The temperature in the Gobi Desert dropped sharply as night fell. Howling winds whipped clouds across the sky, and the distant cry of a crow added an eerie note to the barren landscape.
As they drew closer, the beastly roars of Shukaku grew clearer, echoing ominously in the dim moonlight.
Finally, the massive body of the One-Tailed Shukaku, striped with purple, came into Hayashi's view.
There was no sign of the Third Kazekage battling the creature as expected.
The desert had already been reshaped into a wasteland of sand by Shukaku's fury.
The Tailed Beast's enormous body was trapped within a colossal cage of iron sand, roaring incessantly.
"The Third Kazekage's Sand Iron Seal? Looks like we arrived too late," Orochimaru remarked, eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon for the Kazekage.
Then, they spotted a lone figure waiting nearby.
He wore a blue Kazekage hat and a black trench coat, seated on a towering throne of iron sand dozens of meters high.
Beside him stood a massive tree-like structure, also made of iron sand.
Even in the darkness, an aura of danger radiated from the sharp, metallic formations.
Suddenly, the Kazekage appeared to sense their presence and leaned forward, gazing downward.
"Only the two of you? I was expecting the entire Leaf Village transport team. Seems I'll be underwhelmed tonight."
The Third Kazekage's calm, unreadable voice carried across the desert wind.
"Your Sand Village should have sent reinforcements. How could you let the Kazekage come personally? Is no one left in the village?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly, showing no fear, as if facing a rookie instead of a seasoned Kage.
"Not being killed by Hanzo has given you quite a bit of confidence," the Kazekage remarked, sweeping his gaze over Orochimaru and Hayashi.
He had already recognized them—two of the top ninjas on the Leaf Village's kill list.
The Third Kazekage made no move, but his trench coat shifted with the wind, revealing the combat suit beneath.
"Orochimaru of the Leaf's Three Sannin, Leaf's Lightning Flash Hayashi… it matters little. Taking both of your lives will be worth my effort," he declared.
Instantly, the Kazekage formed a hand seal before Hayashi could even react.
"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Torrent."
The ground trembled as iron sand hidden beneath the desert revealed its threatening form.
Surging upward like a living flood, it barreled toward Orochimaru and Hayashi.
The sheer scale of the attack revealed the full extent of a Kage's strength.
Even under Rasa's control, the same jutsu could not have been unleashed with such force.
The torrent advanced rapidly, showing no sign of slowing, intent on engulfing them instantly.
The Third Kazekage's goal was clear: eliminate them before aiding the Sand Village's surprise attack force.
His confident smile also spoke volumes—Shukaku and the supplies would be his.
Reacting quickly, Orochimaru bit his finger, completing the summoning seal in an instant.
He slammed his palm onto the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu: Rashomon!"
A giant blue gate erupted from the earth, adorned with cowbells and chains that rang softly.
The iron sand torrent crashed against it like a flood.
Though a Tailed Beast Bomb could destroy it, the Third Kazekage's attack, while deadly, was far below that level.
The Rashomon held firm, though countless cracks appeared where the torrent's force had impacted.
"The First Hokage's jutsu is a formidable defense," the Kazekage commented lightly, still seated atop his iron throne.
Orochimaru did not respond; he knew the jutsu's true strength and the cracks it had endured.
Simultaneously, Hayashi unleashed his attack.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet."
Three fire dragons spewed from his mouth, targeting the Kazekage from left, center, and right.
The iron sand defenses absorbed the initial assault, but the heat melted much of the sand, causing it to collapse and fall to the desert floor.
The iron sand tree beside the Kazekage continually replenished the defenses, prolonging the battle.
Black smoke rose, forming a dense tower that split the sky into light and shadow.
Molten iron hissed upon hitting the cold sand, the sound echoing like the earth itself lamenting.
Seizing the cover of the smoke tower, Orochimaru drew a long sword from his mouth and charged toward the Kazekage.
The environment favored the Kazekage, and prolonged direct clashes would inevitably endanger them.
With Hayashi providing cover, Orochimaru moved decisively, determined to close the distance.
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