Looking at the enormous, savage, ugly gray tree root, Houka's expression instantly darkened.
Wood Release!
It was Zetsu!
One hand tightly gripped Kinkaku's physical body, while the other formed a Fire Release—Rasengan, which he viciously slammed down onto the tree root.
Boom!
The violent aftermath of the explosion swept forth with surging airwaves and blazing flames, blasting the enormous tree root cleanly in two. Countless wood chips turned into sparks amid the flames, drifting down on the wind beneath the dim night sky.
Houka immediately turned to look in Ginkaku's direction. Sure enough, the sealing talisman on Ginkaku's body had already been mischievously peeled away by a small tree root!
Freed from his restraints, Ginkaku immediately waved the Seven Stars Sword and cursed furiously at Houka in the air.
Houka could not hear what he was cursing about at all, because from the ground below him, hundreds upon thousands of savage, enormous tree roots were brutally bursting through the earth. Like tentacled monsters, they brandished their claws and fangs, carrying a thick muddy stench as they lashed at the descending Houka from all directions.
"Lightning Release Armor!"
A brilliant layer of lightning armor instantly surged over Houka's body. He then transformed into a streak of lightning in midair, seizing Kinkaku and breaking out before the countless savage tree roots could encircle him.
Zetsu's figure slowly emerged from the center of the tree roots. Watching Houka flee through the air, a cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
The next instant...
"Shinra Tensei!!"
Boom!
Violent repulsive force surged from the direction Houka was fleeing, scraping up layer after layer of earth.
"The Rinnegan—Nagato!"
Pushed back by the repulsive force, Houka's expression turned grim.
"Uchiha Houka, put down Kinkaku!"
Orochimaru's cold, hoarse voice came from behind Nagato. His golden vertical