The dust and smoke kicked up by the explosion had yet to scatter when earth and debris rained across the battlefield, driven by the shockwave. Jiraiya stared with wide eyes, locked onto the spot swallowed by the sea of flames.
Standing atop Ibuse's back, Hanzō looked down at the two from above with a sneer on his lips.
"Consider that a warning. Amegakure isn't a place just anyone can trample as they please, and my title of demigod wasn't won by blowing hot air."
The words had barely faded when a lazy voice cut out from the thick smoke.
"I'd rather ask: who on earth got you running out so early to play in a hegemony battle between major nations?"
Hanzō's pupils sharply constricted, and he immediately snapped his gaze toward the source of the voice.
Intertwined tree roots slowly parted to either side as Tsunade walked out from within. Not a single trace of injury could be seen on her, and standing right beside her was Naruto Uzumaki, who had appeared out of nowhere.
The smile on Hanzō's face vanished instantly.
"Wood Release? How is there another Wood Release ninja?"
Tsunade's Wood Release earlier had nearly caused him to stumble. Fortunately, that level of Wood Release fell vastly short compared to the legendary Hashirama Senju, giving him the opening to turn the tables and suppress Tsunade.
He had already prepared to deal with this violent woman first, never expecting that just as victory was about to be decided, Naruto would suddenly show up. Judging by the power the other displayed, he was clearly even more troublesome than Tsunade.
More troublesome still, Naruto actually knew he had arrived here only after receiving word.
Hanzō had always maintained extreme caution regarding involvement in the wars of the major nations. At that