CHAPTER 82

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The fierce battle raged on as Hiruzen Sarutobi stood firmly, facing the three Kages: Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage; A, the Third Raikage; and the Third Mizukage.

Without a word, Hiruzen formed three shadow clones, each stepping forward to confront one of the Kages.

His eyes glowed with intensity as he prepared for the relentless confrontation.

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Hiruzen's clone facing Onoki immediately struck first, slamming his hands into the ground with a single hand seal formed by his left hand. "Earth Style: Mountain Crusher!" The ground ruptured as jagged stone pillars shot toward Onoki. The Tsuchikage countered swiftly, creating a massive stone wall, but the force of the attack cracked the barrier.

Onoki retaliated with "Earth Style: Bedrock Coffin,"

causing massive boulders to rise and attempt to crush Hiruzen's clone.

In response, Hiruzen created "Earth Style: Stone Spear Barrage," shattering the incoming boulders into rubble.

Meanwhile, another clone faced Raikage A. Lightning crackled as the hulking Raikage surged forward like a thunderbolt.

Hiruzen's clone formed a one-handed seal. "Lightning Style: Thunder Binding Chains!"

Electrified chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around Raikage's limbs. Despite the restraint, A roared and shattered the chains with sheer physical might.

Hiruzen seamlessly followed with "Lightning Style: Wrathful Thunderbolt," sending a massive bolt surging toward the Raikage.

A countered with "Lightning Style: Lightning Armor Overload," absorbing the energy and charging forward even faster.

Against the Mizukage, Hiruzen's third clone unleashed "Water Style: Great Tidal Surge," sending a towering wave crashing down.

The Mizukage formed a mist barrier, dispersing most of the water. Yet, the force of the surge left the ground soaked and unstable.

The Mizukage retaliated with "Water Style: Coral Binding Prison," sharp coral spikes sprouting to trap Hiruzen.

The Hokage dispelled the attack with "Water Style: Severing Current," slicing through the coral with precise water blades.

The three Kages, though formidable, found themselves on the back foot.

Their expressions twisted into disbelief as Hiruzen's clones pressed them, showcasing mastery of elemental jutsu beyond anything they had anticipated.

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Hiruzen spoke coolly, his voice resonating across the battlefield.

"Is this the strength of the great Kages? Disappointing. Did you think numbers would make up for your lack of skill?"

Raikage A roared, "Don't be smug Hokage.... , this is just the start I can hold you down for three days and three nights." he then rushed toward Hiruzen.

Onoki also clenched his fist with anger, and rushed towards Hokage along with Mizukage.

The three leaders exchanged glances, realizing that brute force alone would not break the unyielding Hokage.

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With a sudden burst of speed, Hiruzen recalled his clones and dashed toward the Kages, activating Steel Release to enhance his body's durability. His fists gleamed like forged metal as he clashed with Raikage's reinforced fists, creating thunderous shockwaves that echoed across the battlefield.

"Wild Lion Mane!" Hiruzen roared as his knee-length hair extended like living vines, wrapping around Onoki to disrupt his movements.

The Tsuchikage struggled, momentarily trapped, straining against the iron-like grip of Hiruzen's animated hair.

The Mizukage surged forward with a water-forged trident aimed at Hiruzen's back.

Anticipating the attack, Hiruzen twisted with lightning speed, using Swift Release to sidestep and retaliate with a spinning kick.

His foot, reinforced by Steel Release, struck with crushing force, sending the Mizukage reeling.

Raikage roared and attempted a full-body tackle, shrouded in his crackling lightning armor.

Hiruzen met the charge with an elbow strike infused with Swift and Steel Release, causing a massive shockwave that left a deep trench in the shattered ground.

The battlefield soon stretched across several kilometers, with deep scars carved into the land.

The devastation left both sides in awe. Fields were reduced to craters, trees lay shattered, and rivers were redirected by the relentless battle.

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Among the Uzumaki ranks, murmurs spread like wildfire:

"If the Hokage hadn't come... would we even be alive now?"

Ashina Uzumaki's aged eyes remained wide in amazement. He whispered, "The Raikage's resilience... if I had fought him alone, this village would have fallen."

Kazuki clenched his fists, trembling at the destructive power of Onoki's Dust Release. His heart pounded as he realized the impossible odds.

In contrast, Rias Uzumaki stood mesmerized by Hiruzen's fluid movements. The fear in her heart was replaced by something else entirely—admiration, respect, and perhaps something deeper.

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Meanwhile, Seruyi, Kitsuchi, and Ao from the invading forces gathered at a hidden outpost, observing the clash.

"The Hokage is holding back three Kages alone... this is beyond our expectations," Seruyi hissed.

"We attack the village from the other sides," Ao suggested. "We overwhelm the Uzumaki while they're distracted."

"It seems we have to take out the jinchuriki, or we might be defeated here" Kitsuchi suggested.

The three commanders agreed, splitting their forces to strike the village from three different directions.

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Back on the battlefield, Hiruzen's senses flared. He detected massive chakra signatures emerging from the enemy camp—three distinct, overwhelming presences.

Ashina Uzumaki's face paled as he sensed the same. "Tailed Beasts! They're unleashing the Jinchuriki!"

The Uzumaki forces collectively shuddered. They had no answer for such monstrous power.

Kazuki and Ashina leapt forward to confront the incoming threat, only to be intercepted by Seruyi, Kitsuchi, and Ao.

Rias rushed to support them, determined to hold the line.

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Hiruzen's face darkened as the enormous chakra waves crackled through the air. He turned his icy gaze toward the three Kages.

"You even brought the Tailed Beasts..." he growled, his voice laced with murderous intent.

Raikage A sneered. "Konoha is too strong. We'll do whatever it takes to win this war."

Onoki added coldly, "Don't think you can interfere, Hiruzen. Konoha will need a new Hokage after today."

Mizukage leered. "I might even spare a few Uzumaki women for Konoha's sake... after we're done here."

Hiruzen's expression darkened further as his chakra flared, cracking the ground beneath his feet. "You three have crossed a line... and now you will pay."

Raikage scoffed. "Talk all you want. This is war. You'll die here, Hokage."

With an ominous stillness, Hiruzen slowly distanced himself from them.

"It seems," he said coldly, "playtime is over."

As his chakra surged to new heights, the very earth trembled under his wrathful aura. The battle was about to reach an even deadlier stage.

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