The ground began to shake violently. Thanks to Mito and Ashina's barrier formation, nothing serious happened inside the venue.
Outside, however, the earth began to split. A bottomless fissure tore through the ground, stretching all the way to a canyon a hundred meters away and splitting its towering rock face straight down the middle.
Once the shaking stopped... all the spectators slowly opened their eyes and looked at the two men in the arena...
"Dave, you've earned my respect!" Madara laughed, panting for breath.
"Whew, that wasn't too bad." Dave wiped the sweat from his face as well, letting out a relieved breath and smiling.
The Five Kage in the stands were dumbstruck... Were these two... even human??
"When we get back, add another R to Senju Dave's threat level! Make it SSS+RR!" A told the assistant behind him, his voice trembling and cold sweat running down his face...
"Yes, understood." The assistant's legs were shaking too...
"Hokage... I have a question..." The Third Kazekage swallowed and turned to Danzo beside him, his voice trembling.
"...Ask..." Danzo was drenched in cold sweat too... He had still underestimated Dave before... If that thing hit me... would even Izanagi work...?
"If the Senju Clan Leader is this strong... how did a scoundrel like you become Hokage?"
"...Good question. Never ask it again."
Just as Madara was about to resume fighting Dave, a figure suddenly appeared beside him.
"Watching that got my blood pumping! Dave! I want to fight you too!" Hashirama roared, his face alight with excitement.
It had been so many years since he had really cut loose. What he had just witnessed had struck hard at his heart, stirring a passion that had lain dormant for years. Hashirama wanted to fight too.
"...This is a competition, Uncle..." Dave felt