Victory Still Uncertain

The desolate rocky mountain region had already become a boiling battlefield. Explosions, tearing sounds, and metal collisions rang out without end. Violent chakra and magnetic fields warped the air, whipping up sand and dust that filled the sky.

Shaye and Sasori, two genius puppet masters from different eras of Sunagakure, had already pushed their respective abilities to the limit.

"Magnet Release: Sand Iron Giant Needles!"

Sasori's cold voice came from within Hiruko. The Third Kazekage human puppet swung one hand down, and massive Iron Sand instantly condensed into several enormous spikes capable of piercing solid rock. With shrill whistles through the air, they stabbed viciously at the rapidly moving Mirage from multiple angles!

Shaye's pupils contracted. He yanked hard on the Chakra Threads controlling Mirage, and powerful airflow erupted from its rear vector thrusters. The puppet twisted at an almost right angle, narrowly evading the main spikes. At the same time, the magnetic levitation array beneath its platform flared brilliantly, generating a powerful lateral repulsive force!

"Magnet Release: Sand Iron Barrier!"

With a low roar, he controlled the Iron Sand he could command and rapidly formed a relatively thin yet incomparably dense black shield at his side.

Boom! Boom!

The enormous Iron Sand needles grazed Mirage's edges and smashed fiercely into the rock wall behind it, triggering a violent collapse. One Iron Sand shield that had failed to evade completely was instantly shattered by the remaining force of a giant needle, but it bought Shaye precious time to dodge. Iron Sand scattered everywhere. A sweetness rose in Shaye's throat, but he forcibly suppressed the surging blood in his chest.

"Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere!"

Having evaded the lethal strike, Shaye immediately counterattacked. The prearranged runes on Mirage's side lit up, and a highly compressed air cannon howled toward Hiruko below.