Chapter 280 – Kakashi vs. Uchiha Madara
The meteor shattered by Kakashi was still far too massive. For the Shinobi Alliance Forces, the crisis was not yet completely resolved. It was at that moment that Tsunade made her move.
"Armament, Chakra-Enhanced Strength."
Tsunade clenched both fists and threw a single, devastating punch.
The terrifying shockwave released from her strike instantly pulverized the enormous chunks of rock that Kakashi had split apart, grinding them down into fine dust.
"Hokage-sama!"
"Hokage-sama!"
"Long live Hokage-sama!"
Cheers erupted across the battlefield as everyone laid eyes on Tsunade.
"Everyone, victory is right in front of us. Let's win this war," Tsunade declared as she looked down at the Shinobi Alliance Forces below.
As if ignited by her words, the morale of the entire alliance surged to its peak.
"Is she Hashirama's granddaughter? What a terrifying, abnormal strength," Madara said, genuine surprise flashing through his eyes.
He knew very well that even he would be unable to reduce rocks of that size into dust so completely.
"That's right. She is Tsunade-hime, the current Fifth Hokage," Mū replied.
"I see. Then let me test them," Madara said with growing excitement. "To think that after my death, the shinobi world would give birth to so many powerful individuals… this is how it should be. Very well—let's begin with an appetizer."
With that, Madara leapt down once more from his high position and began walking slowly toward the Shinobi Alliance. A vast, suffocating killing intent spilled out from his body.
"Fall back. Leave him to me," Kakashi said as he stepped forward. "Uchiha Madara… the legendary ninja, huh?"
As Kakashi moved, an overwhelming sword intent radiated from him.
"Susanoo."
In an instant, Madara was enveloped by a blue Susanoo. At the same time, four radiant blue blades of light formed in its hands.
Kakashi drew Ame-no-Habakiri from its sheath.
"Everyone, retreat. This battle is not something you can take part in," the Tsuchikage commanded sharply.
Under the pressure of such monstrous auras, even a Kage like him felt stifled—let alone ordinary shinobi. Upon hearing the order, all the ninja immediately withdrew, clearing the battlefield for Kakashi alone.
On the battlefield, neither Kakashi nor Madara moved right away. They silently observed one another. Then, in the very next moment, both acted at the same time.
The massive Susanoo swung its sword down at Kakashi.
At the same instant, Kakashi slashed forward with Ame-no-Habakiri. The collision of their attacks unleashed a violent storm that swept across the battlefield.
Their powers crashed into one another, neither gaining the upper hand in that brief exchange.
"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Release Song."
From within Susanoo, Madara launched his attack. At the same time, Susanoo itself assaulted Kakashi relentlessly.
A blade of lightning instantly formed in Kakashi's hand. He unleashed several swift slashes toward the roaring fire dragon, while Ame-no-Habakiri released a massive arc of energy that shattered Susanoo's luminous swords.
"So strong… is this really Kakashi-sensei's power?" Naruto muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"This isn't even the same dimension," Gaara said in awe.
On the battlefield, Madara and Kakashi clashed once more.
"Dual Blade Style: Azure Dragon Flowing Chant."
Two colossal slashes burst forth from Kakashi.
Madara's expression shifted dramatically. He immediately reinforced Susanoo. In an instant, the giant was coated in Tengu Armor. The sharp slashes slammed into Susanoo, and cracks began to spread across its massive body.
At that moment, Madara summoned Susanoo's sacred weapon—a massive sword known as Rinmaku.
The enormous blue blade swung down, releasing a tremendous wave of sword energy toward Kakashi.
Kakashi barely managed to block it with Ame-no-Habakiri.
"Huff… huff…" Kakashi stared at Uchiha Madara with a grave expression.
Aside from his older brother, this was the first time he had expended so much stamina in such a short period. Kakashi was already heavily drained, while Madara was using an Impure World Reincarnation body with nearly infinite chakra and endurance. In terms of stamina alone, Kakashi was clearly at a disadvantage.
Madara also regarded Kakashi with equal seriousness. He did not dare to be careless. To leave cracks on Susanoo in this form—its strongest defense short of the perfect state—was nothing short of astonishing. If he hadn't reinforced his chakra supply at that critical moment, Susanoo might have been shattered outright.
Kakashi no longer intended to hide his strength. He had to fight with everything he had. Otherwise, the one who would fall was undoubtedly him.
Madara sensed Kakashi's resolve as well. Still, he had no intention of exploiting his superior endurance to drag the battle out.
"Your name is Kakashi, correct?" Madara asked.
"To be remembered by Uchiha Madara, the legendary ninja, is an honor," Kakashi replied with a faint smile.
"Hahahaha. That's not it," Madara laughed. "It's your strength that impresses me. I truly didn't expect the shinobi world to produce someone like you. You are exceptional. In that case, Uchiha Madara will also fight with his full power."
"Then show me the legendary power of the Uchiha clan," Kakashi said, a sharp glint of battle spirit flashing in his eyes.
"Very well. Your strength has earned my acknowledgment," Madara said as he looked at Kakashi.
Then, Madara's ocular power erupted completely. Susanoo grew legs, and massive armor slowly formed around it. In the blink of an eye, a colossal blue giant—far larger than even a Bijuu—stood before everyone.
"So this is the Perfect Susanoo Nii-san once spoke of… this pressure… it's truly terrifying," Kakashi said. His gaze was no longer lazy, but filled with a level of seriousness never seen before.
"Come, Hatake Kakashi," Madara said, standing within the crystalline core of Susanoo. "Show me your strongest slash."
There was no contempt left in his eyes—only sincerity. Kakashi's strength was worthy of a battle fought with everything he had. This was Uchiha Madara: even toward an enemy, if their power was acknowledged, he would not hesitate to praise them.
"Alright."
Kakashi said nothing more. The Armament Haki around his hands grew denser, and chakra fully enveloped his blade.
After that, the two seemed to reach an unspoken understanding and closed their eyes at the same time. One unleashed the full might of his ocular power, while the other felt the Breath of All Things. This was resonance between true masters.
"Barrier team, now!" Tsunade shouted. She knew that even the residual shockwaves from what came next were not something ordinary ninja could withstand.
Hearing her command, the barrier team did not dare hesitate for even a second. They immediately activated their ninjutsu. Layer after layer of barriers formed, while at the same time, the Five Kage stood outside, using their own abilities to protect everyone within.
"Hatake Ultimate Art: One Slash to Destroy the Stars."
"Rinmaku: Sever."
They opened their eyes simultaneously. Overwhelming sword intent and ocular power exploded outward.
The colossal Susanoo and the devastating slash collided, and a terrifying shockwave swept across the battlefield.
Even the barrier protected by the Five Kage began to crack little by little. Fortunately, the remaining shockwaves were no longer enough to injure everyone.
All eyes were fixed on the battlefield that now looked like the end of the world. No one could speak. Some of the weaker-willed shinobi collapsed to the ground, their faces filled with nothing but gratitude for having survived such a calamity.
As the smoke slowly dissipated, everyone looked back toward the battlefield.
In their eyes burned deep awe—and profound respect.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Full Novel Available!
All chapters are now complete and available in full on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/FaaanzKun
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —