As everyone knew, although the passionate clashes between the blond boy and the black-haired boy were usually the most thrilling parts of Naruto, the real ninja world had no tradition of one-on-one duels where you shouted my name and I shouted yours.
Under the guidance of a strange surge of curse power, Ebizo and all the Sunagakure shinobi suddenly synchronized their thoughts and began working together to surround and attack Uchiha Izuna.
His Fire Blade trailing billowing waves of heat, Uchiha Izuna swung his sword, meeting Ebizo before the two sprang apart. Chakra and curse power surged between them constantly, their exchanges so fast that, from a distance, only two masses of light and shadow could be seen colliding.
Farther away, every Sunagakure shinobi unleashed ranged attacks upon the center of their battle. For certain reasons, these Sunagakure shinobi had no need to worry about accidentally hurting Ebizo.
Beneath the night sky, the sonic booms from their exchanges rang out one after another.
"Hahahahaha! That's it, that's it! Come on! Entertain me to your heart's content, you Sunagakure brat!!"
Uchiha Izuna laughed freely.
It really had been...
A long, long time since he had felt so exhilarated.
What Uchiha didn't love fighting?!!!
Having been dead for so many years without a chance to enjoy another proper battle had always been a regret deep in Uchiha Izuna's heart. Now, however, that regret seemed to have been resolved.
Although his reincarnated body kept him from feeling his blood boil, this excitement unique to combat was quite satisfying.
"Brat?? You Uchiha boy masquerading as Orochimaru, at my age, you ought to call me Grandpa!!"
Ebizo's gaze turned cold at those words. Although they were enemies now, Uchiha Izuna's "rudeness" undoubtedly angered him.
Seething with anger, Ebizo raised his hands and formed hand seals.