As the four fiery tails formed behind Rōshi, a suffocating heat radiated outward, distorting the air with visible ripples. Within a ten-meter radius, the intense temperature made the very ground unbearable, as rocks began to crack and melt under the oppressive heat. The atmosphere was stifling, and the coalition forces nearby felt the sheer power emanating from Rōshi's transformed state.
Swish!
Rōshi's molten gaze locked onto Uchiha Yoruki, who stood poised a short distance away. The fiery chakra tails writhed behind him, alive with destructive energy. Without hesitation, two of the tails lashed out, whipping through the air like molten tendrils, aimed directly at Yoruki.
But Yoruki remained composed, his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning with eerie precision. The flame-like patterns reflected the unflinching calm of a shinobi who had faced countless deadly encounters. With a subtle motion, he sidestepped the attack as though predicting its trajectory. His body blurred into a streak of black light, effortlessly evading the molten tails that left molten craters in their wake.
Hanzo, standing nearby, seized the opening and lunged with his sword, aiming for Yoruki's exposed side. But Yoruki's heightened senses caught the movement, and he twisted out of range. His figure flickered again, vanishing entirely from Hanzo's strike zone.
"Boom!"
Rōshi's fiery tails struck the ground, pulverizing it with tremendous force. Molten rock splattered across the battlefield, and the ground where Yoruki had stood was reduced to a pool of glowing magma. The fiery destruction spread outward, creating an intimidating barrier of superheated ground.
Above the chaos, Yoruki's Rekka no Ken materialized in the air, its crimson blade glowing with a deadly aura. The weapon hovered for a moment before darting toward Rōshi with blinding speed, aiming for his head.
Rōshi reacted instantly, his remaining two fiery tails surging upward. Lava chakra gathered at their tips, forming claw-like extensions that intercepted the sword.
"Zheng!"
The sword clashed against the magma claws, slicing through them with a sharp metallic screech. The claws disintegrated, unable to withstand the blade's cutting force. Rōshi's eyes widened in alarm as he leapt backward, narrowly evading the blade as it sliced through the air mere centimeters from his face.
Elsewhere on the battlefield, Kitsuchi and Rasa coordinated their attacks.
"Earth Style: Earth Spear!"
Massive stone lances erupted from the ground, streaking toward Minato and Jiraiya with deadly precision.
"Gold Dust Wave!"
Rasa's voice rang out as shimmering waves of gold dust surged forward, merging with Kitsuchi's assault into an overwhelming offensive that threatened to consume everything in its path.
The combined attack roared toward its targets, but Minato remained unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, he grabbed Jiraiya's arm.
Swish!
In an instant, the two disappeared, reappearing unharmed beside Yoruki.
Yoruki glanced at Minato, his Mangekyō Sharingan analyzing the blonde shinobi's movements. Despite the Sharingan's enhanced perception, Minato's use of the Flying Thunder God Technique was nearly imperceptible. Each teleportation was flawless, leaving no trace for even Yoruki's eyes to follow.
For a moment, Yoruki's thoughts turned inward. Even with the Mangekyō, his movements are impossible to predict entirely. This is the power of the Yellow Flash.
Jiraiya, standing nearby, surveyed the terrain. His eyes narrowed as he assessed the narrow valley below.
"This terrain gives the enemy a massive advantage," Jiraiya muttered, his tone laced with frustration. "Even if we break through, our forces will be bottlenecked in the valley. Thousands of shinobi entering such a confined space is nothing short of a death sentence."
Minato's expression remained calm, but his furrowed brow betrayed his concern. "Hanzo and the others planned their position well. They've left themselves three escape routes. Even if we defeat the guards and push them back, pursuing them into the valley would be nearly impossible."
Yoruki nodded, his expression darkening. "Then we have no choice. We need to focus all our efforts on the four leaders in front of us. If we can eliminate one of them, the coalition will lose its cohesion."
His words carried a weight that silenced the group. The four figures opposing them—Hanzo, Rasa, Kitsuchi, and Rōshi—were not just formidable shinobi. They were icons of their respective villages, their strength and leadership vital to the war effort.
"You little brat!" Hanzo's voice boomed, his expression hardening. The other leaders shared his sentiment. They knew the truth of Yoruki's words but refused to acknowledge the possibility of their own downfall.
The air grew tense as both sides prepared for the next clash.
Minato's hands moved in a blur, forming seals with practiced speed. At the same time, a shadow clone sitting cross-legged in a distant location vanished, transferring its accumulated chakra to him.
Orange pigmentation spread around Minato's eyes as Sage Mode activated. His azure blue eyes turned to sharp, brown vertical slits, radiating immense power. The shift in his presence was palpable, a sudden spike in energy that rippled across the battlefield.
Rōshi's molten gaze narrowed as the Four-Tails stirred within him.
"That chakra…" the beast growled, its voice filled with unease. "Be wary of him. That power is dangerous."
Rōshi ignored the warning, his focus unwavering. The fiery tails behind him burned brighter, their molten energy surging as he prepared to counter.
But before Minato could act, his Sage Mode-enhanced senses detected something new. A massive chakra signature appeared at the edge of his awareness, foreign yet unmistakably powerful.
"Who's there?" Minato murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing.
His question was answered moments later.
From the valley entrance, a group of figures emerged, their presence both ominous and commanding. Clad in wide black cloaks adorned with red cloud patterns, they strode forward with unhurried confidence, their movements as deliberate as they were foreboding.
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
=============================================