Izuna truly hadn't expected to have made such exaggerated progress, resorting to using Susanoo against Senju Tobirama.
In the original series, even the defiant Uchiha Madara was frequently subdued and beaten by Senju Hashirama. It made one wonder if the world's limitation was that the Senju were destined to suppress the Uchiha. But Izuna couldn't afford to think about that now. With Susanoo summoned and Senju Tobirama unable to evade him, Izuna felt a rush of exhilaration.
The white and silver Susanoo revealed only its ribs and arms, with black flames of Amaterasu flickering ominously on its palms.
Not only that, the blue armor on Senju Tobirama's right shoulder was also engulfed in the flames of Amaterasu.
"Black flames? What kind of technique is this?!" Tobirama exclaimed, panic setting in as the flames threatened to singe his cheeks. He quickly formed a hand seal, surrounding himself with a Water Formation Wall to extinguish the flames on his shoulder.
However, after the turbulent waves receded, the black flames not only remained but intensified.
His clothes were burning away, and he could feel the scorching heat against his skin.
No time to waste!
Tobirama tore off the entire sleeve of his left arm to prevent serious injury.
"Did you show any flaws?" Izuna's cold voice echoed from behind, causing Tobirama's heart to race.
"Want to use the Flying Thunder God again?"
Tobirama gritted his teeth. "Have I been seen through again?"
But whether he had been seen through or not, there was only one path left for him.
"The Art of Flying Thunder God!"
As the Susanoo's arm descended with immense force, the ground where Senju Tobirama had stood shattered into pieces.
But Tobirama had already activated the Flying Thunder God, vanishing from sight.
In less than an instant, Susanoo's other skeletal arm emerged from its ribs, consuming even more chakra and Mangekyō eye power, representing an even greater strength.
Whoosh!!
The newly formed skeletal arm hurled three tomoe spinning wildly toward the right rear, precisely where Senju Tobirama had just appeared.
Faced with this sudden onslaught from Susanoo, even the legendary "Ninja World's Fastest Speed" of Senju Tobirama couldn't save him in time.
In an emergency, he could only raise his Flying Thunder God Kunai in defense.
Bang!!
A crash resonated through the air, and the outcome was predictable.
Tobirama's body was sent flying over twenty meters into the air before crashing hard to the ground.
"Ahem!"
As he landed heavily, a deep crater formed beneath him, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Ignoring the blood pooling at the corner of his mouth, his mind raced. "Damn... I didn't expect Izuna to reach this level. There's no other option; I have to retreat."
"Have you forgotten? This is still my Uchiha clan's territory."
As Izuna's voice echoed from behind, several black shadows suddenly appeared.
Leading the group was Uchiha Hirito, who had just finished managing the survivors. Flanking him were two Uchiha jōnin—injured but still able to fight.
"Catch him!" Uchiha Hirito barked, and the two jōnin swiftly moved in, gripping Senju Tobirama's arms tightly.
Despite the blood and tears streaming from his right eye, Izuna had already collected all the Flying Thunder God Kunai scattered around.
[Skill points: 54]
Seeing the skill points displayed on the glowing screen visible only to him, Izuna couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
After previously redeeming Wind Release: Rasengan, he had only 14 skill points left. Thus, he had gained 40 skill points from defeating Senju Tobirama.
Even if Tobirama hadn't reached his true peak, he still represented a proper Kage-level strength.
Izuna had only managed to defeat him by deploying Susanoo, Amaterasu, and other ultimate moves.
At this rate, I won't go blind before awakening the Eternal Mangekyō, will I?
"Vice Chief Izuna!"
An excited Uchiha warrior approached, while the two jōnin escorting Senju Tobirama also looked on with admiration.
"If you hadn't come to support us, we would probably have been annihilated! And we captured Senju Tobirama, one of the top five members of the Senju clan!"
Uchiha Hirito declared excitedly.
"Don't rush to celebrate."
Without warning, Izuna punched Senju Tobirama in the stomach, causing the older ninja's eyes to bulge. Moments later, his eyes rolled back as he fainted.
Retracting his fist, Izuna said calmly, "This guy is proficient in Muji Ninjutsu. We can't let our guard down at any moment."
Uchiha Hirito nodded, then asked, "Chief Izuna, how did you know this brat would come to attack our Mountain Road camp?"
"I'll explain after the war is over. Right now, we need to bring this guy to the front line as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Senju Clan."
With that, Izuna took Senju Tobirama from the two jōnin and ordered, "You stay at the camp. I'll bring Senju Tobirama back."
"Yes!" they replied in unison.
Although Uchiha Hirito's status in the clan was not lower than Izuna's, his attitude was that of a subordinate in this moment.
This is the benefit of strength.
(End of the chapter).