The Battlefield Falls Silent
The vast battlefield of the Rain Country fell into an eerie stillness.
Shinobi from Konoha and Amegakure froze in place, their weapons gripped tightly.
Their eyes locked onto the towering ice wall that had erupted in the middle of the battlefield.
A whisper ran through the soldiers.
"What… What kind of Ice Release is this?"
"Master Hanzo is inside… Is he in danger?"
"Who is that ninja? Another of Konoha's reinforcements?"
Mistrust and confusion spread like wildfire.
Neither side had ever heard of an alliance between Konoha and Kirigakure.
And yet—an Ice Release user had appeared.
Was he friend?
Or foe?
Both armies hesitated, their battle momentarily forgotten.
Inside the Ice Arena
Hanzo gripped his chain sickle tightly.
For the first time today, his posture was cautious.
More so than when he faced Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru.
A testament to how dangerous he considered Saigoji Youmu.
A few meters away, the three young Sannin took a step back.
They understood.
This fight was no longer theirs.
"Who do you think will win?" Tsunade murmured, her gaze never leaving the duel.
Jiraiya shrugged.
"No clue."
Orochimaru grinned, excitement flashing in his golden eyes.
"I'm not sure either." His tongue flicked out to wet his lips. "But I do know one thing..."
Tsunade and Jiraiya turned toward him.
Orochimaru's grin widened.
"No matter who wins, the ninja world is about to change."
Tsunade exhaled.
Jiraiya nodded.
They couldn't deny it.
The moment Hanzo fought seriously, the entire world would hear about this battle.
And the name Saigoji Youmu would be carved into history.
Hanzo's Dignity as a Demigod
Hanzo's grip tightened around his weapon.
His gaze swept over the three young Sannin in the distance.
He had spared them for two reasons.
First—because they were Sarutobi Hiruzen's apprentices.
If he had killed them, he would have incurred the Wrath of the Third Hokage.
And possibly… the destruction of Amegakure.
Second—because he respected talent.
Hanzo had always cherished warriors with determination and potential.
That was why he had let Sanjuro, the samurai live in the past.
And it was why he had given the title "Sannin" today.
But now…
This was different.
Saigoji Youmu had sealed the battlefield with ice.
Had challenged him directly.
As the Demigod of the Ninja World, Hanzo could not back down.
His dignity was on the line.
His pride demanded he teach this young man a lesson.
"Young people these days…" Hanzo muttered. "They forget their place."
Saigoji Youmu's eyes burned with anticipation.
Today would be the day his name became legend.
Hanzo exhaled.
"Are you so sure you can defeat me?"
A smirk played at Saigoji Youmu's lips.
"Defeat you?"
His blue eyes gleamed.
"Let's find out."
BOOM!
Hanzo stomped the ground, launching himself forward.
In the blink of an eye—
He was already in front of Saigoji Youmu.
His chain sickle swung down with deadly force.
SHING!
Saigoji Youmu stepped back and raised his sword.
CLANG!
Sparks erupted as steel met steel.
The tip of Hanzo's sickle halted just inches from Saigoji Youmu's face.
It could go no further.
Saigoji Youmu's strength held firm.
Hanzo's eyes narrowed.
"Tch—"
Saigoji Youmu smirked.
"Don't worry."
"You'll see soon enough."
With a surge of power, he shoved Hanzo back.
Hanzo skidded across the ice, regaining his stance instantly.
He exhaled sharply.
Then—
SEALS!
Hanzo's hands blurred as he began forming a jutsu.
But—
WHOOSH!
Before he could finish—
Saigoji Youmu vanished.
"?!"
Hanzo's instincts screamed.
He twisted just in time—
SWISH!
A blade of ice streaked toward his neck.
Hanzo barely dodged.
His jutsu was interrupted.
Before he could recover—
BAM!
A kick crashed into his stomach.
Hanzo gritted his teeth as his body was sent flying.
But even as he skidded back, he didn't lose focus.
With a flick of his wrist—
WHIP!
His iron chain lashed forward.
A perfect counterattack.
Saigoji Youmu smirked.
"Predictable."
SHHHH!
He twisted his sword—
And the chain froze solid mid-air.
Hanzo's eyes widened.
"What?!"
Saigoji Youmu advanced.
His blade glowed with chilling frost.
Hanzo's grip on his weapon tightened.
This battle…
Was just beginning.