When Uzumaki Ashina arrived at the outskirts of the battlefield, he did not advance further.
The terrain was devastated.
Through Kagura Shingan, he sensed it clearly.
Two immense chakra signatures colliding violently.
"Monsters…"
Even among the Uzumaki, few possessed that level of reserves.
Elemental Combination
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage!"
"Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work!"
Two masks behind Kakuzu attacked simultaneously.
Wind amplified fire.
Flames swallowed the battlefield.
"Water Release: Water Encampment Wall."
Yūma raised a circular wall of water around himself — a technique refined in the style of Tobirama Senju.
Steam exploded outward.
Earth Spear
"Earth Release: Domu."
Kakuzu's body hardened instantly.
Nearly impervious.
But slower.
Yūma struck from behind, using precise chakra-enhanced strength.
Impact after impact.
Yet the defense held.
Even Gentle Fist could not penetrate properly through the hardened chakra coating.
Strategic Pause
Both understood.
Victory would not come easily.
Six hidden observers watched from afar.
The Akatsuki was monitoring.
Kakuzu finally spoke.
"Our leader seeks to bring absolute peace."
Yūma smirked.
"Send someone more persuasive."
He left.
The recruitment attempt had failed.
For now.
If you'd like, I can make the next chapter more political — perhaps Nagato personally taking interest, or Konan being sent instead for a more ideological confrontation.
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