We can't beat Konoha, but can't we beat you Cloud Ninja?

Dust Release: Limit Removal Technique—this was an upgraded version of the Dust Release: Atomic Dismantling Technique, a jutsu that even Ōnoki could not use at will.

The Uchiha were a proud clan; having said those words, Uchiha Yuji would certainly not use space-time movement to flee. This was the conclusion Ōnoki reached based on his understanding of the Uchiha.

He squeezed out nearly all the chakra within his body to unleash it.

Yet, the final outcome left Ōnoki speechless.

His ninjutsu had no effect whatsoever; it had been absorbed with ease!

Ōnoki was, after all, a native ninja of the Shinobi World, not an alien from the Ultra World; naturally, he did not know the [common knowledge] that one should not use beams against Zetton.

The solidified chakra giant gradually dissipated, like a black cloth tearing apart, revealing the figure within the Susanoo.

The same long black hair, Mangekyō Sharingan with different patterns but the same essence, and the same arrogant expression.

Memories surfaced like a revolving lantern; Uchiha Madara, whom he had encountered in his high-spirited youth, seemed just as arrogant, just as powerful, and just as disdainful of everything.

The battlefield, once filled with slaughter, fell into a brief silence, leaving only the howling wind whipping up yellow sand across the wilderness.

Uchiha Yuji lifted his right hand, and a pure white glimmer, saturated with conviction, shimmered in his palm.

That iconic radiance and chakra attribute!

"Wait, wait, wait!"

A stunned Ōnoki suddenly snapped back to reality, shouting in terror.

He understood the power of his Dust Release clearly; if it were to land in the formation of Iwagakure Ninja, the ninjas in that area would certainly not survive.

Dust Release was clearly a decomposition technique! It was a Kekkei Tōta! How could even this technique be reflected?!

And Uchiha Yuji proved with his actions that he could.

The brilliant, pure white light diffused from Uchiha Yuji's palm, transforming into a stream of light the moment it was exposed to the air.

The thick flow of light rubbed against the air, vibrating with a humming sound, and in the silence, the radiance flew past Ōnoki's side at extreme speed.

The eye could not capture the trajectory of the flying light; by the time one saw the beam, it had already passed.

His heart rate exceeded its limit, and a dazed Ōnoki turned his body to look behind him.

Yet, he did not see the scene that would have caused his heart to stop.

The Dust Release: Limit Removal Technique, now enhanced in power, grazed over the heads of the Iwagakure Ninja. The precisely controlled Dust Release did not claim a single life, but a massive circular hole appeared in the mountain col behind the Iwagakure forces.

One could look straight through it and see the azure sky.

"We are fundamentally different."

"Whether it is power or spirit, the gap is as wide as the distance between heaven and earth."

"You have already lost, Ōnoki."

Uchiha Yuji watched Ōnoki calmly, delivering a simple declaration of victory.

"How about surrendering now?"

What should have been a question was stated as a simple fact.

Ōnoki did not answer immediately; he lowered his head to observe the expressions of his subordinates.

The battle had not lasted long, but a large portion of the Iwagakure Ninja had already died on the battlefield, with countless others wounded. Yet, whether they were the living or the dead, the emotion in their eyes was the same.

It was fear from the depths of their hearts.

He let out a long sigh. "The Uchiha clan is truly favored by the Sage of Six Paths. Even after someone like Uchiha Madara appeared, only a few years have passed, and yet another such powerful ninja has emerged."

"I promise here that as long as you are alive, we Iwagakure Ninja will not launch another war against Konoha."

"There is no need to make promises," Uchiha Yuji said candidly. "In this Shinobi World, even peace treaties can be torn up at any time; verbal promises are completely meaningless."

"Moreover, I welcome you to launch a war. That would mean you have gained the power to oppose me, that the courage of the stars is shining in your hearts, and that I will face an Iwagakure army as resilient and united as never before."

"At that time, I will await your challenge with anticipation, and then grant you equal respect."

"By bestowing upon you another defeat."

Arrogant yet bold, disdainful of others' power yet acknowledging their character, combined with that terrifying strength—Ōnoki had to admit that even as an enemy, he felt a sense of admiration.

He looked at that handsome face, which seemed carved from the same mold, with a complex expression, and sighed long once more.

It was no disgrace to be defeated by such a man.

If only he were a comrade from the same village.

But there were no "ifs."

And at this moment, he understood that Uchiha Yuji and Uchiha Madara were, after all, two different people.

If it were Uchiha Madara, he would likely only mock their overestimation of themselves. Even if Uchiha Madara would accept their challenge, he would not offer positive evaluation until they had displayed a certain level of power.

Never fearing a challenge—perhaps that was the reason for the Uchiha clan's strength.

Uchiha Yuji turned around, his back to Ōnoki and the others, and walked toward Hatake Sakumo and his companions.

After a slight nod to each other, they turned away without hesitation.

Although the Uchiha bore minor wounds and the dishevelment of prolonged combat, the crimson glow of the Sharingan in their eyes burned with ever-increasing desire as they gazed at Uchiha Yuji with a hint of fanaticism.

They looked upon the clan head who had brought honor and change to the Uchiha.

Their footsteps followed closely behind him.

The Iwagakure Ninja who had surrounded them retreated in silence as they advanced, the crowded ranks quickly parting to form a long path leading from before them to the outside of the encirclement.

Perhaps "encirclement" was no longer the right word to use?

To charge straight into the enemy's main camp with fewer men than a single company—it was truly reckless.

"To be born in the same era as you is a tragedy, Uchiha Yuji."

Such strength! Such spirit! The geniuses who should have been the tide of the era all appeared dim and lusterless when faced with this man.

Even the Kage, who could stir up storms on the battlefield, were trampled beneath his feet; it was as if the entire world existed only to serve as his backdrop.

The Uchiha had already walked far away, yet the sorrow and silent desolation on the battlefield did not dissipate.

"What kind of expressions are those on your faces!"

"What can those expressions of yours possibly accomplish?!"

Ōnoki's roar was in stark contrast to the size of his body, and hearing his words, the Iwagakure Ninja silently lifted their heads.

"We cannot defeat the Asura of the new Shinobi World! That is nothing to be ashamed of!"

"You are strong, that is beyond doubt!"

"Turn the army around! Head toward the Cloud Ninja!"

"Let us use the defeat of the Cloud Ninja to tell this world! We, the Iwagakure Ninja, are still the resilient! Powerful! United! Iwagakure Ninja."

For the spirit lost in defeat, there was nothing faster or more effective to fill the void than a victory.