected spirits of Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, now fully transformed into killing machines devoid of their original will, exuded an overwhelming aura of menace. Orochimaru stepped aside gracefully, leaning against a tree, and murmured, "Well then… let's begin, esteemed Hokages."
With those words, Hashirama and Tobirama immediately assumed their combat stances and charged at Jiraiya and Tsunade with lightning speed.
"Damn it!" Jiraiya cursed, not hesitating as he quickly formed hand signs, converting chakra into oil, and spewing a massive column of searing flames from his mouth: "Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"
Just as the flames surged toward the two Hokages, Tobirama spread his arms and, with just two hand seals, conjured a swirling vortex of water around himself and Hashirama, instantly extinguishing Jiraiya's flames.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
"This…!" Jiraiya and Tsunade were taken aback.
The Water Formation Wall was a common jutsu, but to see it form a circular, waterfall-like barrier around the caster was unprecedented for them. Moreover, this was achieved without any nearby water source—an incredible feat of water manipulation.
As the steam from the clash of elements filled the air, Tobirama clapped his hands together and unleashed a torrent of water that expanded into a massive wave, crashing toward Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
The sheer volume of water dwarfed the previous jutsu. If caught, the consequences would be dire.
Jiraiya and Tsunade leaped to nearby trees, but the force of the wave uprooted them before they could stabilize.
Jiraiya shouted, "Damn it, Tsunade, use the Summoning Jutsu! Call forth Katsuyu!"
"I…" Tsunade hesitated, her eyes flickering with doubt.
Jiraiya remembered her hemophobia and realized she hadn't used the Summoning Jutsu in a long time due to her trauma. In desperation, he bit his thumb, smeared the blood on his palm, and slammed it onto the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
With a puff of smoke, Gamabunta appeared, and Jiraiya and Tsunade landed on his back.
"Huh? This isn't the sea. Jiraiya! Why did you summon me here? Oh, Tsunade, you're here too…"
"Gamabunta, I'll explain later. Be careful, the enemies are coming!"
As the water receded, the ground began to shake violently. Strange, twisted trees erupted from the earth, entangling Gamabunta's legs and immobilizing him.
"Damn it, this is…! Wood Release! Jiraiya, are you fighting…!" Gamabunta's voice trailed off in shock.
"Yes…" Jiraiya said with a grim expression, "The enemies are the First and Second Hokage."
"What?! But they're dead!"
"It's Orochimaru's doing. He used Edo Tensei to bring them back. No time for questions, Gamabunta! You and Tsunade need to buy me some time. I have to go all out against them!"
As he spoke, Jiraiya rolled up his sleeves and painted two lines of shadow around his eyes, clapping his hands together.
Gamabunta was startled, "Jiraiya, you don't mean…!"
"Yes, I'm going to enter Sage Mode!"
"Sage Mode?" Tsunade was surprised, unaware that Jiraiya possessed such a powerful technique.
Jiraiya rarely used Sage Mode, especially in front of Tsunade, fearing she would see his toad-like transformation as ugly. But today, he had no choice. If he didn't go all out, they would all die.
"I need to summon the two Great Sages. Until then, I can't separate my hands. Please, buy me time!"
"Got it!" Gamabunta nodded firmly. "Tsunade, let's go! But these damned trees… huh?"
Before he could finish complaining, Tsunade had already shattered the trees with her monstrous strength, freeing Gamabunta's legs. "Gamabunta, this Wood Release isn't as tough as my grandfather's. He must not be at his full strength. Don't worry!"
"Alright, let's do this! Hang on tight, we're moving!" Gamabunta leaped towards Hashirama and Tobirama, drawing his short blade.
Hashirama and Tobirama dodged the attack, but Tsunade was ready. She delivered a powerful kick to Tobirama, shattering his body into dust.
"Hm?" Tsunade observed the scene, confirming her suspicions.
Knowing Tobirama's abilities, he should have been able to avoid her attack with the Flying Thunder God technique. Similarly, Hashirama's Wood Release seemed weaker than it should be. This could only mean one thing.
"Gamabunta, Jiraiya! These two may look like my grandfather and great-uncle, but they can't use their full strength. We have a chance to win!"
Hearing this, Jiraiya felt a surge of hope, "Great! Keep it up! Once I'm in Sage Mode, I'll seal them with my strongest jutsu!"
Orochimaru, watching from the side, muttered to herself, "Tsk… Tsunade's always been sharp. It seems this level isn't enough to deal with two Sannin. I need to refine this Edo Tensei further to ensure the reanimated can use their full power without breaking free."
Deep in thought, Orochimaru suddenly felt herself being lifted into the air in a bridal carry.
"Who dares…!"
"Natsuhane! What are you doing?!" she exclaimed.
It was Natsuhane, holding her securely. "You didn't notice your shoes got wet from Tobirama's water jutsu? What if you catch a cold? You need to take better care of yourself."
"Put me down! I don't need your help!" Orochimaru's cheeks flushed as she struggled in his arms.
Ignoring her protests, Natsuhane held her tighter. "You're carrying my child. I won't let anything happen to you, not even a cold. Now be still."
"Natsuhane, you're being ridiculous! You're too much!"