The towering waves receded, leaving behind a flooded wasteland in utter ruin.
The once-flat roof tiles were now submerged in murky water, reflecting the ominous purple walls of the Four Violet Flames Formation.
Julian's massive body stood in the water, every step exceptionally difficult. White steam billowed from the vents on both sides of the huge power pack on his back, accompanied by a harsh hissing sound.
[Warning! Warning! Power core temperature abnormal! Cooling system efficiency reduced by 37%!] [Warning: Damage to the outer armour structure of the left knee is continuing to worsen! Minor leakage detected in the hydraulic transmission system.]
The piercing alarms shrieked continuously through his private communication channel, blending with the dripping water outside like a prelude to defeat.
"Hehehe, looks like your tin toy has taken on water, Naruto-kun."
A sticky voice sounded.
Orochimaru seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. His snake-like neck stretched grotesquely at an inhuman angle as his whole body slid across the water's surface.
The Kusanagi Sword in his hand gleamed with lethal coldness beneath the purple light. Like a venomous snake locking onto its prey, it thrust from an impossibly tricky angle toward the gap in Julian's leg armour, where it had been cut open by Water Severing Wave.
Clang!
Julian's reaction was still far too swift for a heavily armoured unit.
With a backhanded swing, he used the Adamantine Staff transformed from Enma to precisely block the blade.
The mythical weapon and legendary divine sword collided with a thunderous crash, unleashing an ear-splitting screech. A shower of dazzling sparks burst across the dim water.
Enma grunted in pain and complained, "As expected of the Kusanagi Sword, but I can still take it."
On Julian's other side, Hashirama Senju struck with monstrous strength, and the massive impact surged through him.