Bang!
Along with a violent and piercing muffled sound, an energy shockwave almost visible to the naked eye quickly spread in all directions.
Wherever this shockwave passed, everything around it twisted.
Even the Wood Release used by Senju Hashirama and Natsuhiko, whose toughness was beyond imagination, had countless parts snapped apart in that instant.
The ordinary trees in the outer area were even more unable to endure it. They were almost crushed apart by this shockwave without any resistance.
There were even many trees that were swept up by this power and directly ground into powder, leaving behind no visible trace at all.
In the distance, Senju Tobirama had already taken the others far away from the battlefield. This kind of impact was truly not something an ordinary person could withstand.
He himself did not care, because his strength was guaranteed, and he was also not a living person.
Unfortunately, the others could not endure it. Aside from reviving that woman, his most important task was to properly protect them.
"Are they going all out?"
Senju Tobirama looked into the distance. Naturally, he could sense the changes in the two people's chakra.
Likewise, he could also see just how absurd the techniques these two were using right now were.
The Hōbi Technique could be said to be Senju Hashirama's strongest defensive ninjutsu aside from the Fivefold Rashōmon. Back then, he had used this technique to withstand Uchiha Madara's Majestic Attire Susanoo.
As for Natsuhiko, he was not inferior either. What this guy had used was the Wood Dragon Technique.
Although Senju Tobirama was somewhat dismissive of the way Natsuhiko used the Wood Dragon, since he also knew that the Wood Dragon's characteristics were binding and chakra absorption.
But being able to use a Wood Dragon with such power was also a skill, and using it to force his elder brother to this degree was even more terrifying.
Moreover, he could be considered clear on one thing. For his elder brother and Natsuhiko.
Any ninjutsu was probably already only the most basic distinction of "technique" to them.
As for exactly how they used it, that completely depended on their own thoughts.
However, while his own mind remained active, the others had completely fallen into a dazed state.
Clearly, this battle had left them somewhat numb. A clash on such a level and scale had far exceeded their imagination.
At this moment, they finally seemed to understand why Senju Hashirama had the great reputation of being the God of Shinobi.
But when they thought of this, their hearts also experienced huge waves.
Back then, Uchiha Madara, who had fought Senju Hashirama to mutual destruction, had been at what level?
And now that Natsuhiko could fight Senju Hashirama to this degree, what level was he at?
They seemed to have no answers to these two questions, yet in their hearts, it also seemed as if they had already received a clear answer.
Looking from afar, they were now already very far away from the center of the battle, so far that they could not even clearly see the figures.
But they still could not help looking in that direction, even if they could not understand or clearly see this battle.
Because this battle itself had already surpassed its practical meaning. It was more like a kind of inheritance, and it was also more like telling the world what the limit of a ninja was.
Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama did not know these things. At the moment the Wood Dragon Technique collided with the Hōbi Technique, the two of them had already roughly understood the other's current strength.
In terms of techniques, they were evenly matched.
Although Natsuhiko had circulated Yin–Yang Release, he had not released it fully. Likewise, Senju Hashirama had also held back to a certain extent.
This was preparation for the battle afterward. He could not easily reveal all of his trump cards.
But I also cannot defend passively. Natsuhiko is very strong, but his Wood Release does not seem as strong as I imagined. I should do something now.
From the two clashes of Wood Release, Senju Hashirama had already judged a few things. Natsuhiko's strength was extraordinary, but his use of Wood Release had not reached his own level.
This person had only reached a temporary draw with him by relying entirely on the power of Sage Arts. His own understanding of Wood Release was still far behind Hashirama's.
But this was not hard to understand. After all, how old was Natsuhiko?
Moreover, Natsuhiko's growth environment was also different from his own. Back then, Hashirama had an enemy like Uchiha Madara constantly tempering him.
As for Natsuhiko, either his enemies were too weak and there was no need to use Wood Release at all, since the Flying Thunder God Technique and basic ninjutsu could solve them.
Or his enemies were too strong, forcing him to use all his strength, relying on his special eyes together with Sage Arts to complete True Several Thousand Hands and achieve the final destructive result.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Senju Hashirama's face. He knew what he should do next.
But I still have to be careful. Natsuhiko has Yin–Yang Release. Compared with my current state, where I cannot even control Yang Release because of Edo Tensei, he is much stronger in that regard.
The question Natsuhiko had always been wondering about had quietly been answered in Senju Hashirama's heart.
Indeed, because of Edo Tensei, his control over Yang Release had become terribly poor, but this was also something that could not be helped.
In the end, the power of Yang Release was the power of the body, the power of life force.
As a dead person, it was fortunate that he was Senju Hashirama, and it was fortunate that this technique was Edo Tensei. Otherwise, whether he could even sense the power of Yang Release was uncertain.
For people whose strength had reached their level, Edo Tensei truly did not make them stronger than when they were alive.
Even though it gave them infinite chakra and a body unafraid of death, those things simply did not count for much to them.
Only absolute control over the power of the body could allow them to truly display their full strength.
But from what I have observed, Natsuhiko's amount of Yang Release is not that large. After all, he is still so young.
His Yang Release is not large in quantity, and its quality is also not as high as mine. Even with Yin–Yang Release, he cannot sustain it for too long. In this respect, I have gained another advantage.
So then…
Senju Hashirama's battle intelligence had never been low. After quickly analyzing Natsuhiko's strengths and weaknesses, he had also completed his hand seals.
He was going to attack first. He knew Natsuhiko wanted to see where his limit was, and he likewise wanted to see exactly what Natsuhiko's limit was.
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
Vast chakra erupted together with the power of Yang Release. In the next moment, a wooden dragon that was not at all weaker than the one Natsuhiko had used quickly appeared.
This wooden dragon let out a fierce roar, then quickly moved around Natsuhiko's wooden dragon and charged straight toward Natsuhiko's position.
Natsuhiko's wooden dragon seemed to notice Senju Hashirama's wooden dragon's intention. It roared and immediately tried to intercept that wooden dragon halfway.
Senju Hashirama did not hesitate either. He leapt forward, and his whole body hung in midair. At the same time, his hands quickly completed seals.
"Do not even dream of it. How could I let you pass?"
"Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!"
Senju Hashirama quickly stretched out his hand. Countless thick wooden vines and branches extended from his arm, swiftly wrapping around Natsuhiko's wooden dragon.
After all, this was a wooden dragon containing Sage Arts, so Senju Hashirama did not dare be careless in the slightest. He had already deeply experienced how troublesome it was, so how could he possibly let this wooden dragon go?
Natsuhiko's wooden dragon was suddenly trapped by Senju Hashirama's technique, and under this pulling force filled with Yang Release power, the wooden dragon was directly dragged down to the ground.
Amid the rumbling sound, Senju Hashirama also quietly landed on the ground, while his hands had already completed another set of seals.
"Stay there properly. Wood Release: Hotei Technique!"
Senju Hashirama's use and combination of Wood Release had completely reached a point where he could do as he pleased, and the power of his Wood Release techniques was terrifyingly great.
However, when facing Natsuhiko's wooden dragon, his caution was also fully shown. Facing this wooden dragon that carried Sage Arts, he was treating it exactly as if he were dealing with a Tailed Beast.
The wooden dragon, which had already been entangled by the vines of the Great Forest Technique, was now fiercely held down by the giant hands of the Hotei Technique.
Even though Natsuhiko's wooden dragon was still constantly struggling, and it had already begun trying to absorb the chakra inside Senju Hashirama's Wood Release.
But comparing chakra consumption with Senju Hashirama was no different from joking around.
Especially since Senju Hashirama was now in the state of Edo Tensei. He might not have much else, but he had so much chakra that it brought despair, and it was the kind that had no real limit.
Facing such a shameless method, Natsuhiko's wooden dragon still had no way out. It was pinned firmly in place by Senju Hashirama and could not return to support Natsuhiko at all.
Natsuhiko naturally sensed what Senju Hashirama had done as well, and this made him laugh. So even the honest-looking Senju Hashirama had such a cunning and sly side?
Looking at the wooden dragon getting closer and closer, Natsuhiko's expression was extremely calm, but facing such power, he would not be careless either.
Just as this wooden dragon drew nearer to him, he formed a seal with one hand, and vast chakra power surged out.
In the next moment, a huge black hand stretched out from among the trees with lightning speed. It grabbed Senju Hashirama's wooden dragon in one motion.
Violent power spread wildly in every direction. This wooden dragon clearly was not willing to be controlled so easily, and it constantly struggled, trying to break free from the huge hand's grip.
But no matter how it struggled, it was all useless.
Natsuhiko had already sensed just how terrifying the Yang Release that Senju Hashirama released was. This kind of burst had even suppressed him somewhat.
Naturally, he would not let this disadvantage continue, so this time, he used Yin–Yang Release without hesitation.
Moreover, he also knew that his use of Wood Release was not as good as Senju Hashirama's, so the technique he chose did not follow the idea of being simple and practical.
"Yin–Yang Release: Wood Human Technique!"
Along with the constant surge of chakra inside his body, the body of that huge black hand slowly began to emerge from the trees.
That enormous black body blocked out the sky. Its face, like both an asura and a demon, was unforgettable, and its terrifying aura shook the entire area.
Senju Hashirama looked at the giant that covered the sky, and a rare bitter smile appeared on his face. He truly had not expected this kid Natsuhiko to be so direct.
The Wood Human Technique was the technique he had used back then to deal with Uchiha Madara's Susanoo, yet this kid used it without the slightest hesitation.
He had just restrained Natsuhiko's wooden dragon, and this kid immediately used this method to crush his own wooden dragon. This counterattack was truly both fast and fierce.
And Natsuhiko has also used Yin–Yang Release, so then…
Thinking this, Senju Hashirama also quickly began forming seals. In this kind of clash, he would not leave anything to luck.
Since Natsuhiko had already used the Wood Human Technique, there were not many response choices he could make. Aside from his ultimate trump card, True Several Thousand Hands, the only thing he could use was the same Wood Human Technique.
Clearly, using True Several Thousand Hands now was not practical at all, so there was only one best choice.
"Wood Release: Wood Human Technique!"
A Wood Human that looked similar to Natsuhiko's, but was fundamentally and color-wise very different, quickly appeared under Senju Hashirama's control.
It was just as enormous and just as chilling to the heart, but it did not have the same contradictory chakra expression as Natsuhiko's Wood Human.
The feeling it gave people was not like something from hell, nor did it give the illusion that it would destroy everything, even though this technique still made people shudder.
This was the expression of pure Yang Release, while Natsuhiko's was the fusion of Yin and Yang Release.
The moment these two Wood Humans appeared, this battle had clearly developed in a completely uncontrollable direction, reaching a level that the current shinobi world could not even imagine.
Natsuhiko did not hesitate at all. The moment Senju Hashirama summoned his Wood Human, he controlled his own black Wood Human to charge forward.
The enormous black Wood Human raised its fist toward Senju Hashirama's position, while Senju Hashirama also had his brownish giant Wood Human block this punch at the critical moment.
And in terms of strength, Natsuhiko not only knew everything he knew, but he also knew everything his elder brother knew.
With both sides compatible with each other, and with the bad parts removed, finally becoming someone like Natsuhiko, this was truly a blessing for the Senju Clan, and even for all of Konoha.
However, what was somewhat unfortunate was that the range affected by this battle seemed far too wide, so even he could not get close enough to watch.
...
This is terrifying to the extreme. So this is Natsuhiko's power…
Sora and Renge watched all of this from afar. The two of them had only heard that Natsuhiko was very strong, but they had truly never seen Natsuhiko take action in the real sense.
Even during the Nine-Tails incident, the two of them had been sent to the shelter, and they had no way to see Natsuhiko act against the Nine-Tails.
Therefore, their understanding of Natsuhiko's strength had always remained somewhat vague. They only knew what the person hidden deepest in their hearts had done, but they truly did not understand the details.
And now, everything happening before their eyes told them just what a frightening and terrifying existence Natsuhiko's power and level truly were.
Although my strength can never reach Natsuhiko's level, we will definitely help Natsuhiko accomplish everything he wants in other ways.
Perhaps because Natsuhiko's strength was too shocking, the two of them could not help developing some other emotions.
They both silently looked into the distance, looking at the two giant figures attacking each other, and at this moment, both of them became especially quiet.
"I really did not expect Natsuhiko's strength to have already reached this point."
Kakashi and the others looked into the distance, and similar thoughts could not help appearing in their hearts. The power Natsuhiko displayed truly made people feel cold inside.
Perhaps the only person who appeared relatively calm was Rin, who had just been brought back through Edo Tensei and felt unfamiliar with everything before her.
Rin was truly dazed right now. Although she was also shocked by the earth-shaking battle in the distance, in her memories, she seemed to still be in a state of death.
Because of that, she always felt out of place, because she simply did not know what was going on.
"Rin, are you all right?"
Although Kakashi had been watching the battle the entire time, he had also always been paying attention to Rin's condition. Before, he had not had the chance to ask, but now he felt that he should show some concern.
"What exactly is going on?"
Rin turned her head and looked at the Kakashi before her. After hesitating for a moment, she took a deep breath and asked.
"And who exactly are you people? What is your purpose? I…"
"Rin, I know you have many questions right now, but it is better to explain things one by one."
Rin's questions made Kakashi somewhat helplessly shake his head. However, after experiencing his father's revival and seeing the two previous Hokage, Kakashi was still very calm.
"In truth, you really did die. I will never be able to forget the pain I felt when you used your body to crash into my Chidori back then.
"But that happened six years ago. Many things have happened during these six years.
"For example, our teacher became Hokage, but because of the Nine-Tails, he temporarily left Konoha and is recovering in a quiet place elsewhere.
"For example, after Natsuhiko left school, he entered the Anbu, and I also entered the Anbu under him. I witnessed him go from an Anbu squad captain all the way to Hokage-sama.
"That is right. Our current Fifth Hokage-sama is our classmate from back then.
"In truth, you are now in a special state between life and death. This was achieved through a special ninjutsu.
"Before Natsuhiko became Hokage, he had already begun researching certain things, and his research also achieved great success. My father is the most successful experimental subject.
"Although saying it this way is not very good, my father has already been completely revived, and many more people will be revived in the future."
"Both the First Hokage and the Second Hokage will be among them, and you…"
At this point, Kakashi paused slightly. He knew he had said many things he should not have said, but when facing Rin, he truly could not hold back.
To him, Rin was someone he had to protect. At the same time, Rin was also the most important witness to his friendship with Obito, and the most important bridge between him and Obito.
He could not hide too much from Rin, and there were some things he did not want to hide from her either.
Thinking of this, Kakashi looked at Rin with great seriousness. Word by word, he spoke in a firm voice.
"And you will also be one of them!"
Kakashi's words caused a huge shock to Rin. She had truly never imagined that things would actually be like this.
A person who had already died could actually wake up in a state between life and death, and there even seemed to be someone who could fully revive the dead.
What kind of incredible technique was this? Just how far had Konoha developed?
Besides, her teacher becoming Hokage was pleasant news, but it wasn't surprising. After all, her teacher had the strength and ability for the position.
What truly surprised her, however, was that Natsuhiko—the boy who had seemed so ordinary back in class and had been especially close to Uchiha Sora—had actually become Hokage.
This series of information made her feel that her mind was not enough to process everything, because each piece of information was far too shocking.
Moreover, she also noticed one key word, and that was the six years Kakashi mentioned.
Six years could indeed change many things, and six years could indeed make everything and everyone different.
She was very curious. Was this the human world six years after her death?
Rin still had many questions, but she also knew that she should not ask now. As a ninja, she also needed to remain alert. She still needed time to understand more things.
Rin temporarily settled down, but Sarutobi Hiruzen and Nara Shikaku's hearts surged again.
A technique that could fully revive people had already begun when Natsuhiko was still the Anbu Commander?
This information was truly somewhat suffocating to them. Leaving aside Natsuhiko's method and purpose in researching and experimenting with this technique.
The value of this technique alone was enough to give them many thoughts, and they believed that no matter who heard this news, they would definitely have thoughts about it.
However, they did not think or speak about it now, because now was not the time. Moreover, the battle in the distance was becoming more and more intense.
Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama's battle had already become increasingly heated, and the destruction the two of them caused to the surroundings had also reached an extreme.
Looking out, everything in sight was a mess. Two enormous Wood Humans were fighting wildly on this hell-like scorched earth, while the aura of death spread madly through the area.
Boom!
A huge roar resounded across the plain, and the two giants clashed fists again without holding anything back.
Under the powerful impact, the two giants each retreated backward. Every step sank deep into the earth, leaving behind rows of deep pits.
Senju Hashirama stood at the top of his Wood Human, looking at Natsuhiko in the distance, whose expression remained calm and whose breathing was still normal. He could not help feeling somewhat troubled.
At this moment, he finally discovered that Natsuhiko's chakra reserves were truly far greater than he had imagined.
After fighting for so long, this guy had almost not been affected much at all, which made even Senju Hashirama begin to doubt himself.
Back when he was Natsuhiko's age, he truly had not possessed such vast chakra reserves. In his eyes, Natsuhiko was truly abnormal.
But this has to end now. Whether it is his chakra reserves or the quality of his chakra, Natsuhiko is suffocating.
Especially his Yin–Yang Release. It is truly much stronger than me simply maximizing Yang Release.
Senju Hashirama's battles had always used Yang Release to raise the upper limit of his techniques' power. This could be considered one of his most reliable methods.
But against someone like Natsuhiko, who directly used Yin–Yang Release, he truly found himself somewhat at a loss.
He had been gradually increasing the strength of his chakra, and by now, it could already be said that he had reached the highest limit of his chakra strength.
Although he had not used too many techniques, he had fully reflected this level of chakra strength in his Wood Human.
As he kept pouring chakra into the Wood Human, making it possess even more terrifying strength and destructive power, he was stunned to discover that Natsuhiko was doing the same thing.
And what made him most depressed was that after he had completely pushed his chakra strength to its limit, he was actually no longer able to compete with Natsuhiko.
Therefore, he decided that he had to go all out now. If this continued, things would not be good for him.
How long has it been since I felt this way? What a pity that I have not truly come back to life.
Senju Hashirama silently thought this, and in the next moment, the chakra throughout his body began to surge. A natural aura quickly spread through his body.
He brought his hands together, and suddenly, a vast aura spread wildly, while suffocating chakra surged inside his body.
"Are we deciding the outcome now?"
Seeing this scene, Natsuhiko could not help nodding. After fighting to this point, he had more or less understood the limits of his own power.
Since that was the case, there was not much need for this match to continue, but this battle still needed an ending.
Thinking of this, the chakra in Natsuhiko's eyes began to move wildly. From the beginning of the battle until now, he had not used the power of the Jōgan, but now, he was going to properly test it.
In an instant, his body was covered by a layer of pale blue chakra that seemed as if it could destroy everything, and his figure also became blurred and distorted.
His body began floating upward, and three black spheres appeared behind him. At this moment, he was like an immortal.
The enormous Wood Release giant beneath his feet lost control at this moment and began to slowly dissolve.
Senju Hashirama naturally saw this scene, but he knew that this was probably Natsuhiko concentrating all of his power in order to face what came next.
And he also ended his control over the Wood Human. Amid that vast chakra, the earth trembled wildly.
Immediately afterward, a heart-shaking giant Buddha over a thousand meters tall quickly rose from underground.
"Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands!"
Senju Hashirama stood on top of the giant Buddha's head. He looked at Natsuhiko floating in the air, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Natsuhiko, meanwhile, held one of the spheres behind him in his hand. This sphere quickly changed shape and finally became a pitch-black ninja blade.
"So it has finally come to this," Senju Hashirama said with a smile as he felt the pressure coming from Natsuhiko.
"Although it cannot really be called completely satisfying, I think sparring until now is enough." Natsuhiko nodded lightly, and the chakra inside his body had already finished gathering.
In the next moment, he swung the ninja blade fiercely, while Senju Hashirama also completed his hand seals.
And at this moment, the people in the distance looked at all of this terror, and they seemed to understand what the true peak of the shinobi world meant in every sense.
"Sage Art: True Several Thousand Hands!"
"Yin–Yang Release: Konohanasakuya-hime!"
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