Chapter 85 : Senkaihime

As soon as Enma appeared, a brilliant golden light materialized right before his eyes.

But it was a straight, powerful leg, resembling a colossal axe that cleaved through the skys and descended straight toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Enma didn't react as anticipated; instead, it transformed into a massive Adamantine Staff, and its formidable appearance appeared in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen grasped the staff with both hands, and the veins on his hands pulsed intensely as he swung it directly toward the oncoming giant axe.

This time, Kazuhiko refrained from using elementalization and chose to confront the challenge head-on.

"Is this the Adamantine Staff? The name sounds familiar! Let's see if it lives up to its reputation!"

Kazuhiko's eyes gleamed as he dashed forward.

"Boom!"

Their legs and the staff collided with a resounding impact, followed by a muffled groan.

The onlookers widened their eyes in astonishment. Before they could fully process what had just occurred, a golden flash cut through the surging smoke and flames.

This time, they recognized that it was the young clan head of the Uzumaki clan.

Upon closer inspection, they saw that a foot radiating a golden light had clashed with the Adamantine Staff, resulting in a muted thud.

"Uzumaki Clan Head is truly powerful! What kind of power is this?" exclaimed Konoha's ninjas.

"Yes, what kind of ability is this? It's on par with the Third Hokage!"

"I think it's more like Hokage-sama... is at a disadvantage..."

"Don't speak foolishly; there's no way Lord Hokage would fall. He's just... Well, Lord Hokage will undoubtedly emerge victorious!"

Even the Jonin and elders of Konoha were taken aback.

"Unbelievably strong! The Uzumaki Clan Head has reached this level of power!"

"How is this possible? Such incredible strength at such a young age; what kind of power is this!?"

On the sidelines, Mitokado Homura no longer bore his previous haughty expression and his words that assured Hiruzen's victory. Now, he wore an expression of concern and disbelief at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Of course, he could see that Sarutobi Hiruzen had fallen behind, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it.

He refused to believe that Kazuhiko could win. If he did...

"No! The final victor will be Hiruzen. Hiruzen has plenty of unutilized ninjutsu!"

Danzo and Utatane Koharu by the side were equally disbelieving. Kazuhiko's strength surpassed their expectations.

The elders of the Uzumaki clan wore expressions of pride, as they thought, "This is a given; there's no srprises." 

Now, there was no trace of worry on their faces. Upon reflection, their Clan Head was the one who had triumphed over the Third Mizukage in a head-on battle.

What's more, he was about to face the Third Raikage, renowned as "the strongest spear" and "the strongest shield"!

So, why had they worried about their Clan Head before?

Puzzling...

Kazuhiko leaped back and stood five meters away, gazing at Sarutobi Hiruzen before him. He flexed his foot slightly; it still hurt a little.

Sarutobi Hiruzen wielded the sturdy Adamantine Staff, his eyes locked onto Kazuhiko, unwavering.

His hands trembled involuntarily. "What a terrifying force! If it weren't for my innate power, the Adamantine Staff would have slipped from my grasp!"

Several consecutive, high-level ninjutsu had left him a bit fatigued. His chakra reserves were average for a Kage-level ninja.

As he looked at the young man who remained resolute before him, a sense of despair began to take root within him.

As if he could sense Sarutobi Hiruzen's despair, Kazuhiko spoke lightly.

"Third Hokage, after all this time, let's decide the outcome with one final move."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen was a bit surprised but immediately nodded in agreement. After all, his chakra reserves were dwindling, and continuing the fight would only result in his defeat.

Kazuhiko's plan was straightforward. He had already proven the might of the Land of Whirlpools and his own strength to Konoha. 

He believed that after this day, the entirety of Konoha would acknowledge the presence of a true Kage-level powerhouse from the Land of Whirlpools. 

Henceforth, they would approach the Land of Whirlpools with greater caution and respect.

The spectators watched as the two conversed, though they couldn't hear their words. They were growing anxious.

A renowned sensory ninja from Konoha, with sharp features and exceptional hearing, emerged from the crowd. She informed the crowd of their intentions.

"One final move? This is going to be amazing!"

"I can't wait to see who emerges as the victor."

"What do you think will happen?"

Everyone's gaze remained fixated on the arena, where the two combatants stood motionless.

At this moment, Kazuhiko and Sarutobi Hiruzen resembled their earlier positions, one on the east and one on the west. However, the circumstances were entirely different. 

The crowd's concerns were no longer about how their Lord Hokage would teach the new leader of the Uzumaki clan. Instead, they had shifted their focus to whether their Hokage could secure victory.

If someone had told them just a few minutes ago that they'd be worried about Hokage-sama losing to the leader of the Uzumaki clan, they would have considered it absurd. 

However, their perspective had changed without them even realizing it, and it all felt entirely natural.

At this moment, Kazuhiko calmly observed the Adamantine Staff wielded by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

A wry smile played at the corners of his lips as he thought, "You have your weapon, and now it's time for Senkaihime to step onto this stage!"

With a click, Kazuhiko drew the blade from his waist.

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