In the end, they're just a group of ragtag soldiers without combat tools, mere living targets on the battlefield in the eyes of high-level ninja.
Ruri nodded, understanding Hakushi's intention at the same time; next, the battle formation must change.
"Well then, I'll head over first."
Although Madara's power is strong, it is still below the upper limit estimated by Hakushi, which means as long as it doesn't exceed the upper limit of his power assessment, there won't be an unbeatable or disastrous situation.
After the previous head-on clash, Hakushi more or less figured out where Madara's power reaches its highest threshold. Generally speaking, in one-on-one scenarios, Madara has an overwhelming advantage.
However, Hakushi isn't fighting alone; team collaboration is the essence of ninja.
No ninja is omnipotent; there will always be weaknesses.
That's why team cooperation is needed, to smooth out the weaknesses, even turning them into one's own advantage.
Over there, Ayane already started moving. Standing on the water's surface, many White Zetsu came up to attack, but Ayane was clearly not in the mood to play with these small fry.
Therefore, she slightly spread her arms, creating an aura of terrifying chakra around her body. As she ran ahead, she caused a frightening storm on the path, rushing toward the Susanoo giant controlled by Madara, clearing away White Zetsu along the way.
"Trying to use that Gentle Fist with destructive power again?"
Madara noticed Ayane's movement. Despite battling with Ruri, he didn't forget to pay attention to this side.
Compared to the large Susanoo, Ayane is small in size, flexible, hard to attack, and has the ability to break Susanoo, posing a threat no less than this descendant of Uchiha.
While he was thinking, the blue Susanoo was entangled again by the Water Dragon God.
Although Water Dragon God's attacks don't have the destructive power to break Susanoo, its characteristics of binding and chakra absorption can be the straw that breaks the camel's back for Madara.
Madara naturally understood the role of Water Dragon God in this battle, but now his Susanoo has been restrained by Ruri from the front, leaving no extra means to restrain Water Dragon God.
Compared to Water Dragon God, Ayane is a greater threat.
Therefore, Madara unhesitatingly swung one arm, using the blue Chakra Giant Sword in his hand to cleave towards Ayane, cutting through the atmosphere.
Although Ruri's Susanoo holds the sword with both hands, in a one-on-one scenario, it should suppress Madara's current one-handed sword state. However, there is a quality gap between their Susanoo, even in a dual-hand sword state, only maintaining parity with Madara's one-handed sword state.
"Divine Sky Strike!"
Ayane met the incoming Chakra Giant Sword with her right hand, which compared to the immense Chakra Giant Sword, made Ayane's body look like a lone boat amidst terrifying waves, at risk of overturning at any moment.
The result was unexpectedly astounding.
Accompanied by an explosive roar, the blue Chakra Giant Sword was knocked away by a fierce force, not suddenly cracking under the attack of Divine Sky Strike like before.
More solid than before. Ayane gasped for breath, sweat of exertion trickling from her forehead.
This was the maximum power of Divine Sky Strike that she could unleash, among the techniques she had learned, there was no Gentle Fist with power above this.
Moreover, the power far surpassed what her body could bear, making another use of her right hand the limit.
To maintain combat effectiveness of the right hand thereafter, it's essential to reunite with Hakushi, heal the injuries, and replenish lost chakra.
Though the power was astonishing, the chakra consumption was also considerable.
After deflecting the Chakra Giant Sword, Ayane's body didn't stall, her knees bent slightly, precisely gathering chakra underfoot and then repelling it in an instant.
Boom!
The water exploded, surging white foam, with the waves rolling, swallowing the White Zetsu gathered around.
The White Zetsu screamed in panic, once again swept away by the surging waters to no avail.
Utilizing the explosive force from underfoot, Ayane's body soared like a speeding cannonball, leaping onto the shoulder of the blue Susanoo controlled by Madara.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Song Jutsu!"
As Ayane prepared, Madara had already anticipated her moves.
Using just one seal, his mouth opened, with five fire dragons rushing from up, down, left, right, and center, sealing all routes of retreat for the enemy.
The Jutsu attack has a substantial range, the temperature in the air rose, the flames illuminating Ayane's face, clearly not yet close, Ayane could already feel a burning sensation on her skin.
The power of Fire Style exceeds even Ruri.
And the speed the fire dragons approached was eye-blink fast, leaving almost no time for thinking, making it impossible to evade.
Ayane immediately spread her arms, spinning rapidly.
"Revolving Heaven!"
The five fire dragons were engulfed by the storm generated by the enormous chakra ball, forming an incredibly daunting flaming tornado.
Sparks scattered and burned in the air, then quickly vanished into thin threads.
Madara felt the shoulder of the Susanoo giant sinking; the power of Revolving Heaven spinning affected the shoulder's movement speed, causing the other side of the body to become somewhat unstable, influencing the strength of the Chakra Giant Sword.
This created an opening for Ruri to attack successfully, the red Chakra Giant Sword slashing through the barrier of the atmosphere, striking Susanoo's chest and leaving a massive, visible sword mark.