[Five Elements Great Combined Bullet], fused and controlled by Madara, was many times more powerful than when used by Nagato.
It represented a qualitative leap, like comparing a trickle to a roaring tsunami.
At this moment, the battered Wood Human could no longer keep its grip on the chains.
That purple chain, losing its tension, slid toward the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path like an agile snake.
Hashirama's eyes widened, filled with reluctance and fury.
Yet he could only watch helplessly as the Two-Tails drew closer and closer to the gaping, bloodthirsty mouth of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Bound by the chain, the Two-Tails struggled desperately. Its anguished roar echoed through heaven and earth.
Yet against this irresistible force, everything seemed utterly futile.
The hollow eye sockets of the Demonic Statue seemed to gleam with excitement, as if impatiently waiting to swallow the Two-Tails whole.
"I told you, you~ can't stop me."
Nagato wore a conceited smile—except for his face, everything about him mirrored Madara.
Just when he thought everything had been decided, something unexpected happened.
Crack!
A sharp, ringing sound, like breaking ice, cut through—the purple chain snapped in two.
In that instant, the Two-Tails, which had been hanging high midair, crashed heavily onto the ground, kicking up a cloud of smoke and dust that blotted out the sky.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Before his voice faded, a silver light pierced through the thick smoke like the first rays of dawn.
Sword in hand, he suddenly appeared atop Hashirama's wooden statue—which, though battered, still stood firm—as if he had never left.
Faint arcs of lightning danced along the blade. The same crimson cursed seals covered his face. Who else could it be besides Kawaki?
"Nice job."
Hashirama gave Kawaki a pleased slap on the shoulder. This grandson-in-law of his—who never missed a chance to show off—wasn't half bad.
"Kawaki Hatake… You finally showed up."
Looking at the Two-Tails fleeing wildly, Nagato made no move to stop it. He knew neither Kawaki nor Hashirama would let him succeed.
"You killed my disciple and even enslaved his soul."
"I will definitely~ kill you again."
Kawaki raised his sword, pointing directly at Nagato, unleashing pure killing intent without any concealment.
"Hahaha~"
"You? Think you can defeat me?"
"Do you think I'm still that dying old man?"
"What a joke!!!"
"Even together, you're no match for me!"
After laughing loudly, Nagato's expression suddenly turned vicious.
That overwhelming confidence made him seem like the ruler of heaven and earth itself.
"Grandpa, go help over there. Leave this one to me."
Kawaki swept his gaze over the battlefield. Byakuren had intercepted the Two-Tails while Tobirama and Mito seized the chance to recover.
However, the continuously fluttering paper scraps revealed they were taking damage by the second.
If not for their Reanimation bodies (impervious to death itself), they probably would've already fallen.
"All right. Be careful."
Hashirama gave a solemn nod. He carried absolutely no doubts about Kawaki's strength.
After Kawaki leapt toward the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Hashirama immediately charged toward Tobirama and Mito, guiding his fully recovered Wood Human.
With Hashirama's arrival, the tide of battle shifted in an instant.
With a single punch, the Wood Human sent all five flying. Tobirama and Mito quickly took their positions beside Hashirama.
The three First Kage retreated far into the distance, watching the familiar Wood Human before them with faint traces of lingering unease in their eyes.
It seemed all of them had each experienced the Wood Human's power in life—and paid a price for it.
"I know none of you want to fight either."
"But since you're no longer in control of yourselves, I have no choice but to seal each of you away one by one."
Hashirama spoke calmly, completely lacking the fury he had shown when confronting Madara.
As soon as he finished speaking, he began commanding the Wood Human to relentlessly attack the three.
With assistance from Mito and Tobirama, the three First Kage soon found themselves doing nothing but dodging and defending.
At this pace, it wouldn't take long before they were all sealed away.
...
Naruto: A Journey Beginning with Courting Tsunade – Please bookmark: (m.