With Yusuke Uchiha's arrival, Madara Uchiha prepared for their final confrontation. With a thought, he activated his control over the Edo Tensei, and the resurrected ninjas, who had been momentarily engaged in reminiscing with their former comrades at the front lines, launched a coordinated offensive.
On the Land of Fire battlefield, witnessing the sudden charge of the First Hokage and his formidable allies towards their position, Minato Namikaze, along with his assembled forces, moved to intercept the incoming assault.
"Konan," Minato Namikaze instructed, addressing Konan, who stood poised at the periphery of the battlefield, "your role in this engagement will be limited to providing support from the sidelines. It is imperative that you swiftly seal away any of our adversaries the instant we manage to overwhelm them."
Given Konan's exceptional proficiency in the Paper Release technique, enabling her to instantaneously deploy a large number of sealing tags, her abilities were considered to offer a significant countermeasure against the Edo Tensei technique. Consequently, Konoha's tactical strategy assigned Konan the specific responsibility of sealing away the resurrected ninjas.
Konan nodded in acknowledgement, instantly activating her Paper Release wings to propel herself into the air, hovering above the battlefield and maintaining a position slightly behind the assembled Konoha ninjas, ready to provide support at a moment's notice.
Observing that Konan had a clear understanding of her tactical role, Minato Namikaze promptly hurled one of his Flying Thunder kunai towards Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, and transformed into a streak of golden light, engaging Tobirama Senju in direct combat.
Minato Namikaze's opponent was none other than the Second Hokage himself, a master of the Flying Thunder technique.
"Oh? It would appear that I am not the sole individual capable of wielding the Flying Thunder technique with such remarkable proficiency. It seems that you, the Fourth Hokage, possess considerable skill," Tobirama Senju remarked, his eyes gleaming with surprise as Minato Namikaze materialized before him using the Flying Thunder technique.
Upon the invention of the Flying Thunder technique, Tobirama Senju had harbored no expectation that another individual would ever attain such a profound understanding and mastery of this intricate ninjutsu.
However, Minato Namikaze's apparent proficiency with the Flying Thunder technique surpassed even his own, piquing his curiosity.
Minato Namikaze responded with a modest smile, "Compared to the esteemed inventor of this technique, my own abilities are utterly insignificant."
Tobirama Senju responded with a chuckle, "Whether or not your assessment is accurate, I shall personally verify its validity!"
With these words, the two embarked upon a rapid exchange of blows, their movements a blur of speed and precision.
The battle between these two masters of the Flying Thunder technique was a spectacle of dazzling speed. To the casual observer, the engagement appeared as nothing more than a continuous display of flashing golden light, rendering it impossible to discern their actual movements.
Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha and Izumi found themselves confronting Fugaku Uchiha and Shisui Uchiha, resulting in a tense standoff between four members of the Uchiha clan.
Despite the inherent animosity between opposing forces, the expressions on the faces of the combatants were far from those of bitter enemies. Instead, the atmosphere resembled that of a family gathering, with a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect permeating the scene.
"Father, Shisui," Itachi Uchiha addressed his father and former comrade, "we are your opponents in this engagement."
Fugaku Uchiha responded with a nod of approval and a hint of pride, "Itachi, you have indeed grown into a remarkable young man. Entrusting the future of our clan to Yusuke Uchiha was perhaps the most prudent and successful decision I made during my tenure as clan head!"
Fugaku Uchiha then turned his attention towards Izumi, offering a warm smile. "Izumi, you have blossomed into a truly beautiful young woman. Itachi, I implore you to treat her with the utmost respect and consideration."
Upon hearing Fugaku Uchiha's words, Izumi's cheeks flushed crimson, but she nevertheless offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Observing the amicable atmosphere among the three Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha let out a sigh, "Perhaps I am the one who should never have existed. Even in death, I continue to cause trouble for others."
Itachi Uchiha shook his head, offering words of comfort, "No, Shisui, you were merely unfortunate enough to encounter the wrong individuals. Had it not been for the guidance of our teacher, I too might have strayed down a similar path of error."
"Now, you are present here to bear witness to the remarkable growth and evolution of the Uchiha clan. Izumi and I shall overcome you, ensuring that you may finally find the peace you so richly deserve."
As soon as Itachi Uchiha finished speaking, both he and Fugaku Uchiha simultaneously activated their Susanoo.
Perhaps due to the inherent connection of bloodline, both Itachi Uchiha's and Fugaku Uchiha's Susanoo manifested in a striking crimson hue, their forms remarkably similar in design. Their Susanoo stood locked in a fierce clash of katanas, with Itachi Uchiha clearly holding the advantage.
Shisui Uchiha, meanwhile, unsheathed the short sword from his back and engaged Izumi in a rapid exchange of blows. The formidable Body Flicker Jutsu of Shisui Uchiha once again manifested its power, but Izumi, wielding the Heart Flash technique, proved to be no less adept, even surpassing Shisui Uchiha in her speed and agility.
The engagement between the two was a whirlwind of motion, far exceeding the speed of the clash between Minato Namikaze and Tobirama Senju. Unlike the continuous display of flashing golden light that accompanied Minato Namikaze and Tobirama Senju's battle, this rapid exchange of blows was devoid of any forewarning, rendering it even more perilous.
"To think that the little girl from back then has attained such remarkable skill," Shisui Uchiha remarked with a chuckle.
Given that Shisui Uchiha had perished at the tender age of thirteen, his current appearance was more reminiscent of Izumi's younger brother than an opponent.
Witnessing Izumi's superior mastery of the Body Flicker Jutsu, Shisui Uchiha experienced a mixture of elation and melancholy.
"Had I not made the wrong choices in my past," Shisui Uchiha mused to himself, "I would undoubtedly have become a far stronger ninja, capable of contributing significantly to the strength of Konoha."
Izumi's eyes were filled with unwavering determination. "Shisui-nii," she declared, "my brother also recognized you as a supremely talented individual and earnestly hoped that you would reconsider your path. However, dwelling upon such matters at this juncture would only serve to amplify our sorrow. I shall employ my full strength to defeat you, ensuring that you may depart from this world without any lingering regrets!"
Shisui Uchiha's eyes flashed with a sudden gleam as he responded, "Very well, then. Let us commence. Henceforth, the Uchiha clan shall no longer boast of the 'Body Flicker' Shisui. Instead, they shall have 'Body Flicker' Izumi, who far surpasses me in skill!"
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi found his path blocked by Kakashi Hatake.
"It seems that you are my opponent, Kakashi. I must confess that I never anticipated that we would one day find ourselves engaged in combat against one another," Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked.
Observing Kakashi Hatake's more composed and mature demeanor, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in approval.
Kakashi Hatake skillfully deflected Hiruzen Sarutobi's attack with his chakra-infused blade. "Third Hokage-sama," Kakashi Hatake stated, his tone respectful, "you can rest assured that Konoha is in capable hands. Under the leadership of the Fourth Hokage and the Chief Advisor, no ninja village poses a threat to Konoha, and we require no subservience to any other power."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed upon hearing Kakashi Hatake's words. "Konoha did not experience significant progress under my leadership. Although I harbored disagreements with Yusuke Uchiha, the sight of Konoha's burgeoning strength fills me with a sense of profound satisfaction and leaves me with no regrets."
With these words, Hiruzen Sarutobi straightened his stooped back, his demeanor radiating the same imposing presence that had once earned him the title of "Hero of the Ninja World." "Kakashi," he declared, "during my youth, I had the opportunity to engage in a sparring match against your father. Our contest concluded without a clear victor. Should you fail to defeat this old man today, you will undoubtedly bring dishonor upon the esteemed reputation of your father, the renowned 'White Fang' of Konoha!"
With unwavering resolve and a burning determination to emerge victorious, Kakashi Hatake, now considered the new 'White Fang' of Konoha, responded in a solemn tone, "Then, I shall endeavor to do my utmost."
On the periphery of the battlefield, Nagato found himself confronting Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"Nagato," Jiraiya began, his voice tinged with a profound sense of sorrow, "I had always believed that you, possessing the Rinnegan, would fulfill the prophecy and bring peace to the ninja world. However, I never anticipated the trials and tribulations that you and your comrades would endure following my departure."
Having encountered Konan in Konoha, Jiraiya had gained a comprehensive understanding of the events that had transpired.
Jiraiya reflected upon the experiences of Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, and a profound sense of remorse washed over him. He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of responsibility, believing that had he been able to bring them back to Konoha, their fates might have been vastly different.
Nagato's eyes were filled with a wistful expression. "This Rinnegan was bestowed upon me by Madara Uchiha. Regardless of my location, I am destined to ultimately become a pawn in his schemes. Perhaps this is simply my predetermined fate," Nagato lamented.
Turning his gaze towards Konan, Nagato offered a rare and heartwarming smile, "I yearn to fight alongside you once more, but alas, such an opportunity shall never again present itself."
Tears streamed down Konan's face upon hearing Nagato's voice. "When Madara Uchiha has met his demise," she declared, her voice choked with emotion, "I shall seek you out, along with Yahiko. The three of us shall never again be separated."
Nagato shook his head sadly, his gaze fixed upon Konan's eyes. "You must live a full and joyful life, Konan. For Yahiko and myself, bear witness to the day when peace finally descends upon the ninja world."
Shifting his attention towards Jiraiya and Tsunade, Nagato stated calmly, "Although you, Jiraiya-sensei and Tsunade-sama, are renowned as the legendary Sannin, my possession of the Rinnegan renders me a formidable opponent. I urge you both to exercise utmost caution."
Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged grave looks, having reviewed the intelligence regarding the Rinnegan's capabilities that Yusuke Uchiha had provided. Among their adversaries, Nagato and Hashirama Senju were undeniably the most formidable opponents.
"Tsunade," Jiraiya addressed Tsunade, "you must buy me some time. I need to enter Sage Mode to effectively counter him."
Tsunade responded with a slight smile, "How long has it been since we last fought side-by-side against a common enemy?"
Jiraiya paused momentarily, then a smile spread across his face, "The last time we collaborated in such a manner was during our confrontation with the so-called 'demigod' of the ninja world, was it not?"
A glint of determination flashed in Tsunade's eyes. "On that occasion, we were ultimately defeated. I have no intention of experiencing such a setback once again in collaboration with you."
Jiraiya responded with a hearty laugh, bringing his hands together and summoning Gamabunta and Gamaken, who perched upon his shoulders.
Tsunade promptly discarded her outer garment and charged towards Nagato, who was under the control of the Edo Tensei technique, buying Jiraiya the crucial time required to enter Sage Mode.
At the heart of the battlefield, only the legendary Hashirama Senju and Kabuto Yakushi, Yusuke Uchiha's disciple, remained.
Gazing upon Kabuto Yakushi, Hashirama Senju's eyes flickered with curiosity. "They have entrusted you with the task of confronting me, it seems. Your abilities must be truly exceptional!"
Kabuto Yakushi responded with a calm and composed demeanor, "My objective is merely to stall the First Hokage. I have unwavering faith in the abilities of my comrades to overcome their respective adversaries, after which they will provide support, allowing us to combine our strengths to defeat you."
At that very moment, a colossal wooden golem, of immense proportions, erupted from the earth, materializing at Hashirama Senju's feet.
Observing Kabuto Yakushi from the lofty vantage point of the golem's head, Hashirama Senju chuckled, "Then I eagerly anticipate witnessing your performance! What is your name?"
Hashirama Senju's wooden golem was a powerfully built warrior, his hair bristling with fury, and a massive wooden dragon was coiled around his body. Although it lacked the versatility of the wooden golems summoned by White Zetsu, capable of employing various chakra nature transformations, Hashirama Senju's golem possessed a significant advantage in terms of both size and sheer strength.
Kabuto Yakushi brought his hands together, entering the Sage Mode achieved through the fusion of three distinct Senjutsu techniques.
A sharp gleam flashed in Kabuto Yakushi's eyes as he calmly announced, "I am Kabuto Yakushi, a disciple of the world's strongest ninja, Yusuke Uchiha!"
Upon hearing Kabuto Yakushi's declaration, a slight smile played upon Hashirama Senju's lips. "Truly remarkable Senjutsu! I never imagined that your teacher would be the very individual who inspires such apprehension in Madara Uchiha. I yearn to meet this exceptional individual!"
With these words, Hashirama Senju, astride his colossal wooden golem, launched an attack upon Kabuto Yakushi, while Kabuto Yakushi, utilizing his Earth Release: Hiding in Earth Technique, countered with an assault directed towards Hashirama Senju from above.
As Konoha engaged in fierce combat against the formidable Edo Tensei forces, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure were likewise locked in intense battles against their own resurrected adversaries.
However, the most critical engagement of all was undoubtedly the showdown between Yusuke Uchiha and Madara Uchiha.
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