Chapter 254

Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees

After more than a decade, Wood Release once again made its appearance in the world.

Unfortunately, it wasn't through the hands of the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, not even from his descendent, but rather his old friend and rival, Uchiha Madara.

A sea of trees surged forward, appearing almost instantly before Shadow Avatar one.

The rushing tide of trees was terrifying, like a stampede of wild beasts or an unstoppable army charging forward. 

The oppressive momentum seemed capable of overwhelming even gods.

The strange, grotesque shapes of the trees resembled vengeful spirits or mountain demons, clawing and roaring ferociously. 

Their menacing appearance would send chills down the spine of any ordinary ninja, paralyzing them with fear.

Even Shadow Avatar one felt a weight in his heart, but he didn't cower. Instead, he leaped into the air, gracefully weaving through the advancing forest.

Amid the rampaging forest, a nineteen-year-old figure moved against the current. 

His agile movements and elegant leaps amidst the chaos resembled a butterfly flitting through a field of flowers.

He was dancing.

Madara, witnessing this scene, felt a surge of excitement.

He directed the trees to attack Shadow Avatar one relentlessly, but the clone's movements were far too agile. The trees couldn't land a single blow.

Even when they managed to close in, the blade in Shadow Avatar one's hand would cut them down effortlessly.

"Is the World of Trees not enough? Let's add something extra, then!"

Madara, unfazed by the ineffectiveness of his initial attack, formed another set of seals.

Wood Release: Advent of Flowering Trees!

More trees erupted from the ground, transforming the landscape into a dense, lush forest within moments.

Shadow Avatar one glanced around and saw that the barren ground had been replaced with greenery, with massive trees and budding flowers filling the area.

"Advent of Flowering Tress, huh?" he murmured, recognizing the technique as giant flower buds began blooming in the distance.

As the pink blossoms unfurled, they released a cloud of toxic pollen into the air. This pollen was highly potent, capable of paralyzing anyone who inhaled it.

Even the future Five Kage had succumbed to it during their battle with Madara, barely surviving thanks to Ōnoki.

But Shadow Avatar one was different.

As a manifestation of spiritual energy, natural energy, and life force, he had no blood or flesh. Poisons, which targeted the human body, were utterly ineffective against him.

Realizing this was an opportunity, the clone decided to use it to his advantage.

Madara didn't know the truth about Shadow Avatar one and likely assumed he was susceptible to the toxin.

Feigning weakness, the clone furrowed his brow and stiffened slightly, his movements becoming sluggish as he landed on a tree trunk. 

He swung his sword sluggishly, as if struggling.

"Are you already poisoned? How disappointing," Madara sneered, his lips curling into a contemptuous smile.

"Still, as a member of the younger generation, you've done well to last this long and even force me to use Wood Release. You can take pride in that."

Despite his mockery, Madara respected Hui's abilities. He silently acknowledged that, at nineteen, even he hadn't been this strong.

"Damn it… My body is going numb," the clone muttered, half-kneeling and leaning on his sword for support.

A consummate actor, Shadow Avatar one's performance was flawless. In a modern setting, he'd surely win awards for his acting.

As the pollen settled, Madara approached him confidently, stopping a short distance away.

"Why… Why do you have Grandpa Hashirama's Wood Release?!" Shadow Avatar one demanded, leaning on his sword like a cane, with confusion, and indignation written on his face.

Madara smirked at the question.

"The world believes I perished at the Valley of the End, defeated by Hashirama. They don't know that even in defeat, everything unfolded according to my plan.

"The fusion of Uchiha and Senju powers within my body—that, was the true purpose of my battle with Hashirama!"

"The fusion of Uchiha and Senju… I never thought you'd achieve such a feat," the clone replied, his body twitching slightly as if trying to move.

Madara, noticing the effort, controlled Susanoo to grab the clone with its massive hand, lifting him effortlessly.

With a flick of Susanoo's arm, the clone was brought directly before Madara.

"It took some effort, but it's over now," Madara said his eyes blazing with killing intent, however, there was a trace of regret in his eyes.

"Your talent is exceptional, rivaling even mine and Hashirama's. As the shinobi world claims, given a few more years, you could have become the next God of Shinobi.

"But fate decrees otherwise. The title of God of Shinobi belongs only to Hashirama Senju.

"You, Mochizuki Hui, will remain a Demigod, a young prodigy who dies young. Blame Tobirama for your fate, it's his fault you've come to this."

Madara reached for the sword in the clone's hand.

"Though your end is inevitable, you've earned my respect. For forcing me to use Wood Release, I'll grant you the honor of dying by your own blade."

Raising the sword, Madara prepared to strike.

At that moment, Shadow Avatar one knew the time had come.

Suddenly, a burst of radiant light and powerful blue chakra erupted from his body, shattering Susanoo's grip in an instant.

Before Madara could react, the clone moved faster than ever before, throwing a devastating punch toward him.

This was Hui's trump card: Eight Gates: Seventh Gate!

Madara's eyes widened, his pupils constricting as his body instinctively moved to dodge.

But it was too late.

Boom!

The punch struck Madara squarely, obliterating half his body.

Yet Shadow Avatar one's expression remained grim. Instead of victory, he saw a wooden clone crumbling before him.

Madara's wooden clone, infused with a trace of life force, had perfectly mimicked him.

Although it wasn't as realistic as His own Shadow Avatar, the trace of lifeforce in it was enough confuse even Shadow avatar one in a chaotic battle.

Shing!

A blue chakra blade pierced through Shadow Avatar one's back.

"You're not to be underestimated. That was close. But it's over now," came Madara's cold voice from behind.

Having grown cautious with age, Madara had planned meticulously. 

Against a creative ninja like Hui, known for his ingenuity, Madara wouldn't risk exposing his true body.

Shadow Avatar one sighed. He hadn't expected Madara to be this cautious.

But…

Poof!

The clone disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Madara's expression darkened.

join my patreon for 115+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/HyppoTL