Crack!
A crisp snap rang out!
A wooden shield shaped like a fanged demon's face opened, revealing Hashirama Senju, completely unharmed within.
"What a commotion!"
Hashirama Senju leaped up amid the flames filling the sky and landed atop a still-burning tree, staring down at Nagato.
"As expected of the eyes the Sage of Six Paths once possessed. Their abilities really are formidable!"
After that exchange, Hashirama Senju had roughly gauged his opponent's strength.
But he could also tell that his opponent had not actually brought all his abilities fully into play.
"Are you going to keep defending?"
Nagato demanded in a low voice. He was somewhat dissatisfied with Hashirama Senju, even though both of them had held back during their exchanges.
From the moment the battle began, however, his opponent had remained on the defensive, barely launching any attacks of his own.
Almost every offensive had come from Nagato, with Hashirama Senju finding ways to counter.
That irritated Nagato somewhat.
It felt as though his opponent was not taking this battle seriously.
Hashirama Senju, on the other hand, paid little mind to Nagato's attitude, though his expression was not mild either.
There was no way he could smile at the culprit who had nearly destroyed Konoha while alive.
To Hashirama Senju, Konohagakure had always been the most important line that must never be crossed.
Anyone who harmed Konoha was unquestionably his enemy.
"Now that I've learned enough, let's begin the final battle."
Hashirama Senju also felt it was time. He guessed that Tobirama Senju and Jiraiya's battle should be drawing to a close as well.
Once he finished the battle here, he could meet up with the two of them and head to the main battlefield together.
"Then come."
Nagato's gaze remained unruffled. Although he deeply resented being controlled by