Thunder God Battle Form

Tsunade was about to move when she noticed a change in the opponent's aura.

If previously it was merely a bluff, now it was like a drawn sword, sharp and exposed!

The next strike was bound to be earth-shattering!

Tsunade immediately prepared for battle, determined not to let anyone take Shizune away, no matter who it was.

Years of indulgence, she had only made it seem like her power had stagnated. Still, due to the Yin Seal, she was like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, capable of engulfing everything!

Bring it on!

Tsunade's expression turned solemn.

Even Katsuyu seemed to catch the intensity, and the atmosphere became incredibly tense.

On the other side, Aoba, who had activated both "Shunko" and "Thunder Breathing" for the first time, didn't anticipate the immense physical toll these combined abilities would take on his body.

If not for the "Ultra-Speed Regeneration Body" instantly healing him, his body might have collapsed under the strain!

So, instead of proceeding to the sixth turn as he initially intended, he immediately stopped this dangerous act and maintained only the third level of Thunder Rage.

Even so, the enhancement from "Shunko" + "Thunder Breathing" exceeded his expectations.

Merely squatting to gather strength caused the ground within dozens of meters to shatter, and the swirling chakra and high-temperature currents from his ninja techniques kicked up countless broken stones, completely obliterating them!

Aoba felt his heart might burst, and his lungs began to tear with pain.

The "Great Bandi" strapped to his wrist had its chakra storage depleted by half in a blink!

If it were just his meager chakra, he might have been drained dry when he used these two powers together!

Suddenly, a pair of Thunder God horns appeared on Aoba's head, followed by three drum-shaped thunder rings forming behind him...

"Shunko Third Style: Thunder God Battle Form!"

Everything on him, including the unconscious Shizune, was thrown aside, and Aoba's black robe was torn apart and dissolved by the overflowing energy.

Entering the "Thunder God Battle Form," even Aoba hadn't expected that "Shunko" + "Thunder Breathing" would produce such a 'Six Paths' reaction.

Moreover, what surprised him even more was that his previously lacking long-range attack capabilities were finally compensated!

"Thunder Prison!"

When Aoba simply raised his hands, the three drum-shaped thunder rings on his back started hurrying.

Then, a massive lightning surge shot into the sky, turning into hundreds of bolts that enveloped Tsunade and Katsuyu!

From a distance, it looked like someone had inadvertently walked into a ruthless thunderous purgatory, about to suffer endless lightning strikes!

To! The! Death!

The terrifying presence spread for tens of miles, causing the Leaf Village ninjas who hear the commotion and come to check to change their expressions and hasten their pace.

Such divine might, who was this powerful individual engaged in battle here?!

A shadow of gloom suddenly cast over everyone's hearts...

When the lightning in the sky finally dispersed, the air was still thick with the scent of thunder, occasionally flashing arcs of electricity.

Within a kilometer radius, the ground was stripped of several layers, scorched black to the core!

Only a much smaller Katsuyu, looking somewhat wilted, transformed back into small slugs, revealing Tsunade, protected underneath.

Since all attacks were borne by Katsuyu, Tsunade was unharmed, but her face looked pale.

The opponent had vanished, taking Shizune and the items previously thrown on the ground.

This also inadvertently caused Katsuyu to get injured...

"Are you alright, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade said, "With Katsuyu's protection, I'm fine."

"I'm sorry. Under those circumstances, there was no way I could have stopped the opponent."

"Katsuyu, you're being too serious. My underestimation of the opponent caused you to get 'injured' while protecting me."

Katsuyu seemed weary, "Someone's coming, your Leaf ninjas. I'll head back now."

It wasn't an injury, just a bit draining.

After all, all the slugs from the Shikkotsu Forest are part of a whole, derived from the Slug Sage, so Tsunade had nothing to worry about.

Tsunade nodded, and the summoned Katsuyu disappeared.

Then Tsunade clenched her fists, her face showing a look of frustration.

Not only because the opponent had taken Shizune but also because the opponent had been ignoring her!

Not to mention the earlier feint, just now, despite showing such strength, the opponent still chose to flee, denying her a chance to retaliate. What did that mean?

Did they underestimate her?

Or did they think fighting her was a waste of time?!

This irked Tsunade immensely!

And she couldn't understand what such a strong individual was doing in the Uzumaki Clan's Mask Temple.

And why would they want to kidnap Shizune?

They could have done so earlier if it was to threaten her into submission. Why run?

There were just too many puzzling aspects.

Just then, several figures appeared and surrounded her, their expressions filled with apprehension.

Then, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Lady Tsunade?!"

The upset Tsunade was taken aback, not expecting anyone to recognize her at a glance.

Could it be an acquaintance?

However, what embarrassed Tsunade was that she stared at the person for a good while yet didn't recognize who it was.

"Who are you...?"

The person, somewhat excitedly, said: "I am Tanaka Kazuhiko! Many years ago, I had the honor of meeting Lady Tsunade once. Your valiant image has been unforgettable to me ever since!"

Well, hearing this displeased Tsunade only made her more embarrassed.

However, others who heard the name 'Tsunade' immediately showed an excited expression!

While not all from Leaf Village had seen the legendary Sannin known throughout the ninja world, many had grown up hearing stories about them!

Of course, children born in recent years hardly knew who the Leaf Sannin were, at most getting some knowledge during their academy days.

"Lady Tsunade, you've finally returned. Lord Jiraiya will certainly be very pleased!"

"Let's not talk about that for now, Tanaka... Jōnin, I just faced a powerful enemy who kidnapped my apprentice, Shizune. I need you to send a message back to the village and dispatch people to track the enemy's whereabouts immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Tanaka Kazuhiko immediately showed a surprised and understanding expression!

And promptly declared: "Please follow us back first, Lady Tsunade. After we report to Lord Jiraiya, we will find the enemy who kidnapped your apprentice!"