"RAAAAAAAAH!"
Hashirama's roar shook the battlefield as Sage Mode transformed his body. Enhanced by senjutsu chakra, his physicality now transcended mortal limits!
His aura exploded outward, actually allowing him to slowly rise against the 50x gravity!
In the next instant, air rippled as Kamihane materialized behind him like a specter, blade melting into the wind as it slashed at Hashirama's neck.
Shink!
Hashirama twisted aside. The metallic-hued sword energy flashed past, shearing off half the Wood Human's head in a smooth cut!
BOOM!
Pivoting on his left foot, Hashirama followed through with a spinning back kick that smashed into Kamihane's chest. The terrifying impact sent Kamihane flying through three consecutive mountains at supersonic speed.
Gritting his teeth, Hashirama gripped the embedded Totsuka Blade with both hands. Emerald chakra flames erupted across his body as he roared—
CRUNCH!
His feet sank into the Wood Human's skull. With Herculean effort, he actually lifted the colossal spear and hurled it far beyond the battlefield!
Hands forming seals, the half-headed Wood Human reactivated. Its remaining fist smashed down, pulverizing the reforming Susano'o into black fragments.
Hashirama panted heavily. While Sage Mode multiplied his physical capabilities exponentially, the toll on his lifespan was catastrophic—years of remaining life burning away like kindling.
"Even so..." His eyes hardened, recalling Kamihane's deranged pre-battle expression, "I'll use these fading embers to light tomorrow's dawn!"
"Sage Art: Wood Release — Advent of the Flower Tree World!"
The earth ruptured. Countless massive roots erupted, surging across six kilometers like wooden tsunamis. Before Kamihane could escape the mountain debris, endless vines swallowed him whole.
Giant flowers bloomed amidst the forest, spewing golden pollen that spread across the coastline on sea winds. This Sage-enhanced version's toxicity could knock out tailed beasts within three breaths!
A dark cyan streak suddenly tore through the pollen clouds. Kamihane stood atop a tree crown, taking an exaggerated drag of the toxic haze.
"Ahhh~" He exhaled a yellow smoke ring, cheeks flushed. "So this is the famous Flower Tree World? Impressive kick..."
Hashirama stared dumbfounded. What absurd constitution is this?! Where did Madara dig up this monstrosity?!
Unbeknownst to him, Kamihane's cells could selectively filter gases through membrane control—absorbing only oxygen whether breathing through nose or pores.
BOOM!
Kamihane launched skyward, leaving a crater. Hashirama barely turned before seeing it—a crimson meteor streaking across the night, trailing fire and shaking the air itself.
The scarlet-winged comet descended—Chōmei's fiery avatar reborn!
"AGAIN?!" Hashirama growled. Having witnessed this mountain-shattering taijutsu three times already, the Wood Human nevertheless coiled its remaining arm—Sage chakra crystallizing its surface into diamond-hard wood—and threw a world-breaking punch!
"Kamihane!!!!"
The flaming bird fell like a meteor from outer space.
A streak of light flashed, followed by a deafening explosion that shook heaven and earth. Mountains crumbled, tidal waves surged, and shockwaves obliterated forests across thousands of meters.
...
On a reef some distance away, a figure materialized out of thin air.
The moment Uchiha Kagami appeared, the cataclysmic battle seized his attention. He stared dumbfounded at the colossal Wood Human and the two figures clashing fiercely atop its head, scarcely believing his eyes.
"Brother… has he really become this strong…" he murmured in shock, "That's… Lord Hashirama's Sage Mode!"
Just minutes earlier, he'd used the Flying Thunder God Technique to reach a coastal town in the Land of Hot Water. Following his memories, he swiftly located a gambling den and rushed to the second floor, where he found the infant Tsunade in swaddling clothes… and a translucent blue cat.
'Why so late? Delays cost extra… I'll definitely extort this kid later…' Bōchi grumbled before dissolving into blue mist.
Kagami didn't hesitate. He immediately teleported back to Konoha with Tsunade.
When Tobirama saw him return, the Second Hokage radiated killing intent so intense it froze Kagami momentarily. Only after explaining the situation and passing Tobirama's sensory verification did the tension ease. Tsunade was placed under heavy guard, and Kagami confirmed Hashirama and Kamihane's status.
'Kagami, didn't I teach you to always maintain Flying Thunder God markers?'
'Yes, sensei.'
'Then…' Tobirama imprinted his own marker on Kagami, 'Take me to the battlefield!'
BOOM!
Another earthshaking collision snapped Kagami back to reality.
Hashirama, engulfed in Sage Mode's chakra flames, wielded mountain-shattering strength amplified by senjutsu. Kamihane maintained his Fifth Gate release—azure steam billowing as every strike ignited air friction into blazing trails. Occasional flashes of dark cyan sword energy forced even Hashirama to dodge rather than block.
Blue and green afterimages clashed in a brutal exchange, each flesh-crushing impact resonating like thunder.
Suddenly, mid-battle, Kamihane's eyes snapped upward. Ignoring Hashirama's fist smashing into his face, he flicked his wrist—
CRACK!
The Shimotsuki's Resolve vanished with an ear-splitting sonic boom.
Every hair on Kagami's body stood erect. To ordinary shinobi, the attack would be invisible—but through Sharingan vision, he saw the sacred blade piercing soundwaves, streaking toward him like divine retribution! His hands instinctively formed the Flying Thunder God seal…
…as space rippled behind him. A familiar white-haired figure materialized silently.