He naturally recognized this ninjutsu, created by Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and later improved by Minato Namikaze.
But what shocked Hiruzen Sarutobi was that Namikaze Sui had mastered it too.
A golden flash streaked past. Almost instantly, that hand seized the kunai and swiftly closed in on him.
The sharp, jet-black kunai gleamed coldly as it slashed toward his neck.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils contracted. He stood there, unable to react in time.
Clang!
A crisp sound rang out, and sparks flew. The Adamantine Staff blocked the strike for him, leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi drenched in cold sweat.
In that instant, he had nearly been killed outright.
"Hiruzen, don't just stand there!"
"Hurry and find a way to counter him! This guy is a formidable opponent!"
Enma warned him.
The Third Hokage took a deep breath and nodded gravely. "I know!"
Then he raised the Adamantine Staff and faced the enemy before him with the utmost seriousness.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi already considered River the greatest opponent of his life.
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
With a sweep of his hand, countless shuriken hurtled forward.
Taking advantage of the opening, Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his position.
"Be careful. I just noticed there's something unusual about his eyes."
Enma spoke again.
That alerted Hiruzen Sarutobi and made him look up once more.
The Yellow Flash closed in again. With just a brief flicker through the air, River was already before him.
Fast! His speed was utterly overwhelming, too fast for anyone to react.
"Big Ball Rasengan!"
A blue ball of energy loomed over his head almost instantly.
"That's the Fourth Hokage's move!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, his gaze shifting.
It was easy to imagine that Minato Namikaze had passed on almost everything he knew to this man.
"Put some distance between you,