I, The New Hokage of Konoha - Chapter 270
“In a battle where the strength reached the level of Kage, unless high-ranking ninjas of significant power intervene, ordinary Chuunin and Genin joining in would only be like sacrificial pawns. Of course, if the Chuunin and Genin gathered in large numbers, forming a sea of people, it would be a different story. However, in the current battle at Tsu no Kuni, even the Sand ninjas with a numerical advantage couldn’t wait to send one of their own to the fiercely burning front lines. Trying to employ a strategy of overwhelming numbers against formidable opponents like Tsunade is simply impossible. That’s why, in the ongoing battle between Tsunade and Chiyo, no one would willingly join in.
Of course, if the high-ranking Sand ninjas, who had more numbers than the Konoha stationed troops, had different plans, they could still join the battle. But at this moment, they were preoccupied with another enemy in a location not far from Tsunade and Chiyo’s confrontation.
The initially confident group of high-ranking Sand ninjas found themselves in a rather unfavorable situation on the smoky battlefield. They had just engaged in an intense battle and hadn’t even caught their breath when they witnessed the instantaneous formation of a colossal, deep-red giant on the enemy’s side. Without any pause, a massive, crimson sword materialized in the hands of the giant, and with a swift swing, it cleaved through the earth like it was nothing, sending a menacing wave toward them.
“Retreat!”
As the leader of the Sand ninjas, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa’s face turned grim. He shouted and summoned a significant amount of sand gold to block the looming threat.
The next moment, the thunderous impact resounded. Rasa’s summoned sand gold formed a protective barrier, successfully deflecting the giant’s sword strikes. However, before he could catch his breath, a piercing, ear-shattering crack emerged from the hardened “sky cover.” In an instant, amidst the fast-flying sand gold, a massive rift tore through the “sky cover,” and the initial ten giant swords descended once more.
Rasa’s pupils contracted, and he swiftly maneuvered using the sand gold on the ground. Then, with a loud crash, a massive crevice appeared on the earth’s surface, followed by a cloud of dust and relentless ground tremors.
The nearby Sand ninjas had to halt due to the violent aftermath. In the meantime, while they seized this opportunity, Uchiha Itachi was engaging another opponent at a distance from the battle between Tsunade and Chiyo.
Originally filled with confidence, the high-ranking Sand ninjas were in a precarious situation. On the smoky battlefield, having just engaged in fierce combat, they couldn’t catch their breath, and suddenly, their enemies coalesced into a massive crimson giant.
Seeing this situation, Rasa’s face was filled with frustration. He realized this young Uchiha Itachi was not to be underestimated, even though he wasn’t as experienced or powerful as Uchiha Madara. Yet, when they faced each other in combat, Rasa realized that he might not be a match for Itachi alone, even though he was the Fourth Kazekage. The thought crossed his mind: “Why does Konoha always produce such prodigies? From the First Hokage to the Second Hokage, and later on, the Third Hokage and the Three Legendary Sannin. Then, there’s Hashirama, Tobirama, Madara, and most importantly, the founder of the Hidden Cloud Ninjas, Yuki Senju! These are already overwhelming talents. Why does Konoha keep producing such individuals?”
The Uchiha ninja before him seemed to be only fifteen or sixteen years old, judging by his appearance. It felt like a divine favoritism toward Konoha and a neglect of the Sand village. In an instant, Rasa even felt a sense of hopelessness.
However, he quickly rekindled his determination, knowing the mission he bore was crucial for the survival of the Sand village. Despite Konoha’s formidable strength, facing almost the entire Shinobi world along with Uchiha Madara, they had the power to resist. Even if the Sand village’s power was comparatively weaker, it had its own bright future. Therefore, they had to win this battle!
Rasa’s eyes were firm, and he wasted no time in giving orders: “Everyone, listen to me…”
Having experienced Itachi’s power and realizing his weaknesses, he quickly issued battle instructions. Although he couldn’t defeat Itachi alone, with the assistance of the numerous high-ranking Sand ninjas, they could overcome the threat even if it meant paying a significant price.
“Magnetic Release: Sand Gold Hands!” Dozens of enormous sand gold hands, incredibly huge, extended towards Itachi from Rasa’s initial attack. However, Itachi responded swiftly, with a series of sword strikes, cutting down all the approaching sand gold hands. However, when Rasa didn’t hesitate to consume a substantial amount of chakra, more sand gold hands surged forward relentlessly.
In no time, Itachi had to focus on the immediate threat before him. During this critical moment, over twenty high-ranking Sand ninjas gathered together and quickly formed hand seals. After a few breaths, with the final seal formed in perfect unison, they all shouted, “Wind Release: Tornado!” and “Collaborative Jutsu: Wind Release: Roaring Wind Dragon!” In an instant, dozens of powerful tornadoes, capable of dispersing clouds, formed in front of the Sand ninjas.
Subsequently, as these tornadoes combined and merged with one another, a colossal and fierce Wind Release dragon took shape. After a resounding dragon’s roar, it surged forward with overwhelming force towards Itachi.
“What is this…” Itachi’s eyes shifted, and before he could react, the enormous Wind Release dragon was advancing at an unimaginable speed. Upon contact, even with Itachi’s gigantic stature, he couldn’t help but stagger repeatedly, nearly falling to the ground.
Just at that moment, as Rasa’s “Sand Eye” observed the developments on the other side, he extended his hand and, as he had done against Uchiha Madara, a sand gold whip swiftly emerged from Itachi’s exposed gap, wrapping around his calf and pulling him out.
“This time, I won’t give you a chance! Magnetic Release: Sand Gold Burial!” Rasa clapped his hands.
At that moment, the jutsu that had been buried underground previously erupted from beneath Itachi. In an instant, the entire area, including Itachi, was engulfed by a vast expanse of sand gold.
Seeing this, Rasa, who was well aware of the strong resistance of sand gold against Fire Release, couldn’t believe his eyes as the black flames engulfed it. He had never heard of a Fire Release technique from Konoha capable of producing such black flames. He wondered if this was the Mangekyou Sharingan’s mysterious technique.
Quickly surmising this, Rasa furrowed his brows. Then, he saw that the black flames, which seemed never-ending, continuously spread towards the untouched sand gold in the surroundings.
As the black flames
Approaching his position, Rasa and his fellow Sand ninjas had no choice but to retreat. On the other side, within the black flames, Itachi, with no visible injuries, wiped the blood from the corner of his right eye. He then retrieved a syringe from his ninja pouch, injected it into his arm, and pushed the green liquid full of life energy into his body.
Within moments, he had restored his Mangekyou Sharingan’s power and eliminated the fatigue he had been feeling earlier.
With his extensive experience in combat, Itachi knew he couldn’t afford to face Rasa and his allies in a weakened state. Minutes later, as the black flames that had consumed all the sand gold dissipated, Rasa and his companions returned to their original positions.
However, Rasa’s expression was now even grimmer as he realized that Itachi’s power exceeded his expectations once again. It seemed unlikely that they would make significant progress in dealing with such an adversary in a short amount of time.
“If only I had brought Gaara with me,” Rasa lamented. He took a brief moment to glance at the other battlefields.
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