Because quite a few ninja had previously used techniques like [Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld], [Earth Release: Antlion Technique], and [Earth Release: Earth Flow River] to destroy the mountain, the ground was covered in patches of mud.
At some point, Hozuki Sengetsu and Hozuki Mangetsu had secretly infiltrated the area and hidden themselves within the mud. After all the Anbu and security force ninja had left, they launched a surprise attack on Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The Water Gun Technique was one of the Hozuki Clan's secret ninjutsu. Combined with the Hydrification Technique, it allowed them to fire the first joint of a finger at extreme speed without forming hand seals. It possessed immense power and piercing force, activated swiftly and silently, and was truly a godly assassination technique.
At that moment, two Water Gun Technique bullets were rapidly closing in on the Third Hokage. If they hit, two bloody holes would be unavoidable.
Perhaps because holding up the mountain alone had drained him greatly, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed not to notice the incoming danger. He was still trying to retract the Adamantine Staff.
Just as the water bullets were about to strike, a large, hairy hand abruptly extended from the staff and shoved Sarutobi Hiruzen aside. The two water bullets crossed through the spot where he had been standing, hitting nothing.
The Third Hokage had once been a battle-hardened powerhouse. Though he had not left the village since taking office, his strength was beyond question.
He turned back, fury filling his eyes as he looked at the two Hozuki brothers slowly crawling out of the mud. "The Hozuki Clan? You caused that explosion just now?"
"That's right. What do you think of the gift we gave Konoha?"
Fearless in his youth, Hozuki Mangetsu directly mocked the Third Hokage.
"Every loss suffered