NT: 124: Do You Remember This Power?

Shukaku's massive form lunged toward Tengen, but in an instant, its body froze midair.

Countless air bullets, wreathed in crimson flames and infused with Armament Haki, bombarded Shukaku, pockmarking its sandy hide with craters.

With Tengen's final punch, an immense force sent Shukaku tumbling backward across the battlefield.

"What incredible power." Rasa muttered outside the barrier, his face paling. "This is the attack that nearly killed me."

Back in Sunagakure, Tengen's overwhelming taijutsu had left Rasa defenseless, unable to even cast a ninjutsu before being overwhelmed. Had luck not intervened, Rasa might have died.

He would have been the shortest-lived Kazekage, not even lasting a year as a provisional leader, never officially confirmed.

Future Kazekages would have mocked him as a laughingstock.

Yet now, this same attack had sent Shukaku reeling, an astonishing display of strength.

Chiyo reflected that if Tengen had used this power against her, the Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets would have crumbled instantly.

The pressing question was: Was this Tengen's true strength?

Though Shukaku sustained little damage from the assault, Chiyo felt an uneasy premonition.

This wasn't about other Konoha-nins or incoming reinforcements, it was about Tengen, trapped within the barrier.

"It hurts! It hurts! I haven't felt this in ages. You're going to die!" Shukaku roared, steadying itself on the ground.

Its mouth unleashed a barrage of wind-natured chakra spheres, raining down on Tengen.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The attacks engulfed Tengen's surroundings. This time, Shukaku remained vigilant, keenly tracking Tengen's position.

After prolonged battles, Shukaku had regained its sharp instincts as a Tailed Beast.

Outside, Rasa and the Suna-nins watched with glee, convinced the Konoha-nin would perish.

Shukaku's massive size made its attacks far more devastating than those of ordinary ninjas.

A Tailed Beast Ball could level a small mountain, something no ordinary ninjutsu could achieve.

Meanwhile, Kushina quickly located Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

"Kushina, you're saying Tengen went alone to scout deep in enemy territory?" Jiraiya's expression darkened.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama. Shouldn't we hurry?" Kushina urged.

"Tengen's strong, but acting so recklessly?" Jiraiya said, exasperated.

"Don't worry, Jiraiya. Tengen has the Flying Thunder God Technique. He can avoid danger." Orochimaru interjected.

"Space-time ninjutsu isn't invincible. There are always counters." Jiraiya countered.

"I believe in him." Orochimaru said with a smile.

"So, Orochimaru, are you coming with me?" Jiraiya asked.

"Of course. He's my disciple, isn't he?" Orochimaru replied, licking his lips. He had a feeling that joining would reveal even greater power from Tengen.

"Let's go." Jiraiya said.

"Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama, let me come too!" Kushina called as they prepared to leave.

"Since Tengen's your captain, come along." Orochimaru said coolly.

"Yes!" Kushina's face lit up.

Jiraiya, anxious, swiftly gathered hundreds of Konoha-nins and headed toward the direction Kushina indicated.

Moments later, Jiraiya and Orochimaru's expressions shifted.

"That's…" Jiraiya began, spotting a faint, hazy glow in the distance. Though far away, its visibility suggested an enormous barrier with a vast range.

"It's a barrier." Orochimaru confirmed, curiosity in his eyes. "The Suna-nins set this up. What did Tengen do to warrant such a complex barrier?"

"Enough talk, Orochimaru. Let's move!" Jiraiya urged, fearing for Tengen's safety.

"Relax." Orochimaru said, following closely.

Orochimaru's lack of concern wasn't due to any rift with Tengen. He knew Tengen possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Legend had it that Uchiha Madara once controlled the Nine-Tails with his Mangekyō Sharingan. Handling Shukaku, the One-Tail, should be no issue for Tengen. Plus, with the Flying Thunder God Technique, even if a counter existed, it wouldn't come from these Suna-nins.

If it were so easily countered, the technique's mastery wouldn't be so daunting.

Perhaps only another space-time ninjutsu expert could pose a challenge.

Inside the barrier, Shukaku relentlessly bombarded Tengen's position, kicking up clouds of dust that obscured its view.

The ground was flattened, craters littering the terrain.

"Is he dead?" Shukaku stared intently, but its massive pupils contracted as a small figure emerged from the dust.

"Your power is impressive, Shukaku." Tengen said, eyeing the colossal One-Tail. "But fighting you in this state feels a bit… unsatisfying."

"Unsatisfying?" Shukaku growled, puzzled.

Outside, Rasa shared the confusion. Was Tengen planning something?

Though Tengen had dodged Shukaku's attacks, a ninja's chakra could never match a Tailed Beast's reserves. Rasa was confident Tengen would be worn down.

"So, Shukaku, do you remember these eyes?" Tengen's eyes turned blood-red, three tomoe spinning within.

The Sharingan, Three Tomoe Sharingan.

***

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