Battlefield in the Land of Hot Water.
"Kakuzu, these things Deidara made seem even stronger than you!" Hidan exclaimed in amazement.
"Hidan, shut up!" the elder ninja barked in irritation.
The battlefield in the Land of Hot Water was also facing the onslaught of Edo Tensei forces, including the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage. Despite the presence of Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the allied forces were still at a disadvantage, outnumbered and outmatched. However, with the timely arrival of Deidara's Clay Clone, the tide of the battle shifted dramatically. Once equipped with Deidara's mechanized clay creations, the allied ninjas turned the tables.
What's more, the Yamanaka Clan's unique abilities made their use of the clay equipment significantly more efficient.
"Listen up, everyone! Fighter Squadron One, launch your assault! Target: the Second Mizukage!"
"Mech Squadrons One and Two, provide cover! Tank units, focus on suppressive fire!"
Yamanaka Inoichi's voice echoed in the minds of the allied forces on the battlefield. Dozens of Clay Planes streaked across the sky, releasing a barrage of clay bombs.
"This is bad!" The Second Mizukage looked up at the sky with a grave expression. Although he had hidden his real body using genjutsu, such widespread carpet bombing rendered his efforts futile.
Boom!
Before the bombs from the planes could hit their mark, a volley of explosive shells from the Clay Tanks roared in from the distance. The massive clay bombs, each the size of a large bull, arced through the air with deadly precision, causing significant explosions upon impact.
And there were so many of them. The relentless bombardment was like a torrential downpour.
The entire battlefield seemed to tremble under the continuous explosions. Firelight and clouds of dust filled the air as shockwaves rippled across the ground.
Even the Kage-level Edo Tensei shinobi struggled to cope with the intensity of the bombardment, let alone the ordinary followers of Jashinism.
"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World!"
"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World!"
Ōnoki and the Second Tsuchikage unleashed their signature techniques simultaneously, their attacks clashing in a dazzling display of power. Neither could gain the upper hand.
"Ōnoki, you've grown," the Second Tsuchikage remarked, his tone tinged with melancholy. Not everyone was willing to become a pawn and turn against the ninjas of their own village.
Though, to be fair, the Five Great Ninja Villages no longer existed.
Ōnoki nodded silently, unsure of what to say.
The Second Tsuchikage continued, "At this point, all you can do is move forward with courage."
But before he could finish his thought, his consciousness was abruptly seized, and the battlefield descended into chaos once more.
On another front, Kakuzu glanced at Hidan, who was gleefully operating a mech and wreaking havoc.
"Hidan, aren't those people from the same religion as you?"
"Huh?" Hidan sounded confused. "We Jashinists are like this—we kill everyone, no exceptions."
"Only through endless slaughter can we offer the most devout worship to Lord Jashin."
"Shut up, you heretic!" a Jashinist follower shouted from below. "That was the old way! Lord Jashin himself has issued new orders! How dare you disobey?"
Squish!
Hidan stomped the mech's foot down on the follower, pinning him to the ground. Not satisfied, he stomped a few more times for good measure. "How dare you question my faith!"
"Lord Jashin personally said when I joined: 'Kill everyone except yourself!'"
"If you don't even know that, you're the real heretic!"
"Does that mean you'd kill Lord Jashin too?" the follower retorted.
Hidan scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well, when you put it that way... it's not impossible."
Amagakure.
While the battles in the Lands of Whirlpools and Hot Water raged on, Mōryō's true trump card revealed itself.
Leading the charge was a strike force headed by Rasa and Shimura Seito. Their mission was to take advantage of Amagakure's diverted forces and completely destroy the village!
"Lord Rasa, should we launch a frontal assault?" a ninja asked. He was brimming with confidence in their side's strength. With the monstrous members of the Akatsuki absent and their own immortality granted by Edo Tensei, what was there to fear?
Rasa shared his subordinate's confidence.
Extending his hands, he began to lift them slowly. Behind him, a massive wave of golden sand rose into the sky, blotting out the sun like a tsunami, poised to engulf the village ahead.
"Sakura, Sasuke, look! What's that?" Naruto pointed at the approaching sandstorm, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
Ever since Sasuke had returned, the three had reformed their original squad.
Unlike Naruto's carefree demeanor, Sakura and Sasuke's expressions were much more serious. Sakura trembled in fear, while Sasuke's face was grim and contemplative.
The timing of this attack was highly suspicious. With his intelligence, Sasuke quickly deduced the enemy's objective.
"Sasuke, Naruto, we should head to the shelter!" Sakura suggested.
But Naruto was the first to object. "No way! Everyone's still in the village. I have to protect them!"
"After all, I'm going to be Hokage one day!"
"Idiot! There's no Hokage anymore," Sasuke retorted, though he ultimately chose to stand with Naruto.
Without the final descent into darkness from the original storyline, Sasuke remained a much more upright character.
Naruto ignored Sasuke's jab. Faced with the situation, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to show off his strength. After all, he had trained hard at Mount Myōboku and was eager to outshine the arrogant Sasuke.
"Sasuke, watch this! I'll show you my new jutsu—it's super awesome!"
Naruto bit his thumb, performed a series of hand seals, and slammed his palm onto the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"
With a burst of chakra and a plume of smoke, Gamabunta, the giant toad, appeared on the battlefield, pipe in mouth.
"Boss Toad, I need your help! You're super strong, so you can handle anything, right?" Naruto shouted from atop Gamabunta's head.
Taking a leisurely puff from his pipe, Gamabunta replied, "Of course. After all, I'm Gamabunta!"
Clearly, he was pleased by Naruto's flattery.
"Then please stop that sandstorm!" Naruto pointed at the approaching wave of golden sand.
Gamabunta lazily opened his eyes and looked in the direction Naruto was pointing. His body stiffened immediately.
This... is insane!
"Naruto, who the hell did you piss off this time?!" Gamabunta grumbled.
"I don't know! The sand just appeared out of nowhere. Boss Toad, you have to stop it! If it reaches the village, we're doomed!" Naruto urged.
Stop it? Stop what?!
Gamabunta eyed the massive sandstorm nervously. He wanted to retreat, but his earlier boasting left him no room to back down. If he fled now, his reputation would be ruined!
"Fine, kid, watch closely!"
"Water Release: Liquid Bullet!"
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]