Crack
Crack
The sound of shattering echoed in everyone's ears, confirming Haku's judgment. The ice crystal he had created with his "Ice Release" wouldn't hold much longer.
After all, the First Hokage's "Wood Release" could move mountains and seas. Crushing a mere ice block was no challenge at all.
"Everyone, get ready!"
Shinji raised his right arm, his tone calm and steady.
Perhaps influenced by Shinji's composed demeanor, the group inside the ice crystal grew calmer, the panic in their eyes fading.
Seeing that everyone was prepared, Shinji nodded to Haku.
With Shinji's signal, Haku immediately activated his "Ice Release," opening a narrow gap in the ice crystal, just wide enough for one person to pass through.
Whoosh
In an instant, Shinji took the lead, charging out through the gap.
Outside, the First Hokage, manipulating his "Wood Release," had already anticipated the limits of Haku's "Ice Release." He was ready, and the moment Shinji emerged, he unleashed his "Wood Release" in an attack.
Not only that, but the Second Hokage lurked in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity.
Boom!
Fully activating the "Twelve Palaces," Shinji shattered the oncoming trees with a single punch.
But at that moment, a sense of danger from his "killing intent perception" made his temples throb.
"Here it comes!"
His heart steeled, and he immediately activated his Sharingan to scan his surroundings.
Suddenly, amidst the flurry of wood splinters, a figure lunged out, thrusting a kunai aimed directly at Shinji's throat!
Without a doubt, it was the Second Hokage, striking from his hidden position!
Prepared for this, Shinji didn't falter at the sudden assault. His hands shot out with precision, grabbing the Second Hokage's arm as it thrust forward.
Swish
With a sound of breaking air, the Second Hokage, caught by Shinji's hands, vanished abruptly!
"Flying Thunder God Jutsu…"
The thought flashed through Shinji's mind, but his movements didn't slow. Relying on the sharp intuition from his "killing intent perception," he spun around and delivered a kick, sending the Second Hokage—who had teleported behind him with the "Flying Thunder God Jutsu"—flying!
Swish swish swish
Only then did the others inside the ice crystal pour out.
They saw the ambush from the First and Second Hokages outside and silently thanked their luck that Shinji had gone first. Anyone else might not have survived that encounter, likely falling to the combined assault of the First and Second Hokages in a single moment.
"What was that jutsu the Second just used?" Naruto scratched his head, then continued, "Shinji clearly grabbed him, so how did he suddenly appear behind him?"
Sasuke said, "If I saw correctly, that should be a space-time ninjutsu."
Shinji explained briefly, "That's the 'Flying Thunder God Jutsu,' a space-time ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage. The user can teleport to any location marked with a 'Flying Thunder God seal,' making it highly effective against the Sharingan's dynamic tracking ability!"
Sakura marveled, "As expected of the Second Hokage!"
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
From that brief clash, it was clear the "Flying Thunder God Jutsu" was indeed a perfect counter to the Sharingan. If Shinji's taijutsu weren't so exceptional, even someone like Sasuke, with his Mangekyo Sharingan, might have been taken out in one strike.
Looking at the writhing sea of trees around them, Shinji said calmly, "Remember my earlier assignments. Everyone, do your part."
"Understood!"
The group responded in unison.
"Break through!"
Without further ado, Shinji charged into the sea of trees.
Ryuzetsu and Chino flanked him on either side. Naruto and Sakura protected Sasuke in the middle, while Haku and Karin brought up the rear.
In the sea of trees, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he watched Shinji calmly direct the breakout. The corners of his mouth curled slightly. "What a surprising kid!"
Standing beside Orochimaru, the First Hokage spoke stiffly, "It seems your plan is about to fail. These kids are strong!"
The Second Hokage landed nearby. "That Uchiha kid isn't simple!"
Orochimaru let out a soft hum. "Hmph, now's not the time for commentary. Please, both of you, keep attacking!"
The First Hokage said, "Your jutsu binds us too tightly. These sacrificial bodies are nearing their limits. If you don't loosen the constraints, it'll be hard for us to take those kids down quickly!"
Orochimaru laughed. "You jest. I wouldn't dare loosen them even slightly!"
This degree of freedom was already the limit he'd determined after numerous trials. Loosening the bindings further would indeed grant the First and Second Hokages greater flexibility and strength. But it would also risk them breaking free of his control.
As the caster of "Impure World Reincarnation," Orochimaru knew better than anyone how terrifying the First and Second Hokages were. If they broke free, he'd be the first to suffer!
…
Elsewhere, thanks to his "Hogan," Ranmaru's scouting abilities far surpassed Hiruko's. After splitting from Hiruko, he followed the chakra fluctuations in the Death Forest and soon arrived at the battlefield where Orochimaru, the First and Second Hokages, and Shinji's group were fighting.
"Isn't that 'Wood Release'? Strange, isn't Hidden Leaf's Yakumo Kurama with the One-Tail jinchuriki in Hidden Sand?"
Ranmaru was puzzled.
Using his "Transparent Release" stealth ability, he crept closer to Shizune and the others stationed at the battlefield's perimeter.
Watching the still-churning sea of trees and the delayed return of her comrades, Shizune grew anxious. "Why hasn't Yakumo arrived yet?"
Darui, his injuries bandaged, leaned against a tree and stood, also gazing at the distant battlefield. "It's hard to imagine anyone surviving in a battlefield like that!"
Yuri Ringo, sitting cross-legged on the ground, had lost her earlier bravado. Her eyes, fixed on the distant battlefield, were filled with frustration.
She had thought her strength was enough to dominate the shinobi world, but arriving in Hidden Leaf showed her the world was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with powerful shinobi emerging endlessly!
Hearing Darui's words, Shizune said, "Shinji's in there. With him, they should hold out for a while! The First Hokage is still maintaining his 'Wood Release,' which means the battle inside hasn't ended!"
Darui sighed. "We owe him one this time!"
Yuri Ringo pursed her lips, staying silent.
She never owed anyone favors, but this time, if Shinji hadn't acted at the critical moment, she'd likely have died at the Second Hokage's hands.
Nearby, eavesdropping, Ranmaru also looked toward the sea of trees, thinking, "Uchiha Shinji is in there?"
At that moment, he stopped suppressing the killing intent in his heart. With burning rage, he rushed into the terrifying sea of trees with a whoosh!
Darui's brows furrowed. "Did you guys feel something?"
Yuri Ringo and Shizune exchanged glances, both shaking their heads.
Darui muttered softly, "Was it just my imagination? I swear something just passed by me…"