Hiruzen Sarutobi readily agreed.
This surprised both Tsunade and Hanzo.
Logically speaking, proposing a violent confrontation when cooperation is about to be finalized is somewhat offensive...
It's essentially still a contest of who has the bigger fist; the ninja's killing intent and the undercurrent of backstabbing are showing again...
And, is Hiruzen Sarutobi really that confident he won't lose?
" The Shinobi World..."
"In the past, everyone was always thinking about the winner-takes-all mentality, and mutually beneficial relationships were rare. So, I think it's a good idea to use the old rules to transition our new cooperation."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Moreover, this is Hanzo's initiative to help Konoha verify the effectiveness of the Medical Chakra Scroll..."
Hanzo Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to fight.
Old-school ninjas always think about solving problems with their fists; otherwise, Hanzo wouldn't have been able to instigate the Second Shinobi World War and try to become the leader... For military groups to cooperate and avoid harboring disloyalty, demonstrating military strength is absolutely necessary.
This is a universal principle, not only in the Shinobi World.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't fight Hanzo, there will be problems with the subsequent cooperation.
Given Hanzo's Daimyo in Amegakure, the Amegakure held him in the highest esteem.
If no clear winner is determined, the Amegakure might inevitably feel that their cooperation with Konoha was achieved through Hanzo's heroic feat of Hanzo infiltrating Konoha.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't defeated Hanzo...
Given Hanzo's newly reinvigorated pride, it would be difficult for him and the Amegakure ninja to provide a detailed explanation.
They were the ones who truly benefited from the cooperation with Konoha...
Sometimes, being beaten can be a way out for both sides.
" The Lord Hokage is truly kind!" Hanzo exclaimed sincerely.
In Hanzo's view, the sheer speed with which Hiruzen Sarutobi satisfied himself clearly indicated that he had ample confidence in defeating him.
However, characterizing this military negotiation as an "experimental Medical Scroll " is a way of giving him face...
Although Hanzo didn't know why Hiruzen Sarutobi was so confident...
But he still appreciates this favor.
As a seasoned veteran, Hanzo was able to understand the unspoken meaning behind what others were saying.
"So..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi briefly:
" Tsunade, bring the extra-large Medical Scroll and observe. Have the Anbu clear out that training ground in the Forest of Death."
" Hanzo is skilled in poisons, so he can't fully utilize his abilities in the village's Training Ground."
Tsunade grew increasingly puzzled. What was wrong with this teacher?
How could you create a favorable environment for the enemy!
Tsunade couldn't help but say, "Sensei, there's a lake in the training grounds of the Forest of Death."
In environments with water, the power of Water Release techniques increases dramatically, while the energy consumption decreases and the release speed increases...
This is why, when the Third Mizukage brutally suppressed Kirigakure, most of the Kirigakure Ninja did not immediately consider resisting. Just as the desert was the Third Mizukage Third Kazekage's home ground, so too was the ocean.
Hanzo was widely recognized in the Shinobi World as a master of Mizukage Water Release, on par with the Mizukage!
Where should I spar with Hanzo?
Wouldn't that just increase the difficulty for no reason?
It's important to understand that the continent where Konoha and Amegakure exist doesn't actually have many waterways; Amegakure's extraordinary rainfall is mainly due to its unique topography...
"Why would I have chosen that place if there weren't lakes?"
" Hanzo came to Konoha alone, demonstrating his utmost sincerity. Our sparring is not about determining who is better, but about experiencing each other's will and beliefs in battle..."
"If I cannot get Hanzo to give his all, it will be the greatest regret of my life!"
"Hiruzen Sarutobi who said in a deep voice."
Tsunade paused, thinking to herself:
"The teacher's demeanor and words are becoming more and more like those of Grandfather, exactly like the Grandfather in Mito's grandmother's stories!"
At this moment, Tsunade couldn't help but have doubts, feeling that her memories were becoming disordered.
Tsunade previously thought that Hiruzen Sarutobi always mentioned her Grandfather Hashirama in order to win people's hearts and promote Konoha's new policies by leveraging his reputation.
But her Second Granduncle Tobirama was Hiruzen Sarutobi's true teacher...
"Could it be that I've been misunderstanding things all these years? Actually, my teacher is my Grandfather's direct disciple, and my Second Granduncle is just a figurehead..." "It seems that's really the case. My teacher and my Second Granduncle are nothing alike..." Thinking of this, Tsunade felt a deep sense of shame.
And they even claim to be the teacher's disciple!
She was also a relative of Hashirama and Tobirama...
After all these years, they still haven't figured out their own teacher's lineage!
"I'm sorry, teacher..." Tsunade sighed and said softly.
"Why apologize?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tsunade with a puzzled expression. Why was she being so sensible today?
This doesn't suit her personality at all...
"You mean the matter of choosing a sparring venue? It's alright, Hanzo won't mind. You're just worried that I, as your teacher, don't know the specific information. You've done what you should have done."
Hiruzen Sarutobi words of comfort.
Tsunade's lips twitched; she didn't care Hanzo thought at all!
Hanzo to the side, was also deeply moved after hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's powerful words.
Are we going to go all out in this battle?
Even though it was someone else's home turf, the Hokage still chose the best spot for himself...
This pattern...
"Even at my peak, my demeanor was slightly inferior to Hiruzen's..."
"No wonder Hiruzen was able to develop Konoha so well!"
Hanzo said in a deep voice, " Lord Hokage, I will do my utmost! Please do not hold back!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly.
That's exactly what he wanted to hear!
He's been looking for a sparring partner for a long time, and lately he's been wanting to test his progress. He's been thinking about who would be suitable these past few days...
Unexpectedly, Hanzo himself ran into it.
As for the Forest of Death and lake environment that Tsunade mentioned, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care.
It's only fun when you make things difficult for yourself...
Besides, Hanzo knows Water Release, so he also knows...
Especially regarding Water Release, Hiruzen Sarutobi possessed two effective counters: Lightning Release and Ice Release.
He doesn't care.
As for Hanzo's poison, Hiruzen Sarutobi also has a unique antidote...
Tsunade quickly relayed Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders.
They encountered Orochimaru along the way.
"Where are you going?" Orochimaru, who had just Teuchi after an all-night research session, greeted Tsunade: "In a hurry..."
" Hanzo has visited Konoha! He's going to fight the teacher..."
Tsunade stopped and quickly said, "I need to have the Anbu clear the area now! The location is the Forest of Death..."
" Hanzo? He got into a fight with the teacher?"
Orochimaru frowned, and his last vestiges of sleep vanished in that instant.
Hanzo...
However, at the height of his youth and when he was most confident, he suffered a major blow!
As a genius from childhood to adulthood, Orochimaru's ninja career has been incredibly smooth...
But Hanzo told him otherwise.
Even if the three of them attacked together, giving it their all, they still couldn't defeat their opponent...
On the contrary, if it weren't for the fear of Konoha behind them, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade would have been in mortal danger.
"I'll go with you!" Orochimaru said decisively.
" Hanzo wants to fight even after coming to negotiate? He's not worthy of our master's personal intervention!"
"No..." Tsunade shook her head.
"The teacher said that I should only accompany them as a first responder, and that no one else should come. He also wanted the Anbu to clear out the training grounds in the Forest of Death to use as a fighting arena for them..."
Orochimaru was startled.
In his view, Hiruzen Sarutobi was undoubtedly extremely strong, but whether he could defeat Hanzo was another matter entirely...
It's understandable that Orochimaru thought that way, because Hiruzen Sarutobi matches, and his only real fight with Orochimaru was when they first arrived in the Shinobi World...
Although his performance was as impressive as ever, the problem was that Hanzo was a ninja with a very underhanded fighting style.
Body Flicker Technique, Hydrification Technique, Poison Mist, Sword Technique, Water Release...
These five elements are combined.
It can quickly break through the enemy's defenses, and its own mobility and defensive capabilities are also maximized...
In the Shinobi World, the determination of victory or defeat among ninjas has never been based on their Paper Strength.
Knowing how many Ninjutsu is meaningless; what matters is being able to create a system on the battlefield that the enemy cannot break through...
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was Professor of Ninjutsu, Orochimaru thought that the techniques he knew were too peaceful and moderate.
Even if one possesses Forbidden Technique, it's not the kind of thing to use in sparring...
"Is the teacher worried about being Hanzo when they expel others?"
Orochimaru pondered, "It's indeed a very embarrassing thing for the Hokage to lose in a sparring match..."
I don't think so...
Tsunade chuckled, "You're overthinking it. I think the teacher and Hanzo have a mutual respect, and they both want to have a real fight. It's going to be incredibly intense."
"You might not know, Hanzo and the teacher have been wandering around Konoha all morning. They're practically calling each other brothers..."
"They're probably worried that the ninjas might misunderstand the cooperative relationship between Amegakure and Konoha..."
Orochimaru's face darkened.
Tsunade said that a fight had broken out, and then said to prepare for first aid or something...
This sounds like the teacher and Hanzo are going to have a life-or-death battle!
Then he turned around and said he was overthinking it...
"You still need to learn how to speak, Tsunade..."
"Otherwise, with that mouth of yours, you can create conflict even where there isn't. If you ever really become Hokage, you might bring enemies to Konoha that weren't originally enemies..."
Orochimaru retorted.
"How could that be?" Tsunade said, sounding slightly guilty.
Is she really unable to speak?
No way, she's clearly a student of the teacher too...
My Second Granduncle and my Grandfather were both quite eloquent...
"I'll go inform the Anbu, and I'll follow afterwards. The Master won't stop me from coming."
"I'm one of those damned ' Sannin ' too!"
Orochimaru waved his hand:
"Go and prepare first aid! Whether it's the teacher being injured, or Hanzo being seriously injured in Konoha and beyond saving, it will be a serious problem..."
Tsunade nodded, then turned and left in Wind-Fire: "That's right!"
Orochimaru watched Tsunade's retreating figure, shaking his head and chuckling.
And this guy says he wants to compete for Hokage?
That's just too funny...
Let's focus on medical matters instead!
#
The Forest of Death.
The Anbu dispersed the few scattered ninjas here and stationed them at the four corners, forming a tight cordon.
Several Hyuga Anbu activated their Byakugan, constantly scanning their surroundings.
A ninja's battle is, after all, a battle of intelligence...
Unless the Hokage explicitly states they don't care, their job is to ensure that no one witnesses Hiruzen Sarutobi's battles, thus preventing information leaks.
But in reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't really care.
Compared to ninjas with their own unique systems, Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't have any "special features." His advantages mainly lie in his stats... There's not much to study about stats; they're just numbers.
His preferred techniques were indeed, as Orochimaru had expected, all fairly standard and ordinary Ninjutsu, only he knew a few more...
Hiruzen Sarutobi kept the fight a secret mainly to protect Hanzo.
He worried that Hanzo was also a psychopath in the Shinobi World.
He had finally regained some of his composure, and if he lost too badly in a sparring match, especially in front of so many Konoha Ninja, he worried that the other party would go berserk because he would lose face...
In a private setting, with few onlookers, losing becomes more acceptable...
Furthermore, with this arrangement, the harder Hiruzen Sarutobi beats Hanzo, the more Hanzo will think the Hokage is a rare kind-hearted person... Despite being so strong, he doesn't think of using himself to establish his authority and fame...
It's purely a friendly sparring match between brothers!
Wouldn't that create a bond?
Nowadays, Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer needs to establish his authority in front of the Konoha Ninja through such methods...
But he desperately needs a Land of Rain that can transform into the shape of Konoha.
Moreover...
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Tsunade, whose face was full of anticipation, and smiled slightly.
Isn't she here?
With such a brazen loudspeaker, it was only a matter of time before the Konoha Ninja found out about this. Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't bother to tell Tsunade not to... "Long time no see, Mr. Hanzo..."
Orochimaru stood beside Tsunade and said in a low voice.
"Oh, it's Orochimaru..." Hanzo glanced at Orochimaru and nodded.
He's just a junior!
"Hmph..." Orochimaru snorted coldly and said softly to Hiruzen Sarutobi:
"Teacher, may I take your place?"
"You, you said there was no need to come..." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand with a smile:
"Look, Hanzo didn't come to Konoha to set up a fighting arena; he came to test our beliefs in each other's strength. What's the point of having you stand in for me?"
" Konoha and Amegakure will become brothers by blood in the future. You must remember this. You need to broaden your perspective, because you will have to see things this way sooner or later."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly.
Orochimaru was taken aback; his teacher was once again hinting at him becoming Hokage...
Danger!
Hanzo glanced at Orochimaru with considerable surprise.
So they've chosen a successor...
" Lord Hokage, although that's true, please give it your all..."
Hanzo said in a deep voice, "I humbly request the Lord Hokage to correct my negligence over the years!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He just wanted to hear those words...
What's the point of stopping there?
"Alright, you two, step aside!"
"Shall we begin?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked Hanzo.
Hanzo nodded, and the two stood facing each other.
The dense shade of the Forest of Death was impenetrable.
The thick, ancient trees stretched out in a continuous expanse, their gnarled branches intertwining overhead to form a net. Only the central area had been cleared by human hands, creating a huge circular Training Ground.
Sunlight filters through the forest, dappling the deep lake beside it with its delicate patterns of light.
No one spoke or moved; only the occasional chirping of cicadas could be heard, but the atmosphere grew tense and oppressive.
Tsunade and Orochimaru watched this scene in silence.
Even after several years of growth, the two of them are still not considered to be in the top tier of the Shinobi World.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hanzo were two highly respected and powerful figures in the Shinobi World.
Even just watching them fight seriously is highly beneficial for one's cultivation and knowledge.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hanzo stared at each other.
He slowly raised his hand, forming the " Seal of Confrontation ".
This is a sign of friendly competition.
And at the moment this seal was formed.
Hanzo suddenly moved!
Chakra erupted within him, gathering in his legs and feet, rapidly approaching Hiruzen Sarutobi along an unpredictable trajectory.
Hanzo held the sharp Kusarigama in his hand, the blade silently pointing towards Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Orochimaru and Tsunade narrowed their eyes in unison.
It was precisely this strange gait and speed that had caused them so much trouble before...
Is Ninjutsu more powerful? Or is Super Strength and heavy punches?
But if you can't hit it, it's pointless.
Hiruzen Sarutobi unmoved, undisturbed by Hanzo, and calmly took out a kunai.
"Bass!'
The kunai and chains collided, emitting Hiko.
Hanzo's heart Hanzo a beat.
To his surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi was able to catch his attack so easily!
You should know that his swordsmanship is capable of breaking a ninja's Hand Seals!
"His speed is a bit faster than Minato's, but not by much. Minato is still a young man after all..." Hiruzen Sarutobi held a kunai and kept clashing it against Hanzo's chains.
The two dancers moved in a blur, their movements creating sparks that flew everywhere, like the forging of iron!
Orochimaru and Tsunade gasped slightly as they watched this scene.
The teacher is still the same teacher.
Hanzo is still the Hanzo.
The intensity of close-quarters combat remains extremely dangerous!
"What's going on? Isn't he afraid of my Kusarigama? Why is he so relaxed..." Hanzo's heart skipped a beat, and with a slight flick of his wrist, the Kusarigama suddenly changed direction at an unpredictable angle.
Logically speaking, Hanzo's previous enemies, even if they could keep up with his reaction speed, would find it difficult to defend themselves due to the unpredictable attack directions of his Kusarigama.
With the aid of Chakra and exquisite swordsmanship, Kusarigama can easily sever an enemy's skin with the slightest carelessness, causing them to bleed profusely. As Kusarigama constantly changes the direction of his attacks, he also varies his Hanzo, making it difficult for the enemy to predict his speed and strength, thus putting pressure on them.
This pressure will gradually accumulate, and when it reaches a certain level, it will cause your movements to become distorted, creating an opportunity to injure the enemy.
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his kunai again, blocking the Kusarigama without blinking.
There was no fear in his eyes, only admiration for his opponent...
"This swordsmanship, this lightning-fast reflexes, and this seasoned experience..."
"Putting aside the boost from the Flying Thunder God Technique, it certainly stimulates my fighting spirit more than Minato..." Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself. But Hanzo felt increasingly strange.
Against Kusarigama, the kunai will always be at a disadvantage.
Because the kunai's contact area and attack range are far inferior to the Kusarigama, and it is not a melee weapon, even the slightest mistake during contact will result in a wound...
"Wrong..."
" Hiruzen is completely unaffected by my pressure!"
"He seems completely unafraid of getting hurt? That unafraidness leads to a lack of fear, and this lack of fear allows him to block my Kusarigama with a kunai!" Hanzo hadn't expected that Hiruzen Sarutobi would actually engage him in a direct confrontation with a kunai...
Where's your Ninjutsu?!
I originally intended to test the waters, but somehow I ended up going my own way and now I'm at a disadvantage?
How eerie...
There's a sense that I'm treating him like a junior, and that sparring is just to accompany him in his specialized training...
In fact, Hanzo's idea wasn't entirely wrong.
Because Hiruzen Sarutobi was a Bucket Account, the Lord Hokage couldn't immediately pinpoint the point where his strength would truly undergo a qualitative leap, so he focused on improving all aspects simultaneously...
The talent Konoha bestowed upon him did not allow him to be weak in any area; he had to develop in all aspects.
Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi is not bound by the form of sparring. As long as the opponent's level is high enough, it is always a good thing to hone his skills... As for why Hanzo felt that he was not under pressure.
It was because Hiruzen Sarutobi Kusarigama to strike him, it would probably only leave a slight mark...
If all else fails, I can just activate Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
When you have confidence, you won't panic...
The two exchanged a heavy blow.
Hanzo voluntarily retreated to a distance.
"Back then, Jiraiya lost his patience because of Hanzo's constant harassment, and he was slashed in the abdomen..."
" Orochimaru, do you still remember him?" Tsunade exhaled a long breath and said in a low voice.
"Of course I remember. Not only Jiraiya, but your shoulder was also cut off in the same way, wasn't it? That's why the subsequent release of Medical Ninjutsu was delayed, and the situation got worse and worse..."
Orochimaru's expression was complicated.
Back then, the three of them fought Hanzo on a torrential rainy day. They were Hanzo's unpredictable Body Flicker Technique and Water Release techniques, Kakuzu of his clothes...
"Can you feel it? It's like watching a teacher give us a demonstration lesson."
Orochimaru said softly, "I'm teaching you and my two disciples how to deal with an enemy like Hanzo..."
Tsunade nodded slightly.
Team Hiruzen and bestowed upon them the Hanzo of " Sannin "...
He fought against Hiruzen Sarutobi himself!
The master arrived after the disciple was beaten, to help the Team Hiruzen get revenge...
This scene really captures that feeling...
Although nearly ten years have passed.
Orochimaru and Tsunade's voices, though not loud, were quite noticeable in the tranquil Forest of Death.
But Hanzo didn't care at all.
All his attention was now focused on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
" Lord Hokage, I shouldn't be engaging in these pointless tests with a powerful figure like you..."
Hanzo's bones were cracking, clearly indicating that he was performing some kind of technique that activated his body with Chakra.
"Now it's time for us to show our true abilities!"
"Please don't hold back..." Hanzo felt he was in excellent condition at that moment.
He had never experienced this feeling of fighting with all his might before the Second Shinobi World War.
To clash with the strong, to clash with one's opponent through strength and will.
After returning to Amegakure after his defeat, Hanzo became immersed in a so-called balance of power and intrigue, seemingly consolidating his own authority, but the deepest sense of unease within him was constantly deepening...
After all, when it comes to deceiving yourself, the hardest thing is to deceive yourself.
"Please dance freely, Hanzo..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi also felt very good.
The fight with Hanzo, though ostensibly a friendly exchange, was essentially a contest of force to determine the right to negotiate and establish cooperation.
Go all out, just leave the opponent with a breath left; Tsunade is there to save them.
His usual sparring with village ninjas, such as Danzo and Minato, was a specialized, modular training exercise, not a real battle... After all, what kind of Hokage would he be if he were beaten to Hokage by his own people?
But Hanzo is different.
Did he ask to be beaten, or was it a sign of disrespect not to hit him?
Hiruzen Sarutobi liked this request very much.
Water Release: Rain Tiger at Will Technique!
Hanzo quickly Hand Seals, drawing water from the nearby lake.
In an instant, the lake water seemed to be controlled by a pair of giant hands, but instead of forming an attack, it surged up and quickly spread across the land, resembling a large Barrier.
The depth is approximately at knee level.
Orochimaru and Tsunade's expressions quickly turned grim.
This was Hanzo using his mastery of Water Release techniques to transform the battlefield into terrain perfectly suited to his position, taking advantage of Amegakure's perennial waterlogging environment...
Given enough water, Hanzo's Water Body Flicker, combined with his Hydrification Technique, allows him to seemingly teleport continuously...
Even if it occasionally reveals a flaw, it still has a very high tolerance for error.
Orochimaru gazed at this scene, his thoughts drifted back to the battlefield in Amegakure.
"Right now, it seems I don't have any way to defeat Hanzo, but I won't lose..." Orochimaru thought to himself. Part of the idea for his Orochimaru-style Substitution Technique came from Hanzo's Hydrification Technique.
"I'm not in a rush, time is on my side."
"If my research makes the village stronger, then my research environment will be more stable, and technological iteration will accelerate."
"Whether it's the Cursed Seal or Hashirama Cells, I can wait for the final product and tailor a special version for myself. This is the way to find the highest limit of my strength."
Thinking of this, Orochimaru smiled slightly, and his gaze towards Hanzo carried a hint of superiority.
Poor Hanzo...
From a young age, in pursuit of power, he risked everything to implant the Poison Sac of Ibuse into his body. In his youth and middle age, he fought relentlessly without any regard for health or well-being... He relied solely on talent and willpower, charging headlong into battle, only able to demonstrate his immediate fighting ability, unaware of his own limits...
"Lament your tragic fate of not being born in Konoha..."
"I hope you can gain the teacher's approval."
"As the one who defeated me, you'd be a good experimental Material..." Orochimaru's gaze fell upon his mentor Hiruzen, and anticipation welled up within him.
He was eager to know how his teacher would break through Hanzo's Water Release system.
" Hiruzen!"
Hanzo roared angrily.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback. Why was he being warned before even making a move?
Of all the people Hiruzen Sarutobi done this in all these years, he only encountered one: Danzo. Before each sparring match, Danzo would shout Danzo's name with incredible enthusiasm, like he was on a high...
" Hanzo!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi had no other choice but to shout it out, otherwise he would have felt it would have been very impolite.
Hanzo's eyes narrowed, Kusarigama coiled around his Chakra, covering it with Water Release. The normally gentle water began to swirl rapidly... "A form change similar to Hard Whirlpool Water Blade?"
"I should have a lot in common with Teacher Tobirama ..." Hiruzen Sarutobi squinted as he watched Hanzo's Kusarigama strike straight at him from afar... This time, he couldn't use a kunai to block it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi Hand Seals.
His body turned pitch black as he used Earth Release: Earth Spear to protect himself.
" The Hardening Technique? The same technique as Kakuzu's..." Hanzo thought to himself.
"As expected of the Professor of Ninjutsu... He's proficient in all Five Releases!"
"But even the strongest defense, if it only takes hits and never fights back, will eventually be breached!"
Just as the Water Blade Kusarigama were about to be swung at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi his hand, but Hanzo, along with his Kusarigama, suddenly turned into water and scattered.
The next moment, using the accumulated water on the ground as a medium, they instantly appeared behind Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Clearly, he has mastered the Hydrification Technique Water Release and water transformation to an unparalleled level.
The combination of these two techniques in Hanzo's hands was beyond description as Body Flicker Technique; it was more like spatial teleportation...
To Hanzo's surprise, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still able to react...
The Hardening black hand gripped the Kusarigama, ignoring the grating sound of the water blade rubbing against his palm, and punched Hanzo in the stomach!
Hanzo shattered instantly, turning into a puddle of water that reformed into a physical form in the distance.
Hiruzen Sarutobi cast an approving glance at Hanzo.
The combination of two Water Release techniques, in this unique terrain, allowed Hanzo to achieve an effect comparable to the Flying Thunder God Technique...
In certain situations, it is even more advantageous than the Flying Thunder God, because the medium for the Flying Thunder God Kunai is too conspicuous, while Hanzo only needs water.
"No wonder Orochimaru and the others couldn't withstand it..."
"If we don't break through this Water Release terrain, Hanzo will eventually gain the Hanzo."
A strange feeling welled up in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
It wasn't that he was targeting Hanzo...
But why does it feel like my skill set is so effective against my opponent?
Whether it's Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Ice Release, or even Boil Release, they all have a special effect against Hanzo...
As for his Body Flicker Technique attacks, Hiruzen Sarutobi handled them quite well.
Because Hiruzen Sarutobi with Namikaze Minato to improve their reflexes, they were already used to seeing the True Flying Thunder God technique, let alone the " Water Flying Thunder God " technique.
"Was it an unexpected act of restraint on my part that led me to suppress Hanzo...?"
"Or is it because I've improved my skills a bit, and now I can handle more situations?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. No matter what, he would still take it one step at a time, steadily and practically.
The fact that the Nameless Strongman Uchiha Hiruzen Sarutobi Uchiha Yashiro.
The Shinobi World is vast, full of hidden talents.
There may be more than just Five Great Hidden Villages for chess players!
"Why doesn't the teacher use that move?" Tsunade whispered to Orochimaru.
She meant Ice Release.
"When masters clash, it's about mutual verification, not a life-or-death battle."
Orochimaru glanced at Tsunade:
"While honing your technical skills, you should also learn some combat techniques. Always trying to solve problems head-on with Super Strength is certainly efficient..." "But if you encounter an enemy that Super Strength can't defeat, your methods will be very limited."
"Let's see how the teacher handles this; Hokage isn't easy..."
Orochimaru was silently suppressing Tsunade's ambition to become Hokage.
This was partly out of personal considerations; after all, if Tsunade were to actually run for office one day, it would be quite troublesome...
But it was also for the benefit of the village.
After all, Orochimaru knew Tsunade well; she was truly unsuitable to be Hokage...
"Hmph..." Tsunade snorted coldly, "Why are you just like your old teachers? Always lecturing!"
But Orochimaru's words do make sense.
The "brute force" fighting style is particularly effective when facing opponents who are physically weaker than oneself.
However, if brute force cannot break through, it will be very awkward, and it will be difficult to even fight back.
Hanzo let out a soft breath.
He saw it...
Although the Earth Spear Technique temporarily blocked his Water Blade Kusarigama, there is no inherent counter between Chakra natures.
If we seize the opportunity to launch a targeted attack, we can break through Hiruzen Sarutobi's defenses!!
Once the first wound is inflicted, the second and third wounds will quickly follow...
Moreover, while constantly Body Flicker Technique, Hanzo was also laying out hidden formations on the ground in a water-like form.
Waiting for the right time to activate.
This is one of his killer moves: Explosive Flame Formation!
"We can't let Hiruzen relax. A strongman like him has abundant stamina and Chakra..."
"We must keep tearing at him until we find a breakthrough!"
Hanzo also somewhat puzzled. Why had Hiruzen Sarutobi only been defending and not attacking all this time?
But he quickly realized what was happening.
A single person cannot easily crack its own combat system.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to stand at the pinnacle of the Shinobi World for so long and be praised by everyone...
With each element interconnected, if multiple people combine their strengths, it is naturally possible to break Hanzo's system.
One-on-one is almost impossible.
No one can master that many Ninjutsu.
This is also why Hanzo was somewhat disheartened after the Second Shinobi World War.
The Great Hidden Village is full of talented people, but he has no companions to help him...
" Hiruzen, feel my resolve and will!"
Hanzo merged with the water once more, plotting his next decisive offensive.
Gradually tearing and biting with Water Sickle is one step.
The second step is the Explosive Flame Formation, and the third step is to summon the Ibuse!
His fighting style is based on his brain...
" Water Release Secret Technique: Great Water Arm Technique!"
Hanzo's arms looked as if they were filled with water, his muscles bulging and knotted.
Furthermore, the mobility of the Water Body Flicker Technique compensates for this, completely eliminating the sluggishness of techniques typically used by Hozuki clan members.
Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly received Hanzo's attack.
At this point, he's reached his limit, using only Earth Spear to deal with Hanzo...
This was also intentional on Hiruzen Sarutobi's part.
He wanted to Hanzo pressure on Hanzo, to hone the limits he could reach by growing alongside Konoha!
The two exchanged blows for another dozen or so rounds.
Orochimaru and Tsunade watched with slight anxiety.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi defended very well, his strategy of only defending and not attacking was still worrying, and he was also inevitably vulnerable to being caught off guard.
The Water Sickle slashed Hiruzen Sarutobi's arm, leaving several marks after penetrating the Earth Spear.
"That's about it..."
"I can see a little more clearly than before..." Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his nerve responses becoming smoother, and his dynamic vision gradually becoming better able to anchor Hanzo's movements. That concludes today's training!
Now, it's time to showcase the Hokage's power!
Hanzo attacked again, and after being Defensive Counterattack by Hiruzen Sarutobi, he still used the Hydrification Technique to avoid physical damage, forming a cycle of his shameless tactics.
A sudden change has occurred!
Hiruzen Sarutobi grabbed Hanzo's arm, and at that moment, dazzling lightning erupted from his body!
Hanzo's small eyes suddenly widened into a wide stare.
His first thought was Genjutsu...
The aura of this Lightning Release Chakra Mode is just too authentic!
He might not be as good as the Third Raikage, but he's definitely one of the top players in Kumogakure...
"Broken!"
Hanzo a tremor in his heart.
Lightning Release Chakra is superior, capable of countering two types of elemental techniques.
It counters Earth Release by its elemental properties and Water Release by its physical properties...
A massive amount of Lightning Release Chakra was channeled into Hanzo's body through the water flow, destroying the structure of the Hydrification Technique and preventing him from escaping again... Hanzo his teeth, unleashing the Great Water Arm Technique to its fullest extent at this moment, enduring his numb body, and used the teleportation Kusarigama to tear his own arm apart, causing a large amount of blood to flow out.
Then, he caught the splattered blood and summoned it from thin air. " Summoning Technique!"
But at this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi also mustered his strength, his arm muscles bulging like a heavy hammer...
He blasted at Hanzo's chest with all his might!
Slaves Salamander Ibuse.
But it didn't block for Hanzo; the punch landed squarely on Hanzo's chest.
A flash of lightning, Hanzo was sent flying like a ball at breakneck speed, crashing into the lake and creating ripples! Human-like fear and confusion appeared in the eyes of the Salamander Ibuse.
Although it is not a top-tier Summoned Beast like the Three Great Sage Regions or the Enma, and does not possess the same communication and interpersonal skills as humans, its intelligence is not low. It cannot speak, but it has the ability to think and make judgments about situations.
Why did Lord Hanzo fly away as soon as he appeared?
It seems a bit dead...
"You must be Hanzo's right-hand man, Ibuse? Don't move, I'm Hanzo's brother."
"The dragons are just sparring; they won't do anything to you..."
Taking down the Salamander Ibuse from this distance wouldn't be difficult, but it's Hanzo's vital and Summoned Beast. Losing this King of Salamanders would significantly weaken his fighting power...
He also didn't want Amegakure to serve as Konoha's northern bulwark, as reducing Hanzo's fighting strength wouldn't benefit Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaped up and stood atop the Ibuse's head, curiously bending down to touch the strange creature's skin. It felt quite slippery... He wasn't worried about the Ibuse's poison; Hiruzen Sarutobi already knew how to counteract it.
The Salamander Ibuse, feeling a tingling sensation from the lightning above its head, froze completely.
"Go, go, go see how your master is doing..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Ibuse on the head.
Orochimaru and Tsunade exchanged a glance, both of them stunned.
They weren't unaware that Hiruzen Sarutobi was practicing Lightning Release Chakra Mode...
Everyone thought it was just a small taste, merely for health and fitness; no one expected it to go this far...
Only Danzo and Minato experienced it firsthand.
But the point is, Danzo would never casually tell anyone how he was beaten by Hiruzen...
Minato's idea was that he wouldn't say anything either!
Firstly, it was to protect the Lord Hokage's information from being leaked; secondly, he felt that his Grandmaster wouldn't only spar with him, and others should experience the pressure of this information gap...
It wasn't that he was cunning; it was to better simulate a real combat environment for his other companions!
In the lake.
Hanzo coughed up mouthfuls of blood, his blood staining the surrounding area red as he went deeper into the water.
That punch nearly blew up the Poison Sac inside his body!
"Whoosh..." Hanzo absorbed the surrounding moisture.
When the Hydrification Technique is mastered to a high level, it becomes incredibly versatile.
In a watery environment, it can replenish fluids and alleviate injuries.
However, its drawback is that it will fail when encountering Lightning Release or techniques that disrupt Chakra flow.
" Ibuse..."
The Salamander Ibuse swam around Hanzo, its face revealing undisguised worry.
It hasn't Hanzo in a long time since the end of the Shinobi World War, and it misses its master very much...
" Hiruzen is indeed merciful; he didn't lay a hand on you..."
"Go, hide underground, and await Qiu's orders to prepare for action..."
Hanzo took a deep breath.
In his view, Hiruzen Sarutobi leaving him Summoning Beast meant that the battle could continue!
Pain coursed through Hanzo's body, but it also fueled his fighting spirit.
Hanzo leaped out of the lake.
" Hiruzen! Continue!"
This time, Hanzo no longer used close-range attacks, but instead used mid-to-long-range Water Release combined with Water Body Flicker Movement to force Hiruzen Sarutobi cancel his Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Lightning is effective against water in terms of powerful attacks, but conversely, water is also effective against lightning in terms of powerful attacks.
It's a matter of who can hit whom...
" Lightning Release Chakra Mode... Hiruzen was, after all, a half-baked practitioner..."
"This technique consumes an extremely high amount of energy; only a monster like the Third Raikage could keep it active for an extended period..."
"And because of the terrain, my Water Release consume very little energy..."
Hanzo analyzed the situation in Dangya.
His thinking was certainly not wrong, but it was based on normal logical analysis.
Hiruzen Sarutobi is clearly not that normal.
"Is this meant to cancel the Lightning Release Chakra Mode?"
"Okay." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled to himself.
Since we've already started fighting, we should make the most of it and Hanzo.
There's no need to let him keep his methods hidden; he can just go back and realize he simply didn't perform well...