Chapter 9: Chapter 8
The cold wind howled.
The aftermath of the clash between the five Kage-level figures had left the once picturesque nameless plain beneath their feet looking like it had been struck by a meteor shower.
As far as the eye could see, the ground was full of craters.
Standing on the numerous layers of disturbed earth, Gensou paid no attention to the commotion beyond the battlefield.
Moving swiftly like a rabbit, he continued his assault after defeating one Kage and crippling another, aiming to expand his victory.
Boom! A powerful Water Release jutsu erupted from Gensou's left palm.
Absorbed by Dark Release, the Water Release jutsu from the late First Mizukage Byakuren was re-released, rushing towards the unsettled Reto, Ishikawa, and Ai.
The three remaining Kage, no longer as aggressive as before, quickly dodged with serious expressions.
Although they were fast, Gensou was faster.
Bang! Bang! Two shadow clones were summoned on either side of Gensou.
The three "individuals" moved instantly, turning into three black lines rushing towards the three Kage.
In just a few blinks, Reto looked ahead and saw Gensou's true body appear like a phantom in front of him.
Meanwhile, Ishikawa and Ai were held up by Gensou's two shadow clones.
Bang, bang, bang, bang
The sound of fists hitting flesh echoed continuously.
Pick the easiest target first.
Although Ai had lost an arm, his inhuman physique made him difficult to take down quickly.
In comparison, Reto, with an injured arm, was easier to handle.
Knowing time was limited, Gensou unleashed his full power to take down the First Kazekage as quickly as possible.
Clang!
After several rapid exchanges, Reto seized a brief opportunity to strike Gensou with all his might, only to leave a mere white mark. His eyes dimmed, and he became even more hesitant.
However, it was too late for hesitation.
With Swift Release, Gensou moved faster than a gust of wind, seizing the moment and grabbing Reto's wrist. As Reto's face changed dramatically, Gensou advanced to finish him off.
Suddenly!
An urgent whooshing sound exploded by their ears.
"So fast!"
Gensou's eyes narrowed as he was about to grab Reto's neck, and he swiftly retreated, abandoning the easy kill.
In the next second.
Gensou stood up and looked ahead, where a new figure had appeared in front of Reto, occupying the spot where he had stood.
Long black hair, red Warring States armor, Konoha forehead protector.
It was none other than the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, who had removed his Hokage robe and hat to fight with full strength.
Senju Hashirama!
"Hokage..."
Retsu, having narrowly escaped death, didn't have time to celebrate. He looked at the figure before him, whom he had always feared, and opened his mouth, but said nothing.
What a disgrace!
As a Kage, not only had they been beaten despite joining forces, but he also had to be saved by the very person he considered his greatest rival.
Reto's feelings were incredibly complicated.
Hashirama didn't concern himself with Reto's inner turmoil.
Seeing Reto start to speak, he didn't pay attention and waved his hand: "Don't worry, leave the rest to me."
Reto, hearing this, wanted to say something, but in the end, it turned into a sigh.
Swish! Swish!
With Hashirama stepping in, Gensou dispersed his shadow clones, and Ishikawa and Ai, no longer hindered, joined the others.
The four regrouped.
Unlike their previous confident and commanding demeanor, Reto, Ai, and Ishikawa no longer looked spirited.
On the other hand, Hashirama, who had started out lackluster, was now brimming with energy.
Reto, Ai, and Ishikawa exchanged bitter smiles.
"You've worked hard, and you must be tired. Go rest now. Leave Gensou to me," Hashirama said first.
After a moment of silence, the three nodded in agreement.
Although Hashirama didn't say it explicitly, they knew they could no longer contribute much, and he didn't need their help.
They had hoped they wouldn't need Hashirama, but in the end, he had to finish it.
What a mess...
Accepting the offer, Reto, Ishikawa, and Ai left the battlefield, leaving everything to Hashirama.
No matter what, ending Gensou was their common goal, and there was no turning back.
Of course, on the darker side, if something went wrong, like Hashirama and Gensou injuring each other or even both perishing, leaving the cleanup to them would be ideal.
Gensou was a threat, but wasn't the talent-rich Konoha also a concern?
Gensou didn't know that his defeated opponents still had such hopes.
Others might not, but he knew all too well about Hashirama's game-breaking strength.
Asura reincarnation, Wood Release, Senjutsu.
His cheat was far superior to his own garbage system.
Especially since he wasn't as unscathed as he appeared.
Although the Four Kage had been defeated, the series of intense battles had taken their toll.
For instance, the most important factor: chakra.
Despite being from the Hagoromo clan and having outstanding ninja aptitude, his chakra reserves, though superior to many, were not as vast as those of Naruto, who could produce hundreds of shadow clones and simultaneously wield Wind Release: Rasenshuriken.
Chakra reserves comparable to a tailed beast were still just comparable, lacking the tailed beast's endless regeneration.
After the fierce battle, Gensou still had considerable chakra, but he wasn't at his peak.
Facing Hashirama at his peak put him at a disadvantage from the start.
Asking him to wait for a while for recovery? Hashirama, despite his gentle nature, wouldn't agree to such a request.
Ninjas weren't samurai.
As tools, killing the enemy by the most effective means was their norm.
One major goal of the Five Kage Summit was to deal with Gensou.
Although reluctant, Hashirama, as a ninja, would go all out to complete the task.
The first time Gensou called a halt, Hashirama had already given him face by not intervening in the subsequent battle.
Gensou didn't think he had the face to ask a second time.
So...
Let's make the final dance a grand one!
Gensou dusted off his clothes, looking calmly at Hashirama, the only one left to face him, and smiled faintly:
"The Five Kage are now complete."
(End of Chapter)
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