Zzzzzz...
The clash of Water Style and Lava Style created a thick cloud of steam, spreading a mist across the battlefield's edge.
On the outskirts of the battleground, Aomine focused all his strength on his Sharingan, peering through the white mist at the fierce battle between Gamabunta and Roshi. His mind raced as he analyzed the situation.
When it came to sheer power, Water Style wasn't as strong as Lava Style, and Gamabunta couldn't compare to the combined chakra of Roshi and the Four-Tails. However, being from Mount Myoboku, Gamabunta's body was filled with a large amount of Sage Chakra.
As is well known, Sage Chakra significantly boosts the power of jutsu. So, with this enhancement, Gamabunta's Water Style techniques held up against Roshi's Lava Style jutsu. As for chakra reserves, that didn't concern Aomine too much. Why?
First, Roshi was only partially transformed, meaning he couldn't access the full chakra reserves of the Four-Tails, which prevented him from gaining a dominant advantage.
Second, Gamabunta was agile, often using his leaps to dodge Roshi's attacks, which conserved his chakra.
And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Namikaze Minato was present, constantly pressuring Roshi, making it nearly impossible for him to outlast Gamabunta in a drawn-out fight.
Overall, as long as Gamabunta could withstand Roshi's frontal attacks, Roshi would lose the battle unless he fully transformed into the Four-Tails.
Even if Roshi were to fully transform, he wouldn't necessarily prevail against the combination of Gamabunta and Namikaze Minato. Not only did Gamabunta have the strength to face off against a Tailed Beast, but Minato himself hadn't even shown his full power yet.
He still had the Sage Mode up his sleeve, and once activated, his strength would allow him to face the Four-Tails head-on. Moreover, he was a skilled user of sealing techniques, which were particularly effective against Tailed Beasts. With all these factors combined, there was little chance they would lose.
The battle unfolded as Aomine anticipated. Gamabunta and Minato coordinated their attacks, with Gamabunta engaging Roshi directly and Minato flanking him, making Roshi quickly lose ground. Initially, Roshi attacked continuously. However, as time passed, he started defending more, now almost splitting his focus evenly between offense and defense. If this continued, it was only a matter of time before he lost.
In fact, unless the Hidden Stone sent reinforcements, Roshi might end up becoming Konoha's first captured Jinchuriki.
While contemplating this, a familiar mental connection intruded on Aomine's mind, and a voice sounded, "Captain, the Stone Ninjas are showing signs of movement. They seem to be forming a perimeter around you."
It was none other than Yamanaka Kiku, who had initially made contact with him. Hearing this, Aomine quickly scanned his surroundings. Sure enough, more and more Stone Ninjas were gathering at the edge of the battlefield, splitting into distinct groups. This was an unmistakable prelude to an assault.
We can't let them get closer.
Recognizing the enemy's potential rescue plan, Aomine made up his mind immediately.
In his mind, he commanded, "Kiku, gather our forces and eliminate the Stone Ninjas surrounding us."
"This…"
Kiku hesitated.
Aomine's brow furrowed. "Is there a problem?"
After a brief silence, Kiku replied hesitantly, "Captain, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki's initial assault on the second defense line has cost us heavily, so…"
Before she could finish, Aomine interrupted, "I told you not to engage them head-on. Why didn't you listen?"
"Captain, it wasn't that we wanted to fight directly. The enemy was just too fast, and with other Stone Ninjas blocking us, we couldn't retreat."
Kiku sounded frustrated.
Aomine was silent for a moment, then shifted focus. "How many of our people are left?"
"About sixty percent," Kiku reported, adding, "but only a little over thirty percent are still fit for battle. The others are seriously injured."
To suffer over fifty percent casualties in such a short time… No wonder she was hesitant.
Aomine silently cursed.
He glanced around, roughly estimating the number of Stone Ninjas, then gave his orders, "Have the injured hold their positions while the others carry out the mission. I'll assist you."
"Yes, Captain!" Kiku's reply was immediate, the confidence in her voice returning upon hearing Aomine would intervene.
The infamous Demon Blade wasn't just known among Stone Ninjas; he was a legend among Konoha shinobi too. So, once Aomine confirmed he would step in, Kiku's concerns dissipated.
After severing the Mind Connection, Aomine took one last look at the ongoing battle between Roshi, Minato, and Gamabunta before turning away.
Noticing Aomine's departure, Minato cast a discreet glance his way. Then, he scanned the growing number of Stone Ninjas surrounding them, clearly guessing Aomine's intention, and didn't pay further attention.
Meanwhile, on the other side…
Deep in the forest, Nagashima Tomohisa questioned a nearby Iwagakure Jonin, "Are the other squads in position?"
The Jonin responded, "I just received confirmation from the squad captains. They'll be in place within five minutes."
"Five minutes…"
Tomohisa murmured, glancing at the distant battlefield. "We'll strike in five minutes, then!"
"Understood, I'll inform the others."
As the Jonin was about to leave, his expression suddenly shifted. Raising his right hand to his temple, he seemed to be sensing something.
Tomohisa noticed the change but held back his questions until the Jonin lowered his hand. "What's the situation?"
"The Konoha ninjas are on the move… They seem to be forming a perimeter around us, advancing on our outer forces," the Jonin replied with a perplexed look.
Tomohisa was taken aback. "Do they have reinforcements?"
"None detected so far," the Jonin replied.
"Then how do they intend to surround us?" Tomohisa asked, confused.
"I'm not sure," the Jonin answered.
Both men exchanged bewildered looks.
Their confusion was understandable. After the earlier skirmishes, they had a clear grasp of Konoha's remaining strength in this area, which was visibly weaker than theirs. Without reinforcements, splitting their forces to encircle them seemed suicidal.
Wait…
A thought struck Tomohisa, and he quickly said, "Check if Uchiha Aomine is still on the battlefield."
Realizing what he meant, the Jonin's expression changed, and he immediately focused, activating his sensing abilities. Yet, after several seconds, he detected nothing.
Eventually, he lowered his hand and said grimly, "He's vanished. I can't sense his presence anywhere."
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