章 110: Chapter 110

Ōnoki, Ay, and the Third Kazekage quickly vanished from sight as they pursued Mochizuki Hui, leaving the battlefield behind to settle their own score.

"It's time. Today, we will end Uzushiogakure," declared the leader of Takigakure, now the highest-ranking figure left among the allied forces.

Although Takigakure wasn't on par with the Five Great Nations, it still held considerable power over the smaller villages.

"Advance!" Chiyo commanded. As an elite Jōnin and a high-ranking member of Sunagakure, she held significant authority among the shinobi.

"Don't underestimate us!"

"You think Uzushiogakure is yours to conquer?"

"Bring it on!"

"It's a Fight to the death!"

The Uzumaki clan ninjas were seething with rage, growling and glaring at the shinobi of the invading villages.

"Lord Hui has drawn the strongest enemies away! Now, Uzumaki warriors, charge!" roared Uzumaki Suihei as he charged forward.

"Hmph, Fools! Attack!!"

With those orders, the battle erupted. Although the Uzumaki clan had a numerical advantage, the invading shinobi held the upper hand in skill and power, boasting eight elite Jōnin and over twenty Jōnin among their ranks.

But the Uzumaki clan wasn't entirely outmatched.

They had Konoha's ANBU on their side, brought by Mochizuki Hui.

Although few in number, these ANBU were elite fighters adept in coordination. Each team of one Jōnin and three elite Chūnin could effectively hold off an enemy elite Jōnin.

Furthermore, White Fang Hatake Sakumo, an elite Jōnin, was among their ranks, supported by six other Jōnin. Together, they brought considerable power to the battlefield.

With Konoha's ANBU joining the fray, the Uzumaki clan stood a fighting chance. Though still at a disadvantage, they wouldn't be defeated easily.

"Your resistance is pointless. Once the three Kage-level shinobi return from killing the Konoha's Ghost, you're all finished!" sneered the Takigakure leader, attempting to demoralize the Uzumaki side.

Indeed, his words struck fear into their hearts. If those three returned, no resistance could prevent their downfall.

"So what?" came a defiant shout from one of the Uzumaki leaders. "This is the Land of Whirlpools! This is our home, where our families live! We won't let anyone destroy this place. If you want to take over Uzushiogakure, you'll have to walk over our dead bodies!"

The Uzumaki ninjas' spirits surged as they remembered what they were fighting for.

"That's right! For our families!"

"If you want to destroy the Uzumaki clan, come test my blade!"

"Let's take them down!"

Driven by these fierce declarations, the Uzumaki clan charged with renewed vigor, their battle cries piercing the air.

"Then let's pave our way to Uzushiogakure with your corpses!"

"Your resistance is futile. You're all destined to die!"

The invading shinobi, equally inflamed by battle cries, roared in response, charging to meet the Uzumaki clan.

"I didn't expect to see you here, White Fang of Konoha," Chiyo remarked as she manipulated her puppets to attack Hatake Sakumo, recognizing the short white blade in his hand. This was the up-and-coming Konoha prodigy known as White Fang.

"Chiyo of the Sand, Known as Sunagakure's most gifted puppeteer since its founding," Sakumo replied cautiously,

Keeping a sharp eye on her puppets, knowing they were coated with poison. Konoha had already lost an ANBU to a poison that defied all known antidotes—a lesson he wouldn't forget.

"A true prodigy of Konoha," Chiyo mused. "What a pity that today you will meet your end."

Konoha's prodigies seemed endless; there was that Ghost earlier, and now the White Fang was before her.

"Don't be so sure. You've all underestimated the Deputy commander. He has a surprise planned," Sakumo replied, a confident edge to his voice.

He knew of Hui's preparations and was well aware of his plan.

Chiyo hesitated for a moment, her confidence shaken by Sakumo's words. But she dismissed it as a mere bluff meant to throw her off balance.

"Is that so? I'll look forward to it then!" she scoffed, retaking control of her composure. "I doubt that surprise will come before he falls to those three. After all, a Kage-level ninja facing three opponents? How long could he possibly last? He'll be dead long before any surprises arise."

Though Chiyo felt a moment of uncertainty, her veteran instincts kicked in. She wouldn't be easily swayed and returned his taunt with one of her own.

"Oh, we'll see soon enough. His surprise is almost here," Sakumo said, the smirk on his face concealed beneath his mask.

"Hmph! You're deluded! Whatever this surprise is, unless it's Tobirama Senju himself, nothing can change your fate!" Chiyo snarled, her puppets striking even faster.

To this, Sakumo replied with a hint of mischief, "Who says it isn't? The Second Hokage is already on his way."

Chiyo's eyes widened in shock, her movements slowing.

That slight hesitation was all Sakumo needed. His white blade flashed with a sudden burst of light as he sliced through the puppet in his path.

This was his White Fang Slash, a technique inspired by Mochizuki Hui's Silver Moon and Mountain-Splitting techniques.

Sakumo immediately closed the distance, advancing on Chiyo.

Puppet masters excelled in controlling their puppets from afar, but up close, their taijutsu skills were often lacking. For a puppet master, close combat could be deadly.

Seeing Sakumo approaching, Chiyo's eyes narrowed in alarm. She leapt backward, desperate to increase the distance between them.

But she couldn't match Sakumo's speed.

As he drew close enough to strike, a sudden wall of earth rose between them.

It was an Earth release technique, cast by a Jōnin from the allied forces. Although he was occupied with his own fight against an elite Chūnin, he managed to spare a moment to support his comrade.

"If the Second Hokage actually came here, then be prepared for the Second Great Shinobi War!"

Chiyo snapped as she widened the gap, sending her puppets back toward Sakumo.

Both were elite Jōnin, each a hair's breadth from reaching Kage-level. Chiyo would never allow Sakumo to break through and target their weaker allies.

"The Second Hokage cannot come here," came a sudden voice from deeper within Uzushiogakure, "but I can."

A group of figures was swiftly approaching the battlefield.

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