Chapter 265: A Greeting Gift, Heaven Concealed Star!
Ōnoki frowned deeply.
Most people wouldn't think of destroying the ninja world.
But when he considered the intelligence shared by the Land of Fire and then looked at the current members of the Akatsuki, it became less surprising.
Obito, who attacked his comrades and lost everything he loved, and Ōtsutsuki Shinichi, who often spoke of the ninja world as a failed product—how could these two be considered normal? If Isshiki claimed they wanted to destroy the ninja world, Ōnoki found it believable.
Isshiki: "I previously inquired about related information from Lord Raikage. Aside from the attack on the One-Tail, Obito also targeted the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki but failed. Their two years of silence may have been to accumulate power."
"If they show up today and attack the two Jinchūriki, it will basically confirm this."
"You had me summon Han and Roshi back in advance because of this?"
Ōnoki raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly, and in the Land of Earth, there is no safer place than here."
Isshiki continued, "Lord Tsuchikage, I would never joke with the lives of your subordinates."
"Hmm."
Ōnoki fell into silence.
At that moment, the ground shook violently, and dozens of enormous earthen giants began rising from the ground in Iwagakure.
Ōnoki and Isshiki exchanged a glance, sensing the intense tremors. They swiftly exited the room and made their way to the village square.
Twenty massive earthen giants slowly emerged from the ground, each emitting powerful chakra waves.
The advancing clones were suddenly blocked.
The Dust Release clones were incredibly powerful, but they consumed too many resources and were difficult to control. Therefore, most of the clones were either other Kekkei Genkai users or ordinary people.
Although the clone army was large in number, they were momentarily unable to break through the golem puppets, instead suffering heavy losses and becoming disorganized.
Ōnoki, satisfied with the scene, turned to Isshiki and said, "Thanks to your technology, the intelligent core technique developed from the Land of Wind's puppet art has been invaluable."
The so-called golem puppets were a multi-user collaborative ninjutsu, requiring four jōnin to perform. Using the intelligent core as the center, they combined their powers to create earthen giants capable of temporarily opposing tailed beasts.
The jōnin could remotely control these earthen giants, combining combat effectiveness with safety.
This technique, distinct from traditional puppet arts, was another crucial technology. However, as there had been no wars necessitating its use, it had remained hidden until now, marking its debut in the ninja world.
"Indeed."
Isshiki nodded in acknowledgment of Ōnoki's gratitude but inwardly dismissed its importance.
Such a technique was trivial. Among the Ōtsutsuki clan, some could use dual chakra natures to create lava giants that could rival the Nine-Tails. Compared to that, the technique before him was child's play.
"Perhaps we can adjust the direction of the golem technique, using other chakra sources instead of relying on ninja," Isshiki suggested, seeing the golems suppressing the clone army while the Akatsuki had yet to appear. He wasn't in a hurry and shared his thoughts on potential improvements.
This was part of his agreement with Ōnoki for compensation. Isshiki was a man of his word and wouldn't skimp on such minor matters.
Ōnoki pondered, "Like Moryo's Terracotta Soldiers?"
"Exactly."
Isshiki continued, "Additionally, we could consider implanting intelligent cores in the clones, enabling them to learn and adapt to battlefield environments autonomously while allowing for better control. They could evolve during combat, becoming more formidable units…"
The two conversed calmly on the chaotic battlefield, seemingly detached from the surrounding uproar. Their serene demeanor caught the attention of both the ninjas and the clones.
Seeing Ōnoki step out of the Tsuchikage Building, with only Isshiki—a perceived weakling not even at jōnin level—by his side, the clones grew excited, each eager to rush up and kill him.
"The Tsuchikage is right there! Kill him!"
"Charge! Don't let him escape!"
However, seeing both Ōnoki and the earthen giants, the ninjas found their backbone, their morale soaring, as they unleashed their signature techniques.
Earth Release, Wind Release, Lightning Release—all sorts of ninjutsu interwove into a dazzling fireworks display on the battlefield. Kunai and shuriken danced through the air.
The golem puppets swung their massive fists, each attack sending multiple enemies flying with incredible force.
Roshi and Han donned their tailed beast cloaks and began bombarding the battlefield with tailed beast bombs.
Amidst the ninjas' battle cries, the enemies' screams, and countless explosions, the entire battlefield seemed to transform into a hellish landscape.
The sky darkened with smoke, the air thick with the stench of gunpowder and dust. The distant mountains, illuminated by the flames of war, appeared menacing, trembling as if in response to the brutal combat.
"Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"
NO.18 and two of his companions shouted, pushing their hands forward as a dazzling white light shot out, instantly engulfing an earthen giant. The giant had no time to react before being disintegrated into countless specks of dust, vanishing into the air.
After completing this, NO.18's face twisted in rage as he saw his fellow clones dwindling.
"Damn it, this is insane!"
He had seen this earthen giant technique before, but it had always been used by Kitsuchi!
He never knew Iwagakure possessed these golem puppets. If they had such strength and technology, why did they even need the clones?
Damn Ōnoki, damn Iwagakure!
"18, where's the reinforcements?" NO.2 was equally shaken by Iwagakure's display of strength.
Ever since clones became prevalent, they had taken over many tasks, leaving little opportunity to witness Iwagakure's overall might.
Forget the earthen golems; even some jōnin's performances were beyond his expectations. If their so-called reinforcements didn't arrive soon, they would have to retreat, regroup, and plan anew.
NO.18's expression shifted, and he muttered under his breath, "They'll be here soon."
…
High above Iwagakure on a cliff overlooking the entire village, Uchiha Madara and his comrades watched the fiery chaos below with calm indifference.
The real White Zetsu used its clone to sense Iwagakure's barrier and shook its head helplessly.
"It seems these so-called allies are unreliable. Despite all this fighting, Iwagakure's barrier is still intact… But at least they've drawn out the Jinchūriki. Shall we infiltrate directly?"
Nagato, Konan, and the others turned their gazes to Uchiha Madara.
They had always been curious about the power of this legendary Shinobi, especially Nagato. Today, they would witness it firsthand.
Uchiha Madara looked towards Ōnoki's direction, a cold smile curling at his lips. His Sharingan, to the astonishment of Nagato and the others, transformed into the Rinnegan.
"Having been absent from the ninja world for so long, let's start with a greeting gift!"
With Madara's low growl, his chakra rapidly formed a colossal blue giant—Susanoo. Its four arms stretched like pillars to the sky, each hand quickly weaving signs, exuding an oppressive aura.
"Chibaku Tensei: Heavenly Obstacle Star!"
(End of Chapter)
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