After Fugaku's battle with the two Tailed Beasts, the Land of the Moon returned to its previous state. The fighting went on without pause.
But wherever Jin and Hitoshi appeared, Gray Hawks could often be seen circling overhead.
At noon, the two joined forces to kill another squad of Cloud shinobi. Jin wiped the blood from Nuibari, while the nicks that had once marred Hitoshi's Kubikiribōchō had completely healed.
"These blades really do have their own peculiar qualities. The Kubikiribōchō can actually repair itself. I was worried it wouldn't hold up to use," Hitoshi said.
Jin was about to reply when he suddenly frowned. "Careful. Someone's coming."
"As expected of the Uchiha Mangekyo. I didn't think you'd detect us. Sharp senses indeed."
A voice reached their ears. Three figures emerged: the Raikage, the Mizukage, and Killer B.
Both men grew serious. Jin said, "Looks like Clan Head Fugaku guessed right. The three of you really did show up."
Hitoshi pointed the Kubikiribōchō straight at the Fourth Raikage. "I've long wanted to see Kumogakure's Lightning Release Chakra Mode for myself. Today I'll show you that it's nothing before the Mangekyo Sharingan."
The Raikage had a temper every bit as fiery as Hitoshi's. At those words, Chakra erupted from his body, forming a powerful layer of Lightning Release Chakra around him.
"Hmph. Then let's see which is stronger: Lightning Release Chakra Mode or the Mangekyo Sharingan."
A string of explosive cracks rang out as the Raikage vanished from where he stood. Hitoshi's expression sharpened, and his eyes instantly transformed into the Mangekyo Sharingan. As he watched the Raikage's fist hurtle toward him, the Mangekyo Sharingan spun, activating its berserk power.
Immense strength surged through his body. He judged the path of the Raikage's fist and swung the Kubikiribōchō straight at it.
Boom.