Yoruichi's sharp eyes swept across the battlefield, his mind focused. The Sharingan and Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear technique were tempting, but fleeing like a coward was not his style.
The sea roared beneath the crumbling bridge, its destruction imminent. Yoruichi's hands moved swiftly, forming seals.
"Wood Release: Tree Bind flourishing Burial!"
Massive trees erupted from the planks of the bridge, intertwining and reinforcing its structure. What was once a fragile connection became a solid fortress of bark and branches.
Rin, Mikoto, and Terumi Mei stared in awe.
"Yoruichi is so cool!"
"The teacher is so amazing!"
"This guy's incredible…"
Even the panicked crowd felt a wave of calm, safety washing over them.
High above, the Third Mizukage narrowed his eyes at the display.
"To manifest such powerful Wood Release without soil nearby… Could it be? The reincarnation of the First Hokage?"
Memories of the First Hokage at the original Five Kage Summit came to his mind, and unease flickered in his gaze.
Still, the Mizukage's resolve hardened. With white zetsu's plan and madara's backing, Konoha's internal strife would crumble them eventually.
Yoruichi's sharp gaze caught sight of a black-and-white figure—Zetsu.
"So, it's Madara's move…" he muttered, his voice cold.
Turning to his companions, he ordered, "You all, leave now. I'll hold them off."
Mikoto stepped forward. "No, Yoruichi, come with us!"
Haruno Akira, trembling but resolute, spoke up. "You're too important. We'll cover you!"
Before another argument could erupt, a powerful water technique surged toward them.
"Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Multiple water dragons spiraled down, their ferocity unmatched. Haruno akira froze in terror, but Yoruichi slammed his hands together.
"Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"
Thick wooden barriers rose, absorbing the impact of the water dragons. The entire bridge shook, water spraying across the battlefield.
"You'll only die pointlessly if you stay. Go, now!" Yoruichi said, his voice firm.
"But—"
"No buts!" Yoruichi summoned a Shadow Clone to lead the group away.
"Yoruichi, promise me you'll return!" Mikoto called out as she followed the clone with the others.
"Go!"
The Third Mizukage smirked. "None of you are escaping!"
Before he could act, Yoruichi appeared in front of him, faster than lightning.
"Your opponent is me."
The next second, the Mizukage was sent flying by a crushing blow.
As the others ran, white humanoid figures began emerging from the surrounding landscape. Thousands of Zetsu clones swarmed in, their numbers overwhelming.
The clone leading the group shouted, "Wood Release: Wood Dragon Jutsu!"
"Wood release: Tree Bind flourishing burial!"
Massive wooden dragons and towering trees surged forth, crushing and trapping the Zetsu army. The path ahead cleared, Yoruichi's clone pushed them forward.
The real Yoruichi stayed behind, hands forming another set of seals.
"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"
The earth cracked beneath the enemy, and gigantic trees erupted, tearing apart the bridge and plunging Zetsu clones into the sea. Half the bridge collapsed, and cliffs turned into dense forests filled with monstrous flowers.
---
Konoha, Uzumaki Compound
"Four Symbols Seal!" Kushina's voice rang out as glowing markings appeared on a large pink pig's belly.
"It worked, Grandma Mito!"
Uzumaki Mito nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, try it again on the larger one."
The pig, thick-skinned and docile, was a training companion for Uzumaki sealing techniques. Its offspring, a smaller pig, often accompanied Tsunade and Shizune.
Kushina clapped her hands. "Alright, big guy, let's go again!"
Her excitement grew. Soon, she'd master all the Uzumaki sealing techniques and surpass even Yoruichi in that field.
And when he returned from this mission…
Her cheeks flushed at the thought of marriage.
"Be safe, Yoruichi," she whispered. "Come back to me."
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