After the great battle, the ground was littered with wreckage.
Kinkaku, who had suffered the lightest injuries, carried the blood-covered A over one shoulder while supporting the wounded Ginkaku with his other hand. The two staggered off into the distance, clearly no longer capable of fighting.
A hung his head low. Not only had his body suffered devastating injuries, but his spirit had taken an even heavier blow.
His pride and confidence had been utterly shattered today, leaving behind only a profound sense of helplessness. It had been a long time since he had felt so completely crushed by someone. The last time had been two years ago, during an official spar with his father.
But his father was the strongest man of the current Lightning Country, so it was only natural that he could not defeat him. Yet Uchiha Enkō was not even the Flame Shadow, and still gave him a sense of pressure no less overwhelming than his father's. And he looked to be barely over twenty, nearly ten years younger than A himself!
They were both human, so why was the gap so enormous?
"Once I get back, I'll apply to train at the Valley of Clouds and Lightning. Uchiha Enkō, next time we meet, I'll definitely surpass you!"
Watching Kumogakure's group arrive so aggressively only to leave half-dead, Shamon was instantly grateful for his own restraint. He stepped forward and said, "The Uchiha Clan's strength truly lives up to its reputation. I agree to your previous terms and will form an alliance with you."
Izuna nodded faintly. "Since Enkō has already agreed, a temporary alliance with you is acceptable. However, if you betray us..."
"We of Sunagakure are not the sort to play both sides!"
Before Shamon could answer, the Third Kazekage, still a hot-blooded young