Chapter 187 : Elder Akira's Fate!

As the sand on Shamon's body began to re-gather, Tobirama found himself slightly annoyed, scolding himself for being careless. 

How could he, a kage from a prominent ninja village, underestimate Shamon? After all, Shamon was a genius who had developed a Magnet Release technique!

"If I had known earlier, I would have used a more powerful slash!"

"What was the technique you just used?" Shamon suddenly inquired.

"That's the Flying Thunder God Technique I developed," Tobirama replied succinctly.

"It's a fascinating ability, but I won't be hit again. My Magnet Release will make your kunai sink into the ground!"

Shamon wasn't entirely clear about the essence of the Flying Thunder God Technique, and it didn't necessarily have to be depicted in Kunai. 

However, Shamon's Magnet Release could control metal, and with only sand on the ground, constantly flowing, it wasn't suitable to leave direct coordinates. Tobirama realized he had no chance to use it now!

While the Flying Thunder God Technique had its flaws and limitations, Tobirama's overall prowess made it so that few in the ninja world could compete with him even without using it.

Just as Tobirama prepared to continue his assault, a massive roar and an overwhelming force startled both fighters, and they turned their gaze towards the distance simultaneously.

"Roar—!"

Engaged in their own battle, they were oblivious to the fact that Shukaku, suppressed back into the body of Jinchūriki, had been unleashed by Takeshi's secret pursuit. What they witnessed from a distance was Shukaku in his complete form wreaking havoc on the three individuals.

"Despicable human beings, pay the price for your actions!"

Shukaku's wind tunnels bombarded the surroundings like cannonballs, causing the ground to tremble. Having returned to his formidable state, three quasi-kage-level ninjas stood no chance, and even Takeshi found it extremely challenging.

When dealing with imperfect Jinchuriki, tactics of crowd control or attrition could work, as seen in the battles with Gaara and Naruto. However, facing a real tailed beast, such strategies were futile, especially given Shukaku's current resilience, which surpassed anything seen before.

Freed from his predicament, Shukaku's first instinct was to target Shamon in the distance. It was Shamon who had repeatedly suppressed him and studied his powers. 

Yet, having suffered greatly, Shukaku felt uneasy facing him, especially with the chakra presence beside him, a force that even Shukaku respected.

What comforted Shukaku, however, was the apparent enmity between Shamon and Tobirama. Let the two humans fight to the death; he took pleasure in bombarding Elder Akira indiscriminately.

Retribution came swiftly.

Having bullied Shukaku under Sand Jinchūriki's control earlier, the trio now found themselves fleeing in all directions. Elder Akira, injured by Drilling Air Bullet, used Gentle Fist in time to block, but his face grew paler as his blood surged.

"What's happening? Is this a tailed beast running wild? Could it be that... the power of the Shukaku has completely been released?"

Initially able to sense Shukaku's situation remotely, Tobirama's focus on Shamon left him unaware of Shukaku's current state.

"Huh? It seems Sand Jinchūriki has completely suppressed the three Konoha powerhouses?"

Shamon, less perceptive, sensed that something was amiss, despite the distance. The current enemy, momentarily ignored, seemed to be facing dire straits.

"Tobirama, their situation isn't good, but I won't let you pass!"

With no way out, Shamon hoped Shukaku could handle the situation, resorting to desperate measures to hold Tobirama back.

"Oh? It appears you're yet to grasp the situation. Your Jinchūriki? He is almost dead!"

Tobirama maintained a stern facade, concealing a smirk within.

"Shamon, who gave you the audacity?" Tobirama taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Behold, witness my true might!" Shamon bellowed, channeling the remaining chakra into a torrent, manipulating a multitude of iron tools around him through magnetic force.

During the recent skirmish, most of these tools were warped into shapeless masses, transforming into iron blocks. Now, under the influence of magnetic manipulation, they reverted to their original forms, hovering in the air. Gradually, they assumed a peculiar formation, converging upon Shamon.

"What's this...?"

Observing the iron cutting tools melding onto Shamon's form in a complex arrangement, forming a dark and ominous colossal figure, Tobirama's demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. Yet, he refrained from intervening.

"Jinchūriki's control is shattered, and it will take Sunagakure considerable time to find a suitable successor. Reclaiming control over Shukaku would inevitably lead to devastation, possibly at a steep cost.

Moreover, my raid on Sand Ninja's elite forces inflicted severe casualties, significantly weakening their power. If I can inflict substantial damage, perhaps even capture Shamon here, Sand Ninja is destined for defeat, forcing them into negotiations."

As the steel giant swiftly assembled before him, Tobirama crossed his arms, exuding an air of triumph. Victory in this battle seemed assured; Sunagakure was destined to lose.

"Ye-!"

The completion of the iron-armored battle suit unveiled a towering black giant standing at five meters. In contrast to the third Kazekage's Magnet Release, Shamon's current form appeared impervious, lacking any discernible flaws. The defense was undoubtedly formidable.

"Haha, merely a moving target."

Tobirama remained unyielding. Were it not for his shortcomings in Lightning Release, this tactic would be a futile endeavor.

Swiftly forming seals, Tobirama conjured a majestic veil of water vapor around him.

"Ah-ah! Little human, you escaped death this time?"

Elsewhere, under Shukaku's relentless pursuit, the trio of Konoha shinobi became increasingly hard-pressed.

Before confronting Shukaku, controlled by Jinchūriki, the trio had already unleashed their full might. Now, drained of both chakra and physical strength, Shukaku showed no signs of fatigue, only growing more exhilarated.

"Descend into the abyss—!"

Khaki claws, colossal and ominous, descended upon Elder Akira like a shroud in the sky. The looming shadow obscured the sun, and an aura of despair caused Elder Akira's pupils to contract. A sense of impending doom gripped him.

"Beast! I'll face you head-on!"

Elder Akira, already wounded from the earlier exchange, now found himself in an even direr situation. Tsushima and Kazama, far away, were also running low on chakra, too distant to offer timely support.

"Roar—!"

A resolute glint flashed in Elder Akira's eyes as he swiftly struck his body. Tragic chakra surged, and a faint trace of blood became apparent.

"This is...!"

Takeshi observed from a distance. Elder Akira appeared to be utilizing a gentle fist technique to forcefully open his body's acupoints, inducing a skyrocketing surge of chakra. 

However, the cost of this method was immense, leaving behind permanent injuries. Following this, Elder Akira's strength was likely to plummet to that of an ordinary Jonin!

"Elder Akira!"

Tsushima and Kazama exclaimed as Elder Akira and Shukaku engaged in a fierce battle.

"Gentle Fist · Eight Diagrams Breaking the Mountain!!"

A resounding boom echoed through the air, creating a shockwave that reverberated across the ground. Elder Akira was sent flying like a broken kite, while Shukaku, with his entire body, took a few steps back for the first time.

"Whoops! My paws!"

Elder Akira struggled on the sandy ground but couldn't manage to get up. His chakra rapidly dwindled, and Shukaku's claws had left a sizable hole in his desperate attempt. Unfortunately, Shukaku, being a tailed beast, had a quick recovery due to sand convergence.

"Damn it, Elder Akira's attack should be close to kage-level power, but the complete body Shukaku is too formidable. We have no chance of winning. We must rely on Lord Tobirama to resolve this!"

Kazama wore a bitter expression as he observed the enraged Shukaku.

"Don't waste time with useless words. Elder Akira is no longer a match. Quickly divert Shukaku's attention!"

Tsushima, with a sense of urgency, swiftly formed hand seals.

"Earth Release · Earth Spear!"

A massive, sharp thorn suddenly appeared, catching Shukaku off guard and piercing him directly.

"Ouch—!"

Shukaku's screams this time seemed even more agonizing, and his eyes were fixed on the wound.

"An ant dares to attack my most vulnerable spot? You're courting death!"

Furious, Shukaku began chasing Tsushima, who fled desperately, creating a chaotic scene.

"Cough! I... I can still stand and fight!"

In the distance, Elder Akira struggled twice but failed to stand, sighing deeply.

Initially resigned to death, he now found a chance at survival, prompting a sigh of relief.

"Hey, it seems like I'm getting old, but I believe I can still pull through..."

Elder Akira gazed at the distant Shukaku, retrieved a pill from his pocket, and prepared to take it with trembling hands.

"Since you can't continue, why not surrender? Can't you just lie down obediently?"

A mocking voice suddenly sounded from behind him, and simultaneously, several white snakes emerged from the ground, tightly binding his limbs and neck.

"What? Who?!"

Elder Akira's senses were overwhelmed; he couldn't perceive anyone.

"Uh-ah!"

Driven by the will to survive, he continued to struggle. However, the remaining chakras rebelled against the constrictions, attempting to break free. Rolling his eyes, he strained to see his assailant.

"Hey, old man, if you're destined to die, why not face it with dignity?"

Despite Elder Akira's struggles, the white snakes seemed to loosen. Suddenly, they underwent a remarkable transformation under an unseen force, turning into vines. A powerful suction followed, instantly swallowing Elder Akira's chakra, and the white snakes vanished.

"What! This... how is this possible... Could this be... Wood Release..."

The pill slipped from his grasp, and Elder Akira's breath weakened until he fell into a coma.

"Your eyes and strength—both are commendable. I'll take them!"

Takeshi gazed at the unconscious Elder Akira, a greedy and cruel smile on his face, as he pressed his white palms over Elder Akira's eyes.

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