With those fighting words, Katsuro's right arm slowly reached out for the hilt of his sword, the Heaven Breaker. Its christening was one that would be worthy of its name. Both Madara and Hashirama were well known figures and aspects about the power was well known even decades after their time. Madara was known to have evolved his Sharingan to the clan's legendary Mangekyou with there also being rumours of him having taken it a step further. While the specific abilities of his eyes were unknown, as those who had experienced it were more than likely dead, his ability to form an invincible skeletal armour was fairly well known. On top of this he had incredible chakra reserves that allowed him to battle Hashirama, elite battle IQ and was said to be the greatest user of the Fire Style.
These facts easily put Madara on the Kage level, even reaching beyond them. The Super Kage level where the only humans to have touched it remained was both him and Hashirama. This battle would be a test to determine if Katsuro had truly reached that stage.
But, at the same time, the Ghost almost looked like his namesake. He was clearly an old man long past his prime. His physical prowess should be much lower, affecting important factors like speed and reaction time. Not to mention that with age his chakra reserves likely would have decreased as a direct result of his yang being diminished by his ageing body. Even efficiency and ability to output chakra may be affected by not using it as much. Ultimately, it suggested that Katsuro would comfortably win considering the circumstances.
However, what he felt didn't reflect that. As Madara's Sharingan rapidly spun and his chakra bled out with his battle intent, Katsuro could feel that its depth was massive. Far more than he reasonably should have. While it was less than Katsuro, he imagined that this was at the very least close to Madara's prime if not beyond it from what he knew from old records.
As his mind contemplated the dichotomy, he continued to draw his sword. Madara with his visual prowess noticed the sparks of lightning start to appear off of him as Katsuro seemed to disappear from where he stood. To several Zetsu observing the fight it looked like he used his Flying Raijin, but to more keen eyes like the original White Zetsu, Black Zetsu and Madara they saw it was physical. In that instant Katsuro used his Shunpo, dashing toward Madara while simultaneously unsheathing his sword in motion for a horizontal slash that aimed to behead.
But as the moment stilled, Katsuro with his left arm around his scabbard, God's Cage, and his right arm and sword in cutting motion but stopped mysteriously. A blue rib cage had formed around the Uchiha, and one of the ribs had blocked Katsuro's blow. But as a testament to it, a faint but noticeable crack was formed on the rib. Madara of course noticed this, raising Katsuro's danger level slightly higher due to the physical prowess he had shown. Undoubtedly the Jutsu he had used helped, but that fairly normal attack made Madara evaluate that on raw physical attributes alone, Katsuro surpassed even Hashirama and his ridiculous physique.
Damaging a Susanoo even in its weakest Rib Cage form with a feat that multiple high level Jutsu from Kage couldn't do, but Katsuro did this with just his Thunderclap Impulse, new sword and a full powered strike. On the other hand, Katsuro grimaced at the little damage he caused.
To this day there was little his sword wasn't able to cut, with most choosing to avoid it. But seeing it stopped so completely left in him a slight daze for a brief moment as he realised that this floating blue rib cage and aura was the legendary Susanoo. He also understood that its defensive prowess was not understated by those who had been able to witness it in action. But he also understood that this was not its complete form and seemed to be a partial application. Witness records suggested a massive armoured figure, and this was not that.
Consequently, in the brief moment, it caused Katsuro to also up his guard as he realised there was more to come. His thoughts were interrupted when Madara spoke, "Hoh, you are indeed impressive. Stronger than even Hashirama physically, and even without Tobriama's Jutsu you are the fastest I've faced. It's a shame that these eyes will track you regardless."
The mention of eyes made Katsuro realise that the man was still staring at him with the 3 tomoe Sharingan. That can't be right… The normal Sharingan?? Isn't there meant to be a different pattern with the Mangekyou, so how is he using the Susanoo?
The realisation was scary, and implied that Madara could easily level it up and activate his Mangekyou whenever he wished. But the fact he hadn't also implied something, something Katsuro suspected ever since he saw just the 3 tomoe.
"Old man, with your age you struggle under the weight of my sword. You should have stayed hidden, who let you run amok where I am responsible? And what is this? Why have you yet to use your Mangekyou? Don't tell me you're still taking me lightly…" A brief pause in his words served to add suspense to his insinuation. " Or perhaps… you can't?"
Contrary to the expected reaction Madara smiled instead. "Hahahaahahahaha, perhaps indeed. But these eyes will be more than enough!"
His expression became more foreboding and intense and the rib cage enlarged, until a massive blue somewhat transparent skeleton formed. It looked like the Grim Reaper himself, but didn't stop there. It continued to grow and develop as 'skin' and 'muscles' began to form on it looking more and more humanoid despite the transparency. But as this continued, this faded becoming more opaque ultimately forming the large upper body of a humanoid creature. Madara stood where its ribs would be, still visible as the giant stood above him with its limbs and even holding a sword. Its face was odd, almost like some sort of Oni with a large cone coming out the top of its head like a drill with two more at the bottom of its face.
During the transformation, Katsuro stepped back out of range to reset the fight. He clearly understood that the capabilities had changed, and even if it wasn't the same standing armoured creature, this was clearly much closer to it and was likely much stronger.
At the same time Madara muttered, half talking to himself, and half to Katsuro. "Hmmm, it seems like without Mangekyou this is the most even I can do. No matter, a complete Susanoo is more than most can reach, and mine is not normal. This will suffice to show you the power of the Sharingan. For one, who cannot use the Sage mode, a Perfect Susanoo would be overkill."
Katsuro did not like being underestimated or looked down upon like he clearly was. Even if that comparison was to his ancestor and role model, Hashirama Senju himself. And unlike what Madara thought, in sheer destructive power and Ninjutsu, Katsuro was second to none. With what he could use, he had a good chance of piercing those famed defences even without the Sage mode. But, the location worked to Madara's advantage. The underground clearing was a risk, and extensive damage could bury them both. While it wouldn't be an issue for Katsuro, he wanted to ensure Madara couldn't escape.
So he was left with the option that made the most sense. He took up a stance all too familiar to his opponent and collapsed his hands.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
The effect would be 2 fold, he could attack Madara in the large Susanoo which was an easy target and potentially drain its chakra, and at the same time the wood could reinforce the cavern.
He expected to see the extent of Madara's control with the Susanoo and determine how skilled he was with the sword and how quick he could move it as Madara used it to cut through the thick trunks and branches. But the actual response shocked him to his core.
"Ah yes, Hashirama's signature. The Wood Style. But… who says you're the only one who can use it?"
Madara put on an arrogant smirk, and despite his apparent old age it was conveyed easily. He collapsed his hands together agonisingly slowly, completely different from the vigour he had shown almost like a last spurt of energy for his last dance.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
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