Chapter 333: Engagement
Swish, swish, swish!
The White Zetsu engaged with the Second Division quickly stretched the battlefield thin. However, this also gave the Alliance ninjas opportunities to stab them in the back.
Click!
Tonbo Tobitake's shadow clone was busy capturing every shift on the battlefield with perfect clarity. He photographed the scenes of death, the "before and after" of his Genjutsu applications, and vividly recorded the enemy's changing battle lines and their tactical responses.
Boom, boom, boom!
His other clone continued the rhythmic pounding of the great drum, never ceasing the Genjutsu assault. He maneuvered his giant eagle to carry him across various sectors of the front, keeping the White Zetsu under control.
Second Drum: "Vengeful Spirits."
Silk ribbons composed of countless vengeful spirits erupted from the ground, entwining the White Zetsu and seizing control of their limbs.
Fourth Drum: "Land Percuss."
The frequency shifted; the sound waves no longer drifted through the air but were funneled directly into the earth. This forced out the Zetsu who were hiding underground, waiting to launch ambushes.
Sixth Drum: "Alterig."
The dense drumbeats flooded the enemies' ears again. The White Zetsu became like puppets controlled by the music, turning their weapons on themselves.
On such a vast and sprawling battlefield, Tonbo couldn't cover every single inch. He remained airborne, using his Genjutsu as a deterrent. It wasn't just about assisting the Alliance; it was about striking terror into the White Zetsu. Wherever he flew, the Zetsu below scattered in a panic like they had fire nipping at their heels, only to be intercepted by the Alliance.
"Hey, Tonbo, is it really okay to use chakra like that?" Inoichi Yamanaka's voice transmitted from Headquarters.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'm spending a set amount of chakra to instill fear in these enemies. Once they're spooked, just an occasional beat will tie up most of their forces," Tonbo replied.
"Just keep an eye on your consumption. That giant monster is the main priority," Inoichi reminded him.
"Got it."
Tonbo looked down at the White Zetsu and happily gave the drum two more experimental whacks. Sometimes he didn't even need chakra; the Zetsu below would fall into chaos just from hearing the sound itself.
Cloud Headquarters
"Tonbo's Genjutsu has likely surpassed the Uchiha!" Inoichi Yamanaka reported with a smile as the intel came in.
"I see. If he has this kind of capability, it is indeed invaluable to the front," Shikaku remarked, a smile playing on his lips as he processed the impact Tonbo was making. Tsunade and the Raikage shared the sentiment.
"This Genjutsu is too powerful. Aside from Shisui Uchiha, I've never seen anyone project an illusion over such a distance," Ao marveled, sensing the battlefield conditions. A Genjutsu encompassing the majority of the combat zone—both in range and distance—seemed to exceed even Shisui's legendary "Body Flicker" era capabilities.
Tonbo Tobitake was influencing the entire war with Genjutsu alone. And considering this was just one of his shadow clones, his true strength was staggering. However, Ao also sensed that Tonbo was using powerful ninja tools to amplify his range and potency.
"At the First Division's location, two powerful chakra signatures have appeared. It's the aura of Tailed Beasts... as well as deceased powerhouses from various villages," Inoichi continued his report.
Upon hearing this, Raikage Ay immediately realized the threat. "It's likely Kinkaku and Ginkaku. This is trouble. Mabui, prepare to activate the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu."
The Raikage explained the history of the Gold and Silver Brothers to the high-ranking officers present.
"I wonder if Tonbo's Genjutsu can assist the troops in dealing with these enemies," Shikaku mused after hearing about the specialized ninja tools. "I suggest the Second Division detach their units near the coastline to reinforce the First Division. With the Cloud's ninja tools and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, we can provide significant help."
Against legends who had once killed the Second Hokage, a single shadow clone might not be enough. But if coordinated with the army, there was a chance. Still, they had to be cautious; only those who had lived through war understood how much enemies with Tailed Beast power could warp the tides of battle.
"Hehehe, what terrifying Genjutsu. But do you think that's the end of it?"
Through the White Zetsu communication network, Obito quickly received intelligence. Tonbo's Genjutsu prowess had genuinely shocked him. However, he remained confident in his preparations. Tonbo was just a shadow clone with divided chakra; he couldn't hold out forever. Even if he influenced local skirmishes now, it wouldn't matter in the long run.
Obito had more cards to play. Beside him, seven reanimated figures appeared. He inserted black receivers into the bodies.
"Orochimaru... I didn't expect him to think of this, but it benefits me now."
The Reanimated bodies meant he didn't need to jam black rods into puppets like Pain did. He could achieve even stronger control this way. Even the original souls of the Tailed Beasts or the reanimated shinobi wouldn't be able to rebel against his will.
"Being controlled by someone else really sucks. But whatever, it gives us a chance to cut loose one more time."
Kinkaku and Ginkaku spat out their legendary tools, grinning at the Alliance ninjas before them. Their eyes eventually landed on Darui and Samui—ninjas clearly from the Cloud Village.
"Let's indulge ourselves one last time."
Whoosh!
Bang, bang!
Darui and the other Cloud ninjas familiar with the brothers' history engaged them.
Clang! Sizzle! Hum!
Lightning Style, Fire Style, blade strikes, and Body Flicker... the seasoned experience of the Gold and Silver Brothers made things incredibly difficult for Darui. Very quickly, Samui's younger brother, Atsui, was sucked into the Benihisago (Crimson Gourd), followed shortly by Samui herself.
Only Darui and a few persistent Alliance ninjas remained standing.
Rumble!
"Big brother, I never thought you'd be reanimated too."
Stone pillars erupted from the ground like square blocks, relentlessly attacking Asuma. Asuma leaped between the pillars, dodging the strikes while weaving signs.
"Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!"
Asuma wasn't one to hesitate; he wanted to free his brother and send him back to the Pure Land.
"Yeah, Asuma. Long time no see. You've grown quite a beard. Are you married? How are Konohamaru and the Old Man?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke couldn't control his body. He could only watch as his limbs reacted against his will to dodge the Ash Pile Burning.
Thud, thud!
"Earth Style: Earth Wave."
Though he couldn't move his body, his mouth was still free. He called out the names of the jutsus as his body performed them, providing intel. The ground heaved with seismic waves, the soil churning like rolling ocean waves. Asuma wanted to respond, but for now, he had to focus entirely on evading the attack.
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