Susanoo emerged from the billowing smoke and dust, one step at a time.
Dust and splintered wood still swirled around the deep-blue chakra giant, and every step left a deep footprint in the ground.
Uchiha Madara stood in Susanoo's head with his arms folded, calmly watching the Eight-Tails as his silhouette likewise emerged from the dust in the distance.
Within the Eight-Tails, in Killer B's mental realm, Gyūki spoke in a low, grave voice. "B, retreat. We're no match for him."
Killer B gritted his teeth, his eight tentacles slowly drawing inward across the ground.
He did not answer immediately. Through the Eight-Tails' eyes, he stared fixedly at the distant deep-blue giant, his chest heaving.
Yet Uchiha Madara showed no intention of pursuing him. He simply watched the Eight-Tails in silence.
He was like a hunter watching prey already surrounded, savoring the leisure afforded him during the hunt.
Only after a moment did he speak, his voice carrying out from within Susanoo, calm but tinged with interest:
"Not going to attack? Then allow me."
He paused briefly.
"I've wanted to try this move for a long time. After all-this is Hashirama Senju's Wood Dragon, the one that once restrained my summoned beast, the Nine-Tails."
The instant his words fell, Uchiha Madara formed hand seals with both hands.
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!"
The ground began to tremble faintly. Something pushed up the earth and rock from beneath their feet, opening first a thin crack, then more fissures that spread and intersected.
A massive wooden dragon's head suddenly burst from underground, followed by a winding body and a coiling tail.
It surged skyward from deep underground, covered in rough bark and twisting vines. Green chakra gleamed in its eyes as it opened its enormous jaws and let out a roar that