The battlefield was chaotic. The towering forest summoned by Hashirama loomed over the battlefield, its massive roots twisting and coiling like living serpents. Ryuga weaved through the dense maze of wood, his breath steady, his eyes sharp.
His target was clear—Orochimaru.
If I take him down, the Impure Reincarnation will end, and the four Kage will disappear.
That was his only chance.
Ahead, he saw Orochimaru standing atop one of the massive roots, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. Despite the intense battle raging around him, he seemed completely relaxed.
Ryuga clenched his fists, his chakra flaring. I have to be fast. He can't move much if he's controlling all four of them at once.
He vanished in a blur of speed, charging straight at Orochimaru, Frost Drive enhancing his movements. Ice formed beneath his feet, propelling him forward like a speeding arrow.
Orochimaru tilted his head, still smirking.
Before Ryuga could strike—
THWACK!
A giant wooden hand shot forward, aiming to crush him.
Ryuga barely managed to leap aside, flipping mid-air to dodge another wooden spear that stabbed toward him.
Damn it, Hashirama!
Before the Wood Release could entrap him, two blurs intercepted the First Hokage.
Minato flashed behind Hashirama, a Rasengan forming in his palm. Hiruzen came from the other side, his staff swinging down in a powerful arc.
BOOM!
The attacks collided with Hashirama, forcing him backward.
"Go, Ryuga!" Hiruzen shouted. "We'll handle Hashirama!"
Ryuga didn't hesitate.
"Ice Release: Frost Surge!"
A wave of ice erupted around him, freezing parts of the giant tree roots as he lunged at Orochimaru.
His kunai flashed toward the Sannin's throat—
SHING!
Ryuga's eyes widened.
His body twisted violently as a hand suddenly yanked him through space.
Flying Thunder God Technique.
Before he could react, a crushing force slammed into his stomach.
"GAAH—!"
Ryuga flew back, crashing through several layers of tree branches before skidding to a stop.
He coughed up blood, his vision blurred.
Footsteps echoed through the battlefield.
Tobirama Senju emerged from the shadows, his red eyes locked onto Ryuga with cold precision.
Orochimaru's chuckle rang through the air.
"You really thought you could get close to me?" he said mockingly. "Foolish boy. Did you think I wouldn't prepare for this?"
Ryuga gritted his teeth. Damn it… he was ready.
Tobirama's Flying Thunder God was too fast. Even with Frost Drive, Ryuga couldn't keep up.
The Second Hokage vanished—and reappeared right in front of him.
A sharp elbow strike slammed into Ryuga's chest.
CRACK!
Pain exploded in his ribs.
Before he could recover, Tobirama's foot struck his side, sending him tumbling across the ground.
Ryuga forced himself up, ice forming around his arms. He slashed his hands forward—Ice Dragon's Claw!
Jagged spikes of ice shot toward Tobirama.
But the Second Hokage was already gone.
"Behind you."
A kunai pierced Ryuga's shoulder from behind.
His vision blurred again as another devastating blow sent him face-first into the dirt.
His breathing was ragged. I can't win like this… he's too fast.
Tobirama stood over him, his expression unreadable.
Orochimaru watched with a twisted smile. "It's over, Ryuga. No matter how strong you are, you're still just a child trying to fight legends."
Ryuga struggled to his feet, wiping the blood from his mouth.
His mind was racing. Think… think… I need a way to counter Flying Thunder God…
Tobirama vanished again.
Ryuga tensed.
I can't follow his movement… but maybe… I don't have to.
He closed his eyes.
Tobirama reappeared, kunai in hand—
Ryuga froze the air around him.
An instant defensive wall of ice erupted, Tobirama's kunai barely missing his throat.
Ryuga twisted his body, using the ice as a springboard to launch himself straight at Orochimaru again.
He was so close—
CRACK!
A massive wooden branch impaled through his side.
Ryuga's eyes widened in shock.
I didn't see it…
He looked up.
Hashirama.
His massive wooden construct had attacked him in an instant.
Ryuga's body went cold. His strength faded.
Am I… going to die?
His vision darkened.
But then—
A flash of yellow.
A warm hand grabbed him.
Minato stood before him.
"…Dad?"
Minato's back was turned, his body shielding Ryuga from the massive wooden spike.
Then Ryuga saw it.
The wooden branch had pierced through Minato's stomach.
Blood dripped onto the ground.
Ryuga's heart stopped.
Minato turned his head slightly, giving him a small smile.
"…You're not dying today, Ryuga."
Orochimaru's laughter rang through the air.
"How touching," he sneered. "But a foolish sacrifice."
Ryuga felt his body shaking.
No… not again…
Minato coughed, blood spilling from his lips.
Ryuga screamed.