Chapter 103: The Great Battle Begins
As the Konoha ninja, led by Tsunade, advanced towards the Suna camp, the Third Kazekage led his troops to intercept them. Without any warning, the battle erupted.
Bunpuku wasted no time, immediately transforming into Shukaku to confront Tsunade. She, too, didn't hold back, her body enveloped in a crimson-red Tailed Beast cloak as she activated her three-tiered buff.
"Today, I will tear you apart alive!" Shukaku roared, charging directly at Tsunade. Knowing long-range attacks were ineffective against her, he shifted to hand-to-hand combat—his weakness, and the reason he had suffered so many defeats lately.
"I see you haven't had enough of getting beaten up," Tsunade taunted, leaping high into the air. With a fierce cry, she brought her foot down to strike Shukaku's opening with overwhelming force.
Nearby, Sakumo was locked in a tense standoff with Pakura and the Shadow Guards. Both sides remained cautious, knowing the battle would hinge on who made the first critical mistake.
"Kawakaze Hatake, we meet again," came a voice from above. The Third Kazekage hovered in midair, his back-facing iron sand wings glinting ominously.
"You're healed," Kawakaze observed coldly, his sharp eyes fixed on the Kazekage. "That makes things more interesting."
"Try me, and you'll see." The Kazekage wasted no time, launching an attack. "Magnet Release: Giant Iron Needles!" High-density compressed iron sand formed into razor-sharp spears that shot toward Kawakaze with deadly speed.
Kawakaze didn't even draw his sword. With a flash of movement, he dodged effortlessly, the black spears sinking deep into the yellow sand, leaving no trace behind. Their immense power was undeniable.
"It's even better that you're healed. Now we can have a proper fight," Kawakaze said, closing the gap between them in an instant. Lightning crackled across his body, and the faint markings of the red seals glimmered at the edges of his skin.
Bang!