As the Great Dragon Fire broke free of the water tornado and charged toward Salamander Ibuse!
The black and gray figures on the barren yellow earth also emerged before everyone through the white steam!
Demigod Hanzō and Uchiha Lei clashed, one's chain sickle meeting the other's Kusanagi Sword. Both gripped their weapons with both hands, leaning slightly forward as they locked blades!
Meanwhile, atop Gamabunta's head...
Jiraiya had almost fully recovered from his injuries and was watching Uchiha Lei's battle with Demigod Hanzō, his mouth wide open in astonishment!
Orochimaru's admiring voice rang out beside him:
"Lei is actually this strong! He's holding his own in close combat against Demigod Hanzō, a veteran of countless battles!"
"What do you mean, holding his own? Take a good look. There's nothing wrong with Lei. Look at Hanzō's chest!"
Tsunade immediately objected, pointing at the deep sword mark cut into the ninja armor over Demigod Hanzō's chest!
"What?"
Jiraiya cried out in surprise, turning his gaze toward the black armor on Hanzō's upper body!
Black armor was visible beneath Hanzō's clothes, with a half-meter-long sword mark across it. Even the skin of his chest had been cut open!
A twinge of pain came from Hanzo of the Salamander's chest. Only then did he discover that he had unknowingly taken a sword strike. His eyes filled with surprise, and he pushed off with both legs to retreat!
Bang!
Ibuse burst up from underground, lifting Demigod Hanzō onto his head. But black scorch marks covered Ibuse's head as well; he had clearly been injured too!
Hanzo of the Salamander praised him in a ringing voice:
"Uchiha Lei, you are indeed strong. But this is only the beginning!"
"Oh? Have you decided how you'll dance?"
Uchiha Lei mocked him with a chuckle, then gave his sword