On the main battlefield at the border between the Lands of Fire and Rice Fields, the terrain was composed of a series of low-lying mountain ranges.
However, many of the peaks here were incomplete, and scattered between them were numerous abrupt small basins. These sunken basins lacked any natural appearance, as if they were formed by the detonation of high-powered bombs.
"Lord Hokage."
"I have been sent by Lord Mizukage to provide reinforcements."
A tall man with shark-like features spoke with calm confidence. Behind him stood dozens of ANBU operatives, each wearing masks with wave-like patterns.
"Hmm?"
"Isn't Kirigakure currently at war with Sunagakure?"
The Third Hokage looked at the renowned Kisame Hoshigaki with some doubt. After all, Kisame was one of Kirigakure's Jinchūriki. Why would the Mizukage send someone like him to this battlefield so easily?
"Because we have already occupied most of the Land of Wind's territory. Before I departed, even their Kazekage was slain on the spot."
"By now, Sunagakure is probably already under Kirigakure's control..."
Kisame replied with a self-satisfied expression.
"I see..."
"That is indeed impressive!"
The Third Hokage's eyes glimmered faintly as he offered his praise.
After Sōmi's disappearance, Sunagakure, without a Jinchūriki, indeed could not stand against Kirigakure's two Jinchūriki.
Especially the man standing before him—his terrifying Chakra aura was unmistakable.
"Since you've come such a long way as reinforcements, we won't let you go unaccommodated. Take some time to rest first."
"Then we can discuss our battle strategy together. What do you think?"
The Third Hokage spoke courteously.
Boom!
Suddenly, a deafening explosion erupted in the distance, causing the temporary command post on the mountain ridge to shake violently.
"Heh!"
"Lord Hokage, it seems the enemy can no longer hold back!"
"I don't need rest. I'll take on the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki for you right now!"
Kisame's eyes turned bloodshot, and a ferocious aura emanated from his face, resembling a shark that had caught the scent of blood.
Engaging in an exhilarating battle with a strong opponent was Kisame's lifelong pursuit and pleasure!
Previously, due to Yagura's strict orders, Kisame had been confined to Kirigakure, focusing on "taming" the Three-Tails within him.
After years of effort, Kisame could now wield the power of the Three-Tails with ease, almost on par with a Perfect Jinchūriki.
Though his relationship with the beast remained one of forceful dominance rather than mutual understanding, the seal within him—crafted by Minato Namikaze—was powerful enough that the Three-Tails had no chance to resist.
On another part of the battlefield:
The Fourth Raikage's body was engulfed in a dense layer of crackling blue lightning.
"You are... Sasori of the Red Sand?!"
"Weren't you and Sōmi reported missing?"
"If you're here, does that mean Sōmi is just ahead?!"
"After all, it was he who personally came to Kumogakure to sign the alliance treaty with us..."
"Are you sure you want to tear it apart yourselves?!"
The shirtless Raikage's face was dark and stormy as he growled in a thunderous voice.
Standing before him, Sasori remained indifferent, answering calmly, "So what if we do?"
Boom!
"Traitorous scum! Prepare to die!"
"Lightning Oppression Horizontal!"
Crack!
A ring of azure-blue energy suddenly enveloped Sasori. Moments later, ribs began to manifest within the energy, forming a peculiar skeletal armor. However, under the Raikage's heavy blow, cracks began to appear in the bone plating.
But soon after—
The azure-blue flames surged intensely!
A massive skeletal structure materialized out of thin air. Its torso and skull were intertwined with thick, fleshy tendrils, wrapping and reinforcing the entire skeleton.
Whoosh!
A mysterious gust of wind swept across the battlefield, and a colossal "armored warrior" with only an upper body emerged, shielding Sasori.
"This is..."
The Raikage's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the towering Susano'o, standing over ten meters tall.
"Susano'o!"
"But why?!"
The Raikage's astonishment was palpable.
Kumogakure was well aware that ordinary shinobi could transplant Sharingan. They had even conducted secret experiments of their own.
However, without Uchiha blood, transplanted Sharingan could not be deactivated, leading to constant Chakra consumption that would drain a shinobi's reserves.
After Itachi Uchiha's reputation spread, the power of Susano'o became widely known in the shinobi world.
Yet few would covet the Mangekyō Sharingan. The burden was simply too great. Even a genius could be crushed under the strain of a Three Tomoe Sharingan, let alone a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan.
Most importantly, Mangekyō Sharingan were exceedingly rare. To the Raikage's knowledge, only Itachi Uchiha currently possessed them.
This scarcity was why both Kumogakure and Kirigakure had turned their focus toward the Byakugan instead.
Thus, seeing the unique patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan in Sasori's eyes and the emergence of Susano'o left the Raikage utterly stunned.
"A shinobi of Sunagakure, wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan?!"
"It seems you're hiding many secrets..."
Before the Raikage finished speaking, his figure transformed into a streak of blue lightning.
Zzzap!
"Guillotine Drop!"
In an instant, the Raikage appeared above the azure-blue Susano'o. His right leg was raised high, crackling with violent blue lightning.
Boom!!
A thunderous explosion echoed like a bolt from the heavens. Whips of lightning lashed out in all directions, carving deep scars into the ground.
Meanwhile, on another part of the battlefield:
A young woman with tea-colored straight hair, braided into a single plait, stood warily before a man.
The woman wore a blue, form-fitting suit with a layer of dark silver chest armor over her torso. A red belt cinched her waist, and her wrists, wrapped in bandages, were adorned with fingerless gloves.
"This color of Chakra cloak..."
"Could you be the Sōmi that Lord Raikage mentioned?!"
The woman's gentle expression tightened into one of grave caution. Her fingers and toes extended ten sharp claws, resembling a feline demon.
"Heh!"
"So you recognize me?"
"Unfortunately, that won't change your fate..."
Surrounded by a radiant, jade-golden Chakra, Sōmi chuckled softly.
As he spoke, the woman suddenly disappeared in a blur.
Gi—!
When she reappeared, her claws were already slashing at Sōmi, sending sparks flying off the Shukaku shell he had manifested. The sound was as grating as nails on a chalkboard.
"In such a hurry, are we..."
Sōmi's expression remained calm and composed.
Then, his Rinnegan locked onto the woman, and he spoke in a low voice:
"Universal Pull!"
Whoosh!
With a sharp whistle of air, the woman was yanked toward Sōmi by an invisible force.
"Ugh!"
Her expression changed drastically. Just as her body was pulled forward, a sharp pain erupted from her throat, accompanied by a wave of dizziness.
Looking down, she saw Sōmi's right hand gripping her neck tightly, with no hint of mercy.
"Rat Tail Jade!"
Despite being caught, the woman proved her mettle as a veteran of war. She retaliated immediately, spitting out several blue Chakra spheres.
Whoosh! Whoosh...
The blue Chakra spheres contained faint black rat-like silhouettes. When they struck Sōmi, they ignited into intense blue flames.
Boom!
The high-temperature flames licked at Sōmi's form for a moment before erupting into a massive explosion.
Blue fire shot skyward, engulfing Sōmi completely.
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