Haseo's [*Lightning Release: Kurigara*] was, at its core, an "energy shockwave." The term "Grand Heavenly Phenomenon" merely indicated that this shockwave was unusually large in scale.
In contrast, the Third Tsuchikage's [*Dust Release: Split Detachment of the Primitive World Technique*] was essentially a form of "annihilation."
The levels of these attacks were on entirely different tiers.
So this so-called "clash of techniques" only appeared like one. In reality, it was Haseo's side alone that could be called a "wave," while the beam of white light from the Split Detachment of the Primitive World was simply marking the area destined for "annihilation."
Did they really think they could shout "Ha-Me-Ha-Me-Ha" here? (like a certain dragon ball attack)
The portion of the [*Kurika - Grand Heavenly Phenomenon*] touched by the Split Detachment instantly vanished into thin air. However, the airborne Third Tsuchikage still had to dodge because the scale of this "Grand Heavenly Phenomenon" was just massive. His hastily deployed Dust Release merely hollowed out the center of the lightning pillar, leaving a deadly ring-shaped shockwave around the edge.
If even the Tsuchikage needed to evade against the Lightning Release, then naturally, Haseo facing the even deadlier Dust Release had no choice but to sidestep as well. He shifted his position and sent a bolt of lightning toward the left, while the beam from the [*Dust Release: Split Detachment of the Primitive World Technique*] struck precisely on his right side, instantly erasing an entire circular expanse of water.
Thus, they exchanged blows — and surprisingly, it ended up as a draw.
Yet there was no denying the fact — the Third Tsuchikage was clearly superior. Compared to him, Haseo had basically thrown a flurry of wild punches... and the old man was way more than slightly stronger.
While moving, Haseo never stopped forming hand seals with both hands. Then he activated the Summoning Jutsu, calling forth a small Katsuyu.
At this moment, this Katsuyu didn't produce chakra — it was simply a transporter of natural energy.
As far as Haseo was concerned, since all this chakra came from "someone else" anyway and never seemed to run out, wasting it didn't feel like a problem at all… As for any objections the Nine-Tails might have, those were not within his considerations.
Still, Haseo's previous attacks weren't entirely meaningless. At the very least, they shocked everyone present from Iwagakure — including the Third Tsuchikage. This guy was truly monstrous. Even after unleashing such a massive technique, he still seemed to have endless chakra.
Just as the airborne Third Tsuchikage was filled with uncertainty and caution, the Third Kazekage finally arrived on the battlefield. Without immediately launching an attack on either the Tsuchikage or Haseo, he unleashed a widespread piercing assault directly at the watery terrain.
Countless iron needles formed from his [*Iron Sand Drizzle*] pierced into the waters created by Haseo, killing countless scattered Rock ninja who had just been knocked down and were trying to rise again.
Haseo's version of "going easy" was still brutal, but compared to him, the Third Kazekage's assault was truly merciless.
Clear water turned red with blooming blood spots. As raindrops fell from the sky, the crimson waters rippled like the fading pulse of life itself.
After clearing away the enemy forces with a single strike, the Third Kazekage immediately charged at Haseo again, seemingly determined to target the easiest opponent first.
Although the Third Tsuchikage wasn't particularly fast, he was remarkably agile—partly because of his diminutive frame, and partly thanks to his mastery over movement along the Z-axis. The advantage flight granted him was something other ninja couldn't match.
Moreover, his offensive might was overwhelming—even surpassing the devastating impact of Haseo's attacks, which had already been excessive.
While the Kazekage was focusing on dealing with Haseo, Onoki became increasingly alert and opportunistic as he observed the chaos unfolding among his fellow ninja. Previously, Haseo's attacks mainly caused terrain destruction, whereas the Kazekage was actually drawing blood and killing.
So without hesitation, the Third Tsuchikage launched another Dust Release at the Third Kazekage. This time, Kazekage used iron sand again for defense—but here's the problem: that so-called "Absolute Defense," which had held strong against Haseo, proved completely ineffective against the Dust Release.
The iron sand barrier collapsed instantly under the onslaught of the [Dust Release].
Why? Why did Haseo's [Lightning Release] feel like nothing, while the [Dust Release] was this destructive?
Well, there was no point in complaining at a time like this—the attack tier of the Dust Release was simply on an entirely different level.
Even the composed Third Kazekage now had no choice but to dodge physically, unless he wanted to experience being vaporized firsthand.
Suddenly, the battle situation seemed to form a circular loop—Haseo couldn't handle the Third Kazekage, the Third Kazekage couldn't handle the Third Tsuchikage, and the Third Tsuchikage appeared helpless against Haseo.
The three combatants attacked one after another in a lively spectacle, yet due to mutual restraint and inability to focus on taking down any single opponent, the fight dragged on without achieving any real progress.
The Third Kazekage held an advantage over Haseo and remained fixated on defeating him. At this moment, the old brain inside the Third Tsuchikage suddenly sparked with inspiration—right, they should eliminate this Konoha ninja first, then leaving just the Kazekage would make him an easy target.
Thus came the shocking moment that made Haseo exclaim, "What the hell?" Onoki had figured it out, and starting from this very moment, Haseo's battle suddenly became one versus two.
Oh come on! I was clearly here first… Or wait, weren't we supposed to team up against Iwagakure? Why are you both turning on me now? If I fall, how will you Kazekage manage afterwards?
Haseo felt somewhat stunned.
As time passed, the surrounding situation also began deteriorating. Ordinary ninja indeed had difficulty intervening in a battle between three powerful opponents. The Tsuchikage had also forbidden them from acting to avoid further collateral damage—but this didn't mean all those Iwa ninja could only watch helplessly.
Haseo noticed many Iwagakure ninja around beginning to grow active. Though he'd never actually fought one himself, he'd at least seen such techniques before—he recognized what was happening immediately.
It was a barrier formation in progress. Theoretically speaking, it should be a powerful space-sealing type barrier.
He couldn't afford to hesitate anymore—now was the time to make a bold decision.
"Katsuyu, let's give it a try," Haseo whispered softly to Katsuyu.
"Yes, Lord Haseo, but given your current condition, failure is highly likely… and if we fail, we'll have no choice but to run away," replied Katsuyu.
"I understand."
As he spoke, Haseo shot backward in a blur, pulling away from the fight with explosive speed. Then he pressed both palms together.
He took a deep breath—no, according to past training, this should be described as taking a big "suck" of breath.
A familiar sensation surfaced across Haseo's body.
In the distance, the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release Colossal Iron Pillar crashed down toward Haseo again.
Haseo stared intently at the incoming attack, yet this time, he made no move to react—and was sent flying by the direct hit.
Rolling rapidly and continuously across the water surface, Haseo nearly got flung to the battlefield's edge before finally stopping.
Failure...
The violent collision forced Haseo to spit out a large mouthful of blood. At that moment, he felt like his internal organs had been displaced by the shock. This time, he was truly injured—seriously so.
Finally, someone had reached their limit. Seeing his attack land successfully, the Third Kazekage's eyes widened suddenly, then without hesitation, he dashed straight toward Haseo, moving faster than he had since the start of the fight.
"One more try."
Haseo's voice remained calm. Struggling, he stood back up, letting blood soak his front garment. Although he'd failed just now, he decided to give it another go—some attempts simply needed to be made under these circumstances.
Only under such dire conditions, pushing himself as hard as possible toward his limits, could there be even the slightest chance of success.
The steps were as follows:
Take one strong suck of "air," then hold it.
Mix it inside his body in a certain ratio.
Except for the Nine-Tails' chakra, release the chakra seals on his body, but don't use those chakra—instead, regenerate new ones.
This time felt better. Guess nothing exciting ever happens unless you're one breath away from kicking the bucket, huh?
Then Haseo began forming hand seals—only this time, his usual speed was gone. Each motion dragged like weights hung off every finger.
But eventually, he completed the seal.
[Lightning Release: Senkan Zetsu Shin Ki Go Rai]
It was still the same technique—but this time, there should be an additional prefix before it...
[Sage Art]
The enormous iron pillar came crashing down once more, but this time, Haseo simply raised one hand and placed it forward.
Instantly, lightning surged around his body, expanding outward into a brilliant aura tens of meters high.
Moments later, the giant iron pillar shimmered white before crumbling instantly into dust, scattering outward like floating ash.
They drifted around Haseo momentarily, then scattered into the air as he casually swept his hand through them.
Now, of the three standing here, two could effortlessly deal with iron sand. So... was the "Absolute Defense" really all that absolute anymore?
Haseo was getting used to his transformed body. Right at that moment, the sensation within him felt vibrant and full of energy, as if the long-term fatigue caused by chronic chakra corrosion had completely vanished.
Of course, this wasn't the time for self-analysis. His gaze locked firmly onto the approaching Third Kazekage, whose face showed slight surprise.
Same old saying still holds true...
Target the easiest opponent first.
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