Asuka vs. Minato
On the battlefield, Minato Namikaze quickly realized something was wrong.
Fighting Asuka again, he could clearly feel the difference.
Every strike from Asuka carried overwhelming force, nearly knocking the Kunai from his hand multiple times.
In their previous encounter, although Asuka had been stronger, Minato could still rely on his movement techniques to maneuver around him.
But now—
That was no longer possible.
Asuka's strength had reached a terrifying new level.
Even worse, his speed had undergone a qualitative leap.
After only a few exchanges, Minato found himself unable to dodge most attacks. He was forced into direct confrontation, gritting his teeth just to hold on.
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This can't continue…
Realizing he would inevitably lose, Minato seized an opening and flipped backward, breaking away from close combat.
He landed, breathing heavily, eyes locked on Asuka, who continued walking toward him at an unhurried pace.
The pressure was suffocating.
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Asuka's regeneration was another problem entirely.
Ordinary Ninjutsu did nothing—it was like scratching an itch.
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"In that case… I have no choice."
Minato's eyes sharpened.
A Shadow Clone appeared instantly, rushing forward to restrain Asuka, while Minato clasped his hands together.
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The clone lasted only seconds.
Asuka cut it down effortlessly, turning it into a puff of white smoke.
But that moment—
Was enough.
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Minato's eyes changed.
Toad-like pupils appeared, with orange pigmentation around his eyes.
Sage Mode.
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He had mastered Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode.
Earlier than expected.
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The moment Sage Chakra filled his body—
Minato vanished.
Using the Flying Thunder God mark left on the clone's Kunai, he instantly appeared in front of Asuka.
His left hand shot forward.
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Frog Kata!
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The strike landed squarely on Asuka's chest.
This technique, enhanced by natural energy, carried power far beyond ordinary Taijutsu.
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Immediately after—
Minato exited Sage Mode.
That was his limitation.
Fast activation—but extremely short duration.
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Asuka slid back slightly… then stood up.
Unharmed.
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Even he had to admit—
That attack was unexpected.
He hadn't anticipated Minato mastering Sage Mode this early.
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But then—
Something changed.
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A strange sensation spread across Asuka's chest.
Sealing runes—dense and writhing like tadpoles—rapidly spread across his body.
A powerful force locked him in place.
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The Self-Inflicted Wound Curse Seal.
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Minato had placed it at the moment of impact.
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Not far away, Minato finally let out a breath.
He had succeeded.
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But before he could move—
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Boom!
A violent surge of Chakra erupted from Asuka.
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To others, it looked like brute force.
But in reality—
He was dismantling the seal with precision.
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The seal shattered instantly.
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Asuka smiled.
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A single bead of sweat slid down Minato's forehead.
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Hiruzen vs. The Four
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Elsewhere—
Hiruzen Sarutobi faced four opponents.
He showed no sign of underestimating them.
Anyone who dared confront him directly was dangerous.
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The four exchanged glances—
And attacked simultaneously.
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Kisame Hoshigaki moved first.
"Water Release!"
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The lake surged violently.
A massive water shark burst forth, jaws wide open, lunging toward Hiruzen.
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Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
He slammed his staff down—
Then launched himself into the air using its extension.
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The shark missed.
But Hiruzen counterattacked instantly.
The adamantine staff swung down like a falling mountain toward Kisame.
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Clang!
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Hozuki Mangetsu intercepted.
His Hiramekarei blocked the blow, though the impact numbed his entire body.
His lower half liquefied instinctively, dispersing the force into the water below.
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At that moment—
Minazuki Murasaki attacked.
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Ice filled the air.
Countless fine needles formed a storm, shooting toward Hiruzen midair.
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"Hmph!"
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The staff spun rapidly.
Every needle was deflected, shattering into glittering fragments.
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But before he could land—
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Mei Terumī attacked.
A massive water dragon surged upward, crashing toward him.
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Without hesitation—
Hiruzen created a Shadow Clone.
The clone grabbed him and threw him clear—
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Boom!
The dragon obliterated the clone.
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Hiruzen landed heavily, taking a steadying breath.
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Good coordination.
Even he had been caught off guard.
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But—
That wasn't enough.
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His hands formed seals.
Chakra surged like a volcano.
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Fire Release: Flame Bullet!
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A sea of flames erupted.
The heat distorted the air itself, evaporating the lake into dense steam.
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Murasaki reacted immediately.
A massive water wall rose to block the flames.
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The clash was intense.
Steam hissed violently as the water evaporated at a visible rate.
Murasaki clenched her teeth, pouring in more Chakra to hold the line.
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At the same time—
Mangetsu and Kisame moved.
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From both sides—
They charged.
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Hiruzen reacted instantly.
He threw a shuriken.
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Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!
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The single shuriken multiplied into hundreds—
A storm of blades filled the air.
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But they didn't stop.
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Behind them—
Mei Terumī formed seals.
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Scorch Release: Melting Apparition Technique!
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Corrosive liquid melted the incoming shuriken midair.
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With the path cleared—
Mangetsu and Kisame reached Hiruzen.
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A thrust for the heart.
A sweeping slash.
No escape.
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At the last moment—
Hiruzen ducked.
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He spun—
His legs, infused with wind Chakra, lashed out.
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Bang!
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Both were kicked back violently, sliding across the ground before regaining their footing.
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The battle intensified.
Neither side willing to yield.
The outcome—
Still uncertain.