The Fleeing Marines
In mid-air, the crisp sound of metal clashing and the roar of energy colliding never ceased.
Natsu controlled Wood Golem Majestic Attire: Susanoo, and each swing of the Tang Saber was accompanied by the immense power to split mountains and cleave seas. Dark golden Chakra intertwined with pale green Wood Release power, and the wind from the sword swept through, tearing the air with a piercing sharp sound.
No matter how impenetrable his attacks were, Kizaru could always scatter into countless shimmering yellow particles of light just before the blade was about to strike, easily dodging all attacks.
Kizaru's counterattack was equally fierce. The sword light of the Ame no Murakumo -no-Tsurugi, the laser beams shot from his fingertips, Yasakani no Magatama he occasionally flung out, poured down on the giant shadow like a torrential rain. However, each attack that landed on Majestic Attire: Susanoo's armor could only blast shallow scorch marks, not even damaging the wooden texture of the Wood Golem.
The clash between the two intensified, and each collision unleashed a devastating shockwave.
The clouds were completely torn apart, and the sea was repeatedly pressed down and churned up. In just a few dozen rounds, a tsunami tens of meters high had already formed, like a moving mountain, crashing down on the coastline of Origin Island.
The expressions of Uchiha Fugaku and the others on the shore changed drastically. They had been staring at the battle in mid-air, but now, seeing the overwhelming waves crashing down, they dared not linger any longer.
"Quick! Retreat to the higher ground on the island!" Fugaku roared, supporting his wounded clansmen, and turned to run wildly into the mountains and forests on the island.
The remaining tribesmen also came to their senses, protecting the wounded and collecting the bodies of their fallen comrades, before turning back and fleeing towards higher ground.
They knew very well that even a Jonin or Jonin would be severely injured or killed if they were Chunin by the aftershocks of a battle of this level.
On the other side, Ace, who had just vented his anger, was also hit squarely by the oncoming giant wave.
He activated the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit to leap into the air, barely avoiding the waves. Looking at the two still locked in a fierce battle in mid-air, he couldn't help but twitch his lips.
He had originally intended to stay and observe the Uchiha Clan's background, but given the current situation, if he stayed any longer, he wouldn't just be able to watch the show; he would also get caught up in it himself.
Without the slightest hesitation, Ace turned and transformed into a fiery meteor, speeding away in a direction far from the battlefield without looking back.
Even Marine warship that had sailed dozens of nautical miles were rocked precariously by the transoceanic tsunami.
The ship's steel plates groaned under the strain, the masts rocked violently from the crashing waves, Gion, clinging tightly to the gunwale, stared palely at the golden rays bursting across the distant horizon. Gritting her teeth, she ordered, "Maintain course! Avoid the waves! Increase speed!"
Even more chilling was that in the deep sea surrounding the battlefield, several giant Sea Kings, tens of meters long, which had been attracted by the smell of blood, were stunned by the shockwaves from the battle. They floated belly up on the surface of the sea, rising and falling with the waves, without even the strength to struggle.
Yet, this earth-shattering battle remained deadlocked.
Natsu was able to suppress Kizaru in direct attacks with his abundant Chakra and the inexhaustible power of Wood Release, forcing the opponent to constantly dodge and move around. However, he ultimately lacked Haki and Armament Haki, so even the fiercest attacks could not touch the elementalized Kizaru in the slightest.
Kizaru is invincible thanks to the light speed of his Glint-Glint Fruit, but none of his attacks can break through the double defense of the Susanoo- Wood Golem in their Majestic Attire: Susanoo. He can only rely on moving around and restraining the enemy, and he can't even make Natsu retreat half a step.
This tug-of-war dragged on for over an hour.
Natsu's Chakra was still abundant, but there was a hint of weariness in his eyes, and his fingers gripping the Kunai tightened slightly.
Kizaru's breathing was no longer steady, the light particles around his body would occasionally become disordered for a moment, and fine beads of cold sweat seeped from his forehead.
More importantly, neither of them truly gave it their all from beginning to end.
Kizaru's Observation Haki was always only partially applied, firmly locking down the Uchiha clan members on the Origin Island.
He had the ability to bypass Natsu at the speed of light and directly attack Uchiha Fugaku and the others. Once he disrupted their foundation, Natsu would inevitably lose his composure. But he dared not.
Natsu's Sharingan was also partially focused on the direction of the Marine warship.
He could use the Flying Thunder God Technique, along with the Kunai marks he had previously thrown out, to catch up with the retreating warship in an instant and threaten Kizaru with the lives of Gion and the others to stop. But he didn't dare.
The two were like two ferocious beasts who feared each other, each possessing a deadly move that could cripple the other, yet both were also firmly held by the other's grasp on their vital points.
If Kizaru had even the slightest intention to flank and ambush the Uchiha clan, Natsu would instantly abandon the ensuing battle and head straight for the warship in the distant sea;
If Natsu dares to even think about chasing the warship, Kizaru will immediately unleash his full power, pouring firepower at the unsuspecting Uchiha clansmen.
Thus, this battle became an unspoken check and balance. Both seemed to be making deadly moves, but in reality, they were holding back some strength, keeping a close eye on each other's subtle actions, and neither dared to cross the other's bottom line first.
Only when the Dusk had completely sunk on the horizon, and the warships in the distant sea had long since become invisible black dots, disappearing completely at the edge of the sea, did Kizaru finally breathe a long sigh of relief.
Golden light suddenly exploded around him, and by transforming into his elemental form, he instantly created a distance of several thousand meters, completely escaping Natsu's attack range, and did not launch any further attacks.
Natsu also stopped his attack, controlling the Majestic Attire: Susanoo Wood Golem stand steadily on the sea surface, his scarlet Sharingan locked on the golden light in the distance, without giving chase.
In mid-air, the two faced each other from afar.
The tsunami on the sea gradually subsided, leaving only surging waves and the floating corpses of sea Sea Kings, silently telling the horror of the battle that had just taken place.
"Kid, your skills are indeed quite frightening." Kizaru's voice came from thousands of meters across the sea, his previous coldness gone, replaced by his usual nonchalant laziness. "But let's stop here for today. Continuing to fight won't benefit anyone."
Natsu did not reply, but tightened his grip on Tang Saber slightly, his Chakra remaining contained and not released, without the slightest relaxation.
Kizaru didn't care. He just chuckled, and a golden light flashed around him. He transformed into a streak of light and sped off in the direction the warship had retreated. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared into the horizon.
Only after Kizaru's aura completely disappeared did Natsu slowly dispel the Majestic Attire: Susanoo and the Wood Golem, and with a flicker, land on the coastline of Origin Island.
He gazed at the empty sea, slowly exhaling a breath of stale air. The crimson in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only a cold calm.
The navy gained no advantage in this battle and retreated in disgrace.
However, he was unable to capture the Marine Admiral, and in the end, the admiral managed to leave the West Blue safely with his remaining forces.