In truth, when Natsuhiko used the Flying Thunder God Technique, Senju Hashirama had already decided that the level of this battle could be raised.
That was also why he had used a Wood Clone. Although he could not use the Flying Thunder God Technique, he still understood it.
Moreover, the Flying Thunder God Technique was a technique created by his younger brother, so how could his younger brother not have shared this ninjutsu with him for reference and understanding?
The reason Senju Hashirama had not learned it was very simple. His combat style simply did not need the Flying Thunder God Technique to help him.
His defense and sensing ability truly were not afraid of the Flying Thunder God's spatial movement. To put it bluntly, even if he were ambushed by the Flying Thunder God Technique, he would not suffer too much damage.
In fact, the instant the Flying Thunder God Technique was activated, he could vaguely judge the direction and movement of the caster's appearance, then take countermeasures.
Of course, this also had something to do with Senju Tobirama's way of using the Flying Thunder God Technique. The moment he saw a kunai flying over, he could more or less already know what was going on.
Natsuhiko's method of using it was very, very clever. In the end, Natsuhiko was a Wood Release user just like him.
This kid's Flying Thunder God Technique was used together with Wood Release. He buried Wood Release seeds underground and formed Flying Thunder God marks on those seeds.
This way of using it could be said to overturn convention, and it could even be said that there had never been anyone before him and there might never be anyone after him.
One had to know that neither the Flying Thunder God Technique nor Wood Release was something that could be easily learned or obtained.
Natsuhiko had mastered both of these powers at once, truly reaching a height others might not be able to reach even after exhausting their entire lives.
But no matter how flashy Natsuhiko's way of casting was, every ninjutsu still could not escape its inevitable activation method, which was activating chakra.
Senju Hashirama's sensory ability could let him instantly detect exactly which mark had been activated, thereby judging where Natsuhiko would appear.
Although this was very tiring, it was also the reason he did not fear the Flying Thunder God Technique.
It is just too troublesome. This area must be properly cleared, and afterward, I still have to be careful of this guy's Flying Thunder God Technique.
Senju Hashirama silently thought this, then directly pressed one hand to the ground. In an instant, vast chakra surged out.
"Earth Release: Earth Split Palm!"
Along with the eruption of his vast chakra, the earth seemed so fragile at this moment. Violent tremors madly swept through the entire canyon.
In the next second, endless cracks appeared in the ground beneath his feet. These cracks spread wildly in all directions, as if there were no end to them.
Moreover, as the cracks appeared and widened, countless broken stones flew up. Amid violent rumbling, the entire earth seemed to have been completely plowed through.
The shattered earth carried with it the seeds Natsuhiko had buried underground, and at this moment, under Senju Hashirama's torrent of chakra, they were completely reduced to dust.
"This guy…"
Natsuhiko naturally noticed immediately that the seeds he had left underground had been completely cleared away by this man.
It had to be said that Senju Hashirama was indeed very cautious. Perhaps because he did not want to be disturbed by Natsuhiko's Flying Thunder God Technique, this man left him absolutely no possible chance.
This action truly made Natsuhiko sigh slightly. His Flying Thunder God Technique was now really becoming more and more of limited use.
In the original story, the Flying Thunder God Technique had at least played some role when dealing with Six Paths Obito.
But now, in his hands, it was truly somewhat awkward.
Against more ordinary opponents, Natsuhiko could easily kill them without using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But when he met enemies with decent sensing ability, or enemies like Senju Hashirama who were evenly matched with him and might even be slightly stronger than him, the Flying Thunder God Technique truly did not have much use.
Because once such enemies found his Flying Thunder God marks, they only needed to easily shatter the ground, and the seeds he had hidden beneath the shallow surface would be directly ruined.
Natsuhiko was also increasingly discovering that he seemed to use the Flying Thunder God Technique almost entirely for travel, while using it in battle was truly becoming less and less common.
Gently shaking his head, Natsuhiko could not be bothered to think about this issue anymore. He formed a seal with one hand, and powerful chakra erupted from his body.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"
To deal with Earth Release, Natsuhiko did not think of using Lightning Release. Although after so many years of collecting, his Lightning Release had also reached a high level.
But in terms of use and understanding, Natsuhiko still had a special preference for Water Release. It could be said that among the five elemental releases, the one he had mastered best was truly Water Release.
"But Senju Hashirama also seems to have some issues. His Yang Release seems to be used as if it is not under control at all.
Was it originally like this, or is it because the Edo Tensei body makes it impossible for him to control Yang Release properly?"
There was no doubt at all that Senju Hashirama's techniques were extremely powerful. No matter what technique this man used, the power was unimaginable.
In the past, when Natsuhiko read records, or when he watched the anime in his previous life, he had not thought too much about it. But now that he was fighting Senju Hashirama face to face, he discovered a problem.
That was, no matter what technique it was, Yang Release chakra would flow inside that technique.
This Yang Release chakra was very hidden, but at the same time, it was also extremely strong. The reason it was hidden was because it had completely fused into the entire technique, rather than existing as a single component.
When Natsuhiko used Yin–Yang Release, even if he used it together with a certain technique, Yin–Yang Release would not completely fuse into it. Instead, it would drive that technique and infinitely strengthen its power.
Because of that, once he used Yin–Yang Release, someone knowledgeable would immediately sense that something was wrong, and might even directly detect the power of Yin–Yang Release.
In this regard, Natsuhiko was truly inferior to Senju Hashirama, because Natsuhiko could not achieve this kind of complete fusion.
He knew very clearly that once he could fully fuse Yin–Yang Release with any technique, his strength would make another great leap.
However, the fact that Senju Hashirama's Yang Release fused well with techniques did not mean he had good control over it, whether because of his physique or because it had always been that way.
After all, his inability to actively control Yang Release forced him to infuse every technique with an overwhelming amount of Yang Release.
This method actually consumed a great amount of his own Yang Release chakra. Although he did not need to worry about it now because he was in an Edo Tensei body, he would come back to life sooner or later.
"But no matter which one it is, it is terrifying. And I think it is more likely that Edo Tensei makes him unable to control Yang Release.
After all, Senju Tobirama said before that their control over the body is lacking right now. In the end, this is not a living body."
Natsuhiko thought this in his heart, and in an instant, the vast flood also submerged the canyon. For a time, a broad river silently appeared inside the canyon.
Powerful ninja could destroy the surrounding environment, stronger ninja could destroy the terrain of a place, and top-level ninja could casually reshape the terrain and landscape of an area.
Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama were both top-level ninja. Their every move had the power to devastate an entire region.
Even though Natsuhiko's Water Release did not contain Yang Release power, his chakra was simply too abundant.
And now, he seemed to roughly understand what the system meant by its "Kage-level" evaluation.
This is using someone like Senju Hashirama as the comparison target.
"This…"
Above the canyon, Kakashi and the others looked at the huge lake that had suddenly appeared below them, and for a moment, they all fell silent.
Not long ago, the bottom of this canyon had still been surrounded by green trees, with a small stream flowing through it. But now, after the first clash of taijutsu between these two, the scattered power had directly destroyed everything around them.
No one knew how many trees had snapped in that impact, and that flowing stream had been cut straight through.
Even more frightening was that the two of them were so fast that it dazzled the eyes. At the beginning, they could more or less still see some of it clearly.
But as their battle rose in level, aside from the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, they could probably only see a blue figure and a purple figure wrapped in chakra constantly colliding.
This kind of collision clearly did not strike anything else, yet it still caused unimaginable damage to the surroundings.
And when they began clashing with ninjutsu, this canyon was already clearly unable to withstand the impact. Even they had already begun to be affected.
If they had not been standing on higher ground, then right now, they probably would already be in trouble.
Looking at everything below the canyon being destroyed within only a few minutes, and now even turning into a huge lake, their hearts truly could barely endure it.
If before, they had only felt that these two were monsters, then now, they had completely confirmed that they and these two were simply not on the same level.
Since when did humans possess such grand power?
Just a simple clash of taijutsu and ninjutsu already had such destructive power. Then when they began competing with their kekkei genkai, Wood Release, what would it become?
These questions kept circling in their minds, while Sora's and Kakashi's expressions became even stranger. They could not help looking toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.
This Third Hokage had lived through the First Hokage's era. Even though the time had not been especially long, he had at least grown up hearing Senju Hashirama's legends.
Since that was the case, he must have known about Senju Hashirama's power. Yet in Sora's and Kakashi's memories of growing up, the First Hokage seemed very unfamiliar.
Not only the First Hokage, even the Second Hokage felt somewhat unfamiliar to them.
Was it really good for the world's memory of ninja with such great power to have become so seriously blurred?
"I have finally seen it. Is this the legendary power of the First Hokage?"
Hatake Sakumo was also extremely excited at this moment. He looked at the two people below, and the eyes beneath his mask were burning with heat, while his voice was also trembling slightly.
"And Fifth Hokage-sama's power is not inferior at all. He truly is worthy of being someone who ended a war by himself!"
Hatake Sakumo's muttering naturally drew the attention of Nara Shikaku and Sarutobi Hiruzen. Everyone who had come here was, without exception, part of Konoha's true upper level.
Even Sora and Renge, these two women's help to Natsuhiko was something Sarutobi Hiruzen understood.
Therefore, even if he did not say it and was also very unhappy about it, he still acknowledged the existence of the secretaries and acknowledged that Sora and Renge were among those who actually held power in Konoha.
But who exactly was this Anbu? Why had he appeared here, and why was he still wearing a mask?
"You are…"
However, none of the people who could appear here were simple figures. Nara Shikaku carefully asked, while Sarutobi Hiruzen also kept watching.
"Long time no see, kid from the Nara family, and Third Hokage-sama."
Hatake Sakumo also noticed this. He smiled slightly, then slowly took off his mask under the increasingly stunned gazes of the two.
"I am a member of Fifth Hokage-sama's Kage Guard, but I think we should be rather familiar with each other. I am Hatake Sakumo."
"You... you are...!"
Nara Shikaku stared in disbelief. When Sakumo had died, Shikaku had still been a child, so the address was natural.
As for Sarutobi Hiruzen, his gaze became even more hard to describe. How could he possibly forget Hatake Sakumo, the former Konoha's White Fang?
He truly had not expected that Natsuhiko would actually awaken this man and even make him a member of the Kage Guard.
The most unbelievable thing was that Sarutobi Hiruzen also noticed that this man did not seem to be someone brought back by Edo Tensei.
This is madness…
Rin also knew who Hatake Sakumo was. He was Kakashi's father.
However, the Hatake Sakumo standing before her looked less than ten years older than Kakashi. Was that really what a father and son were supposed to look like?
Regarding this, aside from feeling that the world had gone mad, Rin had no other thoughts.
Indeed, to her right now, this world was simply too insane.
She, a dead person, had somehow come back to life, and the First Hokage and Second Hokage had come back to life together with her.
Even Kakashi and Sora looked grown up, not to mention Fukami Natsuhiko, who had also grown up and even become Hokage.
The most unbelievable thing was that Fukami Natsuhiko actually possessed combat power comparable to the First Hokage. Was this still the same ordinary person from their class back then?
So is this a dream, or what exactly is going on?
The people above the canyon each had their own thoughts, while below the canyon, Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama had already begun a new round of confrontation.
Standing on the lake surface created by Natsuhiko's Water Release, the two of them had already crossed paths again.
Their ninja blades kept flashing with cold light, and the crisp sounds formed by metal collisions rang out without stopping. Small sparks kept appearing from these clashes.
Only, as a special aura belonging to nature began erupting from Natsuhiko's body, these collisions finally forced Senju Hashirama to pull back.
"Sage Arts?"
Quickly retreating, Senju Hashirama stared at Natsuhiko not far away.
Feeling the special chakra on Natsuhiko's body and seeing the red eye shadow on his face, Senju Hashirama became even more focused at this moment.
Senju Hashirama did know that Natsuhiko could use Sage Arts. After all, there was no need for Natsuhiko to hide such a thing.
But this was still personal information, so Senju Hashirama would not ask too closely. He had only exchanged some of his own thoughts and understanding about using Sage Arts with Natsuhiko.
Every ninja had their own secrets. Senju Hashirama cared about this point very much, just as he had never asked about Natsuhiko's eyes from the moon until now.
This was truly the first time Senju Hashirama had seen Natsuhiko actively use Sage Arts.
He did not know which sage region Natsuhiko's Sage Arts belonged to, but no matter what kind of Sage Arts it was, it was extremely dangerous, and it required Senju Hashirama to remain alert.
"Has he already begun to mix Yang Release power into taijutsu as well?"
Looking at Senju Hashirama, who had quickly retreated, Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes slightly, then rapidly formed seals with one hand. The chakra inside his body surged wildly at this moment.
Senju Hashirama clearly could not actively control Yang Release. This was both a good thing and a bad thing, but the problem was that Senju Hashirama was now in an Edo Tensei body.
Facing this situation, Natsuhiko also felt somewhat helpless, especially as the intensity of the battle kept increasing, and that Yang Release power also kept rising.
During the collision of taijutsu, Natsuhiko could already clearly feel these powers.
Facing such attacks, Natsuhiko was truly somewhat helpless, but for now, he did not want to use Yin–Yang Release yet.
As for splitting it apart and using Yang Release alone, Natsuhiko could do it, but it did not have much meaning, because he could not achieve the same level as Senju Hashirama.
Since that was the case, he naturally chose the technique he was more familiar with and used with the highest efficiency, which was his Sage Mode.
After so many battles, Natsuhiko's Sage Mode had already become extremely skilled, and he himself possessed high-level Sage Arts.
In the original story, Naruto used Sage Arts together with Nine-Tails chakra and could even clash with Six Paths Obito.
Now that Natsuhiko was only using Sage Arts alone, he did not believe he could not deal with Senju Hashirama, who was using only Yang Release.
"Sage Art: Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Under the combination of violent chakra and Sage Arts filled with the aura of nature, a raging and enormous water dragon leapt up from the surface of the lake.
It let out a roar, then charged fiercely toward Senju Hashirama.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Senju Hashirama was not someone to be underestimated either. Without the slightest hesitation, he chose the same technique as Natsuhiko.
Under the filling of his chakra, a water dragon that was not inferior to the one Natsuhiko cast together with Sage Arts rose from the ground.
The two water dragons let out thunderous roars before colliding in midair.
However, Natsuhiko's Water Dragon Bullet quickly gained the upper hand. Amid the massive shockwaves and the storm of sand and debris, Senju Hashirama's water dragon was steadily worn down.
Visible to the naked eye, Senju Hashirama's water dragon had already been broken through by Natsuhiko. Even if it was still struggling now, it was only at the end of its strength.
As expected of Sage Arts. But Natsuhiko's Sage Arts are far too powerful.
As someone who was himself skilled in Sage Arts, Senju Hashirama was indeed startled by Natsuhiko's Sage Mode.
For such strength to appear on Natsuhiko at his age truly seemed somewhat unbelievable.
It was not that it was impossible. After all, in the original story, had Naruto not also possessed a powerful Sage Mode at such a young age?
The problem was that Natsuhiko's Sage Mode did not seem to belong to any of the three great sage regions in his memory, and if it did not belong to the three sage regions, then naturally, it did not have their teaching.
Without such complete teaching and assistance, it was truly not very likely for one person to improve this power.
After all, Senju Hashirama knew very well just how dangerous this power was. With the slightest carelessness, one might be finished, and there was truly no room for trial and error.
The three great sage regions, however, could provide their many years of experience in using this power, and they could also ensure the user's safety during the process of training.
It was precisely because they had such ability that they could allow users to improve in this power.
But the state Natsuhiko now displayed truly exceeded Senju Hashirama's imagination.
However, he could not be bothered to think too much about it. After all, in his view, this was also a good thing. Besides, he now had to properly deal with this battle, and he did not want to lose face in front of a junior.
Since you have already used Sage Arts, then I will not be polite either!
Senju Hashirama silently thought this in his heart, and at the same time, a smile appeared on his face. His hands suddenly came together, and the vast chakra throughout his body rolled violently before fully erupting.
This enormous chakra immediately made the water surface surge wildly. The two water dragons seemed to be affected by this chakra as well, and they began to twist somewhat.
The cliffs standing on both sides of the canyon, which were already somewhat unable to bear the strain, began to crack even more, and falling rocks continuously dropped into the rushing river below.
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees!"
As Senju Hashirama's chakra scattered, the entire earth began to tremble violently. Countless trees broke through the soil and began growing wildly.
These trees surpassed the growth speed of any plant in the world. The giant trees that had just broken through the soil grew to an unbelievable height and length in only moments, stretching endlessly as far as the eye could see.
In only a short while, they had already filled the bottom of the canyon, and Natsuhiko's Water Release was completely drained dry at that moment.
This scene made the hearts of the people above the canyon turn extremely cold. Who could have imagined that this canyon, which had just turned into a river valley earlier, would now once again be covered by dense forest?
Facing Senju Hashirama's offensive, Natsuhiko appeared very calm. As someone who also possessed Wood Release, he naturally knew what the essence of powerful Wood Release was.
The key to it was still Yang Release. The Yang Release power Senju Hashirama controlled was extremely terrifying, and when paired with the power of Wood Release, it was even more despairing.
However, Natsuhiko was not some simple existence either. He was also a Wood Release user.
"Sage Art: Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Natsuhiko also began using Wood Release, and the technique he chose was likewise Advent of a World of Flowering Trees.
The earth trembled violently once again, and Senju Hashirama's Wood Release also swayed constantly along with the shaking of the ground.
Senju Hashirama's expression became serious. He had already sensed that his Wood Release was constantly suffering impact, and it looked as if it might collapse at any moment.
This forced him to immediately pour his chakra into his Wood Release, preventing Natsuhiko's Advent of a World of Flowering Trees from causing a real breakthrough.
Boom!
However, his speed was still a little slow. Before his chakra could fully pour into Advent of a World of Flowering Trees, a towering giant tree suddenly broke through his defense.
Amid endless thick branches and vines, this giant tree quickly rose up. Countless vines began spreading out from its body, then tangled together with Senju Hashirama's Wood Release.
The cliffs on both sides of the canyon could no longer withstand the invasion of this Wood Release power. They quickly broke apart and collapsed, and in only a few breaths, the entire canyon had been completely flattened.
Looking out now, only a flat stretch of land remained. The terrifying Wood Release spread wildly, finally connecting with the forest outside. There was no longer any connection to the canyon terrain from before.
Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama both stood on the treetops formed by Wood Release. They looked at each other from afar, and the battle intent in their eyes became even stronger.
Neither of them worried about where the people above the canyon had gone. After all, both of them were sensory ninja, and after they raised the intensity of the battle, they had also been paying attention to the people above.
Therefore, they knew that these people had already been safely transferred by Senju Tobirama. They did not need to worry about them at all. They only needed to focus on each other.
He really is worthy of being Senju Hashirama.
Natsuhiko looked at Senju Hashirama not far away, and he also sighed inwardly. Although it seemed as if his Wood Release had begun attacking Senju Hashirama's Wood Release right now.
In reality, Natsuhiko knew that because he had acted later, his Wood Release power had been concentrated at one point, which allowed it to break through the defense.
But after breaking through the defense, aside from the area his Wood Release occupied during its initial spread, it truly became difficult for it to advance even one step further.
As for Senju Hashirama's Wood Release, aside from suffering a small loss at the beginning because it was spread too widely, it had now also stabilized its position and made Natsuhiko's Wood Release unable to move an inch.
Others might not be able to see who had the advantage, but the two of them both understood it clearly in their hearts.
However, Natsuhiko was not particularly disappointed with this result. Senju Hashirama's strength had always been high, and his control over Wood Release was even more powerful.
Moreover, one should not forget that Natsuhiko's Wood Release was only intermediate level and had not reached Senju Hashirama's standard at all.
Besides, Natsuhiko still had many trump cards he had not used. Whether it was the Jōgan or Yin–Yang Release, both were Natsuhiko's strongest weapons.
Of course, he also knew that Senju Hashirama had not used much of his strength either. In the end, this man had once been Ashura's inheritor, and he had not even used Sage Arts yet.
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko felt that he needed to be more proactive. What he needed to do now was completely force out the full strength of Senju Hashirama in his Edo Tensei state.
If this had been a few days ago, he truly might not have dared to do this. After all, the person he was facing was Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi.
Even if he controlled Yin–Yang Release, he might not necessarily dare to go all out against this Senju Hashirama, who was stronger than he had been during the Fourth War era.
But now, things were different. After Natsuhiko's Jōgan evolved to the first stage, especially after he obtained the Truth-Seeking Orbs, he had the confidence to handle it.
Putting aside everything else, even if he could not win a clash of power, could he not turn all three Truth-Seeking Orbs into shields for defense?
The Truth-Seeking Orbs were the source of Natsuhiko's confidence, and they were also one of Natsuhiko's strongest means of attack.
After all, if Edo Tensei was struck by a Truth-Seeking Orb, there was no such thing as recovering.
"I am going to be more serious now, Hashirama-senpai."
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko revealed a smile, then slowly closed his eyes.
In the next moment, when his eyes opened again, a brilliant light was already blooming within them.
More importantly, the Yin–Yang Release inside his body had already begun to operate. A vast power filled with destruction and vitality intertwined together, as if it had caused this entire area to freeze.
"Hahaha, good. I also want to see your limit. Do not worry, I will not die."
Senju Hashirama froze for a moment, then burst into loud laughter. Only, the look in his eyes had already become even more serious.
Natsuhiko was clearly planning to raise the intensity of the battle even further, and this increase might continuously bring them closer to their peak states.
Facing such an opponent, aside from feeling the fighting spirit in his heart constantly rising, Senju Hashirama also became even more alert.
The only thing he sighed about now was that it was a pity he was not a living person. Otherwise, he believed he would definitely be able to feel that long-lost sense of his blood boiling.
Being unable to experience that blood-boiling feeling was indeed a regrettable thing for Senju Hashirama.
With his strength having reached this level, it was truly difficult to find an opponent who was evenly matched and could seriously fight him without any other emotions mixed in.
Before he died, he had indeed fought Uchiha Madara to the end, but only he himself knew how bitter his heart had been at that time. He had not felt his blood boil at all.
Now, after finally meeting someone who could make him feel that way, he happened not to be alive. One could imagine how depressing that was.
It seems coming back to life might actually be a good thing. I am truly looking forward to it a little.
Senju Hashirama thought this in his heart, but his attention remained extremely focused. Even though he did not have much information on Natsuhiko, he still knew the general outline of some of Natsuhiko's powers.
Thinking of the inside of the moon where they had been revived, thinking of that ruined scene, and then thinking of that enormous Tenseigan.
Even after controlling that thing to battle Natsuhiko, they had still lost, and the entire inside of the moon had been torn apart by him. How could Senju Hashirama dare be careless against such combat power?
Honestly, if he had not noticed that Natsuhiko had not yet used that so-called Jōgan Chakra Mode, he would already be using Sage Arts to deal with him right now.
But he was not someone with a rigid mind, unlike someone like Danzō, who even while dying still thought about saving chakra to deal with Obito.
When it was time to use power, he absolutely would not be stingy. Battles never went entirely according to plan. Adapting to changes was the truly important thing.
"Sage Art: Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
As he thought this, Natsuhiko in the distance had already taken the lead in attacking. In an instant, an enormous wooden dragon roared out from his Advent of a World of Flowering Trees.
That enormous force caused even the trees produced by Wood Release to shake violently, and many trees were even snapped by the airflow from the movement of its body.
This wooden dragon's eyes emitted a terrifying yellow light. It stared at Senju Hashirama, then charged forward fiercely.
Its speed was extremely fast. Every time its body swung through the air, it brought with it a powerful sonic boom, and wherever it passed, even the space seemed to twist.
Facing such a wooden dragon, Senju Hashirama's expression became more and more serious, but at the same time, he also became more and more excited. He also longed for this kind of battle.
"If that is the case, then I will not hold back either.
"Wood Release: Hōbi Technique!"
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