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The Smelting Gundam of Earth and Stone is neither short nor lacking in presence.
Gundams are constructed from chakra, of course summoned by consuming chakra.
The 100-meter-high lava giant summoned by the earth and stone at this time naturally consumed more chakra, and it was not in equal proportion.
The increase in the size of the giant is not solely achieved by the consumption of chakra, but also takes into account factors such as the stability and movement of the giant. Excess chakra is needed to ensure its balance and fluidity during combat.
Though the giant summoned by Earth and Stone is much taller, it doesn't match the previous 50-meter height in all other aspects. This is because the Gundam model is still not perfected.
The decision to choose a Gundam without the perfect 100-meter frame primarily stems from Tushi's intention to master control over the giant's movements during battle.
The fight between giant constructs differs from a normal ninja battle, especially when controlled by ninjas.
This was clearly reflected in Tushi's earlier encounters with the tailed beastsâwhether it was the hand-to-hand clash with Sanbi (the Three-Tails) or the last fight with the Eight-Tails. In both instances, Tushi found himself at a disadvantage.
In order to overcome these difficulties and hone his control, Tushi needed to practice with a more manageable size. Hence, he opted for a body size resembling that of the Four-Tails, whose movements would be more easily controlled.
Of course, this choice affected the Gundam's defense, but Earth and Stone had already decided to consume chakra to restore any damage sustained during the battle.
"The summoning of Gundams consumes far too much chakra. Not to mention, recovering the damage to Gundam at every turn⊠Even my chakra reserves can only sustain this for about ten minutes. This battle won't last long."
Tushi was well aware that his focus must be on practicing his Gundam combat skills within the allotted ten-minute window, while also accomplishing other objectivesâsuch as luring Ohnogi into the battle.
It appeared Ohnogi was already on his way, with help from Lao Zi in this regard.
As the events unfolded, Tushi refused to take responsibility for the chaos.
"Boy! You're asking for death!"
Despite his anger, Lao Zi's presence was still an asset. Though he struggled to maintain control, the fact that the Four-Tails was under Lao Zi's direct control meant that the Four-Tails could unleash its full power.
This was a fortunate turn of events.
The lava giant, controlled by Earth and Stone, launched a powerful punch, propelling the Gundam into action. Utilizing the joints and pushing techniques, the Gundam's movements were enhanced to deliver devastating attacks.
The Four-Tails crossed his arms in defense, groaning as he withstood the mighty blow from Earth and Stone.
"Looks like this guy's not used to fighting at this size," Tushi noted, registering the challenge in Lao Zi's movements.
"Good," he added. "I won't be completely outclassed, and it'll reduce the damage I take. This means I can fight longer."
The key difference between the Gundam and Lao Zi's Four-Tails was in the methods of control. While the Four-Tails' model was perfectly designed for direct control, the Gundam was operated indirectly, and this control gap was evident.
"Lao Zi will adapt quicker to this form of combat than I will," Tushi thought.
Though he now faced an increasing challenge, this situation was still advantageous for Tushi, allowing him to grow more accustomed to this unique form of battle.
Punch. Turn. Kick. Block. Dodge.
The larger the fighters grew, the more intense the action became.
Tushi thrived in the chaos, though Lao Zi seemed increasingly frustrated.
"Damn!"
Tushi heard a roarâfinally, Onogi had arrived at the battlefield, and he was furious.
"Bastard! This is the village!" Onogi shouted.
With a swift hand gesture, Onogi unleashed his powerful technique:
Tsuchi Doton · Earth Flow Wall!
A 100-meter-high earth wall surged from the ground, surrounding the battlefield between Lao Zi and Earth and Stone, containing their battle within controlled boundaries.
This was the best Onogi could do to ensure the ongoing fight didn't impact the villagers.
He could rely on his Dust Release or his original World Stripping technique to deal with Earth and Stone, but he wasn't sure where exactly Earth and Stone was locatedâstriking blindly was too risky.
Onogi suspected Earth and Stone was on the Gundam's head, which was a reasonable assumption, but he couldn't be sure.
The fact that Onogi hadn't yet found Earth and Stone made him hesitant to unleash his Dust Release.
However, Onogi was also aware of his mission now: to keep the battle under control while observing the other events unfolding.
Meanwhile, back at the village, another shadow of Earth and Stone was working behind the scenes.
On the street near the Tsuchikage Building, one of Earth and Stone's shadow clones stood still for a moment.
"Onogi's here," it thought to itself.
This was a planned response. The shadow clone, created by Earth and Stone, had sensed Onogi's departure earlier and ensured that no one noticed his movements. By doing this, Earth and Stone could prevent Onogi from discovering what was happening at the battlefield.
"Chen Dun, I'm on my way."
The shadow clone muttered as it prepared to execute its next task.
Most of the buildings in Yanyin Village, including the Tsuchikage Building, were constructed atop the soil. The clone made its way toward the office, slipping unnoticed into the wall.
Inside, the atmosphere was eerily quiet.
Mental perception activated, enhanced by the abilities Tushi had learned from Uchiha Kiyoshi.
The shadow clone found itâit was all there, hidden within the walls and secret compartments of Onogi's office.
There were mechanisms everywhere.
The back of the Hokage's portrait? Hollowed out, filled with traps.
Underneath the desk? A hidden compartment.
The third floor of the opposite wall? More traps.
And in a concealed compartmentâsomething crucial.
A scroll!
"I'm sure Onogi planned this."
The clone smirked inwardly. This scroll was definitely an advanced recording tool, and it held some of the most important techniques of Yanyin Village.
Among the recorded techniques were Dust Release, Light and Heavy Rock techniques, and various secret jutsuâmaking this scroll equivalent to Konoha's Book of Seals.
But there was no time for hesitation.
The shadow clone reached out with precision, using Earth jutsu to excavate the scroll carefully from beneath the floor.
After securing it, the clone was quick to unravel the scroll, carefully inspecting its contents.
"It's worth the risk. This is where all the top secrets are hidden."
Taking the scroll didn't seem like the right move, not without a plan.
"I need to copy this content," the clone thought.
The first priority? Dust Release.
The clone moved swiftly, unrolling a second scroll and releasing a series of other shadow clones to divide the work.
One paragraph for each shadow clone. They moved in perfect synchronization, copying the most crucial jutsu and making sure nothing was left to chance.
By the time Onogi returned, no one would suspect the secret operation taking place right beneath their noses.
Meanwhile, the battle on the other side of the mountain continued to rage.
A chilling roar echoed through the air.
This was no mere ninja powerâit was beyond anything imaginable.
This new threat felt like something otherworldly.
Some of the Yannin guards, stationed outside, couldn't help but feel uneasy, their thoughts drifting between the terrifying clash of giants and the hidden operations within the Tsuchikage's office.
Would Onogi even understand what was happening?
Or was Earth and Stone simply playing a more dangerous game than anyone could anticipate?
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