The Decisive Battle Against Shendu (1)

Konoha, Hokage Office.

The atmosphere inside the Hokage office felt stifling. The high-ranking officials of Konoha, including Shimura Danzō, stared at the intelligence reports in their hands with grim expressions.

The news of Zhi Qiang, a new member of the Hidden Organization, appearing seemed trivial now. Just moments ago, a spy stationed in Iwagakure sent word that the capital of the Land of Fire had fallen, occupied by a ferocious dragon. Furthermore, an even more powerful dragon had defeated the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and seized the Talismans.

Then there was the fierce battle that erupted within the Land of Frost. According to witnesses, they saw a green monster riding a four-legged dragon streak across the sky, followed by a battle at a location known as the Graveyard of Mountains.

And the opponent... seemed capable of manifesting the Susanoo, a technique once used only by Uchiha Madara...

"Hiruzen! Do you still not understand? That Susanoo! It is absolutely those wicked Uchiha who hoarded the Talismans, attracting the covetous gaze of that so-called demon!"

Shimura Danzō was in top form as usual; the moment he had a chance to smear the Uchiha clan, he jumped at it. In his eyes, Shendu and the rest were irrelevant—his Konoha was invincible! Better to suppress the Uchiha clan first.

"Enough, Danzō. Now is not the time for this. That dragon leader is who we should be concerned about."

Combining this with what Uncle had said, there was no doubt that the guy searching the world for Talismans was Shendu.

As for Shendu's strength... although he didn't know which Uchiha had fought him, the fact that even an old-guard powerhouse of the Ninja World like the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, had no power to resist... the implications were terrifying.

Excluding the Monkey Talisman taken by Zhi Qiang of the Hidden Organization, the remaining two Talismans were now in Konoha. How could Sarutobi Hiruzen not be worried?

Handing over the Talismans was out of the question. After all, the Horse Talisman alone could save Konoha a massive amount of expenses every day, not to mention the Dragon Talisman, which possessed immense power, served as a universal energy source, and could even replace chakra.

"Let's check on the situation with Uncle first."

When it came to dealing with demons, Uncle was undoubtedly the professional. Ever since he learned of Shendu's resurrection, he had been holed up in his room, crafting spells.

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to go find Uncle, the door to the Hokage office was suddenly knocked upon.

"Enter!"

Two Anbu ninjas dragged a disheveled, filthy-looking youth before Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Lord Hokage! Advisors, we just captured this suspicious, sneaky fellow outside the Hokage building!"

"You are... the Daimyo?!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up in shock upon seeing that face. Although he hadn't attended the succession ceremony for Enshi Shu, he was well-acquainted with his appearance.

"What?! It's actually the Daimyo?"

Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō all wore expressions of utter astonishment. A dignified ruler of a nation, reduced to such a state?

But it was understandable. Given the current situation in the capital, it was a miracle Enshi Shu had made it to Konoha alive. As for verifying his identity?

"Muscle atrophy, no traces of refined chakra... and no signs of using the Transformation Technique..."

Though Enshi Shu looked no better than a beggar, the "Fire Daimyo Exclusive Robe" he wore was still conspicuous. Sarutobi Hiruzen could tell at a glance that it was the high-quality fabric reserved for the Daimyo's family; there was no possibility of it being a fake.

"Daimyo... please rest in the quarters I have arranged for you. As for that demon attempting to usurp the throne, leave it to us in Konoha!"

Even though Enshi Shu currently possessed neither power nor wealth and was effectively useless, the deeply ingrained mindset of this world led Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others to think first of "restoring" him.

After all, Konoha had to fight Shendu anyway; if they could secure the merit of restoring a monarch, it would be perfect.

The moment the Daimyo left, Uncle, Chixing, and Yellow Sponge entered the Hokage office.

"Uncle, how is the... er... 'spell' to subdue that demon coming along?"

"Aiya! The spell to seal a demon is extremely difficult! Uncle needs more time!"

Just as Uncle complained about the complexity of the spell, several more Anbu ninjas rushed in. "Ho... Lord Hokage! That demon has already arrived above Konoha!"

"What?!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed his desk and stood up, shocked that it had arrived so quickly!

"Pass my order: Genin are responsible for evacuating residents to the Hokage Rock! Gather the rest of the ninjas and follow me to buy time for Uncle!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's orders spread throughout the village, and Konoha entered a state of Level 1 alert.

"Danzō! Your Root is no exception!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen took off his Hokage Cloak, revealing the black tight-fitting combat suit underneath, along with a ninja hat adorned with layered armor plates.

"Hiruzen, take this!"

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to leap out the window, Utatane Koharu called out to him, handing over the Horse Talisman that had been kept in storage at Konoha Hospital.

"My thanks...!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen took the Talisman, leaped out the window, and used several Body Flicker Techniques across the rooftops to reach the center of the battlefield.

--Bang!

Shendu stepped into the territory of Konoha, the perimeter wall behind him completely destroyed. The patrolling ninjas were the first to confront him.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

"Lightning Style: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!"

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

Ninjustu of various attributes filled the sky, covering a vast area. Unfortunately, the moment Shendu shook his head and exhaled his heat breath, those techniques were instantly consumed by flames.

"It seems ordinary ninjutsu attacks are of little use...?" The captain of the Anbu squad thought for a moment before ordering the other members--

"Find a way to restrain it! Just buy us time!"

Before the massive, grand-as-destiny body of Shendu, the houses of Konoha were as fragile as paper, reduced to ruins by his slightest brush.

Buildings collapsed one after another, rubble flew, and dust filled the air; the moment Shendu's vision was obscured, the members of the Anbu squad immediately formed hand seals and unleashed their ninjutsu in succession.

"Lightning Style: Four-Pillar Bind!"

As chakra erupted, four stone pillars rose from the ground, and crackling currents of electricity surged toward Shendu in the center. For a moment, even Shendu felt the pain, stretching his neck to let out a roar.

"Earth Style: Clay Drop!"

Seeing Shendu twitching and temporarily paralyzed from the electricity, another Anbu ninja seized the opportunity to form seals once more.

A massive amount of red clay fell from the sky barrier, landing around Shendu. The viscous clay covered his body, firmly trapping him within the four lightning pillars while continuing to obstruct his sight.

"Lightning Style: Sixteen-Pillar Bind!" The Anbu ninja who had initiated the first seal formed them again, upgrading the Four-Pillar Bind. More stone pillars erupted from the ground, increasing the voltage to paralyze Shendu.

The stone pillars rose completely, standing at the village gate like a microwave oven. At this moment, the final Anbu ninja formed his seals:

"Fire Style: Biscuit Firing Technique!"