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"Pathetic, Ōnoki. Has Iwagakure truly failed to produce a worthy successor? If you fight me in your condition, you'll die." The Second Tsuchikage's tone was indifferent he had no need to be polite when reprimanding his disciple.
Just moments ago, the two had engaged in an aerial skirmish, trading precise Dust Release attacks while weaving through the sky.
Unlike his master, who had an infinite reserve of chakra thanks to Edo Tensei, Ōnoki was already sweating. At his age, prolonged high-intensity combat was physically draining, but he refused to back down. "I can still keep going!"
"Still as stubborn as ever. So tell me, what's your plan now?"
The Second Tsuchikage's body began to fade, becoming translucent until he vanished completely.
"Where is he?!"
Ōnoki scanned his surroundings, shifting positions in the air, but he couldn't detect his master's presence. He even created multiple Earth Clones as sentries, but it was futile his opponent was nowhere to be found.
For sensory-type shinobi, fighting an enemy skilled in concealment was a nightmare. The only way to locate them was to wait for an attack by then, it was often too late.
Ōnoki found himself in exactly that situation. One by one, his clones were struck down from seemingly every direction, yet he still couldn't pinpoint the real body.
Perhaps delaying his attack to only target clones didn't technically violate the summoner's orders. Regardless, the Second Tsuchikage only shifted his attention to Ōnoki after eliminating all the duplicates.
"I'm right here."
"Nani?!"
Ōnoki spun around at the voice behind him too quickly.
"Damn it, my back, why now, of all times?!"
The Second Tsuchikage had already formed his Dust Release, his tone regretful. "Is this how it ends, Ōnoki?"
"I refuse to go out like this…"
Clutching his back, Ōnoki tried to retreat, but at this distance, escape was impossible.
"Dust Rel—"
"YAAAH!!"
A massive size 44 sandal struck the Second Tsuchikage's face, sending him hurtling diagonally downward at breakneck speed.
He crashed into the earth, vanishing into a crater, leaving only a cloud of dust in his wake.
"Are you alright, Lord Tsuchikage?"
Tenten's clear voice rang in Ōnoki's ears as she gently helped him land.
"What was that just now?" Landing relieved some of his back pain, and Ōnoki turned to see a bun-haired kunoichi and a spandex-wearing shinobi with a bright smile. He exhaled, realizing what had happened. "Ah, I see. So this is the 'support' you mentioned. That was a big help."
He had heard of the Yellow Flash of Konoha, but this was his first time witnessing the tactical potential of Flying Thunder God firsthand.
If enough shinobi could master it, warfare itself might change. Battles could be fought without unnecessary casualties.
For a fleeting moment, Ōnoki considered its strategic applications only to shake his head. The reason only a handful of people had ever mastered the jutsu was undoubtedly its sheer difficulty.
Tenten blushed at the praise, scratching her head. "Before the fight, I gave each of you a marked kunai. That way, I could intervene whenever necessary."
Neji had been watching everything from afar with his Byakugan. When he saw Ōnoki in trouble, he immediately signalled Tenten who then teleported Gai directly into the action.
This manoeuvre had been practised countless times. Now, it had finally been put to the test in real combat.
Seeing the Tsuchikage still wincing slightly, Tenten hesitated before suggesting, "Would you like to rest? We can handle him."
"Appreciate the concern, young lady, but a Kage isn't so easily retired." Ōnoki straightened himself, regaining his composure. "I will handle this myself. Just be ready with a sealing technique."
Tenten's sharp gaze noticed the subtle effort in his stance.
He's trying to save face.
So instead of arguing, she played along and nodded. "Then, can I ask you for a favour? I have a plan."
As Tenten explained, the Second Tsuchikage emerged from the crater.
A bandaged hand clawed its way upward a scene straight out of a zombie apocalypse.
Though Edo Tensei was healing him, the sight of his flaking, crumbling form was unsettling.
"No warning before an attack? A space-time technique, huh?" He scowled. "Let me guess another one of Tobirama Senju's forbidden jutsu? How many damned techniques did that man create?!"
Gai tilted his head, observing the heavily bandaged figure.
It wasn't hard to guess this man must have endured brutal injuries in life. Even now, in death, he was being used as a tool.
Gai's respect and empathy swelled. He lifted a thumbs-up in encouragement.
The Second Tsuchikage was baffled.
What the hell was this guy doing?
Was this some new form of hand seal?
Had Tobirama come up with yet another ridiculous forbidden jutsu?!
Before either of them could contemplate it further, Tenten's voice rang out:
"Gai-sensei, Plan C!"
"Understood!"
"Eight Gates Release: Sixth Gate Gate of View… OPEN!"
The Second Tsuchikage's eyes widened.
"That chakra surge what kind of forbidden technique is this?!"
At the same time, Ōnoki made his move.
Tenten placed one hand on his shoulder as he formed another Dust Release sphere.
"What's this—? Why is he charging up another Dust Release in that position?"
As caution set in, the Second Tsuchikage instinctively activated camouflage.
But Gai was already on the move.
With inhuman speed, he hurled a marked kunai straight upward.
The Second Tsuchikage barely had time to register what was happening before—
FLASH!
Tenten and Ōnoki teleported directly above him.
A blinding white glow illuminated the sky.
"Impossible…!"
Before he could react—
BOOM.
A direct hit.
A perfectly coordinated Flying Thunder God + Eighth Gate combo.
For all his experience, intelligence, and power the Second Tsuchikage had no way of countering instantaneous movement combined with overwhelming force.
His body began to disintegrate into Edo Tensei's signature scattering dust.
Below, Gai landed softly, flashing a grin.
"Looks like Plan C worked!"
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