The sun climbed higher, but the fighting remained fierce. Konoha and Sunagakure had far more shinobi and held a decisive advantage.
Chiyo had repaired her ten puppets once more. Fewer and fewer traces of Monzaemon's work remained, and their power had declined with them.
Her ten fingers twitched, sending the puppets darting and weaving. No Cloud shinobi could match her. Even several Cloud shinobi squad captains could hold out for only a few exchanges before retreating.
The Raikage steadied his breathing. He knew he was the key to turning the tide.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode around him blazed brighter. He stamped his foot, accelerated to his limit, and killed two Konoha shinobi who stood in his way.
His gaze fell on Chiyo, who had cut down one Cloud shinobi after another. In a flash, he shook off the Third Hokage and vanished from where he stood. He spread four fingers, sharp Lightning Release Chakra gathering at their tips.
Bang.
His speed and power struck Chiyo's puppets in an instant, smashing three of them to pieces.
Chiyo remained calm. She pulled her puppets back and darted into the crowd. The Third Hokage appeared before the Raikage again.
The Raikage narrowed his eyes and lunged at him. The Hokage watched him closely as the Adamantine Staff thrust straight ahead.
This time, the Raikage did not dodge. He clenched his right fist, filling it with Lightning Release Chakra. The crackling lightning sounded like ten thousand birds crying at once.
Boom.
His fist, charged with Lightning Release Chakra, slammed into the Adamantine Staff. Blood appeared on the Raikage's knuckles.
At the same time, tremendous force traveled through the staff into the Third Hokage's hands.
Screech.
A searing heat spread across the Hokage's palms as the staff scraped against the Raikage's fist. He retreated