105. Clash of the Hokage's - 2
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The sturdy trees erupted from the ground, with countless trunks and roots growing erratically, shattering tiles and piercing through rooftops.
The vegetation not only covered the massive hole that Tsunade had created but also quickly spread around, intertwining and engulfing Konoha.
Despite the grave situation, Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit bemused. These roots looked almost like tentacles, conjuring up some less-than-heroic imagery…
Minato, with his exceptional reflexes and speed, swiftly evaded the attack and charged forward.
Tsunade and Kushina dodged as best they could. When evasion wasn't an option, they simply smashed through the obstacles in their path with brute force.
Jiraiya, meanwhile, used a variety of Jutsu, such as the Rasengan and Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu, to push forward.
The situation was most challenging for Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. At over 70 years old, his physical condition had drastically declined.
Despite his vast experience and theoretical knowledge, he hadn't engaged in active combat for a decade, leaving him rusty. Fortunately, Konohamaru's daily pranks had kept him somewhat active.
But even so, after a few skirmishes, the Third Hokage was ensnared by the tree roots.
Tobirama Senju seized the opportunity and lunged at him. Just as his attack was about to strike, Minato reappeared, blocking Tobirama's assault with his kunai infused with the Flying Thunder God Jutsu.
"Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma!"
Before Minato could assist further, Hiruzen summoned the elderly Enma, who tore through the tree roots in two swift moves and remarked, "You've really let yourself go, Sarutobi. What is this, a Hokage reunion?"
Hiruzen didn't offer much of an explanation. His only thought was to stop Orochimaru. "Enough chatter, Enma. Transform into the Adamantine Staff."
Understanding the urgency, Enma transformed into a long staff with a black centre and golden ends, flying straight into Hiruzen's grasp.
Outside the barrier, Naruto watched as the condensed version of Shinraiju Senjutsu descended, feeling relieved that Hashirama's chakra reserves were not fully unleashed.
He mused that the knowledge and interference he had brought might have prevented Orochimaru from perfecting the Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation).
After all, if Orochimaru had managed to perfect the technique, both the First and Second Hokage might have broken free of his control, which would've likely put Orochimaru in an even worse position.
For now, the battlefield didn't seem too overwhelming. Naruto wondered how "Aunt Snake" (Orochimaru) would plan to escape and if they could prolong her stay with some good hospitality from Konoha.
Back on the battlefield, the stalemate didn't last long. Tobirama quickly completed his hand seals:
"Water Release: Water Colliding Wave!"
A massive water surge rose around him, forming a tidal wave aimed directly at Hiruzen.
Kushina stepped up, forming the same seals. "I know this one too," she declared, launching her Water Release: Water Colliding Wave to counter Tobirama's.
The two waves collided, and though Kushina's was launched later, its intensity overpowered Tobirama's. The clash ended with a diminished wave flowing harmlessly through the gaps in the trees, into the hole Tsunade had created earlier.
If Tobirama's consciousness hadn't been suppressed, he might've protested. And poor Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, wasn't faring any better. Without prior preparation for Gold Dust, he found himself in a difficult position, as the forestation added to his woes.
Rasa initially considered mining gold from beneath the large hole, but Tobirama's water flood ruined that plan. His efforts had only gathered enough Gold Dust to fill Gaara's gourd, leaving him feeling targeted by all of Konoha.
Yet, as an Edo Tensei with no emotions, he could only silently continue panning for gold, preparing for the battle.
Orochimaru, however, wasn't idle. He opened his mouth, summoning a snake, which then revealed the legendary Kusanagi Sword.
This sword was no ordinary blade; its sharpness could even make Enma, in his Adamantine Staff form, wary.
Moreover, it could be remotely controlled, reacting to even the slightest finger movement.
Orochimaru charged into the woods, disappearing before making a sudden beeline toward the Third Hokage.
Naruto sensed a strange chakra presence beside Orochimaru as he hid in the woods. Kushina, too, sensed it, alerting everyone to be cautious of the forest.
While Jiraiya scouted for Rasa, Tsunade was busy clashing with her grandfather, Hashirama.
During the water clash between Tobirama and Kushina, Minato used the Flying Thunder God Jutsu to appear beside Tobirama, slamming a Rasengan into his chest.
For an imperfect Edo Tensei body, Tobirama's durability was nowhere near his original form.
The attack disrupted Tobirama's jutsu, sending him flying, but his chest wound quickly began to regenerate.
Orochimaru sneered, "These Edo Tensei are practically immortal. No matter the injury, they'll recover and even if you kill me, the caster, the Jutsu won't end. So, what will you do?"
Hiruzen swung the staff with resolve. "Orochimaru, it's my responsibility to let you stray this far. Today, I'll correct that mistake!"
"Acting tough at your age? You'd be better off letting me finish you off." Orochimaru dodged Hiruzen's strike, countering with his sword.
Minato, observing Tobirama's rapid recovery, decided, "We can't kill him directly. We have to seal him."
Kushina cracked her knuckles with a grin. "Sealing techniques are my specialty."
Realizing the danger, Orochimaru weighed his options: either use the Edo Tensei to kill Hiruzen and flee, or retreat now.
Minato threw a kunai, aiming at Orochimaru. But the kunai passed through him, as did Hiruzen's staff. Orochimaru vanished into thin air, leaving only the Kusanagi Sword behind.
"An illusion?" Minato noted the faint mist in the air, recognizing it as a special type of genjutsu.
Emerging from the woods was a middle-aged man with blond hair and a distinctive moustache. He launched a few Water Release: Water Gunshot, which Hiruzen deflected with his staff.
Naruto, recognizing the man, shouted, "That's the Second Mizukage! His summoning beast is a giant clam, and he uses the Mirage Genjutsu!"
Naruto surmised that Orochimaru had summoned the Mizukage earlier and kept him hidden, planning to use him as a trump card.
Naruto then used the Flying Thunder God Jutsu to stand beside Kushina. "Today, Uzumaki Naruto joins the fray too!"
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