Chapter 98: Battle Against the Quasi-Kage!
"Fire Release: Yang Spirit!"
Uchiha Takashi once again unleashed this S-rank jutsu.
Whoosh! Flames erupted from his body, forming a fiery armor that enveloped his form.
Although he had used it before, only Rasa had survived to report back, and even then, he hadn't seen much.
So, for most, this was their first time witnessing Uchiha Takashi's S-rank jutsu.
During this period, Uchiha Takashi hadn't just been researching potions; he had also been refining and optimizing this jutsu.
With reference materials and his deep understanding of ninjutsu and sealing techniques, the improvement process went smoothly.
Now, not only was its appearance more refined, but its defensive capabilities had also been enhanced.
Of course, the greatest improvement wasn't just in these aspects.
Since this jutsu was tailored for 'Sage Mode,' it could only be fully realized in that state.
However, even without Sage Mode, this S-rank jutsu was still astonishing.
"What is that?"
"I don't know, but it must be powerful!"
"Absolutely!"
...
The Kage-level battlefield was the focal point for both sides, so Yang Spirit's half-body was immediately noticed by the surrounding ninjas.
Shock!
Though it was only a few meters tall (seven meters now, previously five, with the flame armor increasing its height), the sheer heat it radiated was palpable.
As Uchiha Takashi grew more familiar with the jutsu, the previously uncontrolled heat began to be contained.
"Let me experience your Scorch Release!"
Uchiha Takashi's voice rang out.
"Is that so!"
Faced with the challenge, Pakura showed no fear.
Fireballs began to appear around her.
Two, three... five! Each one, upon exploding, could unleash the terrifying power akin to high-level Fire Release.
The key was that she didn't need hand signs or preparation to use them.
This was the unreasonable strength of a Kekkei Genkai.
Pakura charged forward with five fireballs in tow.
Any flesh and blood that got too close to her would be reduced to a withered corpse in seconds.
However, for Uchiha Takashi, protected by Yang Spirit, they had no effect.
Whoosh, whoosh!
As she advanced, Pakura also hurled kunai.
To her surprise, the kunai couldn't penetrate the flame-forged giant armor.
'No wonder Rasa failed!'
The thought flashed through Pakura's mind.
Previously, she had mocked Rasa for his failed mission.
After all, she had faced Uchiha Takashi before, and if she had been serious then, he would have been dead.
But now she had to admit, it wasn't Rasa's fault; the opponent's strength had grown tremendously.
As Pakura closed in, she launched her attack.
But her tools and taijutsu couldn't breach the defense.
Bang, bang!
In contrast, Uchiha Takashi controlled Yang Spirit's half-body, attacking relentlessly like a game of whack-a-mole.
The ground was shattered under the force.
The terrifying offensive and defensive capabilities gave Yang Spirit a resemblance to Susanoo.
Uchiha Takashi was confident that his 'Yang Spirit' would eventually surpass Susanoo.
Because this was 'Sage Art'!
Currently, he was only using chakra to perform it, naturally reducing its power by several levels.
Soon, Pakura began forming hand signs.
"Wind Release: Blade of Wind!"
Whoosh! The rapidly spinning wind at her fingertips turned into blades that could shred anything.
In the future, Maki would use this move to instantly kill the special jonin Hayate Gekkō.
Swish, swish!
But when the Blade of Wind struck Yang Spirit's half-body, it only produced countless cutting sounds without tearing the target apart.
S-rank jutsu, terrifying indeed! However, the Blade of Wind did cause some changes.
Chapter 98: Battle with the Quasi-Kage!
From this perspective, the defense of non-Senjutsu chakra-based techniques is indeed limited. Bang! After Yekura withdrew her hand, she leapt back, dispelling the Wind Blade jutsu.
She knew that relying solely on her mastery of Wind Release wouldn't be enough to break through the defense, so she had to give it her all.
"Scorch Release: Oversteam Kill!"
With a soft shout, the five fireballs orbiting around her began to merge into a massive fireball.
Facing the full-force attack of a Kage-level opponent, Uchiha Takashi dared not be careless. He raised his right index finger high.
Whoosh! A wisp of white flame condensed at the fingertip of the half-body Susanoo, and the surrounding temperature rapidly dropped, causing the light to dim.
Previously, high temperatures were a control issue.
Now, the temperature drop indicated that all the heat was being absorbed for the upcoming full-force attack, with none leaking out.
The same principle applied to the light, which was directly consumed, causing a momentary 'darkness before the eyes.'
"Fire Release: Susanoo: Great Orochi Slash!"
Uchiha Takashi unleashed his full-force attack in his normal state.
A small wisp of white flame, once released, transformed into a white wave sweeping forward, resembling an avalanche.
Yekura also pushed forward the massive fireball she had fused.
Oversteam Kill vs. Great Orochi Slash! Two super techniques clashed head-on.
Even Orochimaru, who was preoccupied with Chiyo, couldn't help but be distracted.
Only one... snake not far from the clash of techniques wasn't excited; instead, it struggled and roared frantically.
"Damn Orochimaru, hurry and release the Summoning Jutsu!"
Manda, now affected by a sealing technique, couldn't dispel the Summoning Jutsu on its own and was getting anxious.
Fortunately, Orochimaru had no intention of leaving his summoned beast to die and promptly released the Summoning Jutsu.
The massive, mountain-like Manda retreated from the scene.
The white snow wave and the giant fireball collided.
There was no expected explosion.
Sizzle!
The two flames voraciously devoured each other.
The terrifying high temperatures quickly spread, causing nearby plants to wither and crumble into dust at a visible rate.
Such a terrifying scene instinctively made the surrounding ninjas, who were engaged in battle, retreat.
This included Orochimaru, Chiyo, and Ebizō as well.
When it comes to the pinnacle of Fire Release, they still have to look up to these two.
Though the Uchiha are known as the strongest in Fire Release, it's mostly due to their overwhelming chakra or the bloodline's 'strongest Fire Release' Amaterasu.
In terms of pure Fire Release, both Uchiha Takashi and Yekura could easily outclass them.
Flame devoured flame!
The full-force attacks of both sides were at a stalemate.
Uchiha Takashi watched as the pure white flame wave failed to engulf the Scorch Release Oversteam Kill, silently admiring.
'As expected of the hero of the Sand Ninja, a quasi-Kage powerhouse!'
Even though he had showcased all his achievements in Fire Release, he still hadn't won.
Of course, he hadn't lost either! However, there was no time to determine a winner or loser now.
The main force of the Sand Ninja army was approaching, and they had to retreat.
The Sand Ninja troops currently engaged were merely a small elite force led by strong individuals, tasked with delaying and obstructing their retreat.
But they hadn't anticipated Orochimaru's decisive strike, leading an elite squad to block these vanguard units, coupled with Uchiha Takashi's brilliant performance, which disrupted the Sand Ninja's plans.
However, the Sand Ninja's objective had been achieved.
Destroying the southwestern ninja camp!
With Orochimaru stationed there, the camp posed an increasing threat to the Sand Ninja, prompting them to plan this operation.
It seemed like a victory, but in reality, it wasn't.
Because Konoha wouldn't just stand by and watch the enemy rampage; they would surely find a way to counterattack.
So, the Sand Ninja were essentially relieving pressure on the Iwa Ninja, which was a significant loss.
"Retreat!"
Orochimaru ordered.
The objectives of delay and sniping had been achieved, and staying any longer would only result in needless casualties.
The remaining Konoha squads began to retreat.
Uchiha Takashi, after exchanging a few glances with Yekura, joined up with the approaching Hyuga Aotsuki and Yamakawa Koji before turning to leave.
And thus, the Sand Ninja surprise attack concluded.
Through this battle, Uchiha Takashi proved his strength was genuine, and his previous escape from two Kage-level opponents was not just luck.
It was real, undeniable strength.
However, the subsequent bad news left him no time to revel in his newfound fame, as he donned a mask of pain.
(End of Chapter)