"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"
A blinding white cube materialized between Ōnoki's hands.
Under his precise control, the massive surge of Dust Release energy roared toward Aoyama Ryuyun like a collapsing sun.
This was Ōnoki's signature Kekkei Tōta — Dust Release, a power that surpassed even the rarest Bloodline Limits.
Anything caught within it would be instantly disintegrated to dust.
"Die beneath this old man's Dust Release!" Ōnoki bellowed.
"Lion's Might — Meteor Slash!"
Aoyama Ryuyun's voice cut through the wind like a blade.
In the next instant, blinding golden light burst across the battlefield. Sword energy exploded outward like meteor trails, colliding head-on with the expanding cube of Dust Release.
"Boom!!!"
The two overwhelming forces clashed — light against annihilation — before erupting in a deafening shockwave that tore through the earth.
When the dust settled, the two attacks had canceled each other out completely.
"What!?"
Ōnoki's eyes widened in disbelief. His ultimate technique — the pride of Iwagakure — had been neutralized by sword energy?
Impossible! His Dust Release should have erased everything it touched.
But before the old Tsuchikage could process it, twin blades appeared in Aoyama Ryuyun's hands — Sakura Ju and Kōboku, gleaming like twin suns.
"Hmph."
Under Ōnoki's stunned gaze, Aoyama Ryuyun suddenly soared into the sky, his golden mane whipping wildly in the wind as he ascended.
"How is that possible!?"
Ōnoki nearly lost composure. Sword energy that could counter Dust Release was one thing — but flight?
When had so many shinobi suddenly learned to fly!?
"Shishi Odoshi — Kirigiridani!"
Aoyama Ryuyun didn't give him time to react.
Crisscrossing arcs of golden sword energy cleaved through the air, screaming toward the Tsuchikage like an avalanche of light.
"Damn it!"
Ōnoki clenched his teeth and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Earth Release: Golem!"
As the Third Tsuchikage, his mastery of Earth Release was unmatched.
"Rumble! Rumble!"
The ground split open, and from the chasm rose a towering stone giant — dozens of meters tall — standing protectively before Ōnoki.
The golem's rocky arms swung forward, attempting to crush the incoming storm of sword energy.
But Ōnoki had underestimated Aoyama Ryuyun's power.
"Nani!?"
The Tsuchikage's eyes bulged.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this shocked — no, he had never been this shocked in his entire career.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
The golden slashes sliced through the stone golem as if it were paper.
Chunks of rock scattered, the massive creature collapsing into rubble before it could even roar.
The golden storm didn't stop — it surged onward, still hurtling toward Ōnoki.
"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"
He had no choice but to unleash another Dust Release to block it.
Two colossal forces collided again, shaking the heavens.
---
The brief exchange between Aoyama Ryuyun and Ōnoki shocked not only Konoha's forces, but even the Hidden Cloud and Iwagakure ninjas watching from afar.
"That Golden Lion… he's that strong?"
Rōshi, the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki, muttered incredulously.
Beside him, Han, the Five-Tails' Jinchūriki, wore a rare look of astonishment.
Both men, known for their rebellious attitudes, had never bowed their heads to the Tsuchikage.
If not for the gravity of the current war, neither would have answered the summons to battle.
Yet even they had always acknowledged Ōnoki's unmatched power.
And now… that same Tsuchikage was being overpowered.
"Have I been in seclusion for too long?" Rōshi scratched his head. "How did a monster like that appear in the shinobi world without me noticing?"
Han gave a helpless shrug. "Don't look at me. I don't know either."
Their banter was cut short by a sharp voice.
"Lord Rōshi! Lord Han! Please lend us your strength!"
It was Kitsuchi, son of the Third Tsuchikage.
He didn't have the luxury of spectating. His father was clearly at a disadvantage, and time was running out.
"…"
Rōshi and Han exchanged a long look before sighing in unison.
They had no desire to interfere, but this was war. Personal feelings didn't matter.
Han cracked his knuckles, steam already rising from his body. "I'll go first."
Rōshi shook his head. "No — we go together. That man isn't ordinary. If we're going to move, we do it right."
Han nodded once.
Their gazes locked onto Aoyama Ryuyun.
"Boil Release: Vapor Armor!"
"Lava Release: Chakra Mode!"
White steam and red magma flared across the field. The two Jinchūriki launched themselves forward like twin comets, rocketing toward the airborne Ryuyun.
"Hm?"
Ryuyun, whose focus had been on Ōnoki, hadn't activated his Kenbunshoku Haki.
By the time he sensed them, Han and Rōshi were already on him — one wreathed in scalding steam, the other radiating molten heat.
"Bang!!!"
Their fists met Ryuyun's twin blades head-on, the impact cracking the air.
Ryuyun landed smoothly, unharmed — though the force sent him skidding across the battlefield before his boots dug into the ground.
"Lord Ryuyun!"
Hyūga Hiashi and the others behind him immediately rushed over.
He was their pillar in this battle — the key to victory over Iwagakure — and none could hide their concern.
Ryuyun waved them off calmly.
"I'm fine."
His golden eyes narrowed, still fixed on Ōnoki in the distance.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"Yo, old man… looks like you're not doing too well."
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