Chapter 481: Cooperation

"Shhh!"

The scorching magma ball shattered the ground, melting the intricate black lines hidden beneath the surface.

The battlefield, spanning hundreds of meters in radius, now bore dozens of scorched holes of varying sizes, a testament to the fierce clash.

"Ding ding!"

Minato Namikaze weaved through the chaos, locked in an intense battle against Hanzo and Rasa. The three fighters, like streaks of light, darted across the battlefield, their movements too fast for ordinary ninjas to track.

Hanzo had long realized that conventional ninjutsu was ineffective against Minato's unmatched speed. Only techniques that left no room for evasion could pose a threat.

Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, also refrained from using his signature large-scale attacks. Such techniques lacked the precision required to target Minato, whose reaction speed was unparalleled. Using them risked collateral damage to allies.

Despite lacking the speed of Minato and Hanzo, Rasa's physical prowess allowed him to keep up with the relentless pace of the battle. As the Kazekage, his combat skills were nothing to scoff at.

Minato noticed that most of the markers he had strategically placed around the battlefield had been erased by Rōshi. It became clear that the three opponents had not only prepared for the fight but had also coordinated a strategy to counter him.

This wasn't just Minato's idea of a challenge; it was a coordinated effort by the allied forces of the major ninja nations. To them, Minato was the most dangerous adversary, one they were desperate to eliminate—whether because of his overwhelming strength or the countless lives of their comrades he had claimed.

"Earth Style : Golem Technique!"

A thunderous roar, more beast-like than human, echoed across the battlefield, shaking the air itself.

Before Jiraiya stood a towering rock giant, over ten meters tall. Perched on its shoulder, Kitsuchi performed hand seals, commanding the giant.

"Boom!"

The giant's massive fist crashed into the ground, causing tremors and sending shards of rock flying in every direction.

Jiraiya was flung backward but quickly bit his finger, smearing his blood onto his palm. Forming a series of seals, he pressed his hand against the ground.

"Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!"

As a plume of smoke billowed forth, the rock giant's next punch landed squarely into it.

"Boom!"

From the dissipating smoke emerged a massive shadow. A giant toad stretched out its hand, catching the rock giant's punch mid-strike.

The toad grunted, its strength barely holding back the colossal force. "Jiraiya, every time you summon me, it's always in the middle of some critical crisis!" Toad Chief Gamabunta complained, his voice tinged with irritation. However, his expression shifted as the punch's force surged through him. "Ouch! That hurts!"

Gamabunta's eyes narrowed as he locked onto the rock giant, a hint of cold determination flickering within them. With his free hand, he drew a massive dagger and swung it ferociously at the enemy.

"The summoning beast of Mount Myōboku?" Kitsuchi muttered, unfazed. With a gesture, he commanded the rock giant to intercept the attack.

The dagger embedded itself deep into the giant's palm, but the attack wasn't without consequence. Gamabunta's blade had struck with enough force to cause visible cracks in the giant's stony hand.

"Thanks for the assist, Gamabunta, but we need to focus on repelling the enemy first!" Jiraiya called out, his voice tinged with both gratitude and urgency. Even as he spoke, his hands were a blur, forming seals for his next technique.

Although Gamabunta grumbled, it was merely to vent his frustration. Without hesitation, he unleashed a torrent of toad oil from his mouth.

"Toad Oil Flame Bomb!"

Jiraiya followed up with a Fire Release Ninjutsu, igniting the oil into a blazing inferno. The flames roared to life, consuming both Kitsuchi and his rock giant in an instant.

Gamabunta leapt back to avoid the heat, but his sharp eyes caught sight of three flashes of light darting past the flames, accompanied by the distinct clash of ninja tools.

"Hanzo of the Salamander!?" Gamabunta exclaimed, his voice laced with shock.

Minato's voice rang out amid the chaos. "Gamabunta, I apologize for the trouble."

Gamabunta's gaze shifted, recognizing Minato as one of the figures locked in combat with Hanzo. He could barely keep track of their movements.

Mount Myōboku had heard of Minato defeating Hanzo, but the toad chief's expression grew even more serious when his eyes landed on another figure—a man manipulating gold sand.

"The Fourth Kazekage!?"

The realization struck him like a thunderbolt. Minato was battling not only Hanzo but also the Fourth Kazekage!

"Boom!"

The three combatants streaked past Gamabunta in a blur, their clash sending shockwaves through the air. From within the blazing inferno, Kitsuchi's rock giant emerged, its charred form radiating heat.

Though its body was scorched, the giant showed no signs of retreat. Steam hissed off its surface as it advanced once more, barbs sprouting from its fists—a clear sign of Kitsuchi's mastery over Earth Release techniques.

"That's one of Kitsuchi's best Earth Release techniques," Jiraiya muttered, his eyes narrowing. "He's reinforcing his rock giant mid-battle. Impressive for the son of the Third Tsuchikage."

"Gamabunta, we can't afford to let up!" Jiraiya's voice brimmed with determination.

The massive toad chuckled, despite the dire situation. With a sudden burst of speed, Gamabunta leapt backward, putting himself out of the giant's reach.

"Body-Flicker Technique?" Kitsuchi's eyes narrowed. While the Body-Flicker was not a rare technique, Gamabunta's precise use of it—triggered by Jiraiya's seals—showed an extraordinary level of coordination between the two.

"Water Style: Iron Cannonball!"

Safe from the giant's reach, Gamabunta unleashed a massive water cannonball from his mouth. The projectile hurtled forward at terrifying speed.

Caught off guard, Kitsuchi had no choice but to command the rock giant to shield itself with its arms.

"Boom!"

The impact forced the giant back, steam hissing as the water clashed with its overheated body.

Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "Now's our chance!"

Gamabunta charged forward again, his massive blade gleaming.

Kitsuchi's hands flew into seals, but he was a step too slow.

"Bang!"

Gamabunta's short sword cleaved into the giant's crossed arms, shattering them with ease. The once formidable colossus now showed clear signs of weakness, its defenses crumbling.

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