"Swish!"
The Third Raikage extended the five fingers of his right hand, his movements precise and deliberate. Slowly, he bent his thumb inward, allowing the dark lightning enveloping his hand to grow denser, almost taking on a physical form.
The lightning around the remaining four fingers sharpened, transforming into spear-like extensions of his hand. The sheer intensity of the chakra condensed in the lightning made it appear darker, more dangerous, as it crackled with raw energy.
"Three o'clock!"
Killer B, standing beside the Third Raikage, sensed a subtle shift in the battlefield. His keen perception, honed by years of experience and his connection to the Eight-Tails, picked up on Minato's movement.
Hearing his warning, the Third Raikage slightly adjusted his direction before launching himself forward with explosive speed.
"Boom!"
The air seemed to shatter as the Raikage collided with something invisible. The force of the impact reverberated through the area, a loud bang echoing through the narrow mountain path. The dark lightning on his hand flickered briefly before piercing through the unseen barrier.
It was Minato's Frog Kumite attack, a technique invisible to the naked eye but potent in its impact. Yet, against the sheer destructive power of the Raikage's Hell Thrust, it was obliterated.
"Is this the so-called Hell Thrust?" Minato thought as he observed the Raikage's terrifying display of strength.
The Frog Kumite's greatest advantage lay in its invisibility, an attack that struck with unexpected force. However, against the Raikage's spear-like fingers, its power seemed almost insignificant.
The Third Raikage's ability to break through Minato's technique so effortlessly only reinforced his reputation as a warrior capable of battling the Eight-Tails in hand-to-hand combat. His defense and offense were monstrous, making him a walking juggernaut.
Before Minato could react further, A and Killer B charged at him from opposite sides, their movements swift and synchronized. It was clear their strategy aimed to corner him. After all, even the most powerful attacks were meaningless if they couldn't hit their target.
Minato's mind worked quickly, his sharp instincts assessing the situation. With three opponents attacking in unison, even he couldn't take them all head-on.
Beside him, Hatake Sakumo caught Minato's glance. The experienced warrior nodded silently and withdrew, understanding Minato's unspoken plan.
As A and Killer B closed in, Minato's body moved with blinding speed.
"Instant Step!"
Minato's already impressive speed increased to an astonishing level, amplified further by his Sage Mode. To the Third Raikage and his allies, Minato's movements were almost imperceptible, leaving only a faint afterimage in his wake.
The real Minato appeared beside A in an instant, his hands already forming a jutsu.
"Senjutsu: Odama Rasengan!"
A radiant blue orb of chakra began forming in Minato's hand, its size rapidly expanding. The energy it radiated was immense, filling the air with an oppressive pressure.
A's reflexes, honed by years of combat, kicked in. He instinctively leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the attack. As he retreated, the Rasengan expanded further, its diameter growing to several meters in an instant.
However, the Third Raikage wasn't idle. His Hell Thrust, now focused through four fingers, shot forward with devastating speed.
"Bang!"
The two attacks collided, the enormous Rasengan pressing against the concentrated lightning spear. The resulting clash sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield.
The Rasengan's energy enveloped A and Killer B, forcing them to retreat further. Yet, the Third Raikage remained unfazed. With a subtle motion, he bent his pinky finger inward, leaving only three fingers extended. The Hell Thrust's power intensified as the chakra condensed further.
"Bang!"
The Third Raikage's three-fingered spear pierced through the massive Rasengan like a hot knife through butter. The once-mighty jutsu collapsed, its energy dissipating into countless azure fragments that rained down like a gentle storm.
Minato's sharp eyes caught every detail of the Raikage's technique. He could feel the destructive potential behind each movement. The man wasn't just strong—he was methodical, refining his technique to adapt to every situation.
Before Minato could regroup, A and Killer B launched their coordinated attack. Their arms, glowing with lightning, swung toward Minato's head with incredible force.
"Lightning Release: Double Lariat!"
The infamous technique had claimed countless lives during the Second Ninja World War, and its destructive power was well-known. Minato recognized the danger immediately.
At the same time, the Third Raikage thrust his hand forward once more, aiming to corner Minato completely.
But Minato was already one step ahead. His figure vanished just as the three attacks converged, leaving his opponents striking only empty air.
Several meters away, Minato reappeared beside a specially crafted kunai lodged in the ground. His breathing was steady, but his mind remained sharp, calculating his next move.
"What incredible speed!" the Third Raikage muttered, his deep voice tinged with grudging admiration.
The kunai, which hadn't been there moments ago, had clearly been thrown by Minato during his earlier clash. It was a testament to his unparalleled ability to multitask, executing precise actions even in the heat of battle.
As skilled combatants, the Cloud Ninjas understood the importance of seizing the initiative. Yet, Minato had managed to stay one step ahead, outmaneuvering even their most coordinated efforts.
"We can't give him any time to breathe!" the Third Raikage barked, his voice echoing with authority.
Without hesitation, the three Cloud Ninjas charged at Minato again, their combined speed leaving streaks of lightning in their wake.
Minato stood his ground, his hands forming seals at a speed so fast it was almost invisible. As his attackers closed in, the air around him began to shift.
"Senjutsu: Flying Thunder God Stage 3!"
Brilliant azure chakra erupted from Minato's body, spreading out like a cascading rain of light. Each droplet seemed to carry a trace of his presence, forming intricate black patterns on the ground where they fell.
The light was both mesmerizing and foreboding. A, Killer B, and the Third Raikage stopped abruptly, their instincts warning them of the danger.
Minato, now surrounded by the glowing rain, disappeared once more. His mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique had reached its pinnacle, allowing him to manipulate the battlefield with unparalleled precision.
The Third Raikage's expression darkened as he surveyed the strange markings on the ground. Despite his strength, he couldn't ignore the growing sense of unease.
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