Prelude to the Decisive Battle: The Uchiha's Resolve

Just as Ling was about to lay out the battle plan, a deafening roar suddenly came from the distance.

Everyone turned to look, only to see that the Tailed Beast Ball Shukaku had condensed was already taking shape. The dark-purple sphere of chakra slowly rotated in the air, giving off a suffocating aura of destruction.

"No time to explain!"

Hiashi Hyuga made the call on the spot. "Ling, you're in charge of keeping Shukaku's attention! Shikaku, organize the men and evacuate the remaining civilians! Choza, come with me and create an opening!"

The orders were brief and forceful, showing the decisiveness of a veteran jonin.

Ling nodded without hesitation. "Understood!"

He took a deep breath and gathered chakra in both feet. Lightning flickered, and his figure shot toward Shukaku like an arrow loosed from the string.

"Hey! Big guy!"

Ling shouted while moving at high speed, his hands rapidly forming seals. "Look this way!"

"Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves!"

Dozens of wind blades howled out. Though they could not cause Shukaku any real damage, they successfully drew its attention.

Shukaku let out an enraged roar, temporarily stopping the condensation of the Tailed Beast Ball and instead swinging a massive claw in Ling's direction.

"Now!"

Hiashi Hyuga's Byakugan flashed. "Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"

A powerful shock wave struck Shukaku's arm with precision, forcing it to alter the path of its attack.

At the same time, Choza Akimichi's body rapidly swelled. "Partial Multi-Size Technique!"

A huge fist slammed hard into Shukaku's other side, creating room for Ling to dodge.

Ling wove nimbly through the sandstorm, rapidly analyzing the battle in his mind. Shukaku's defense was almost flawless, but its movement was relatively sluggish, giving them room to maneuver.

"We have to find a way to break through its absolute defense..."

As Ling dodged Shukaku's attacks, he observed its movement patterns.

Suddenly, he noticed a detail: whenever Shukaku prepared to launch a large-scale attack, the curse-mark patterns on its back would emit a faint glow.

"That's... a sealing formula?"

Ling's heart stirred. "Could it be..."

He immediately changed tactics. No longer simply dodging, he began consciously guiding the direction of Shukaku's attacks.

"Senior Shikaku!"

Ling shouted loudly. "Please use the Shadow Imitation Technique to restrict its movement, even if it's only for an instant!"

Shikaku Nara immediately understood his intent. "Everyone, coordinate with Ling's movements!"

Dozens of ninja from the Nara Clan formed seals at the same time, and countless shadows shot toward Shukaku from every direction.

"Shadow Imitation Technique, successful!"

Although they could only bind Shukaku for a few short seconds, it was already enough.

Ling seized the chance and gathered all the chakra in his body into his right hand. The lightning shone brighter than ever before, even faintly carrying a trace of purple electricity.

"Lightning Release: Chidori Sharp Spear!"

This was the result of a month of grueling training, pushing Chidori's shape transformation to the limit. The lightning turned into a spear of light several meters long, stabbing straight at the curse mark on Shukaku's back.

"Roar—!"

Shukaku let out a pained roar, and cracks began to appear in the curse-mark patterns on its back. Although it failed to completely break the seal, the strike clearly affected its power.

Just then, a sudden disturbance came from the direction of the Four Violet Flames Formation in the distance.

"That's..."

Hiashi Hyuga's Byakugan widened sharply.

The Four Violet Flames Formation had begun to fluctuate violently, and the Third Hokage's figure flickered in and out within the barrier. Even more shocking was the familiar chakra rapidly approaching.

"Lord Jiraiya is back!"

Someone shouted.

Sure enough, Jiraiya's figure appeared at the edge of the battlefield, and the two old toads on his shoulders had already begun gathering senjutsu chakra.

"Looks like we're not fighting alone."

Ling wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, hope reigniting in his eyes.

However, just as everyone let out the slightest breath of relief, another change occurred.

A black shadow appeared silently behind Ling, and a cold voice rang out:

"Found you, Uchiha brat."

Ling spun around sharply and saw Orochimaru standing not far away, dangerous light flickering in his golden, vertical pupils.

"Orochimaru..."

Every muscle in Ling's body instantly went taut. He knew the real test was only just beginning.

"Your performance has been quite a pleasant surprise."

Orochimaru licked his lips. "However, the game ends here."

The battle entered an entirely new stage.

(End of Chapter Twenty-Seven)