Massive tree roots sprouted from the right half of Zetsu's body. Some burrowed into the ground, while others writhed through the air, growing longer and thicker until they gradually blotted out the sky. Like raging waves, they formed a twisted, rolling wall of trees, as though countless giant pythons were crowding together and charging at Houka one after another.
"Fire Release—Majestic Destroyer Flame!"
Houka retreated while rapidly forming Hand Seals, then spewed out a scorching wall of fire that stretched nearly thirty meters.
The wall of trees collided with the wall of flames, erupting with a tremendous roar. Large numbers of roots burned fiercely in the fire, yet even more broke through the flames and surged forward endlessly, twisting like dragons and serpents. At the same time, the ground shook as countless roots burst from the earth, closing in on Houka from all directions.
"Lightning Release Armor!"
Crackle!
Purple lightning danced across Houka's body, and invisible shockwaves spread outward from him in rippling waves.
Houka's Three-Tomoe Sharingan stared intently at the dense mass of roots pressing in from all sides. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but roots.
Wood Release was one of the most powerful Kekkei Genkai. Even the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki's Kekkei Tōta, Dust Release, might not be able to match it. The reason was that once one became entangled by trees created through Wood Release, their Chakra would be continuously absorbed and turned into nourishment for the trees' growth.
At first glance, it sounded much like Kisame Hoshigaki's Samehada, which could absorb an opponent's Chakra for its own use. But there was only one Samehada, whereas Wood Release was equivalent to countless Samehada. Once caught by even one of them, it was extremely difficult to break free.
That was why Houka had not used Susanoo. The target