Behind Iwagakure's main gate, the once-neat open ground was now littered with ruins. The gate forged from refined iron had been smashed into the ground in a U shape, and devastation filled the eye.
Ōnoki floated in midair. Though he could tell that the long-haired man before him was no ordinary person, he was young and hot-blooded. A genius's pride kept him from lowering his head so easily, especially when this was his territory!
"Whoever you are, I'll teach you a lesson today!"
Crash—
At that moment, the guard beside them shoved away the companion pinning him down. Looking at the proud, solitary figure in the center, he felt that the man looked vaguely familiar. He wanted to warn Ōnoki not to act rashly, but it was already too late!
With the Light-Weight Rock Technique empowering him, Ōnoki shot up from the ground. Though small in stature, his presence was like a dragon surging from the sea, leaving a white trail through the air!
Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique!
Ōnoki formed hand seals with one hand, and countless rocks wrapped around his right arm. Taking advantage of his height, he descended like a falling meteor and drove a terrifying punch at Madara's head!
Madara slightly raised his head to look at the rapidly approaching Ōnoki, then slowly lifted his left hand!
Ōnoki's rock fist, a near-full-force blow launched with everything he had, was intercepted by Madara despite Madara moving later!
Boom—
A deafening blast rang through the air!
Madara had not moved at all. The rock fist, which should have been able to split mountains and shatter stone, stopped dead the instant it touched his palm!
Rumble—
The violent force was channeled through his body into the ground, instantly blasting a circular crater beneath his feet. Yet Madara's body never