A head-on clash!
The expressions of both groups in the Forest of Konoha changed at that moment, their fierce fighting spirit soaring into the sky.
River's side had only two people-Uchiha Fugaku and himself-along with one tailed beast, the Nine-Tailed Fox.
"Can we really do this?"
Uchiha Fugaku murmured, his expression utterly grave.
Compared to the Third Hokage's forces, their side was woefully outnumbered. And since he had never seen River's full strength, he had no idea where the man's confidence came from.
"Relax! This is going to be an exciting battle, Fugaku!"
River grinned.
"Then let me see your power at its peak!"
"Sui!"
Uchiha Fugaku sighed softly.
Things had already reached this point. All he could do was trust him!
"Then!"
"Let's go!"
River shouted.
Before he could move, the Nine-Tailed Fox beneath him acted first. His nine tails shot out like steel needles and gathered together.
Pop!
A crimson-black Tailed Beast Bomb condensed in an instant. Then, with a boom, it tore through the air, gouging a huge trench through the ground as it hurtled toward the opposing group.
"Tobirama!"
Hashirama Senju shouted.
"Got it!"
Tobirama Senju leaped high into the air, his hands rapidly forming hand seals. A huge ring of runes and markings instantly appeared in the space ahead, forming a barrier that covered an enormous area.
Hum!
When the Tailed Beast Bomb struck the barrier, it was slowly swallowed up.
A few breaths later, the Tailed Beast Bomb had vanished completely.
"Did he transport it away?"
"As expected of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. You really do have your own insights into Space-Time Ninjutsu!"
River laughed.
Just then, an explosion thundered through the forest ten li away. A mass of crimson-black energy burst apart, and a mushroom cloud slowly rose into the sky.
"Deal