A few minutes ago.
"Wow, what a lucky start."
"Kakuzu-san, are you really as immortal as the rumors say?"
"Could it be that Popo the Village Head's heart isn't compatible with you?"
"Water Release! Umbrella Canopy Technique!"
Kazuyama Gekkō and his sea serpent army had already landed on the island. The once fairly large island instantly transformed into a sea serpent's lair. Kakuzu, who had been walking toward the shore, found his path blocked by a giant crab. This crab, with a black rod piercing its shell, was clearly Nagato's summoned beast. Immediately after, he saw the enormous sea serpent Nagato had mentioned.
At the same time, he spotted his target. Standing atop the crab was Kazuyama, releasing his ninjutsu. A massive blue parasol descended from the sky, bathing the surroundings in rippling blue waves. Without a moment's hesitation, Kakuzu unleashed his Wind-attribute clone, Earth Grudge Fear, from within his body. Wind Release: Pressure Damage activated instantly. A howling gale erupted, yet against the suppression of the blue waves, the wind proved utterly ineffective. Instead, it swept through the surrounding trees, clearing them away.
"Hmph. Kid, coming here was the biggest mistake you ever made."
"Takigakure's failure to kill you back then was my oversight."
Kakuzu had now fully released his restraints. With himself and the four Earth Grudge Fear Shadows, he exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure. Unfortunately for him, Kazuyama was no ordinary man. He felt no pressure whatsoever, still grinning cheerfully.
"Are you sure you can kill me?"
Kazuyama smiled faintly, then simply beckoned with one hand. The surrounding sea serpents surged toward Kakuzu en masse.
"Hmph. You think a sea of snakes can overwhelm me?"
"You're underestimating me."
"Fire Release: Searing Migraine!"
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"
Each of Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear possessed a distinct element, unleashing its peak destructive power. The fusion of Wind Release and Fire Release transformed the flames into a raging inferno. Even with the Blue Umbrella scattering water elements across the battlefield, the sea of fire consumed most of the original blue aura.
"Pfft, old man, you've still got some energy left."
"You sure know how to play with Takigakure's secret techniques."
"Too bad I'm not scared!"
"Water Release: Water Dragon Rampage!"
Several water dragons coalesced instantly, dousing all the flames. Under the protection of the Water Umbrella, their power surged dramatically. Clashes of ninjutsu were always predictable—it came down to who had more chakra and whose technique was stronger. On one side stood Chiyo, whose chakra reserves were terrifyingly vast. On the other, Kazuyama, standing nearly at the pinnacle of the Ninja World.
To ordinary people, Kakuzu was already beyond the norm. But if placed among a group of extraordinary individuals, he could only be considered the weakest link.
"The commotion is already substantial."
"The others must have sensed my arrival by now."
"In that case, let's make this gathering even more lively."
"Summoning Technique!"
"Tagitsuhime, prepare yourself!"
Four massive plumes of white smoke appeared. Kazuyama then activated his Transparent Escape Technique, signaling Tagitsuhime to prepare for Sage Mode.
"Whoa, Kazuyama, it's been ages since you called us out to play."
"Exactly! Huh? A battlefield?"
"I love it!"
Long unseen, Kinrin's form had grown even more colossal, radiating natural energy that commanded attention the moment she appeared. Beside her, the other three sisters also seemed more formidable than before.
"Cause a ruckus. Force everyone out."
Kazuyama's voice was icy cold—a side effect of activating Sage Mode. The more natural energy absorbed, the deeper the chill became. Once Sage Mode was fully engaged, Kazuyama would transform into another form.
"Got it!"
"Whatever! Just a bunch of black things? Bring it on!"
Kinrin charged ahead, heading straight for Kakuzu and Earth Grudge Fear. Its massive body surged forward with tremendous momentum. Yulín strained in place, her entire serpentine body leaping into the air. Seirin suddenly opened her mouth, spewing a blast of blue energy. Wherever the energy spread, all vegetation withered instantly. As for Korin, she remained stationary, though her tail emitted high-frequency vibrations, sending shockwaves outward.
"Hmph! Just some snake-wielding brat!"
"Combined Ninjutsu!"
"Water Release! Water Curtain! Lightning Release! False Darkness!"
A torrent of water erupted from beside Earth Grudge Fear, forming a cascading waterfall, instantly enveloped by a blanket of thunder and lightning. The fusion of water and lightning greatly amplified the power of both techniques. But Kinrin paid no heed.
"Smash you to pieces!"
Natural energy surged over her entire body, her scales pulsing with life as she charged forward at unabated speed.
"BOOM!"
The golden giant snake collided with the currents and waterfall, erupting in a thunderous crash. The next instant, the water curtain shattered, the lightning dissipated, yet Kinrin showed not a single scratch.
"Hmph! Earth Grudge Fear Mode!"
Seeing ordinary techniques ineffective against the serpent, Kakuzu instantly switched tactics. Silk threads began unfurling from his entire body. In moments, he transformed once more into the sewing monster described by Kazuyama.
"Ew, disgusting!"
"What the hell is that thing?"
The other Earth Grudge Fear clones also merged into Kakuzu's body. Kinrin watched the person before her turn into a monstrosity, her face contorting with disgust. But this didn't slow her advance. Regardless of the enemy's form, Jinlin's intent was clear: plow through and crush it.
Simultaneously, Yulín launched her attack from the air. A portion of her scales suddenly glowed with an eerie light, then detached from her body, transforming into a barrage of missiles hurtling toward the ground.
"Ugh, sis, don't steal my prey!"
"I'm helping you, got it?"
Kinrin and Yulín's attacks reached Kakuzu almost simultaneously.
"Don't underestimate me!"
"Die!"
A swarm of black tentacles lashed out, intercepting Yulín's scales while reaching for Kinrin, attempting to halt her with the power of Earth Grudge Fear. But the massive size difference meant even his Kinjutsu couldn't match Kinrin's strength. The impact sent him flying, tentacles and all.
"Damn! That much power?"
Just as Kakuzu's expression darkened, iron sand erupted from the mountains behind him.
"Mummy, looks like you're in a tight spot."
"Next time, give me more funds, and I'll help you!"
That voice, combined with the swirling Iron Sand, left no doubt in Kakuzu's mind about who had arrived. The genius of Puppet Technique—Kabuto!
"Damn bastard! I don't need your help, so don't even think about taking my money!"