Jinghang's heart dropped. If Hashirama Senju cranked up Sage Mode, there was no telling how far his power would go.
Hashirama's body erupted with raw, overwhelming energy. His strength surged so high that Jinghang's Magnet Release couldn't restrain his armor anymore.
"Clang!" "Clang!" "Clang!"—
Hashirama's face was stone cold as he stripped off his armor piece by piece, tossing it aside until he was left in nothing but a black bodysuit.
"Kid—you're full of surprises. Didn't expect a bloodline user, let alone someone who can control metal."
Jinghang knew physical attacks couldn't truly harm an Edo Tensei body. He'd used the armor to try and physically seal Hashirama, hoping for a shot at the "Sand Waterfall Imperial Funeral"—a sealing jutsu every Kazekage had to master. (The material varied: Jinghang used iron sand, Rasa used gold sand, Gaara used regular sand. All aimed at sealing Shukaku.)
But now, it was clear: iron sand wouldn't cut it, and Sage Mode Hashirama was a whole new beast.
In the original manga, Hashirama never went Sage Mode during the "Konoha Crush." Most fans chalked it up to Orochimaru's soul control—Hashirama was just a mindless puppet, swinging punches and never unleashing his true power.
But here? Hashirama was fully self-aware. All his experience, tactics, and battle instincts were intact. That was terrifying. He was the God of Shinobi for a reason—a man who stood alone at the summit, undefeated, with a level of combat experience that bordered on monstrous.
Even as an incomplete Edo Tensei, Sage Mode filled in every gap.
Most Naruto forums agreed Hashirama's sage arts came from the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest. Three main reasons:
First, his Sage Mode looked nothing like Mount Myōboku or Ryūchi Cave's. There are only three sage locations; the First Hokage wouldn't lower himself to random contracts with stray animals. Elimination leaves Shikkotsu Forest.
Second, summoning contracts are often hereditary—parent to child, master to student. Tsunade's slug summon likely came from Hashirama, the original source.
Third, in the manga, Hashirama used summoning while sealing the Ten-Tails—Rashōmon, Myōjinmon. He couldn't have contracted with some panda. So maybe those gates are from the summoning sanctum. Slugs like climbing doors and pillars in the rain—it all fits. (Author's note: skeptical on this third point, but can't refute it.)
Hashirama's Sage Mode was distinctive—long "battery life," and a boost to ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu that rivaled Mount Myōboku's.
Now, with Edo Tensei's immunity to physical damage, Hashirama was even more dangerous.
How do you fight this? It's "invincible" plus "locked HP."
If Jinghang had known, he'd have tried to bottle him up from the start.
No room for pride now. Jinghang instantly activated Xuanyuan Tomb Sage Mode and his best imitation of Lightning Armor. Blue-gold light blazed from his body, his face marked with the signature "martial clown" patterns.
Hashirama's eyes widened at the sight.
Huh? That's sage chakra—what summoning clan is this? And why is it… so ugly?
Jinghang steeled himself. The guy was cheating, so he had to go all-in, hoping for a chance to seal Hashirama.
He had a "Plan B" too. Hidden in his sleeve was another Six Paths tool—the Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Pot). Of course, everyone knew you needed the Seven Star Sword and Crimson Gourd to complete the sealing. He hadn't brought them; didn't want Tobirama catching on. When the time came, he'd try to extract Hashirama's "word soul" by making contact, then improvise. The Third Raikage would be back soon—between his Flying Thunder God and Lightning Armor speed, maybe they could snatch Hashirama's "word soul." The only question: would the Crimson Gourd hold him?
No time to think. Hashirama clapped his hands.
"Wood Release: Wood Human Technique!" (Classic move—call it, get it.)
The ground shook violently as a colossal wood giant burst forth, a wooden dragon slung over its shoulder and a gentle, honest face.
Damn, he's not holding back! Opening with an ultimate move. The Wood Human was no joke—catching Tailed Beast Bombs one-handed, going toe-to-toe with Madara's Complete Body Susanoo. Only "Thousand-Armed Kannon" topped it among Wood Release jutsu.
Hashirama's respect was clear, so Jinghang didn't hesitate. He whipped out a scroll, unleashing all his iron sand.
"Magnet Release: Gundam Technique! Wu Gang Under the Moon!"
This time, the iron sand stacked into a hulking muscle giant—every inch explosive, like a frog on steroids. In its hand, a short-handled axe, looking every bit the beefy lumberjack.
"Hm? Not bad."
Hashirama found the "Iron Giant" fascinating. Since Madara's death, no one had dared face the Wood Human head-on. Decades later, someone finally stepped up.
Standing atop the Wood Human's head, Hashirama didn't rush in. He sized up the steel colossus, studying it from top to bottom.
Huh! Metal conquers wood!
This kid might actually counter me!
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