Chapter 121
The battle with Tsunade had revealed the true incompetence of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist in the eyes of a true expert.
Their so-called teamwork, capable of eliminating shadows, now seemed like a joke.
Tsunade didn't spare the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist due to fear; she simply killed them all and swiftly left.
Desperate situations can often lead to desperate tactics, even for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Under the threat of death, they could resort to life-threatening tricks.
If someone observed the entire Shinōbi World from above, they would see it as a chessboard.
The two biggest concerns were Amegakure and Konoha, and the classic tactic being employed was to surround and attack these points to gain an advantage.
The people of Konoha wanted to support the Hidden Villages, while the Great Hidden Villages did their best to impede their efforts.
Orochimaru, leading Konoha Shinōbi, sought to defeat Amegakure, and the outcome would be determined by a single battle.
The Great Hidden Villages deliberately delayed their actions, weakening Konoha, while Amegakure fought fiercely to resist them.
In this critical moment, the war in the Shinōbi World was reaching its climax.
Outside Konoha's Hidden Villages, a war raged on.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze was fierce as he stared at Hanzo soaring through the sky. Bijūdama after Bijūdama struck Seven-Tails.
"Kongō Fūsa!"
Uzumaki Mito spat out a mouthful of blood as numerous Chakra chains emerged from her body, entangling Seven-Tails' Chōmei.
The Bijūdama from Seven-Tails' Chōmei was unable to be released, and its movement speed was restricted.
"Five consecutive Shadow Clones!"
Using the Clone Jutsu, five Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared, each utilizing a different Chakra nature. They charged directly at Seven-Tails.
The Five Escapes technique was a formidable move, especially since Sarutobi Hiruzen had mastered it. With precise timing, he struck the wings of Seven-Tails' Chōmei.
With a cry, Chōmei broke free from the Kongō Fūsa and flew higher into the sky.
"Water Release - Ame no Senbon!"
From above, Hanzo unleashed his signature Ninjutsu, Ame no Senbon.
After suffering losses, Hanzo swiftly counterattacked.
"Miscalculated... I never expected Hanzo and Seven-Tails to coexist peacefully," Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, avoiding the senbon.
Taking in his surroundings, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt relieved. Fortunately, the Shinōbi left behind were experienced veterans. While their Chakra might be lacking and their physical abilities diminished, they were still formidable in combat.
Especially in terms of combat experience, they were unparalleled.
As Hanzo appeared, he was immediately sent out of Konoha and into the battlefield.
"Hiruzen, what do we do? If we continue fighting like this, we'll suffer heavy losses. We need to find a solution quickly," Shimura Danzo angrily exclaimed, dodging the Ame no Senbon and launching a Wind Release attack against Seven-Tails and Hanzo.
He had been contemplating matters in seclusion, only to be abruptly thrust into battle against Seven-Tails and Hanzo. It deeply troubled him.
"Our aerial capabilities are weak. We need to focus on improving our air battle strength," Mitokado Homura interjected as he landed beside them.
"The research findings from the abandoned Hidden Villages included information on sky fortresses. I miscalculated," he added.
Utatane Koharu also arrived, and upon hearing Mitokado Homura's words, she concurred, "Let's bring back the research to Orochimaru and Himihu. We need to strengthen our air battle capabilities. It's quite bothersome."
"Danzo, Homura, Koharu, hold them off. I will deal with Hanzo myself. Summoning Jutsu - Monkey!" Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, a sneer on his face as he performed the Summoning Jutsu.
A sneeze-like sound echoed as Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned the Monkey, who found himself immediately surrounded by a group of elderly Shinōbi, including Shimura Danzo.
"What is this? A gathering of students or a senior citizen social event?" the Monkey wondered, bewildered by the sight.
The presence of Uzumaki Mito utilizing the Kongō Fūsa further confused the Monkey. It couldn't comprehend the situation.
It wasn't until it was attacked by Seven-Tails' Chōmei that it snapped back to reality.
"Monkey, transform!" Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted.
Reacting instinctively, the Monkey transformed into the Golden Cudgel and leaped into Sarutobi Hiruzen's hands.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exchanged a knowing glance with Danzo and the others.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu unleashed a joint Ninjutsu assault directly at Seven-Tails' Chōmei and Hanzo.
Danzo collaborated with Meng Di, employing Genjutsu to restrain Seven-Tails' Chōmei and Hanzo.
Seizing the opportunity, Sarutobi Hiruzen extended the Golden Cudgel and propelled himself into the sky.
"Hanzo, your time is up," Sarutobi Hiruzen declared, casting a scornful gaze toward Hanzo.
Channeling Chakra and simultaneously utilizing Nature Transformation, Sarutobi Hiruzen merged them together, forming a ball of energy in his mouth.
As Hanzo broke free from the Genjutsu and saw Sarutobi Hiruzen preparing a powerful Ninjutsu, fear surged within him.
Witnessing the terrifying energy ball in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mouth, Hanzo's instinct urged him to avoid it at all costs, or else he would perish.
The amalgamation of the Five Chakra Natures converged into the small black ball, but it wasn't aimed at Hanzo. Instead, it hurtled toward Seven-Tails.
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, Hanzo was insignificant, easily disposed of. The real threat was Seven-Tails.
The black ball detonated, hitting Seven-Tails' Chōmei head-on, even while under Shimura Danzo's Genjutsu. It sent Seven-Tails crashing to the ground.
The earth quaked, and any Shinōbi not experienced enough was sent flying by the tremors.
As the Shinōbi steadied themselves, they saw Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly descend, elegantly twirling his cudgel. His dashing and charismatic demeanor made Shimura Danzo despise him even more.
Damn it! He should have finished him off earlier when he had the chance instead of dragging it out.
At this moment, the "conspirator" Shimura Danzo had countless thoughts racing through his mind.
One prevailing thought was that Sarutobi Hiruzen, the useless dog, had staged this display to awe him and the other old bastards.
It was important to note that the youngest of the old Shinōbi present were from the same era as themselves, with some even predating Tobirama.
Most of them hailed from noble clans and upheld strict codes.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's sudden surge in power, coupled with the fact that Seven-Tails remained conscious while Hanzo had lost the ability to fight back, made Shimura Danzo suspicious of Sarutobi Hiruzen's cunning.
"Clean up the spoils of war. This time, we have gained the greatest advantage," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
As a responsible leader, Sarutobi Hiruzen believed it was necessary to address the issue of the captured Bijū within Konoha Shinōbi Village.
Perhaps it was inhumane to keep the Nine-Tails as a wise fox confined. Now, with the addition of Seven-Tails, perhaps the Nine-Tails could live more comfortably.
Thinking this way, Sarutobi Hiruzen congratulated himself on his sense of responsibility.
The members of the sealing class swiftly stepped forward to seal Seven-Tails, ensuring that it couldn't escape. Uzumaki Mito also added an extra layer of Eight-Sign Seal, acting ethically to prevent any potential dangers from arising.