"You're right—I do need to build up my chakra. But even so, you're no match for me! Fūton: Hold!"
With Hakurō's jutsu, Naruto, Sakura, and the others were instantly frozen in place—except for Kazama.
Ding! Successfully absorbed Fūton: Hold. Congratulations, host, you've gained Super Fūton: Hold, extending the binding time by tenfold!
"With this jutsu, dealing with enemies just got a lot easier," Kazama muttered, strolling toward Hakurō.
"What?! You can resist my binding jutsu?!"
Hakurō's jaw dropped as Kazama moved freely.
"Your technique's pretty impressive, but it's useless against me!"
"Bullshit! I don't believe I can't kill you!"
"Fūton: Slash! Fūton: Blast! Fūton: Explode!"
Hakurō unleashed a barrage of attacks at Kazama.
Ding! Successfully absorbed Fūton techniques. Congratulations, host, you've gained Fūton: Grand Explosion!
"Man, you're using binding jutsu on everyone else, but for me, it's all blasts and explosions. What did I ever do to you?!"
Kazama's sharp words, combined with the sight of his Fūton techniques being absorbed into Kazama's body, sent Hakurō stumbling back, drenched in cold sweat.
"Now, let's see how you like my Fūton: Grand Explosion!"
Kazama landed a single punch, sending Hakurō skyward. His body exploded like a firecracker, torn to pieces.
"What a bunch of trash!"
After freeing Naruto, Sakura, and the others from the binding jutsu, a cold laugh suddenly echoed through the area.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto and Sakura gasped, even more shocked than when Kazama had appeared.
It had been years since they'd last seen Sasuke.
And the Sasuke standing before them now was far stronger than before. The aura he radiated alone was enough to overwhelm Naruto and Sakura.
Kazama, however, wasn't surprised by Sasuke's arrival. He'd sensed him lurking near the altar the moment he got there.
"Sasuke, you're finally back!"
"Where have you been all these years? We looked everywhere for you!"
Despite Naruto and Sakura's concern, Sasuke just smirked coldly.
"A bunch of weaklings. Instead of worrying about where I've been, you should focus on getting stronger. Otherwise, when the day comes that we're enemies, you'll die pathetically!"
"Jerk! What did you just say?!"
Naruto's temper flared at Sasuke's taunt, and he lunged to attack. But in a flash, Sasuke appeared behind him.
"Naruto, you're still such an idiot. Never leave your back open to an enemy. Have you forgotten Kakashi's lessons?"
Sasuke laughed mockingly, but his laughter cut off abruptly.
Kazama had silently slipped behind him.
"If you know not to leave your back open, why didn't you watch yours?"
"Hmph! Because I wanted to lure you in!"
With a cold sneer, Sasuke's body transformed into a bolt of lightning, striking at Kazama.
"Raiton: Bunshin, huh?"
Kazama's body vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Funny thing—mine's a clone too!"
"Damn it!"
Sasuke cursed under his breath, his attempt to show off backfiring.
"My mission was just to capture the Six-Tails, but since you're here, Kazama, I'm not letting you off! Back then, your strength was above mine, but now I have the power to cut you down!"
"Kirin!"
As Sasuke formed hand seals, a massive beast made of Raiton chakra—a Kirin—formed in the sky.
"Today, I'm going to kill you! I—"
Sasuke's boasts were cut short as he realized his Raiton: Kirin had been swallowed whole by nine blazing thunder-fire dragons.
"Sorry, my nine thunder-fire dragons were feeling a bit peckish!"
Kazama's words left Sasuke pale with rage.
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