A crimson wave that stretched tens of meters in width surged upward to engulf Minato's position, its massive scale creating a wall of superheated destruction that seemed to challenge the very sky itself. The molten torrent was so enormous and moved with such tremendous velocity that even someone possessing Minato's legendary speed would find it impossible to evade completely while suspended in midair at such close range.
However, what surprised Minato even more than the sheer magnitude of the attack was the profound implication of what he was witnessing. Nagato was not merely accessing the vast chakra reserves of the five tailed beasts that had been integrated into his system—he was also demonstrating mastery over their unique abilities and elemental affinities.
Minato instantly recognized the distinctive characteristics of the molten technique being employed against him. This was unmistakably the signature ability of the Four-Tails, the legendary beast whose mastery over lava and superheated earth had made it one of the most feared entities in the natural world.
It had taken the Four-Tails' previous jinchūriki, the elderly and experienced Roshi, several decades of careful cultivation and patient cooperation to achieve even basic harmony with his tailed beast's power. The relationship between jinchūriki and tailed beast was traditionally one of the most complex and delicate bonds in the ninja world, requiring years of mutual understanding and gradual synchronization.
Yet Nagato had apparently achieved comprehensive mastery over not just one but five different tailed beast abilities in an impossibly short period of time. Such rapid integration should have been beyond the capabilities of any normal human being, regardless of their skill level or dedication.
The primary factor that made such an achievement possible was undoubtedly Nagato's possession of the Rinnegan—the legendary eyes of the Six Paths Sage himself. These dōjutsu represented the pinnacle of ocular evolution, granting their wielder capabilities that transcended normal human limitations and approached the realm of divine power.
"Senjutsu: Super Large Jade Rasengan Multi-Shot!" Minato called out, his voice carrying clearly despite the tremendous heat and pressure radiating from the approaching wave of molten destruction.
Facing the crimson tsunami that threatened to reduce him to ash in seconds, Minato raised both arms and began channeling the perfect fusion of natural energy and chakra that marked his mastery of sage techniques. Pure chakra light began condensing in front of his palms, each point of illumination burning with the brilliance of miniature stars.
The energy that gathered around his hands was not merely concentrated chakra, but rather the harmonious combination of his own spiritual force with the natural energy that permeated the world around them. This fusion created power that exceeded the sum of its individual components, generating capabilities that approached those of the legendary figures who had shaped the ninja world's early history.
Buzz!
In the span of a single heartbeat, dozens of massive Rasengan materialized around Minato's position like an artificial constellation. Each sphere was several times larger than the standard version of the technique, containing enough compressed energy to level a small building. Their formation created a defensive array that surrounded him in protective brilliance.
The dazzling chakra light erupted with explosive intensity as Minato rotated his palms to direct the accumulated power toward the approaching threat. The entire sky above their battlefield was illuminated by the radiance of his technique, creating an artificial dawn that was visible for miles in every direction.
Bang, bang, bang!
Dozens of super-large Rasengan detonated simultaneously, their combined force creating a wall of pure energy that rose to meet Nagato's molten assault. The collision between the two titanic techniques generated shock waves that propagated through both air and earth, creating tremors that could be felt across the surrounding landscape.
The blue radiance of Minato's sage techniques clashed directly with the red fury of the Four-Tails' lava, creating a spectacular display of competing energies that painted the sky in alternating patterns of azure and crimson. The explosion that resulted from their collision expanded like a miniature sun, generating a cloud of mixed energy that covered hundreds of meters in every direction.
Fragments of chakra-infused light began falling like supernatural rain, each droplet carrying enough residual power to burn holes in solid stone. The spectacle was both beautiful and terrifying, a testament to the unprecedented levels of destruction that their battle was capable of producing.
At that moment, while the explosion continued to expand and brighten the sky above their battlefield, Nagato activated another component of his enhanced capabilities. Behind his position, the mechanical augmentation that had been revealed during their earlier exchange began extending once again, its components unfolding with the precision of advanced engineering.
The artificial limb telescoped outward until it had positioned itself in front of his torso, its various segments reconfiguring themselves to form what was unmistakably a weapon system of tremendous sophistication. The device appeared to be a seamless fusion of organic tissue and mechanical components, representing biotechnological integration that defied conventional understanding.
Bang!
A concentrated beam of purple energy that had been building within the weapon's charging chamber suddenly erupted from the mechanical muzzle with explosive force. The attack immediately began expanding as it traveled through the air, transforming from a focused beam into a massive shock wave that rushed upward through the sky with devastating intent.
Wherever the purple energy passed, the very air seemed to vibrate and distort, creating ripples in space itself that suggested forces capable of warping reality at the fundamental level. The shock wave's passage left visible disturbances in its wake, marking its trajectory like a scar across the heavens.
Minato's enhanced perception, sharpened by perfect sage mode integration, naturally detected the distinctive chakra fluctuations that preceded Nagato's mechanical assault. His analytical mind processed the incoming threat even while he remained concealed within the ongoing explosion of their previous exchange.
Through the chaotic light and energy of the continuing detonation, Minato's figure could be glimpsed moving with purpose and determination. Despite the tremendous forces swirling around him, he was already preparing his next offensive technique, demonstrating the tactical adaptability that had made him legendary.
In his palm, another massive sphere of concentrated energy was taking shape—this one even larger and more complex than those he had employed in his previous barrage.
"Senjutsu: Wind Style: Super Large Rasengan Shuriken!" Minato announced, his brown-yellow sage pupils contracting with intense focus as he channeled additional elements into his already devastating technique.
Around the chakra sphere in his hand, enormous wind blades began materializing with razor-sharp precision. The cutting edges stirred the red and blue light of the ongoing explosion above them, actually managing to slice through and disperse the lingering energy patterns that had been created by their previous collision.
Ding ding ding!
The sound of countless microscopic wind blades spinning at tremendous velocity filled the air as Minato hurled his enhanced technique toward its target. In the same instant, he activated his signature transportation ability and appeared directly above the purple shock wave that was rushing upward to meet him.
The positioning was perfect—two of the most devastating attacks either combatant had yet produced were now on a collision course that would determine the immediate direction of their battle.
When the Rasengan Shuriken and the purple shock wave made contact, the interaction began with what seemed like supernatural silence. Huge quantities of energy became entangled and began competing for dominance, their conflicting natures creating interference patterns that caused the mixed light to flicker and pulse in hypnotic rhythms.
For a brief moment, the entire battlefield seemed suspended in time, as if the universe itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the devastation that was about to be unleashed.
BOOM!
However, after that moment of deceptive calm, a series of explosions began erupting that dwarfed anything that had occurred during their previous exchanges. The detonations continued in rapid succession, each one more powerful than the last, creating a cascade of destruction that seemed to feed upon itself.
The tremendous wind generated by these explosions completely extinguished the lingering red and blue light that had been slowly dissipating in the sky, sweeping away the remnants of their earlier techniques in the span of a single heartbeat.
The shock waves continued to propagate outward and downward, their force eventually reaching the stone mountains that served as the foundation of their battlefield. When the destructive energy made contact with the ancient rock formations, something extraordinary occurred.
The hard stone began to soften and melt upon contact with the residual energy, transforming from solid matter into flowing liquid as easily as ice exposed to intense flame. The affected area continued to expand at an alarming rate, the zone of destruction spreading rapidly toward the positions where Konan and Kushina were engaged in their own desperate battle.
Recognizing the immediate danger posed by the expanding field of destruction, both kunoichi were forced to temporarily abandon their confrontation in favor of self-preservation.
Konan responded with the fluid grace that marked all her movements, using her paper wings to rapidly gain altitude and distance from the advancing devastation. Her aerial mobility provided her with significant advantages when dealing with ground-based threats, allowing her to retreat to safe distances without sacrificing her tactical position.
Kushina assessed the speed at which the explosive aftermath was spreading and made the calculated decision not to rely on rapid escape. The rocky terrain of their battlefield was poorly suited to the kind of high-speed movement that would be required to outrun the expanding destruction, and attempting such an approach would likely result in her being caught in an even more disadvantageous position.
Instead, she chose to rely on her clan's legendary defensive capabilities. From behind her position, multiple chains began emerging with serpentine grace, each one glowing with the distinctive dark golden light that marked her Uzumaki heritage. The chains moved with supernatural speed and precision, weaving together to form a cage-like protective barrier around her position.
As Kushina completed a series of hand seals, the chains began emitting even brighter illumination, their surfaces becoming inscribed with sealing formulae that would provide additional layers of protection against the various forms of energy that were about to impact her location.
The protective barrier reached full strength just as the aftermath of the explosion struck with tremendous force. The sound of the impact was like thunder, but the Uzumaki sealing techniques proved equal to the challenge, deflecting and absorbing the destructive energy while keeping their user safe within the protected zone.
In the midst of this tremendous explosion, the figures of both Minato and Nagato were rendered almost invisible, appearing as small as grains of dust when viewed against the cosmic scale of the destruction they had unleashed. The forces they were manipulating exceeded anything that normal human perception was equipped to process, challenging the very concepts of scale and proportion.
The mountain range that had served as their battlefield was being systematically obliterated by the cascading effects of their techniques, ancient stone formations that had existed for millennia being reduced to molten slag in a matter of seconds.
Yet even as their environment was transformed around them, both combatants continued their deadly dance, each seeking the opening or advantage that would allow them to claim victory in this unprecedented confrontation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in the perpetually fog-shrouded Hidden Mist Village, another battle was unfolding that would determine the fate of the Six-Tails and its jinchūriki.
The village had been wrapped in its characteristic mist for as long as anyone could remember, but today the fog was rising more rapidly than usual, creating an atmosphere of supernatural unease that put every resident on edge.
At the village's perimeter, a large white bird could be seen circling through the sky with predatory patience. The artificial creature moved with the fluid grace of living tissue despite being composed entirely of explosive clay, its wings beating with rhythmic precision as it maintained its aerial surveillance of the targets below.
Roar!
From within the village boundaries, numerous massive water dragons began rising from concealed positions, their serpentine forms coiling through the air as they moved to surround and entrap the circling threat. The coordinated response demonstrated the tactical sophistication that had made Kirigakure famous throughout the ninja world.
However, whenever the large bird appeared to be falling completely into the carefully orchestrated trap, Deidara—perched confidently on his creation's back—would casually toss an explosive made from his signature detonating clay toward the approaching water constructs.
The timing of these attacks was perfect, each detonation occurring at precisely the moment when maximum disruption could be achieved while minimal clay would be expended.
"Damn it!" Mei Terumi exclaimed through clenched teeth, her frustration evident as she watched her village's coordinated assault being systematically dismantled by a single opponent.
The Fifth Mizukage was not accustomed to having her tactical plans so thoroughly countered, particularly by someone who appeared to be treating the entire engagement as little more than an entertaining diversion.
Forming hand seals with practiced precision, Mei began channeling a massive amount of chakra into what would be one of her most powerful water-style techniques. A tremendous stream of water erupted from her mouth, rapidly taking the form of a water dragon bullet that spread out as it traveled through the air.
The dragon continued to expand and reshape itself until it had formed a enormous water barrier suspended in the sky above the village, creating a protective screen that would hopefully absorb or deflect whatever explosive attacks Deidara might attempt to direct toward the civilian population below.
"Drink!" Mei called out as she completed the technique's formation, her voice carrying the authority of someone who had been trained to lead in crisis situations.
As soon as the water barrier had solidified into its final configuration, Deidara triggered another of his explosive devices. The detonation struck the protective screen with tremendous force, dissipating some of its destructive potential as intended, but the makeshift defense proved insufficient to contain all the energy of the attack.
The water barrier, impressive as it was, remained a hastily constructed defensive measure that lacked the structural integrity necessary to withstand the full force of Deidara's specialized explosives.
The residual energy from the explosion continued downward toward the village below, forcing the Kirigakure ninja positioned throughout the settlement to abandon their coordinated offensive efforts in favor of individual defensive measures.
Each ninja began employing their own water-style techniques to protect the buildings and civilians in their immediate vicinity, creating a chaotic patchwork of defensive barriers rather than the unified response that had been originally planned.
In the air above the beleaguered village, Deidara was also experiencing significant stress despite his apparent tactical advantage. Sweat ran down his face as he struggled to maintain his concentration while simultaneously managing his clay bird's flight patterns and preparing his explosive attacks.
After all, he was effectively engaging an entire hidden village single-handedly. Even with his aerial superiority and specialized techniques, the sheer number of skilled opponents below him was beginning to take its toll on both his chakra reserves and his mental focus.
The constant need to remain alert for incoming attacks while maintaining his offensive pressure was exhausting even for someone of his considerable abilities and experience.
Swish!
At this critical moment, several figures suddenly materialized beside Mei Terumi, their arrival marked by the distinctive spatial distortion that accompanied advanced transportation techniques.
She noticed the newcomers almost immediately, turning her head to observe their appearance. When she recognized the distinctive features and clothing of the arriving reinforcements, a smile of genuine relief appeared on her beautiful and delicate features.
Standing behind Mei Terumi, one of the newly arrived figures—a kunoichi whose bearing suggested significant authority within Kirigakure's command structure—focused her attention on the golden-haired figure wearing a white robe decorated with flame patterns.
Deidara's gaze also paused on the blonde man, his eyes widening as he recognized the implications of who had just joined the battle. He swallowed nervously, his previous confidence evaporating as he processed the changed tactical situation.
"This is going to be considerably more difficult than anticipated," he muttered, his eyes twitching as he began forming hand seals for what would likely need to be a more powerful and desperate technique.
Minato's shadow clone had successfully transported Nawaki and Uchiha Yoruki to the Hidden Mist Village, their arrival timed to coincide with the moment when Kirigakure's defenses were most heavily pressed.
However, in order to provide adequate chakra reserves for his confrontation with Nagato, the original Minato had not allocated substantial energy to this particular shadow clone. Consequently, after completing the transportation of his two allies, the clone immediately dispersed, its purpose fulfilled and its limited energy expended.
Mei Terumi frowned slightly when she witnessed the clone's dissolution, recognizing that this development indicated that the situation Konoha was currently facing must be even more serious than the intelligence reports had suggested. For the Fourth Hokage to limit his support to such a degree implied that he was dealing with threats that demanded his complete and undivided attention.
From the previous intelligence briefings they had received, both Uchiha Yoruki and Nawaki already possessed a general understanding of Kirigakure's current tactical situation and the specific threats they would be expected to counter.
"Lord Mizukage," Nawaki said, glancing quickly around the village to assess the current state of the battle, "please immediately order all available jōnin in the village to prepare their most powerful water-style techniques for coordinated deployment. I will bring that aerial opponent down to where we can engage him more effectively."
His voice carried the confidence of someone who had analyzed the tactical situation and identified a clear path to victory, despite the challenging circumstances they were facing.
"Excellent!" Mei Terumi agreed without any hesitation, recognizing both the wisdom of the proposed strategy and the capabilities of the ninja who had been sent to assist them.
Splash!
As Mei's orders were rapidly transmitted throughout the village, hundreds of water-style techniques suddenly erupted from concealed positions throughout Kirigakure. The coordinated response represented the accumulated expertise of a village that had spent generations perfecting their mastery over water-based ninjutsu.
Mei Terumi herself formed hand seals with both hands and began channeling what would be her largest-scale water technique, drawing upon chakra reserves that she normally held in reserve for only the most desperate situations.
Nawaki leaped upward with explosive force, landing gracefully on a nearby rooftop that provided him with an optimal position for technique deployment. His hands moved through a complex series of seals as he prepared to demonstrate why he had been selected for this crucial mission.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Tornado!" he called out, his voice carrying clearly despite the chaos of battle surrounding them.
From his mouth erupted a stream of water that was even more massive and forceful than the one Mei Terumi was generating simultaneously. The technique was not merely large in scale—it was fundamentally different in its conception and execution.
Splash!
The water-based technique began spinning like a supernatural tornado, generating tremendous suction force as it rotated through the air. As it gained momentum and power, it began drawing in additional water sources from throughout the Hidden Mist Village, including the techniques being employed by the Mizukage and her subordinates.
Such an enormous volume of water converged around Nawaki's position and began forming a massive water tornado with a diameter measuring hundreds of meters. The scale of the technique was unprecedented, representing a level of water manipulation that exceeded anything most of the observing Kirigakure ninja had previously witnessed.
Seeing this display of water mastery, the pupils of many Kirigakure ninja—who were themselves considered the world's foremost experts in water-based techniques—contracted with genuine shock and amazement.
They had spent their entire lives studying and perfecting their understanding of water manipulation, yet the technique being demonstrated before them represented capabilities that challenged their fundamental understanding of what was possible within their chosen specialization.
The massive Water Dragon Tornado created tremendous atmospheric disturbance as it spun, its rotation pulling at the surrounding air and creating turbulent wind patterns that made aerial navigation increasingly difficult. Deidara's flight became progressively more unstable, his speed dropping dramatically as his clay bird was buffeted by forces beyond its ability to compensate for.
The large white construct began swaying dangerously through the air, its artificial wings struggling to maintain lift and directional control against the supernatural atmospheric conditions that had been created below.
Roar, roar, roar!
Recognizing the opportunity that had been created, Nawaki modified his hand seals to activate the second phase of his technique. The water at the apex of the massive tornado began surging upward and condensing into multiple distinct forms, each one taking the shape of a enormous water dragon.
These secondary constructs possessed their own independent mobility and targeting capabilities, allowing them to pursue aerial opponents with relentless determination. As they completed their formation, all of them oriented toward Deidara's increasingly vulnerable position and began their coordinated assault.