Golden Horn's Cunning Plan

The battlefield, once the site of bitter conflict, now saw Tobirama and the Second Raikage fighting side by side. As they readied themselves for combat, the impermanence of fate wasn't lost on them. Their focus, however, remained sharp, directed at their enemies—Golden Horn and Silver Horn.

Golden Horn flicked the golden rope in his hand, and it shot forward with terrifying speed toward Tobirama and the Raikage. The rope glowed with an eerie golden light, crackling with powerful lightning chakra. Anyone struck by it would face severe injury, regardless of its spirit-extracting capabilities. The fact that Golden Horn had earlier revealed the rope's secret power puzzled them.

This revelation sparked curiosity about why Golden Horn had exposed the Six Paths treasures power, but the second Raikage and Tobirama had no time to ponder. The golden rope was already upon them.

"Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Release: Water Wall )"

Tobirama swiftly formed three hand seals, summoning a protective wall of water that enveloped him and the Raikage. The lightning-infused rope struck the wall, dispersing its electrical charge but failing to break through.

Seizing the opportunity, Tobirama adjusted his seals, expanding the water wall until it surged outward in a tidal wave, sending the rope hurtling back toward Golden Horn and Silver Horn.

The proficiency in water-based techniques was evident, even in the absence of a natural water source. Tobirama's high mastery of water jutsu and abundant chakra allowed him to wield impressive water ninjutsu. Even a Mizukage might struggle to surpass his skill in this domain.

The giant wave engulfed Golden Horn and Silver Horn instantly, spreading outward with unrelenting force. Sarutobi Hiruzen, understanding the unspoken communication between teacher and student, Hiruzen slammed his hands to the ground, raising a massive earth wall that encircled the battlefield, turning it into a lake.

The lake's surface, disturbed by two whirlpools, pressured both Golden Horn and Silver Horn. The second Raikage charged towards the whirlpool of Silver Horn, aiming to eliminate Silver Horn first. However, just as he was about to strike—

A powerful chakra, distinctly visible and unmistakably that of the Nine-Tails, surged from the vortex. A red figure emerged and charged towards the second Raikage, only to be halted by a sudden, massive wave.

The second Raikage darted into the whirlpool like a bolt of lightning, driving his blade into Silver Horn. Despite the immense pressure, Silver Horn managed to counter with the Nine-Tailed Chakra, blocking the attack with his Seven Star Sword.

Even with only one arm, Silver Horn's resistance was formidable, showcasing the extraordinary power of the Nine-Tailed Chakra. The second Raikage, though shaken, pressed on, unleashing a powerful Lightning Release jutsu to pierce Silver Horn's defenses.

Hearing Silver Horn's pained cries, Golden Horn, propelled by a surge of Nine-Tailed Chakra, became increasingly frantic. His red aura intensified, and the lake split apart as he moved.

Recognizing the imminent danger, the second Raikage retreated with Tobirama's aid, using water release techniques to provide cover.

Tobirama warned, "Raikage, be cautious. This isn't their full power. My student, Masaki, mentioned that extreme anger could trigger a second form of the tailed beast's chakra. If one falls, the other may unleash such power, putting us at risk."

In other words, both needed to be defeated nearly at the same time.

The second Raikage, understanding the urgency, signaled to Tobirama. During such rapid exchanges, reason often took a backseat, and it was better to act swiftly.

Tobirama acknowledged with a nod. He appreciated working with astute allies, though he remained puzzled by Golden Horn's reveal of the treasure's secret. The second Raikage likely shared his confusion, but there were no answers yet.

Once Golden Horn and Silver Horn were freed from the whirlpool, the two red figures advanced, sending shockwaves across the lake.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, seeing the chaos unfold, readied himself for battle. Simultaneously, Sarutobi Hiruzen created a combat environment using earth techniques, rejoining his allies. "We're up next," he declared, Summoning his personal companion, Enma, The Monkey King, he transformed him into the indestructible staff, Adamantine Staff, preparing for the battle ahead.

"Everyone, let's act together. Even though this is a surprise attack, we are well-positioned here, with Hokage and Raikage supporting us."

"Yes, we will not falter," affirmed one of the guards accompanying the second Raikage, who had a higher status among them. The other guards positioned themselves strategically, vigilant of any threat.

Golden Horn and Silver Horn's forces were well-prepared and outnumbered the Konoha and Kumo Guards significantly. Some were even maintaining a barrier to prevent the situation from escalating and drawing in additional troops.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was confident that reinforcements would arrive soon. Fumori Masaki's foresight was evident, and the slug should have relayed the information. Yet, he believed that his teacher and second Raikage could restrain Golden Horn and Silver Horn. The rest needed only to hold the enemy forces at bay until his teacher and Raikage could secure victory, possibly without needing additional troops.

Despite the golden and silver horns possessing Nine-Tailed Chakra and treasures from the Sage, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt assured. The Bashōsen had been taken, and Silver Horn's inability to use ninjutsu meant more power could be directed at Golden Horn. With the water suppression and second Raikage's targeted strike, Golden Horn's defeat seemed imminent.

At a critical juncture, Golden Horn smirked and said, "Time is running out."

A sinking feeling gripped the second Raikage. Suddenly, the red gourd on Golden Horn began to emit a powerful suction, pulling the second Raikage uncontrollably into it.

"Raikage!" The sudden disappearance of the second Raikage shocked Tobirama, slowing his movements. As a result, Tobirama's attack on Silver Horn missed its mark, leaving Silver Horn with a severe, though not fatal, wound. Under the Nine-Tailed Chakra's influence, recovery was only a matter of time.

Tobirama used the Thunder God technique to retreat from Silver Horn and noticed Golden Horn gently patting the red gourd. Although he hadn't witnessed the event, Tobirama was certain that the second Raikage had been sealed within the gourd. However, Golden Horn's earlier claims seemed dubious. Had the Golden Horn lied, or was there another truth?

Tobirama's suspicion solidified. "If I guessed correctly, as long as I didn't speak, it would be sealed too. The previous words must have been a deception."

"Impressive, Second Hokage. You deduced it correctly. However, you were mistaken about one thing. Silence and speech are taboos for the Crimson Gourd," Golden Horn chuckled.

Tobirama, now exhausted from the recent battle, faced the formidable Nine-Tailed Chakras of Golden Horn and Silver Horn.

After a brief contemplation, Tobirama's figure vanished, and the lake expanded, engulfing Golden Horn and Silver Horn in water. Tobirama reappeared outside the earth wall, retrieving a kunai with the Flying Thunder God technique.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and others, noticing Tobirama's arrival, inquired about the Golden Horn and Silver Horn. The Kumo Ninjas were perplexed by the second Raikage's absence, and the Golden Horn and Silver Horn troops were concerned for their leader's fate.

Tobirama, using hand signals, directed his team to follow him. The Golden Horn and Silver Horn units attempted to block their path but were repelled by the guards' ninjutsu.

Approaching the barrier, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo unleashed powerful wind jutsu to breach it. As the barrier trembled, Tobirama's water-concentrated arm transformed into a spear, shattering the barrier with a resounding explosion.

"Let's go! The second Raikage has been sealed. This is no place to stay, we need to regroup and make plan" Tobirama urged, primarily addressing the Raikage's guards. His intent was clear—get out quickly. The guards followed closely behind Tobirama as they escaped through the shattered barrier.