Jinghang flashed away with the Flying Thunder God Technique, only to realize Hashirama had already created a Wood Clone atop the wooden giant, silently stalking up behind him. If he'd hesitated even half a second longer, that sneak attack would've landed.
And now, several more Wood Clones were rising from the giant's massive head, slowly floating up—forming a loose encirclement.
Huh. So that's how it is? You really want to gang up on me, old man?
The Hashirama that had been nailed by Jinghang's kunai simply yanked the blade out of his chest and tossed it aside. Instantly, swirling ashes filled the wound, and in moments, his body was as good as new.
Hashirama seemed genuinely curious about this. He poked at the fully healed spot, thoughtful for a moment, then gave Jinghang a wry little smile.
"Oh! So that's how this works. Kid, I actually owe you a thank you. If you hadn't injured me, I wouldn't have realized this body could do that.
I have to admit, you're the strongest opponent I've faced since Madara Uchiha. But as things stand—even if I can't fight at my absolute peak—there's just no way you can defeat me."
He wasn't joking. Not even a little.
Damn. He's right!
Only now did Jinghang snap out of it. Was he being stupid? Why was he going head-to-head with an Edo Tensei? That's what you get for trusting muscle memory—Hashirama was already dead, couldn't feel pain, couldn't be physically hurt, and here Jinghang was, burning chakra in a taijutsu and ninjutsu slugfest. What a waste.
All his attacks were pointless. Sure, maybe he could get a temporary edge with elemental advantage, maybe score a few hits, but so what?
It was like smashing a lake with a giant hammer—all you get are some splashes and ripples, and then everything goes right back to normal.
The law of conservation of energy says energy can't be created or destroyed—just transformed or transferred. Chakra's no different. Even Edo Tensei bodies burn through chakra. (Don't even try to argue this point—if you do, the Naruto world's physics will collapse and we'll end up with a ninja perpetual motion machine.)
But this Edo Tensei Hashirama's chakra reserves were basically bottomless.
Sure, Jinghang's Xuanyuan Tomb Sage Mode could last a long time, but clearly, Hashirama's Sage Mode "standby" was just as ridiculous. If he tried to win by attrition, there was no telling who'd drop first.
That left one option: sealing.
Jinghang rubbed at his arm, still throbbing from Hashirama's last kick.
Wait a second—the one who kicked me was Hashirama's real body, right?
He glanced at the Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Rope) wrapped around his arm.
Well, would you look at that. His clothes had torn in the fight, perfectly exposing the gleaming rope underneath.
Through the rip, you could even see his arm—already purpling from the kick.
That had to count as contact!
Which meant Plan B was in play.
As he pieced this together, several of Hashirama's Wood Clones lunged at him. Jinghang didn't hesitate—he vanished with Flying Thunder God.
A moment later, he reappeared beside the Third Raikage.
"Trouble?" the Raikage asked, glancing over.
Jinghang shook his head. "He's a tough one. I mean, we're talking about the guy who dominated an entire era."
The Third Raikage had been watching the fight—he knew exactly how things stood.
"You make contact?"
Jinghang nodded, unwinding the Kohaku no Jōhei from his arm and handing it over. "Of course. You think that red gourd will do the trick?"
The Raikage took the rope, shaking his head. "Hard to say. That thing's been around for centuries. Besides the Gold and Silver Brothers, nobody's ever really mastered it. Oei, Zaide—get over here."
Two hulking young men, built like prize bulls, stepped forward.
Jinghang gave them a once-over.
Identical twins—broad noses, deep-set eyes, both with a bit of an underbite. One had "Strength" tattooed on his arm, the other "Endurance." They radiated a kind of raw, fearless confidence.
Jinghang clapped Oei on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. Built like a tank."
Oei grinned. "You flatter me, Lord Kazekage."
"That the Seven Star Sword?"
Jinghang pointed at the blade in Oei's hand.
"Yep," Oei replied.
"Any words show up yet?"
"There are."
"Let me see."
"Please, Lord Kazekage."
Oei unfolded the Seven Star Sword.
Jinghang took one look and nearly burst out laughing.
Just as he'd suspected. Those "old lovebirds" really had spent their whole lives bickering.
"Good! Next, I'll get Hashirama to say his word of power. The sealing's up to you two."
"Don't worry, Lord Kazekage! We'll get it done!" the brothers replied in unison.
The Third Raikage clapped them both on the shoulder. "Do the village proud, boys. Pull this off and I'll see you rewarded."
Suddenly, a rush of wind roared closer.
"He's coming! I'll draw him off—get ready to slice the word!"
Hashirama closed in at blinding speed. Jinghang charged straight at him.
Suddenly, Hashirama stopped, cheeks puffed like he was about to puke.
Finally, he couldn't hold it anymore—he spat out a floating, blue, UFO-shaped object.
"Now!" Jinghang shouted.
Oei's body erupted in lightning as he flickered in front of Hashirama with a burst of speed.
Hashirama reacted instantly, leaning back in a tactical dodge.
But Oei wasn't aiming for Hashirama's head—his target was the floating word of power.
With a flash, Oei's blade sliced the word down.
"Seal!" Zaide yanked the cork from the red gourd. Instantly, a massive suction force pulled the word of power inside.
Hashirama tried to counterattack Oei, but Jinghang was already there.
"Go! I'll hold him off!"
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