An enormous Guanyin statue rose into the air, with River standing atop it. Mysterious dragon-shaped markings wove around his eyes, and dragon horns sprouted from his forehead.
At that moment, an invisible majesty radiated from him, as though a dragon king had descended upon the world.
Countless thick wooden arms roared forward, unleashing tremendous power and smashing the red torii gates to pieces.
Hashirama Senju's pupils contracted, his expression growing grave at the sight.
His opponent possessed the same abilities he did, making him exceedingly difficult to deal with. It was like facing himself.
"Is that Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode?"
"To think you signed a contract with the White Snake Sage!"
"No, it seems different!"
Before long, shock filled Hashirama Senju's heart.
He realized that River's Sage Mode differed from his own. It seemed more compatible and more perfect, allowing him to gather even more natural energy in the same amount of time.
"An exceptionally difficult opponent!"
With that assessment, Hashirama Senju abruptly pressed his palms together.
"Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands!"
At his shout, an equally enormous Guanyin statue appeared. Countless thick wooden arms rose, clenched their fists, and punched savagely forward.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
Thunderous crashes rang out as the two enormous Guanyin statues faced each other, throwing vicious punches.
Crack, crack, crack!
Soon, thick arms began to snap, their creaking and cracking enough to make anyone's scalp prickle.
Boom!
As the two sides drew closer, both statues hammered their fists into the other's forehead, shattering their heads in an instant.
Then came their chests and abdomens. Countless fists battered them from top to bottom, and their enormous bodies began to break apart and collapse.
Whoooosh!
With a low rumble, both Guanyin statues toppled to the ground.
River and Hashirama Senju met each other's