Chapter 82: The Power of the Past
Chapter 82: The Power of the Past
The effects of the Almighty Elixir had exceeded expectations. Given Hiruzen Sarutobi's age and the intensity of the dosage, survival was practically impossible. Yet, at this critical moment, he could no longer afford to hesitate. Injecting the entire vial into his arm, a wave of burning energy coursed through his body, revitalizing his old, withered muscles.
"So this is the power of the elixir? Incredible... If only it didn't have such severe side effects."
He knew it was wishful thinking. A miracle drug that enhanced strength without drawbacks was nothing but a fantasy. As his body transformed, the aged Hokage could feel his youth returning. The tightness in his muscles, the surge of chakra, and the clarity of his vision—all signs that his prime had momentarily returned.
"This feeling... It's like being young again."
Leaping back and dodging an unseen attack, Hiruzen adjusted his stance, gripping his staff more confidently. Hidden in the shadows, Orochimaru sensed something was wrong.
"What did you do, old man? You feel different!" Orochimaru sneered, wary of the sudden change in his former teacher.
Hiruzen's eyes sharpened. "Orochimaru, despite everything you've learned from Konoha, there are still many things you do not know. Today, I will teach you one last lesson."
With a swift hand sign, Hiruzen summoned his trusted companion. "Summoning Jutsu!"
A cloud of smoke appeared, revealing Enma, the Monkey King.
"Hiruzen, it's been a while... What's going on here?" Enma glanced around warily. "Wait... Something's off with you."
Hiruzen gave a bitter smile. "It's not a forbidden technique, but something akin to it. There's no turning back now."
"What did you do?" Enma looked deeply concerned.
"Orochimaru has returned, and he brought the First and Second Hokage back using Edo Tensei."
Enma's eyes widened. "Edo Tensei? That forbidden technique? How dare he defile their souls! Hiruzen, what did you use to get your strength back?"
"A powerful elixir. It will take my life soon enough, but it's the only way I can stop him." Hiruzen replied resolutely.
"I understand... Let's put an end to this." Enma transformed into the Adamantine Staff, and Hiruzen gripped it firmly.
With newfound power coursing through his veins, Hiruzen moved at blinding speed, slamming the staff into the ground and launching himself into the air.
"Fire Release: Flame Dragon Bomb!"
A massive torrent of fire shot forward, blending with Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet to form a combined attack. The searing flames engulfed the area, scorching the summoned trees and obliterating everything in its path. Even the Barrier around the arena trembled under the impact, but remained intact.
Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! How did that old fossil unleash such power?"
As the dust settled, both the First and Second Hokage appeared partially damaged, but their bodies soon regenerated. Orochimaru, however, was visibly shaken.
"This is... almost as powerful as his prime. What did he do to himself?" Orochimaru muttered.
Hiruzen's stern voice echoed through the battlefield. "You've grown arrogant, Orochimaru. You thought your forbidden techniques would make you invincible, but you've underestimated me."
Outside the barrier, Mizuki's clone and the ANBU were watching the battle unfold. One of the ANBU marveled, "The Third Hokage truly is the Professor. Even in old age, his mastery of all five chakra natures is unmatched."
Mizuki remained silent, knowing full well the price Hiruzen was paying to wield such power.
---
Meanwhile, at the forest clearing, Sasuke Uchiha was at his limit. Despite piercing Gaara's sand defense twice with Chidori, Gaara continued to transform, his monstrous form resembling a giant tanuki. Sakura watched in horror, realizing that Gaara had completely lost control.
"So this is the monster Mizuki-sensei warned us about..." Sakura whispered, hands trembling.
Sasuke was panting heavily, his body showing signs of exhaustion and chakra depletion. The Cursed Seal on his neck pulsed ominously, feeding off his desperation.
"Damn it... I can't stop him..." Sasuke muttered, struggling to stay upright.
"Sasuke! Now!" Sakura shouted, forming hand seals. A binding formation erupted around Gaara, chains of chakra restricting his movements momentarily.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, summoning what remained of his strength. "Chidori!" The piercing sound echoed, and Sasuke sprinted forward, his hand crackling with deadly lightning. The attack struck true, but even this third Chidori barely left a mark on Gaara's monstrous form.
Gaara's rage only intensified, and with a deafening roar, he broke free from Sakura's seal, sending shockwaves through the clearing.
---
Back at the arena, the struggle between the Third Hokage and his summoned predecessors continued unabated. Hiruzen was visibly fatigued despite his temporary boost in power, and his shadow clones were barely holding back the First and Second Hokage. Enma, still in Adamantine Staff form, offered words of encouragement.
"Hold on, Hiruzen. You must finish this."
Hiruzen gritted his teeth. "I know... but my strength is fading."
Orochimaru smirked. "Your borrowed power won't last forever, sensei. Just give in."
With his back against the wall, Hiruzen resolved to use his final trump card.
"I will protect the village... even if it costs me my life."
Summoning his willpower, he prepared to perform the Reaper Death Seal.
---
While all this transpired, Mizuki's real body reached the forest area where he spotted Shino Aburame lying unconscious on a branch. Mizuki quickly examined him.
"He's still breathing. Just unconscious. Looks like he fought hard."
After stabilizing Shino with some basic healing, Mizuki continued onward, his senses guiding him to where Sasuke and Gaara were fighting.
"I have to hurry. If Gaara goes full Shukaku, even a dozen of us won't be able to hold him back."
He finally reached the battlefield, just as Gaara was beginning to transform completely. Sasuke was down, struggling to stand, and Sakura was defenseless.
"Damn it... I'm too late."
Mizuki steeled himself. He knew that if Gaara fully transformed, the entire area would be leveled. He could only hope that reinforcements or a miracle would arrive before it was too late.
As Gaara's tanuki form loomed over them, a familiar and defiant voice shouted from the treetops.
"Hey! Don't you dare touch them!"
Naruto Uzumaki stood on a high branch, eyes blazing with determination.
Mizuki let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"Finally... the real trump card has arrived."
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