Chapter 222 : Ai vs Sarutobi Hiruzen!

"Sarutobi Hiruzen, today I will obliterate your Konoha army, are you prepared?"

The second-generation Raikage of Kumogakure inherited the aspirations of the previous generation. With dark skin, a long beard, and a bun tied, he was an elderly man shouting at Sarutobi in the distance.

The ninja who carried the name of "Ai" had a rugged appearance, donning a high-necked trench coat over mesh underwear. He wore a black, tight-fitting combat uniform, with a white cloud pattern on the outside and iron armor on his right shoulder. The brown armor exuded a strong and fierce aura.

"Second Raikage, have you forgotten the efforts our first generation-sama made for peace? You've recklessly initiated war, and I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, will not allow you to invade the Land of Fire!"

Sarutobi tore off his ninja vest, passionately confronting Ai. His righteous and awe-inspiring voice, combined with his energetic demeanor, rallied the Konoha ninjas around him, who joined in shouting at Ai.

"Raikage, return to your Land of Lightning!"

"Long live Hiruzen-sama!"

Observing the spirited Konoha ninjas in the distance, Ai sneered while adjusting his peculiar headgear.

"At this point, what's the use of discussing the long-dead first generation of Kages? Since you insist, don't blame me for bullying your junior!"

Ai's dead-fish eyes coldly scanned the Konoha Ninja, and he solemnly shed his elaborate costume, revealing black, iron-like muscles. Violent chakra surged through his body, immediately transforming him into a shadow, emitting an astonishing aura of superpower!

"The sanctimonious Konoha bunch! Occupying the most resources and still pretending to promote benevolence!"

A Cloud Ninja standing beside Ai seized the opportunity to shout loudly. Both sides engaged in a classic battle scene reminiscent of the Warring States Period, exchanging insults in mid-air.

"Hypocritical Konoha rat!"

"Blood will cleanse the Land of Fire!"

"Humph!" Sarutobi's expression changed upon hearing the slurs from the other side. This marked the first direct confrontation with Ai.

"If that's how it is, then so be it. Though I am merely Tobirama-sama's apprentice, I am more than enough to deal with you, Raikage!"

Sarutobi wore a black, tight-fitting combat uniform and a ninja hat with green layered armor on both sides and an extra-long flap at the back.

Silver protective gear adorned the shoulders of his combat uniform, with the word "fire" inscribed on the back. Mesh-shaped wrist guards covered his arms and calves, and a green layered armor adorned his right armband. Ready for battle, his body emanated the powerful momentum of a shadow-level ninja!

"Kill!"

They both launched an attack simultaneously, and the ordinary ninjas around them silently retreated, creating a vast battlefield. Only a few beings who had reached the peak of ninja prowess appeared, maintaining distance as the two clashed.

"Bang!"

A fierce explosion echoed as the two shadow-level powerhouses unleashed their terrifying might simultaneously, causing a violent shockwave. In the distance, Konoha Ninja and Cloud Ninja continued their intense skirmish, from king to king, to general. 

"Ninja Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"

Sarutobi utilized his best skills to test Ai, transforming a shuriken into a barrage that filled the sky. A massive blanket of pressure enveloped Ai, demonstrating a terrifying momentum and power, distinctly different from what Takeshi had used – two completely distinct ninjutsu!

"Hmph, a mere trick of carving insects!"

Ai's entire body crackled with high-voltage lightning as he thrust his arms forward, unleashing a surge of electricity toward Sarutobi.

"Thunderbolt Thunderstorm Crash!"

Ai resembled a dark locomotive colliding head-on with Sarutobi, the dazzling electric cocoon trailing behind him, leaving sparks and lightning in its wake. It deflected countless kunai aimed at his face.

"Indeed, you're skilled in lightning. Impressive physical strength," Sarutobi remarked calmly as he stepped back, swiftly forming hand seals.

"Earth Style: Earth Swamp!"

Pressing his palm to the ground, the once-solid earth wriggled and transformed into a vast wet area, turning into a large pool of water.

"If speed is your strength, let's see you try to move in this. Then I'll hit you with ninjutsu!"

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bomb!"

Without pause, Sarutobi completed the seals, sending a large burst of flames toward Ai. The fire spread along the mud, creating a monstrous wave attempting to engulf him.

"Damn!"

Ai sprinted in the mud, attempting to evade, but the mud hindered him. The smoke billowed, blocking his vision, and Sarutobi's combined ninjutsu threatened to overwhelm him.

"Too naive, Lightning Style: Lightning Fist!"

The raging flames had minimal effect on Ai's Lightning Style chakra coat. Still, blinded by the smoke, Ai unleashed a powerful explosion to break free from the mud's grasp.

"Boom!"

Mud swirled, evaporated by thunder and lightning. The water created by Sarutobi was dispersed, and the fire and smoke violently scattered.

Freed from the mud, Ai leaped into the air, spotting Sarutobi forming seals.

"Haha! Planning to use some ninjutsu?"

Ai smirked in mid-air, surrounded by an electric cocoon. He gathered lightning on his sturdy arms, transforming them into afterimages and pointing toward Sarutobi's sword on the ground.

"Lightning Style: Thunder Spear!"

Electricity concentrated on Ai's fingertips, turning into a lightning bolt that shot toward Sarutobi.

"Damn! It's too fast!"

Sarutobi, still in a seal, halted his powerful ninjutsu, redirecting his chakra into another technique.

"Wind Style: Gusty Wind Breaks!"

Gathering into a massive wind wall, Wind Style countered Lightning Style. Ai's thunderous attacks couldn't penetrate the barrier.

"As expected of Sarutobi, proficient in various ninjutsu. He switches techniques swiftly and adopts the right approach," Orochimaru admired from a distance.

"Go to hell!"

Without hesitation, Ai's electrically wrapped body flickered and disappeared, reappearing behind the wind wall. He punched Sarutobi with incredible speed, but it was a shadow clone.

Sarutobi, now a short distance away, stared solemnly at Ai. The shadow-level powerhouse had predicted Ai's attack, preparing a shadow clone in advance.

"Amazing. Is this the strength of these two? Sarutobi and Ai have an unexpected connection!" Onlookers were astonished by the display of Ai's Thunder Style and Sarutobi's versatile ninjutsu.

This was merely a test and warm-up; other ninjas dared not intervene in such a battle.

"Sarutobi, truly the strongest student of Tobirama!"

Facing Sarutobi, Ai revealed a dignified expression. Confronting this fast-reacting and powerful opponent, he sensed the challenge of a prolonged and formidable battle. Konoha's abundant resources had indeed produced a formidable adversary.

********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 30 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer