Theoretically speaking, if we overlook its drawbacks—such as the long preparation time, susceptibility to interruption, and predictable targeting—Dust Release, as the only Kekkei Tota currently existing in the Ninja World, does have remarkable merits. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the strongest offensive secret technique in the ninja world.
But those with power but no stamina tend to go for a quick, brutal strike. In actual combat, unless there's a vast discrepancy in strength, encircling and capturing them is nearly impossible. And if the gap in power truly is overwhelming, then deploying Dust Release would hardly seem worth the effort.
Thus, despite its reputation, after two Great Ninja World Wars, only a handful of ninja had actually witnessed the true might of Dust Release—one could count them on one hand.
This time, when Onoki first initiated his attack, he was indeed worried that the Third Mizukage below might dodge directly.
After all, evasion and prediction were basic skills for powerful individuals like the Five Kages.
So when Dust Release actually hit its mark, Onoki was practically floating from joy.
Unfortunately, his excitement arrived too early. A wooden shield appearing out of nowhere and blocking the pillar of dust attack startled him so much that he nearly collapsed from shock.
"W-Wood Release!"
Amidst the uproar among the ninja forces, only Hyūga Sōshū remained slightly composed.
"This is a desecration!"
Chakra amplified his words until they rang through every corner of the ninja army.
"This is a desecration toward Lord Hashirama! An insult to the Founder of Peace!"
The function of the first sentence was to clearly declare his stance.
"Theft of Kekkei Genkai is an unforgivable crime!"
"No matter the cost, we must exterminate those who violate this sacred law!"
Under the umbrella of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, besides various bloodline limit clans, there were also numerous secret jutsu clans. If even something as supreme as [Wood Release] could be stolen, what hope did the secret jutsu clans have for preserving their inherited techniques?
For secret jutsu clans like Ino–Shika–Cho, their family's secret jutsu was their only line of defense!
"They must be wiped out at all costs!"
Inspired by the Hyūga and Uchiha ninja, the previously terrified Coalition forces began stabilizing emotionally, preparing themselves for a fight to the death under the urging of the Jonin.
Moreover, this time Hyūga Sōshū personally ordered his most elite Shinsengumi unit to serve as the enforcement squad, commanding that anyone who dared retreat without orders would be executed immediately as a warning example!
"Fight to the last breath! Any who flee will be cut down by the rear squad. If the entire unit retreats, all are to be executed!"
"The military order is as firm as a mountain—no retreat allowed!"
"The honor of our ninja clans must never be tainted!"
"They've sacrificed for you your whole life—this is your time to answer the call!"
Order after order echoed downward through the ranks, and the Coalition's Central Army began advancing steadily.
Although the rear forces still bombarded the Bloodline Faction's camp with enough ninja tools to darken the skies, the Coalition had already decided to cast aside all concerns regarding casualties, ready to bet everything in one decisive move!
After all, that was [Wood Release] they were facing!
Forget whether it could rival the Hokage's Wood Release ability; even if there were a mere hint of such potential, it needed to be nipped in the bud immediately!
Moreover, the one currently using this Wood Release technique capable of blocking Dust Release is none other than the Third Mizukage of the Mist!
Therefore, eliminating him became a decision unanimously agreed upon by all top leaders.
"Anyone from Kumo who kills the Third Mizukage of the Mist will be appointed as Jonin Unit Leader without question!"
Even the Third Raikage clenched his teeth and directly offered an almost maximum bounty.
To the ninja of Hidden Villages, fame and fortune meant nothing—only authority and prestige truly mattered. Killing the Third Mizukage who possessed Wood Release abilities would also serve as a protective charm for the killer.
"There's no place in the ninja world anymore for another so-called Ninja God!"
After a brief moment of panic, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki quickly regained his composure and began preparing a second round of Dust Release attacks.
Although the first wave of Dust Release attacks had been unexpectedly blocked by that sudden Wood Release technique, once Tobirama regained his focus, he quickly inferred that the current Third Mizukage likely faced hidden difficulties preventing evasion, forcing him to endure the blow directly.
And what Dust Release excelled at most was attacking stationary targets!
Thus, semi-transparent chakra gathered again between his palms.
Faced with Coalition ninjas pressing in from three sides like unstoppable tidal waves, the Bloodline faction's earlier jubilation quickly faded.
After all, though this Wood Release seemed powerful, judging from the Third Mizukage's display, it clearly couldn't be used freely. Otherwise, their side wouldn't have been suffering blows helplessly until now.
If that was the case, then the upcoming suffering of war would fall upon these middle- and lower-tier ninja.
By now, none of the six swordsmen had received any tactical instructions from the Third Mizukage.
"At this pace, we'll enter flash strike range in about two minutes."
Shimazaki, who wielded the Explosive Blade Hifumetsu, was deeply worried inside.
His Shinobi Knife could summon countless explosive tags for bombardment attacks, a technique somewhat similar to the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju's Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Technique, highly effective for mass casualties during large-scale wars.
However, summoning explosive tags wasn't the same as unlimited usage.
During the interception of the Coalition's heavy barrage of techniques and tools, most of the explosive tags stored within his blade had already been expended, making it difficult to play a significant role in subsequent battles. Added to that, the Bloodline faction was currently suffering material shortages and could no longer supply him with more explosives.
Therefore, among the six swordsmen, he was the most anxious.
After all, if his blade couldn't perform effectively, his combat effectiveness had been cut in half!
This also implied that if they suffered defeat, Shimazaki's probability of survival would drop dramatically compared to others!
"They're shouting about fighting to the death over there—who cares? Why worry so much!"
Raiga Kurosuki remained quite calm instead.
However, his gaze kept drifting toward the vantage point where the Third Mizukage stood, clearly indicating his words didn't match his true feelings.
Now their only hope lay with the Third Mizukage once again displaying miraculous prowess, just as he did when the coalition first stormed the frontline and crushed the enemy.
Otherwise, with merely these numerous yet evidently dazed and confused Bloodline faction ninjas—whose senses had been bombarded by endless saturation attacks—there was practically no hope left.
"[Dust Release: Detachment Technique of the Extreme Void!]"
At this moment, Onoki unleashed the Dust Release secret jutsu once more!
A semi-transparent pillar of light far grander than the first round of Dust Release attack roared down from midair, directly targeting the commanding elevation occupied by the Third Mizukage.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
This time, instead of standing his ground, the Third Mizukage immediately vanished on the spot!
As the dust gradually settled from the devastating strike, the original high ground had completely disappeared, replaced by a deep crater.
From his elevated vantage point overlooking the battlefield, Onoki could clearly see within the crater a bizarrely shaped wooden monstrosity!
"What in the world is this?"
Frowning deeply, Onoki struggled to make sense of the bizarre sight before him.
Although this wooden monstrosity somewhat resembled creations formed via Wood Release techniques and appeared significantly damaged, its survival under the Dust Release attack without complete disintegration was enough to prove its extraordinary nature.
Yet before Onoki and the others could fully process what had occurred, the coalition forces had already launched their general offensive!
"[Lightning Release Chakra Mode!]"
Enveloped in brilliant lightning, like a living embodiment of thunder splitting across the sky, the Third Raikage tore through the defensive lines of the Bloodline faction's ninja force with unstoppable force.
His objective was clear—he surged forward straight toward the Third Mizukage, hidden within swirling smoke yet unmistakably radiating overwhelming pressure.
In the face of the Third Raikage's unparalleled speed and strength, their attacks appeared utterly feeble. Any figure foolish enough to stand in his way was torn apart like dry leaves caught in a storm, obliterated instantly by the raw fury of his Lightning Release chakra.
Meanwhile, Hyuga Soushu relinquished command and seized his Torch Pole weapon. Activating his Body Flicker technique, he shot forward like an arrow, racing toward the edge of the crater where the Third Mizukage — in truth, Madara Uchiha — had reemerged!
The decision to order the coalition forces into full-scale battle primarily aimed at eliminating Madara Uchiha's subordinates; however, ultimately confronting such an overwhelming opponent required strength equal to his own. Against ninja of this level, mere numbers carried little significance.
"What excellent younger generation indeed!"
Still catching his breath, Madara Uchiha's chest heaved slightly, betraying barely perceptible signs of fatigue.
Although during that spectacular display of Wood Release Ninjutsu, he cleverly utilized White Zetsu Tobi as a medium, substantially reducing his direct chakra expenditure, the amount of mental strain and physical exhaustion behind such a magnificent feat still represented an immense burden—for someone already advanced in years like him.
Time waits for no man. Even the mysterious power granted by the Six Paths Demonic Statue could not fully restore the life force that was steadily fading with time.
The once-mighty warrior couldn't help but feel the weight of age dragging him down.
"Huff"
But no matter how much he felt that weight, reality still had to be faced.
"Lightning Release: Artificial Darkness!"
The first attack launched at Madara Uchiha was also a ninjutsu from the Third Raikage.
Without waiting to see if the technique landed, the Third Raikage accelerated forward again, attempting to close the distance and enter melee range.
"Hell Stab! Four-Finger Drill!"
For this initial assault, the Third Raikage remained relatively cautious.
At the same time, a ghost-like figure suddenly appeared above Madara Uchiha.
[Jumping Slash!]
[Power Strike!]
A torch pole wrapped in chakra flames came crashing down violently, aiming straight for the head!
"Clang!"
Madara Uchiha effortlessly raised his right arm, blocking Hyuga Soushu's heavy strike with ease.
Immediately after, he pushed forward with his left palm, stopping the Third Raikage's Hell Stab.
Although it was just the relatively weaker Four-Finger Drill, being able to deflect it so effortlessly was already shocking enough.
[Watchtower Totem!]
Hyuga Soushu didn't remain idle either. While continuing his relentless assault, he inserted another ward into the deep pit.
With this move, the complete form of that strange wooden sculpture finally fell within his vision.
"It's definitely the Six Paths Demonic Statue!"
Hyuga Soushu openly declared without hesitation.
"Huh?!"
Madara Uchiha, who had previously maintained a calm demeanor, felt genuinely surprised.
This was the very first time anyone had directly spoken the name "Six Paths Demonic Statue" in battle.
So where exactly had Hyuga Soushu learned such a secret?
"Pow! Pow! Pow!"
Yet Hyuga Soushu's offense came like a storm, each strike from his torch pole growing increasingly powerful. Madara Uchiha could only focus completely on countering, unable to dwell any further on these side details.
While Uchiha Madara could withstand attacks using his physical body thanks to a layer of artificial skin created by White Zetsu—actually Tobi—covering him, against Hyuga Soushu's direct physical strikes—pure force unresistable through chakra characteristics—even Tobi's unique physiology began to falter.
Meanwhile, the Third Raikage quickly recovered after breaking contact, gathering even greater power before charging back into battle.
As for Onoki, floating midair, after releasing two Dust Release techniques, he already felt exhausted—time had clearly taken its toll; compared to his prime, both his chakra reserves and strength had significantly declined.
"Not sure how much longer these old bones can keep going,"
Onoki muttered inwardly, looking down at the three warriors locked in fierce combat below, feeling rather disheartened.
But soon he steeled himself, pushing aside inner turmoil as he began his slow descent toward the battlefield.
Things were starting to get dicey for Madara Uchiha, caught between two relentless attackers.
This time, he seriously miscalculated.
Although supported by White Zetsu, Tobi, and the Six Paths Demonic Statue, this also restricted his range of movement to a certain extent. Moreover, Hyuga Soushu's offensive was much fiercer than he had anticipated, leaving him absolutely no time to activate the Six Paths Demonic Statue for a decisive strike.
This was beyond anything he had ever anticipated.
After all, although the Six Paths Demonic Statue possessed unparalleled power, it remained ultimately a soulless statue somewhere between life and death—it could only passively respond when directly attacked but couldn't actively launch attacks against potential enemies without being manually triggered.
Such a minor flaw, barely considered one, had been seized upon and exploited by Hyuga Soushu, who continuously amplified its effect, completely nullifying Madara Uchiha's ability to counterattack.
If he diverted even a bit of focus to activating the Six Paths Demonic Statue, he might very well have his head smashed open in a single blow by Hyuga Soushu and die in bitter regret!
If that happened, he—once regarded as the greatest ninja alongside Hashirama Senju—would become the laughingstock of the ninja world!
"Damn it!"
Madara Uchiha felt extremely frustrated yet unable to retaliate immediately.
And when Onoki descended from the sky to join the fray, Madara's advantage crumbled—his movements growing heavier and slower with each passing moment.
Yes, he really had grown old.
Though he could still maintain a certain level of combat effectiveness through the energy supplied by the Six Paths Demonic Statue, compared with his prime, he was far from what he once was.
While Madara Uchiha was pinned down by a three-way assault, the Coalition Force ninjas were already locked in chaotic battle with the Bloodline faction. After a brief engagement, the Bloodline faction collapsed like a mountain crumbling, their bodies littering the battlefield. Some survivors, their fighting spirit completely broken, fled toward the only untouched direction—north.
Failure is the most contagious and rapidly spreading emotion.
Inspired by the escape of a few, even if the Swordsmen tried their best, there was no way they could reverse the utterly collapsing situation anymore.
Yet amidst the chaos of battle, no one noticed how the bloodstains seeping into the earth vanished quickly—as if absorbed by invisible sponges. Even the corpses sprawled on the ground silently dried and shrank away.
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