Fleeing through the primal forest, Shinji glanced back and gave a bitter smile: "Heh, did I overdo it this time?"
He'd been focused on testing Yakumo's post-surgery condition, but he'd underestimated her resolve.
If the churning sea of trees behind him represented Yakumo's determination right now, then that determination was perhaps a bit too overwhelming!
Swish.
With a light tap of his toes on a branch, Shinji leaped high again, dodging the pursuing vines.
"The chakra fluctuations are intense…"
"But it's missing that suffocating aura from during the surgery. Is it because she hasn't fully mastered the First Hokage's cells yet?"
"It seems the Wood Release she's unleashing now is still lacking…"
Despite his seemingly frantic escape, Shinji stayed true to his purpose, silently evaluating the strength of Yakumo's current "Wood Release" in his mind.
There was no doubt about it.
"Wood Release" wasn't all the same.
The First Hokage's "Wood Release" could effortlessly subdue tailed beasts and shatter Uchiha Madara's "Susanoo," while Yamato's "Wood Release" struggled even to suppress a tailed-beast-transformed Naruto.
Yakumo's "Wood Release" at this moment appeared formidable, but it was merely a product of her abundant chakra. It had scale but lacked quality—its power fell far short of the First Hokage's.
As for how it compared to Yamato's, Shinji couldn't yet say which was stronger in terms of quality.
But regardless, as long as its strength didn't reach the First Hokage's level, it remained within the realm of ninjutsu—something that could still be countered with other ninjutsu!
Soon, a plan formed in Shinji's mind. He put his fingers to his mouth, then extended them to gauge the wind direction.
"It's Wood Release! It's really Wood Release!"
Chasing Shinji wasn't just Yakumo—Danzo, lurking in the shadows, was there too.
As he trailed Yakumo and Shinji, he stared at the surging tide of trees, his face a mix of shock and unrestrained glee!
After obtaining Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan and collecting numerous tomoe Sharingan following the Uchiha clan's downfall, he'd been obsessed with researching the Sharingan's power.
But the deeper he delved, the more frustrated he became.
Without Uchiha blood, he couldn't wield the Sharingan properly—transplanting it burdened his body heavily.
So, to alter his physique, he'd set his sights on the First Hokage's cells.
Even a madman like him had hesitated multiple times before the terrifying power of those cells. But now, seeing Yakumo's post-surgery results—so promising—his ambitions ignited in an instant.
As for the outcome of this duel, he'd long lost interest.
He firmly believed no one could defeat "Wood Release"!
Weaving through the forest was also Orochimaru, cloaked in a hooded robe.
He gazed at the magnificent sea of trees in the distance, his face alight with mockery: "How many years has it been? The Uchiha face 'Wood Release' once again!"
Though he'd given up hope on Uchiha Shinji, a faint curiosity lingered. This Uchiha, who always defied his expectations—what would he choose as his endgame against the invincible "Wood Release"?
On the outskirts.
Shion, among the crowd, bit her lip nervously: "Shinji, just forfeit! Stop fighting!"
Tenten ran to Iruka: "Iruka-sensei, stop the match!"
Iruka gave a helpless, bitter smile: "How… how do I stop this?"
Shiro turned to Karin: "Karin, stay here."
Karin protested: "I'll go with you!"
Shiro shook his head, whispering: "Your condition isn't suitable right now. Don't worry—I'll only step in if Shinji's life is truly in danger!"
"Please!"
Karin said solemnly.
Her fully damaged Mangekyo Sharingan hadn't fully regained sight yet, leaving her unable to rescue Shinji herself.
Shiro nodded, then slipped out of the crowd unnoticed.
He knew intervening carried huge risks—potentially exposing his identity and bringing ruin upon himself. But watching Shinji in peril, he couldn't stand idly by.
Many worried for Shinji's safety, but others shared Orochimaru's mindset.
They no longer cared about the duel's outcome—they just wanted to see how Uchiha Shinji would respond to "Wood Release."
Would he fight to the end, or concede in defeat?
Clearly.
Even powerhouses like the "Sannin," witnessing "Wood Release" manifest, lost their usual caution. Dazzled by its exaggerated scale, they linked it to the First Hokage's invincible "Wood Release." Unlike Shinji, they didn't meticulously analyze Yakumo's "Wood Release" for its true strength, hastily concluding Shinji was doomed to lose.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Shinji landed on a large tree branch.
Hearing the whoosh of the wind in his ears, he smiled faintly.
Even in the tree-dense Death Forest, natural wind channels existed—and his current position was right in one.
In the distance, Yakumo stood atop a wildly growing vine, shouting at Shinji: "Give up! You don't stand a chance!"
"Heh."
Shinji chuckled lightly, then bit his finger, formed a few seals, and called out: "Summoning Jutsu!"
Boom.
In a puff of white smoke, an elegant white cat sprang forth, landing on Shinji's shoulder.
This summoning ninja cat was none other than Princess Kazahime, whom Shinji had contracted in the Land of Cats.
Seeing the surging "Wood Release" tree sea, Kazahime's fur bristled as she exclaimed: "Is that 'Wood Release'!?"
Shinji grinned: "What do you think? Facing off against 'Wood Release'—you'll have quite the story to brag about back home!"
"Oh, right!"
Kazahime's eyes lit up.
The fear that had just crept into her heart was dispelled by Shinji's playful remark. Clashing with "Wood Release" was something to boast about big-time—even losing wouldn't be shameful!
Shinji's smile faded as he grew serious: "I'll use Fire Release—you use Wind Release! We've only got one shot. Don't hold back—the air here won't support a second wind-fire combo ninjutsu!"
Kazahime scanned their surroundings, puffing up proudly: "Hmph, I don't need you to tell me that! You think I'd waste a chance like this?"
Then she muttered: "Shame I didn't bring a photographer!"
Shinji wasted no more words, channeling all his chakra and beginning his hand signs: "Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"
Perched on his shoulder, Kazahime completed her own technique: "Wind Release: Super Shockwave!"
Boom!
In an instant, a massive Fire Release roared forth, painting the entire sky red.
In that split second, a fierce wind wrapped around the flames, forming a terrifying fiery shockwave that spiraled like a tornado toward Yakumo's sea of trees.