Shin'yu stood silently amid the bushes. Some distance away, the Nine-Tails, which had been unrivaled just moments ago, was now held in the Wood Buddha Giant's palm like a little kitten.
Its eyes were closed, and it looked quiet and obedient, as though it had fallen asleep.
A breeze swept past, making its orange fur ripple like waves.
From this angle, the Nine-Tails actually looks pretty well-behaved... Shin'yu found himself thinking something utterly inappropriate.
Though his target was right before him, he still did not dare act rashly.
It was not because he feared the Hidden Leaf Village ninja lurking behind him, but because... Madara and Hashirama's battle had yet to be decided.
This battle had already lasted three days and three nights.
Shin'yu wrinkled his nose. At some point, the forest had begun to fill with the fresh fragrance of earth, and the air had grown increasingly damp.
He gently held out his palm. A raindrop landed in it, shattering into cool, crystal clear droplets.
It was raining.
"This time, it's your turn not to be able to throw me over."
Beneath the empty waterfall, Madara panted heavily. Holding a Gunbai and sickle in both hands, he looked at the equally exhausted figure across from him and revealed the smile of a victor.
Their Chakra had been nearly depleted. Both wore weary, weathered expressions, their exhaustion plain to see. Even their armor had long since been shattered beyond recognition, leaving them looking utterly disheveled.
Hashirama raised his head slightly and stared at his former "closest friend." Whether from excessive depletion or severe injuries, his eyes looked somewhat unfocused.
Suddenly, ripples spread beneath their feet in an instant. Madara moved!
Hashirama belatedly raised his longsword and charged toward him at the same speed. Blade Light flashed, and their figures crossed