Outside Sunagakure, the scorching sea of sand had become a massive, natural gladiator arena. Atop the high walls and the Peaks of distant sand dunes, countless villagers and Ninjas held their breath, their gazes focused on the two figures confronting each other in the center. The air seemed tightened by an invisible force, filled with suffocating anticipation and tension.
Fourth Kazekage Rasa and the Magnet Release Puppeteer Sayo, two years later, were facing off for the second time. And this time, their growth and changes far exceeded everyone's imagination.
Fourth Kazekage Rasa: Peak Absolute Power
Rasa stood with his hands behind his back, his white Kazekage robe fluttering slightly in the heatwaves. Two years of time had left no marks on his prime Physique; instead, it had polished him into someone deeper and more reserved, his Aura becoming increasingly imposing. As the shadow of a village, tempered by major wars and governance, his Chakra had become more condensed and vast, and his control over Magnet Release had reached a brand new height.
The golden Gold Dust surrounding him was no longer just circling; it flowed freely like a fluid with a life of its own, at times transforming into an indestructible shield wall, at other times condensing into an unstoppable spearhead—whatever his mind dictated, it obeyed like an extension of his own arm. Its volume was so immense it was staggering, as if all the Gold Dust in the entire desert obeyed his command.
"Sayo, let me show you what the true power of a Kage is!" Rasa's voice was low but contained unquestionable majesty. He did not rush to attack but slowly raised his hand.
In an instant, the massive Gold Dust surged into the sky. It was not disorganized but, under his exquisite control, instantly evolved into various forms: at times washing down like a golden waterfall, carrying the force of ten thousand jun; at times condensing into countless high-speed rotating sharp drills, emitting piercing sounds as they broke through the air; at times transforming into a giant cage, closing in from all directions!
The variety of his methods, the speed of his changes, and the sheer force of his power vividly displayed the overwhelming strength of a Kage-level powerhouse. The Magnet Release: Gold Dust Technique in his hands was no longer a simple Bloodline Limit but an art of destruction. He wanted to use this absolute power to declare his authority and the correctness of his path to the entire village.
Magnet Release Puppeteer Sayo: Transformation and a New Realm
Facing Rasa's suffocatingly powerful offensive, Sayo's expression was exceptionally calm. Over the past two years, he had walked a path completely different from Rasa's.
His growth was not reflected in a simple increase in Chakra volume (though its quantity had firmly stepped into the Kage-level threshold), but in a deeper, more essential transformation.
The greatest change stemmed from his "pocket body cultivation furnace," which had been running continuously and upgraded twice. Over a thousand days and nights of uninterrupted absorption and conversion of Natural Energy to nourish his body had strengthened his Physique to an incredible degree. His Meridians were as tough and wide as rivers, his cellular activity far exceeded that of ordinary people, and his recovery, endurance, and affinity for various energies (especially Natural Energy) had reached an inhuman Realm.
In the last year, he had even begun to vaguely perceive the flow of Natural Energy that existed everywhere in the air yet was violent and difficult to harness! Although he was still far from perfectly controlling it and entering Sage Mode, this undoubtedly marked that his body was evolving toward the legendary "Sage Body," and his potential was unfathomable.
As for his combat performance, it was his unique fighting style—the "Puppet Technique: Super Brain Technique"!
"Summoning Jutsu: Gundam!"
Following Sayo's cold shout, white smoke erupted, and that silver-blue streamlined steel giant—Gundam, standing over ten meters tall—crashed onto the battlefield! Its cold metallic body reflected a chilling light under the scorching sun, and its massive size brought an unparalleled visual sense of oppression.
But unlike before, Sayo did not leap onto the Gundam's shoulder. Instead, dozens of Chakra Threads, condensed to the point of being tangible and shimmering with a pale blue light, burst out from the cervical spine area behind his head! These threads were not connected to his fingers but were directly interfaced with his massive Mental Energy and nervous System, which had been strengthened by Natural Energy!
"Super Brain Technique: Full Interface!"
At this moment, Sayo's brain seemed to have transformed into the Gundam's central processor! Every joint, every sensor, and every weapon unit of the Gundam's massive body became an extension of his own body! He no longer needed to split his focus to perform hand seals for control; his hands were completely liberated! All commands were transmitted and executed at the speed of light with just a flicker of thought!
The Gundam's massive ice-blue electronic eyes suddenly lit up, emitting a sharp light, synchronized with the gaze of Sayo's main body!
"Magnet Release: iron sand Barrier!"
Sayo's main body didn't even perform hand seals; with just a thought, the Gundam's massive mechanical arm slammed into the ground. The next moment, a giant barrier made of pitch-black iron sand rose instantly from the sandy ground, steadily blocking a wave of Rasa's violent Gold Dust assault! Amidst the deafening roar, the barrier remained unmoved!
At the same time, Sayo's main body had already finished performing hand seals!
"Wind Release: Vacuum Great Ball!"
"Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
Combined Ninjutsu was unleashed from his main body, accurately attacking Rasa's flank to interfere and contain him!
One person, one Puppet, perfectly synchronized! Sayo's main body was like a Spell turret, his hands liberated, allowing him to cast various Ninjutsu at will! Meanwhile, the Gundam became an extension of his will, taking on the heavy responsibilities of defense, assault, and physical destruction! This combat mode completely transcended the scope of a traditional Puppeteer, elevating his combat effectiveness by several levels!
Seeing Sayo's brand new combat stance, a flash of unprecedented gravity finally appeared in Rasa's eyes. He realized that the young man before him was no longer the boy from two years ago who needed to rely on tricks and perseverance to contend with him.
Sayo manipulated the Gundam, the massive steel body taking a step forward, causing the earth to tremble slightly, its cold electronic eyes locking onto Rasa.
"Lord Kazekage, this is my answer for these past two years."
The golden ocean of Gold Dust and the silver-black steel giant stood far apart. The massive Aura of a Kage-level powerhouse and the cold pressure of a new-generation miracle creation violently collided, signaling that the upcoming duel would surely be earth-shattering.