Roshi slowly rose to his feet, his burly frame casting a huge shadow in the light of the campfire.
His monk's robes stirred without wind as scorching, savage chakra, seemingly drawn from the depths of the earth, began rising from his body.
"Heh...
Whether you're here for Dust Release, Iwagakure, or something else entirely..."
Roshi's voice grew deep and powerful, and even his red hair and beard seemed to flare more fiercely.
"Before we discuss any of that, let this old man see what you're made of! Just how strong is this young Sixth Hokage of Konoha who dares boast about annexing the Land of Grass and covet the Land of Earth?"
Before his words had finished ringing out, dazzling dark-red light erupted around him.
His chakra took tangible form, creating a thick Chakra Cloak like flowing lava that covered his entire body.
"Magma" churned across the cloak's surface, radiating such oppressive heat that even the surrounding air began to warp!
"Lava Release Chakra Mode!"
Not only that, but the ground beneath his feet instantly softened and melted under the influence of that intensely hot chakra, becoming a small pool of seething magma.
Orange-red light illuminated his resolute face, highlighting the savage power that belonged to a Jinchūriki and practitioner of Lava Release!
Battle was about to erupt!
Almost at the very moment Roshi activated his Lava Release mode, Naruto had already made his move. Rather than retreat, he formed a minimal hand seal with one hand, then pressed his palm toward the ground beside him!
"Magnet Release: Gold Dust!"
A great quantity of gold dust flew from his Ninja Tool Pouch, spiraling upward like a living golden tide.
It formed a broad, solid platform beneath Naruto and Hikari's feet, lifting them steadily into the air, away from the magma