As the Eight-Tails, with Killer B inside it, watched Jiraiya keep his palm pressed against it, it realized that the other man was preparing to perform some kind of secret technique.
It didn't know what technique he had in mind, but the white-haired man before it was one of the famed Sannin of the Ninja World. It couldn't afford to sit back and let him finish.
So Killer B didn't hesitate. Bracing both arms against the ground, he lunged at Gamaken again, and the toad met him with its steel fork.
Though Gamaken was a top-tier summoning beast, there was still a gap between its strength and that of a Tailed Beast. As a result, it was being pushed back by the Eight-Tails.
Fortunately, Gamaken was skilled at both offense and defense. It wouldn't be easy for the Eight-Tails, with Killer B inside it, to defeat him.
Thud, thud...
Just as Gamaken was about to lose, two old toads appeared on Jiraiya's shoulders. They were the two sages, Fukasaku and Shima.
"Little Jiraiya, are you about to fight the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki?"
"No wonder you summoned us old-timers. There really aren't many Jinchuriki who can control a Tailed Beast perfectly."
As soon as Fukasaku and Shima appeared, they understood Jiraiya's predicament.
Without wasting time talking, the two began working with Jiraiya to enter Sage Mode.
Soon, bumps appeared on Jiraiya's face, his nose grew larger, and even his teeth became sharp and menacing.
Seeing Jiraiya transformed beyond recognition in both appearance and presence, the Eight-Tails, with Killer B inside it, couldn't help but freeze.
What kind of jutsu was this?
"To be precise, I'm not human anymore. The Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya, is here! Let's go!"
Whoosh!
Jiraiya leaped off Gamaken and, with his bare fists, kicked at the jaw of the Eight-Tails Gyuki, which was grappling with the toad.
Thud!
Jiraiya's flying kick sent the Eight-Tails' massive body reeling backward. It crashed to the ground and gouged a huge furrow through the earth.
When Killer B got up and raised his head to look at Jiraiya, his huge ox eyes were full of suspicion.
What kind of secret technique was this?
Its enhancement of the body was just too outrageous.
Fighting Jiraiya now felt like fighting his big brother, the Fourth Raikage. H-how was that possible?
*
*
*
*
Meanwhile, though Kumogakure was without Killer B, it still had the Fourth Raikage.
On Konoha's side, Jiraiya was occupied by Killer B, leaving no Kage Level fighter to take on the Fourth Raikage.
With that, the Fourth Raikage, clad in Lightning Release Chakra Mode, began darting across the battlefield, mercilessly reaping lives on Konoha's side.
Just after the Fourth Raikage had taken down several people, the sound of a thousand birds chirping rang out, and a figure wielding lightning rushed toward him.
It was a young boy. One of his eyes was the usual black, while the other was a Sharingan, red with three black tomoe.
Kakashi?
Just what I wanted!
Seeing someone dare to attack him head-on, the Fourth Raikage gave an approving look. The boy really was that man's student. His boldness did nothing to tarnish his mentor's reputation.
As Kakashi attacked with Chidori, the Fourth Raikage swung his arm to block him.
But just as the Fourth Raikage's arm was about to hit Kakashi, the latter spotted a gap in his defense with the Sharingan's insight.
As the Fourth Raikage's arm came swinging in, Kakashi lowered his head slightly to dodge the blow, then thrust hard toward his opponent's chest.
Kakashi's Chidori-wielding hand broke through the Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release Armor and pierced his body.
Watching blood slowly seep from the wound, the Fourth Raikage spoke with a hint of surprise.
"You managed to hurt me. Not bad.
"But this is as far as you go."
As he spoke, the Fourth Raikage grabbed Kakashi by the shoulders with both hands. Kakashi's right hand was buried in the other man's chest, but the Fourth Raikage had clamped down on it with his muscles, leaving him unable to pull free. Feeling the strength of those hands on his shoulders, Kakashi's heart sank.
This is bad!
Is this where it ends?
With the Fourth Raikage so close, Kakashi could see the murderous look in his eyes. Unless something changed, he was about to meet a gruesome end.
"Die, brat!"
Lightning Release Chakra burst from the Fourth Raikage's body as he prepared to lift Kakashi straight up.
At that critical moment, a figure wrapped in green chakra appeared above the Fourth Raikage and swung a powerful axe kick at his head.
"Leaf Great Strong Whirlwind!"
Feeling the force of the oncoming kick, the Fourth Raikage didn't dare take it lightly. He shoved Kakashi away, then raised his arms to block the attack from above.
Thud!
The kick, wrapped in green chakra, slammed into the Fourth Raikage's crossed arms with a deafening crash.
"Guy?"
Safe from death, Kakashi stared at Guy, who was wrapped in green chakra, surprise flashing in his eyes.
He never would have guessed that the one to save him today would be the bowl-cut boy who had always treated him as a rival to surpass.
Looking at the Fourth Raikage, who had blocked his Strong Fist Whirlwind with just his arms, Guy couldn't help thinking that the man was a monster. With power like that, no wonder even Kakashi's signature technique couldn't hurt him.
Seeing the Fourth Raikage reach for him, Guy hastily braced his leg and pushed off hard, creating distance between them before joining Kakashi.
"Kakashi, are you all right?"
At Guy's concerned question, Kakashi shook his head.
"I'm fine. Thanks for saving me just now."
Once Guy knew Kakashi was all right, he felt relieved.
Now... it was time to give it everything he had.
"Kakashi, this guy is incredibly powerful. Looks like we'll have to work together and let our youth shine! Yeah!"
After saying that, Guy shouted and lowered his arms. His presence surged in an instant.
"Eight Inner Gates...
"Sixth,
"Gate of View... open!"
Watching the unassuming bowl-cut boy unleash such an astonishing aura, the Fourth Raikage's eyes flashed with surprise. Then a powerful murderous intent rose within him.
He had heard of Kakashi's reputation as a genius long ago. The boy was also the direct student of an old rival. It was one thing for someone like that to fight him.
But this idiot kid, who had come out of nowhere, was now even more impressive than Kakashi. What was going on with Konoha?
Were freaks springing up everywhere now?
Even Kakashi found Guy strange as he watched him. The chakra surging around Guy felt just like a Jinchuriki's. Since when had this guy been able to open the sixth gate of the Eight Inner Gates?
He hadn't expected the man who had always viewed him as his lifelong rival to grow so strong without a word.
Being overtaken by the one who had once chased after him left Kakashi with mixed feelings.
But he had no time to dwell on that. Instead, he warned Guy,
"Be careful. His Lightning Release Armor is incredibly strong. Even my Chidori couldn't really hurt him. We can only keep him occupied; don't do anything reckless."
Guy didn't need Kakashi to remind him. He'd traded blows with the Fourth Raikage just moments ago and knew perfectly well that the enemy before them was a human-shaped monster.
Still, this was a rare chance to show off in front of Kakashi, and Guy was eager to give it a try.
"Kakashi, remember, I originally planned to use this move to challenge you... Let's go!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Guy turned into a streak of green light and raced toward the Fourth Raikage.
At that speed, this guy's secret technique was no joke.
The Fourth Raikage marveled inwardly, but his expression grew even more ferocious.
"Show me what you've got, Konoha brat!"
As he spoke, the lightning around the Fourth Raikage flared brighter. Even his hair began to stand on end. There was no doubt that the Lightning Release Chakra Mode now surpassed its earlier state in both speed and defense.
Seeing the Fourth Raikage's aura surge, Guy showed no fear. Turning into a blur of green light, he reached the Fourth Raikage in a flash and began throwing punches at incredible speed.
His fists moved so fast that they rubbed against the air and burst into balls of fire.
The fireballs created by the friction kept pounding into the Fourth Raikage. Before long, countless fireballs had swallowed his figure.
From above, Guy looked as if he were standing inside a flaming peacock.
The unending fireballs formed the peacock's body and wings.
This incredible skill was the Taijutsu secret technique that could only be used after opening the sixth gate of the Eight Inner Gates: Morning Peacock!
Rumble!
Watching the Fourth Raikage swallowed by countless flaming fists, everyone present reacted differently.
The people on Konoha's side were overjoyed. Surely even the Fourth Raikage couldn't withstand such a tremendous assault.
The Kumogakure shinobi looked a little tense, but most of them still believed their Raikage wouldn't be defeated so easily...