Chapter 236: Fourth Raikage Captured
Earth Release: Underground Projection Technique!
The moment the tree net shattered, Hoshikawa sank into the earth.
The surrounding solid sand and rocks centered around him instantly transformed into a fluid state.
He moved rapidly underground, like a fish swimming in water.
Although he was deep in the earth, Hoshikawa could still sense the commotion above ground.
Compared to the Two-Tails, the Eight-Tails' strength was overwhelming.
Especially since it still had its ultimate attack, the Tailed Beast Ball, unused.
Hoshikawa realized the only way to defeat the Eight-Tails was by using the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
In the original story, the Third Raikage used the Lightning Release Chakra Mode and his Nin-Taijutsu to repeatedly suppress the rampaging Eight-Tails.
Hoshikawa's Lightning Release Chakra Mode had also formed a descriptor, granting a 200% bonus to attack, speed, defense, and other effects.
However, the only risk was that it might be noticed by the Fourth Raikage and others.
Hoshikawa briefly considered the risk and decided to take a chance.
Of course, he wasn't without countermeasures.
He planned to use all his chakra to create an unprecedented Konoha Dragon God.
The more eye-catching the Konoha Dragon God was, the harder it would be for his Lightning Release Chakra Mode to be discovered.
"B, he's underground."
The Eight-Tails, Gyūki, warned Killer B in his mind.
"Found you, you sneaky brat!"
Under Killer B's control, the Eight-Tails' eight tails suddenly straightened and then slammed down.
Boom!
In an instant, violent winds erupted, the ground suffered the most terrifying crushing force, and trees and debris were pulverized.
The immense power surged underground, creating several bottomless fissures after a cracking sound.
"It's too much for Hoshikawa to deal with the Eight-Tails alone; I'll help!"
Seeing this, Shisui Uchiha ignored the stinging pain in his eyes and prepared to activate his Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Wait!"
Sakumo Hatake heard a sharp chirping sound and said, "Hoshikawa is fine!"
Shisui Uchiha instinctively looked over.
Countless arcs of lightning illuminated one of the underground fissures.
It was Kakashi Hatake's Chidori Stream.
"He's truly difficult to deal with!"
The Fourth Raikage glanced over, frowning.
The longer the battle dragged on, the more disadvantageous it was for Kumogakure.
However, luckily the Eight-Tails wasn't the Two-Tails; it was holding its ground against Hoshikawa, even gaining a significant advantage.
As long as the Eight-Tails defeated Hoshikawa, Kumogakure could turn the tide.
"My student certainly won't lose!"
Tsunade delivered a kick.
The Fourth Raikage quickly dodged backward.
Just then, the entire earth suddenly trembled.
"What's going on?"
Tsunade was momentarily startled.
She didn't think the force of her kick could cause this kind of tremor.
Tsunade looked around and found the source of the vibration: the large fissure where Hoshikawa was located.
His figure still hadn't appeared, but a fierce gust of wind shot up into the sky.
Nearby trees, weeds, debris, and dust were all blown far away.
"Wind Release?"
A bad premonition arose in the Fourth Raikage's heart.
He had never witnessed a Wind Release of such power.
The next moment, a dragon's roar sounded.
It was immediately followed by a burst of silvery-white light illuminating the sky.
It ascended from the bottom of the abyss, emitting a terrifying chakra signature.
"Is that... Konoha Dragon God?"
Tsunade was momentarily stunned, her expression uncertain.
She knew Hoshikawa had learned the Konoha Dragon God and had seen Chen Baojun's version, but this scale was simply too outrageous.
Anyone who didn't know better would think a Jinchūriki had achieved Perfect Tailed Beast Transformation.
Shisui Uchiha's eyes widened.
He realized that his spar with Hoshikawa earlier hadn't even scratched the surface of his true strength.
Neither the Wood Release nor this powerful jutsu had been fully revealed.
"B, be careful!"
The Eight-Tails, Gyūki, couldn't help but warn. "I sense a strong threat."
"I know."
Killer B replied. "That Wind Release looks tough to deal with."
Rumble!
The ground shook, the abyss expanded, and the silvery-white light finally appeared before everyone.
It was a colossal silvery-white dragon spanning across the sky.
It had horns, its eyes glowed orange-yellow, and its whiskers fluttered like streamers in the wind.
The combination of Yin Seal: Release, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and Konoha Dragon God made this dragon several times larger than Chen Baojun's version.
In terms of length, it was comparable to the Eight-Tails' height.
"Is that... Lord Hoshikawa?!"
"What kind of jutsu can rival the might of a Tailed Beast?"
"Konohagakure will win! Lord Hoshikawa will win!"
The Konohagakure ninja were astonished and excited, their morale soaring instantly.
In contrast, the Kumogakure ninja felt a sense of impending disaster.
"Just how strong is he?"
Samui's heart sank instantly.
She could understand the Two-Tails losing to Hoshikawa.
But if even the Eight-Tails couldn't win, what hope did Kumogakure have?
"How can such a jutsu exist?"
Mabui instinctively clenched her fists, her mind in disarray.
No matter how high her intellect was, she was helpless at this moment.
Tailed Beast Eight Twists!
The Eight-Tails roared, extending its eight tails and wrapping itself within them.
Its massive body transformed into a spherical meat-ball.
The ball spun, causing the ground to shake, wild gusts of wind, and widespread destruction wherever it passed.
The silvery-white dragon descended from the sky like a silver spear, plunging toward the Eight-Tails.
The two spinning monsters collided.
In an instant, a colossal storm erupted.
Shockwaves carried everything on the ground, hurtling outwards.
"Everyone, defend!"
Hiashi Hyūga shouted gravely.
His Byakugan was constantly active, allowing him to see the swirling chakra.
An ordinary ninja would die instantly if they touched it without caution.
Earth Release: Earth Wall!
Water Release: Water Wall Jutsu!
Earth walls and water walls rose in front of the ninja.
The shockwaves slammed into them, cutting through them as if struck by countless blades, leaving behind numerous scars.
Both Kumogakure and Konohagakure ninja took this opportunity to retreat, giving the Eight-Tails and the silvery-white dragon room to fight.
The Eight-Tails' angry roar sounded.
Its voice carried pain.
Although it had the advantage in raw strength, the Konoha Dragon God was a combination of Taijutsu and Wind Release.
Theoretically, it was a continuously rotating vortex of bladed wind.
The Eight-Tails slammed into the "blades," and its eight tails were instantly sliced.
Fortunately, Tailed Beast chakra had strong regenerative abilities, preventing its tails from being severed.
However, the pain was unavoidable.
The Eight-Tails immediately retracted its eight tails, clenching its hands into fists and smashing them towards the dragon.
Its hands were instantly cut, but the silvery-white dragon was also flung away.
After flying dozens of meters, it halted abruptly, shook its body, and then soared back toward the Eight-Tails.
The Eight-Tails shook its hands and threw another punch.
But the silvery-white dragon suddenly deviated, dodging its fist, and wrapped its colossal body around the Eight-Tails.
The dragon's body was made of sharp wind, and countless cuts appeared on the exterior of the Eight-Tails' body.
Enduring the pain, it grabbed the dragon's body with its hands and eight tails.
A terrifying pulling force erupted.
The dragon's body shattered, and the chaotic chakra swept outwards, instantly disappearing.
But in the next second, a new dragon body regenerated.
The silvery-white dragon was created by Hoshikawa's continuous spinning.
Theoretically, it had no substance or life.
As long as Hoshikawa kept spinning, it wouldn't "die."
"Bastard!"
The Eight-Tails roared in agony but charged forward again.
The dragon and the octopus intertwined.
Shockwaves rolled, chakra roared, the ground cracked, and countless plumes of dust rose.
"Can a human really achieve this?"
Ninja from both sides watched, dumbfounded.
They weren't surprised by the undeniable strength of a Tailed Beast.
But what about Hoshikawa?
Why did he, a human, possess such terrifying power?
The Fourth Raikage had only one thought right now.
When he returned, he would tear apart the ninja who had sent Hoshikawa to Konohagakure.
Such a powerhouse should have belonged to Kumogakure!
Samui bit her lip tightly.
She felt a sense of powerlessness.
In front of a monster like this, she was just an ant, completely useless.
Mabui's face was grim.
She was already considering what Kumogakure would do if the Eight-Tails lost.
The situation had exceeded her expectations repeatedly, forcing her to prepare for the worst.
Mabui looked at the Fourth Raikage.
Anyone could die, but he couldn't.
She thought of her Heavenly Transfer Technique. If it came down to it, she would teleport him away, preserving their last spark of hope.
"Has Hoshikawa's strength reached this level?"
Shisui Uchiha watched, his heart reeling.
He felt that even if his Susanoo reached its complete form, he might not be able to defeat him.
As for Asuma Sarutobi, he looked despairing.
If Shisui Uchiha could still trade a few blows with Hoshikawa, Asuma would be instantly killed.
It was a chasm too vast to cross!
Far from the clash between Hoshikawa and the Eight-Tails, a group of people was advancing.
They were Konohagakure ninja, led by Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura.
Letting Hoshikawa and Tsunade confront the Fourth Raikage and Killer B wasn't the goal.
Their goal was to swoop in and reap the benefits once both sides were severely weakened.
After Hoshikawa and Tsunade left with a thousand ninja, they waited for half an hour before heading towards Kumogakure's new encampment.
They waited half an hour to check for Kumogakure spies, ensuring they could arrive at the battlefield without alerting the enemy.
This was necessary to launch a successful sneak attack.
"Was that an earthquake?"
Danzō Shimura stopped, asking with some doubt.
"It's not an earthquake."
Orochimaru knelt down, placing his hand on the ground, and whispered, "It should be the Tailed Beasts fighting."
"It seems Tsunade and Hoshikawa won't last much longer."
Danzō Shimura smiled at the news.
He recalled that Yugito Nii and Killer B could both achieve Full Tailed Beast Transformation.
Without Kushina Uzumaki, how could Tsunade and Hoshikawa possibly counter them?
At best, they could defeat the Two-Tails, but the Eight-Tails would be beyond their capabilities.
Especially since the Fourth Raikage was also present.
"Let's go."
Orochimaru nodded slightly. "Let's hurry before they lose."
Kumogakure's new encampment.
The mountain that was once there had completely collapsed under the rampage of the two monsters.
"That damned brat!"
The Eight-Tails backed away, wincing.
Its entire body was covered in cuts, which would heal quickly, but the pain made it increasingly irritable.
"It's time to end this!"
The Eight-Tails lifted its bull's head and then suddenly opened its mouth.
Terrifying chakra rapidly condensed, forming a Tailed Beast Ball.
Compared to the Two-Tails' Tailed Beast Ball, the Eight-Tails' version looked even more daunting.
The Eight-Tails shook its body and spat out the Tailed Beast Ball.
The Tailed Beast Ball shot towards the silvery-white dragon at extreme speed.
But Hoshikawa was faster.
The Konoha Dragon God was a combination of Taijutsu and Wind Release.
Wind Release had two major characteristics: sharpness and speed.
Furthermore, he had activated the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
The moment Hoshikawa saw the Eight-Tails raise its head, he quickly fled into the distance.
In the eyes of the spectators, the silvery-white dragon seemed to vanish into light, moving as fast as lightning.
Boom!
The Tailed Beast Ball slammed into the ground, creating a terrifying mushroom cloud of shockwaves that shot into the sky.
Everything within the range was instantly annihilated.
Strong air currents blew outwards, forcing Konohagakure and Kumogakure ninja to temporarily cease fighting and dodge continuously.
"How is he so fast?!"
The Fourth Raikage was shaken.
He had expected the Tailed Beast Ball to end the fight, but he hadn't anticipated Hoshikawa being able to dodge it.
The Fourth Raikage recalled only three people who could dodge a Tailed Beast Ball.
One was himself, one was the Third Raikage, and the other was Minato Namikaze.
The common trait among them was speed.
The speed Hoshikawa just displayed was no slower than his own speed when using the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Could Wind Release be that fast?
The Fourth Raikage didn't have time to dwell on it and was back fighting Tsunade.
He also had to watch out for Sakumo Hatake's sneak attacks.
After confirming Shisui Uchiha was safe, Sakumo Hatake had rejoined the fight.
Tsunade acted as the main attacker, while he played the role of an assassin.
"Even the Tailed Beast Ball is useless?"
Mabui's face instantly went pale.
The Tailed Beast Ball was the strongest technique of a Tailed Beast and Jinchūriki. If even that was ineffective, it meant the Eight-Tails had no way to deal with Hoshikawa.
"Not necessarily."
Samui comforted her. "Hoshikawa is still human; he can't maintain that state for long."
"I hope so."
Mabui was too distraught to listen.
"Great job!"
On the Konohagakure side, everyone was revitalized.
Seeing its attack miss, the Eight-Tails took a breath and spat out another Tailed Beast Ball.
Fierce chakra raged, the Tailed Beast Ball landed, and a massive white light erupted, destroying everything nearby.
But the silvery-white dragon successfully escaped before the explosion.
"Damn it!"
The Eight-Tails was furious but hadn't lost its mind yet. It roared, "All Kumogakure ninja, retreat further back!"
The Fourth Raikage suddenly realized something, his expression startled, and he quickly broke away from Tsunade and Sakumo Hatake.
"What's happening?"
Tsunade was confused but reacted quickly, saying, "Everyone, withdraw!"
Continuous Tailed Beast Balls!
The Eight-Tails looked at the silvery-white dragon and opened its mouth.
Unimaginable chakra condensed and compressed within its mouth, and Tailed Beast Ball after Tailed Beast Ball was spat out.
In an instant, five Tailed Beast Balls streaked through the air.
"Hoshikawa!"
Tsunade cried out upon seeing this.
Sakumo Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, and the others looked worried.
But they couldn't get close, they could only ensure their own safety.
After all, this was five Tailed Beast Balls.
Their combined power was far greater than a single Tailed Beast Ball.
The first Tailed Beast Ball landed, piercing the earth and creating a deep crater.
Hoshikawa leaped up, the silvery-white dragon darting through the air, narrowly avoiding the majority of the blast.
The minor residual shockwaves that struck him were neutralized by the Konoha Dragon God and the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
But the next moment, another Tailed Beast Ball slammed down.
A dazzling white light burst forth, and endless shockwaves engulfed Hoshikawa.
The Konoha Dragon God surrounding his body instantly fractured, dissipating into fragments of light.
Body Flicker Technique!
Since the area was filled with white light, Hoshikawa wasn't worried about exposing his Lightning Release Chakra Mode. His body became an afterimage as he fled.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
Hoshikawa plunged into a newly sprouted forest. Under his control, the forest came alive.
Countless trees surged upward, branches and vines flying towards the third Tailed Beast Ball.
The third Tailed Beast Ball was prematurely detonated by the attack, burning all the branches and vines to ash like a miniature sun.
Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave!
Hoshikawa formed hand signs at the fastest speed of his life.
Before the remaining two Tailed Beast Balls arrived, he raised his head and spat out an endless sea.
Water Transformation Technique!
Hoshikawa's body melted into the water.
The two Tailed Beast Balls struck the towering waves almost simultaneously.
Chaotic chakra instantly erupted outwards, unrestrained.
The seawater vaporized, the ground was pulverized, and the residual forest was reduced to mere specks of light within the Tailed Beast Balls' blasts.
After what seemed like an eternity, the chaotic situation finally ceased.
The Eight-Tails stood in place, panting heavily.
It had used seven Tailed Beast Balls in total; even for the Eight-Tails, this was its limit.
More importantly, Killer B could no longer sustain the transformation.
The Eight-Tails' massive body suddenly shuddered, shrinking back to its human form.
Killer B collapsed onto the ground, drenched in sweat, feeling sore and utterly drained.
But he didn't care about his own state; his eyes searched frantically for Hoshikawa.
Tsunade spat, rising from the debris.
She had been caught in the blast, but due to her powerful strength, she hadn't sustained any injuries.
However, the other ninja weren't so lucky.
Tsunade scanned the area; many were scattered, suffering varying degrees of injury.
Aside from the people, the ground was the worst off.
It was riddled with craters, with no intact section remaining, only occasional small puddles of water.
"Hoshikawa!"
Tsunade recovered, shouting anxiously.
The Fourth Raikage was stunned and shocked.
He had never imagined that Kumogakure would be pushed to the brink of exhaustion by Hoshikawa.
"Lord Raikage!"
Mabui instantly moved to the Fourth Raikage's side.
Samui and others who could still move gathered around him.
"Where is Hoshikawa?"
The Fourth Raikage ignored them, looking around.
Without exaggeration, the key to victory now rested on whether Hoshikawa was alive.
If he was dead, Kumogakure would have won a Pyrrhic victory.
But if he was alive, it meant Kumogakure was heading toward the worst possible outcome.
"Big Brother!"
Killer B struggled to get up, saying triumphantly, "He must be dead! Five Tailed Beast Balls, there's no way he survived!"
"Silence!"
Tsunade's face instantly darkened.
"Is that so?"
A familiar voice sounded behind Killer B.
"You... you..."
Killer B instinctively turned around, seeing the uninjured Hoshikawa, and was too shocked to speak.
"This is the end, Killer B."
Hoshikawa calmly clenched his fist.
Killer B couldn't react in time and was knocked unconscious with a punch, collapsing to the ground.
Everyone fell into a dead silence.
Both Kumogakure and Konohagakure were stunned by Hoshikawa's unbelievable performance.
Just then, three lines of text appeared.
Hoshikawa's eyebrow twitched.
This clearly triggered a new descriptor.
[S-rank Talent Descriptor: Substitute Death.]
[Trigger Condition: Defeat Gyūki, the Eight-Tails.]
[Effect: Allows designation of an item as a substitute to prevent one instance of death.]
Hoshikawa was shaken after reading it.
What a great find!
Wasn't this a resurrection token?
Hoshikawa had expected a power increase for Water Release or Taijutsu after defeating Gyūki, but he received such a game-breaking effect.
But upon closer thought, it made sense.
In the original story, a Jinchūriki would die if their Tailed Beast was extracted.
But Killer B was an exception.
Because the Eight-Tails left him an octopus tentacle, he managed to survive.
Truly worthy of the Eight-Tails, and truly worthy of an S-rank descriptor.
Although this descriptor didn't directly increase combat power, adding an extra life was invaluable.
"No!"
The Fourth Raikage instinctively reached out, shouting in despair.
Hoshikawa quickly recovered, looking at him, his eyes narrowing.
"Lord Raikage! Take care!"
Mabui formed hand signs, speaking with determination.
Heavenly Transfer Technique!
But the next moment, a flash of light appeared.
Hoshikawa instantly teleported in front of Mabui.
He had anticipated the Heavenly Transfer Technique the moment he saw her standing with the Fourth Raikage.
Perhaps only Hoshikawa in all of Konohagakure could react in time.
After all, Tsunade and the others didn't know the Heavenly Transfer Technique existed.
Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique!
Hoshikawa met the gaze of the horrified Mabui.
She instantly fell under the Genjutsu, freezing in place.
"Die!"
The Fourth Raikage roared furiously.
Lightning Release: Lariat!
He angrily unleashed his secret Nin-Taijutsu.
Lightning flashed.
The Fourth Raikage charged toward Hoshikawa.
He raised his elbow, which was sharp as a blade, intending to slice his enemy in half.
Hoshikawa didn't dodge.
His chakra was nearly depleted; he was currently overdrawing his Yin Seal.
But he trusted he would be fine.
"Get out of the way!"
An enraged Tsunade blocked the Fourth Raikage's path.
Super Strength!
She clenched her fist and punched out.
Simultaneously, a cold light flashed.
Sakumo Hatake, wielding his white short sword, stabbed at the Fourth Raikage from the left.
"Aah! Aah! Aah!"
In a moment of crisis, the chakra around the Fourth Raikage surged again.
Strongest Lightning Release Armor!
His hair stood completely on end, signifying his full power state.
The Fourth Raikage transformed into lightning, narrowly evading the combined attack from the two.
"Hoshikawa, are you alright?!"
Tsunade looked at Hoshikawa, noticing his pale face, and her heart sank.
"Don't worry about me, focus on capturing the Fourth Raikage first."
Hoshikawa shook his head, speaking quickly and urgently.
"Dream on!"
Mabui and Samui, having broken the Genjutsu, rushed toward them.
The Heavenly Transfer Technique had been interrupted and required time to prepare again.
With the Fourth Raikage in mortal danger, Mabui and the others had no choice but to rescue him first.
"Hoshikawa!"
The Fourth Raikage stared intensely at Hoshikawa. His body moved, and a brilliant, blinding lightning arc appeared in the air.
Kumogakure's utter defeat stemmed entirely from Hoshikawa.
Naturally, he harbored intense hatred.
"Shisui!"
Hoshikawa's face remained calm as he clapped his hands.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
With the newly acquired A-rank descriptor 'Cat Catcher' and the B-rank descriptor 'Fire Release Special Jonin,' his Fire Release now had a 250% power bonus.
The moment the great fireball appeared, scorching air currents spread outwards.
The Fourth Raikage was alarmed.
He sensed danger and knew he couldn't take it head-on.
Lightning flashed.
The Fourth Raikage immediately swerved to the left.
Whoosh!
Shisui Uchiha blocked his path.
After the brief recovery, though still exhausted, he could manage to fight.
Mangekyō Sharingan!
Shisui Uchiha's eyes flashed, and the unique dark pattern appeared.
The Fourth Raikage instinctively glanced at him, instantly feeling dizzy and entering a pitch-black Genjutsu space.
Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique!
Shisui Uchiha formed hand signs.
In the Genjutsu space, the Fourth Raikage found himself completely bound, with giant iron stakes descending from above, pinning his limbs.
He cried out, realizing he was under Genjutsu.
The Fourth Raikage's mind stirred, his muscles bulging, and countless lightning arcs enveloped his body.
The Genjutsu space was violently torn apart.
But the moment he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the fists of Tsunade and Hoshikawa.
Super Strength!
Teacher and student punched simultaneously.
The fists slammed into the Fourth Raikage.
Despite the defense of the Strongest Lightning Release Armor, he couldn't withstand the combined full power of Tsunade and Hoshikawa.
The Fourth Raikage was sent flying, crashing into the ground with a resounding boom.
The ground cracked, and rocks scattered.
"Ugh!"
The Fourth Raikage struggled to get up, spitting out a mouthful of charred blood.
"Lord Raikage!"
Mabui and Samui cried out in distress.
"Apologies, but you can't pass."
Sakumo Hatake blocked them.
Hiashi Hyūga and the others, who had recovered, also joined the fight.
"I won't lose that easily!"
The Fourth Raikage wiped the blood from his mouth and stood up again.
Heavy Violent!
His body flashed, concentrating all his chakra into his elbow, which he slammed toward Hoshikawa.
Earth Release: Earth Fist Technique!
Hoshikawa clenched his fist, and his arm turned to rock.
The two fists collided, creating a dull thud.
Cracks appeared in the rock on Hoshikawa's arm, but he managed to block the Fourth Raikage.
Super Strength!
Tsunade stepped forward, punching the Fourth Raikage.
He was sent flying again, and the Strongest Lightning Release Armor on his body ruptured, leaving a bare spot.
Uchiha Style: Phoenix Blade Flash! (Uchiha-ryū: Iai)
Seeing this, Shisui Uchiha drew his ninja blade, aiming for the bare spot.
The ninja blade vibrated, and a blade of fire shot out like an arrow.
Enduring the intense pain, the Fourth Raikage mobilized his Lightning Release chakra.
Lightning Release: Guillotine Drop! (Raiton: Raiton Kōhei)
He swung his hand like a blade, slicing the fire blade in half.
Lightning Release: Lightning God's Whip Attack! (Raiton: Raiden Inasuto Raitō)
The Fourth Raikage's body vanished instantly, reappearing behind Hoshikawa.
The Lightning God's Whip Attack was one of the Fourth Raikage's fastest Nin-Taijutsu.
In the original story, he used it against Minato Namikaze.
If it weren't for the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato Namikaze would have barely been able to dodge it.
But Hoshikawa could.
Because, like the Fourth Raikage, he had mastered the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Of course, he wasn't going to use it right now, but he could react to the speed.
Water Release: Water Body Flicker Technique!
Hoshikawa clapped his hands, and his body transformed into a puddle of water.
The Fourth Raikage's punch missed, and he immediately raised his leg, stomping on the water puddle on the ground.
Lightning countered water.
Even if Hoshikawa didn't die, he would be completely paralyzed.
But the next moment, a pair of crimson eyes suddenly appeared before him.
The Fourth Raikage's body stiffened, falling into a Genjutsu.
Painful Sky Kick!
Tsunade leaped up, kicking the Fourth Raikage squarely.
A terrifying collision sound echoed.
The Strongest Lightning Release Armor on the Fourth Raikage's body finally shattered.
His body slammed into the ground like a cannonball.
Boom!
As if a bomb had detonated, the Fourth Raikage created a crater several meters wide.
"Cough, cough, cough."
The Fourth Raikage wasn't dead, but he struggled to stand, feeling pain all over his body, as if he had shattered.
Each time he coughed, he spat out thick, black blood.
"It's over, Raikage."
Tsunade slowly walked toward him.
The Fourth Raikage tried to move but was immediately knocked down by her punch.
He had reached his limit.
No matter how strong he was, he couldn't possibly defeat the combined efforts of Hoshikawa, Tsunade, and Shisui Uchiha alone.
"Kumogakure ninja, all of you stop fighting!"
Tsunade roared, "If anyone moves, I'll kill the Raikage!"
Her voice echoed across the battlefield.
All the Kumogakure ninja looked disbelievingly.
The Fourth Raikage, who was invincible in their minds, had actually fallen!
After a few seconds of stunned silence, they all threw down their ninja tools, signaling surrender.
Mabui instinctively staggered back two steps, feeling dizzy.
This was worse than the worst-case scenario she had anticipated.
She had believed she could at least save the Fourth Raikage, but Hoshikawa had somehow interrupted her Heavenly Transfer Technique.
With the Fourth Raikage captured, the Kumogakure leadership was practically annihilated.
Even if they still had a few thousand ninja left in the Land of Frost, it wouldn't matter.
"How... how could this happen?"
Samui opened her mouth, unsure how to react.
She instinctively looked at Hoshikawa.
All of this was caused by him.
But upon reflection, the root cause lay with Kumogakure itself.
If they hadn't sent Hoshikawa to Konohagakure back then, would the outcome have been different?
But there were no 'ifs.'
"We won!"
Hiashi Hyūga suddenly shouted excitedly.
His words caused a chain reaction, and the surviving Konohagakure ninja couldn't hide their excitement and cheered loudly.
Hoshikawa sighed in relief, but the subsequent exhaustion immediately set in.
His legs gave way, and he fell backward.
Thump.
Hoshikawa felt himself fall into a pair of very soft, cushioned breasts.
"Hoshikawa!"
Tsunade hugged Hoshikawa from behind, suppressing her panic, and asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just excessive chakra depletion."
Hoshikawa just wanted to sink into her embrace.
Tsunade quickly placed her hand on his forehead when she heard him.
After circulating chakra once, she felt relieved.
His body truly had no external or internal injuries.
This was practically a miracle.
After consecutive battles against the Two-Tails, the Eight-Tails, and the Fourth Raikage, he hadn't sustained any injuries.
Just then, a rushing sound cut through the air.
A group of Konohagakure ninja descended from the sky.
It was Orochimaru, Danzō Shimura, and others who had rushed from the Konohagakure main encampment.
"What in the world happened?!"
Danzō Shimura looked around, asking in disbelief.
Was he seeing a ghost?
How were the Fourth Raikage, Yugito Nii, and Killer B all lying on the ground?
Orochimaru was equally shaken, his expression one of confusion.
How did they manage to do this?!