Battle, Chapter of Earth

"What a lively young man! Jiraiya, what do you say, should we two old guys have a contest?"

Sakumo smiled and looked at Jiraiya was traveling with him.

"Haha! I couldn't possibly refuse Sakumo- senpai's invitation!" Jiraiya replied with a smile.

The two did not rush to the front; instead, they lagged behind at the very back of the group.

However, neither of them were ordinary experts; Shisui and Itachi were talking loudly, and they could hear them clearly.

"Sigh! This is probably my last battle!"

Sakumo sighed and took a glass medicine bottle out of his Ninja Tool Bag.

He is fifty-six years old this year, gradually entering old age. He has fought all his life, especially when he was young. At that time, the Third Hokage was going to take charge of the village, and the Sannin had not yet grown up. The Shinobi World was in turmoil and fighting was constant. He was the sharpest blade of Konoha, killing people everywhere and creating the fearsome name of White Fang.

Back then, there were constant battles, and sometimes Ration Pills for weeks on end, which severely damaged their bodies. It's only thanks to the good care they've taken over the years that they're no longer bedridden. But their fighting strength is only five or six times what it used to be, and they can no longer dominate the battlefield like before.

That's how it should be, but--

He did, however, take on a good apprentice.

Katsuki's research on the human body has long surpassed the original level of the Shinobi World, creating an unprecedented height. He collaborated with Orochimaru and Tsunade to develop many miraculous drugs.

For example, the secret medicine that Sakumo currently possesses.

Inspired by the Spinach Pills, Curry Pills, and Chili Pills of the Akimichi Clan, Katsuki developed Eel Energy Pills specifically for middle-aged and elderly people like Sakumo.

"That Katsuki Mizuki... why did he have to come up with such a name? Eel Energy Pills, is that name mocking an old guy like me?" Sakumo poured out a red pill the size of a longan from the bottle. It was brightly colored and had a very pleasant smell.

"Thud--!"

"Hmm, coating it with sugar was definitely the right choice. It's much better than the previous trial version." Sakumo smacked his lips, savoring the taste of the Eel Energy Pills, and gave his evaluation.

A surge of heat rapidly spread from his lower abdomen, and the strength he had lost over time gradually returned. His withered hands clenched tightly, gleaming with a steely black light, and a look of utter satisfaction appeared on Sakumo's face.

Although the name of this Eel Energy Pills isn't very appealing, its effects are truly remarkable.

By combining hundreds of highly nourishing medicinal ingredients and conducting thousands of experiments, Katsuki finally determined the optimal ratio to strengthen the blood and qi and replenish the energy. Although one Eel Energy Pills cannot truly restore Sakumo to his peak condition, it can at least give him eight or nine tenths of his fighting strength.

This data was obtained from several experiments.

Another advantage is that, unlike Military Ration Pill Eel Energy Pills do not exploit the body's potential but nourish it, thus avoiding any side effects.

Of course, there are still drawbacks, namely the high cost. Hundreds of kinds of highly nourishing medicinal herbs are used to make one Eel Energy Pills, which costs as much as a hundred Military Ration Pill. Over the years, the Uzumaki Clan has become rich by selling Eel Energy Pills and other secret medicines developed by Katsuki.

As Katsuki's teacher, the Eel Energy Pills in Sakumo's hands were a gift from Katsuki.

"Jiraiya, I'm going first. You'd better get ready for a drinking session with Koharu Biyori Hiyori."

Sakumo felt his strength gradually returning, he stomped his foot and sank into the ground, using Earth Release to sneak past.

"A drink?"

Jiraiya stroked his chin and laughed. Koharu Biyori's spending habits were indeed high, but it was nothing to him.

As the bestselling author in the Shinobi World, Jiraiya's "Icha Icha" series of novels sold like hotcakes. Jiraiya wealth was also extremely extravagant. At least personally, even those nobles and lords might not be as rich Jiraiya. After all, he was a one-man family and had no extra expenses other than indulging in his own pleasures.

"But... I still don't want to lose! Come out, Gamaken."

He bit his thumb, Hand Seals, and summoned a giant Toad, which also charged out.

"Let me see, the Second Hokage... found him."

Among the army of Impure World Reincarnation Tensei, Minato quickly spotted the Second Hokage.

"Whoosh whoosh!!!"

One after another, trident-shaped Kunai flew in all directions, embedding themselves in treetops, on the sides of rocks, and disappearing into the snow; these were his coordinates.

"Boom!"

Leading the charge was none other than the Third Raikage's Impure World Reincarnation, his eyes pitch black and devoid of any spirit or brilliance, revealing only his raw fighting instincts.

Upon seeing the Minato appear on the road ahead, he immediately curled his right thumb and began his charge.

Hell Stab, Four Fingers Thrust!

However, this lightning-fast attack missed its mark, only snapping a large tree, about the size of a Minato appeared on the other side of the tree, standing on the thin, withered branches, swaying slightly up and down like willow catkins in the wind.

A serious expression appeared on Minato's face.

Looking at the impressive lineup of the Impure World Reincarnation army, a murderous intent surged in his clear, azure eyes, as blue as the sky. He absolutely could not allow these undead to approach the village.

Anyone who rushes into the village will cause enormous destruction. Even with Lord Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade in charge, the aftershocks of the battle alone will cause irreparable damage.

"Call--!"

Minato took a deep breath and gripped the trident kunai in his hand tightly. Kunai was as blue as jade, and a silent, ethereal aura enveloped it.

"Sizzle!"

A flash of golden light, and the Third Raikage's eye was gouged out.

No matter how much the Third Raikage's physical body was tempered, his eyes were still beyond the reach of such training. However, he possessed wisdom in life and would not allow anyone to damage his eyes. But now, he has immense strength but lacks the corresponding combat awareness. His instincts are powerful, but ultimately, they are flawed.

Minato was well aware of how formidable the Raikage's physical defenses were, so he immediately targeted the Raikage's eyes.

The Third Raikage, whose eyes had been gouged out, stood still, fine dust swirling around and gathering towards his eyes, repairing them.

"Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!"

Golden light danced rapidly through the snowy forest, striking the charging Impure World Reincarnation one after another. The trident kunai Kunai throats, ripped open their bellies, and ripped their stomachs open, halting their advance.

At the same time.

On the other side, two enormous wooden figures met. Their fists and palms collided, producing a tremendous roar that shook the heavens and the earth. The shockwaves generated by the clash between these behemoths alone stirred up the snow in the snow forest, creating a snowstorm that swept in all directions.

"Wood Dragon, charge!"

Senju Zen stood atop the wooden dummy, gazing at the First Hokage opposite him, his fighting spirit like molten lava.

No one, not even my grandfather, can destroy an inch of Konoha's land.

In the next instant, the Wood Dragon soared into the air, flashing out like lightning, and bit down on the right wrist of the wooden figure opposite it. (To be continued)