Chapter 42: Chapter 42: The Power of Sage Arts
Kakuzu roared as black tendrils erupted from his body and mouth, writhing like a grotesque specter.
White Zetsu looked on with disgust.
"Disgusting, almost as bad as Orochimaru."
At this moment, the Fire and Wind Masks merged into Kakuzu's left and right shoulders, while the Lightning and Water Masks separated into individual entities to guard his flanks. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, recognizing these masks as special clones.
Hidan charged forward.
"Oh my, behold my bloody flying scythe!"
Bang, bang, bang! The Kusanagi sword clashed with Hidan's scythe at such speed that it was difficult to follow with the naked eye, sparks flying everywhere. Kakuzu was secretly shocked by Sasuke's speed. It seemed he had no choice but to use large-scale ninjutsu, even if it meant sacrificing Hidan once.
Suddenly, Sasuke swung his sword down.
Bang!
Hidan blocked with his scythe, but his knees buckled under the weight. His expression changed; Sasuke's strength was immense!
At that moment, Sasuke's clone emerged from behind him.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh— Three shurikens traced a beautiful arc toward Hidan.
Hidan was startled.
"When did this kid make the clone seal?"
White Zetsu exclaimed.
"His seal speed is incredible, perhaps even surpassing Itachi's!"
Black Zetsu remarked.
"Maybe, but Sasuke doesn't know the terrifying combination of Hidan and Kakuzu."
White Zetsu added.
"Oh, so that's it. Hidan is immortal..."
At this moment, Kakuzu spoke in a deep voice.
"The ritual is ready. Take this, combined ninjutsu: Flame Wind Wave!"
The Wind Mask opened its mouth to unleash Wind Style: Pressure Damage, while the Fire Mask used Fire Style: Searing Migraine. Instantly, the flames formed a sea of fire, fueled by the strong wind pressure.
Seeing this, Hidan cursed angrily.
"Kakuzu, you bastard, are you trying to kill me?" Then he added smugly, "As expected of me, you're good at jokes!"
Sasuke remained calm in the face of danger, glancing at Hidan.
"You dare to be distracted while fighting me? You're brave."
As soon as he spoke, he swung his sword, sweeping away Hidan's scythe. At the same time, his clone flashed over, delivering a backhand slash that cut Hidan in half from the right shoulder to the left waist.
Meanwhile, Sasuke sheathed his sword and turned to face the sea of fire, instantly entering Sage Mode. In an instant, two dragon horns appeared, and Sasuke's aura surged!
Swish, swish, swish!
The seals were completed in an instant.
"Sage Art: Water Style: Waterfall Basin!"
As soon as he spoke, water gushed from beneath Sasuke's feet, an immeasurable amount. Water and fire clashed, battling fiercely.
Chi!
Water overcame fire, the waterfall crushing the raging flames! In an instant, steam rose, making the environment humid and uncomfortable. Soon, the sea of fire dissipated, replaced by a small lake with a diameter of tens of meters. Sasuke stood in the center, his white clothes fluttering like an immortal.
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed.
"What? Such a powerful Water Style, is this kid a human-shaped tailed beast?"
White Zetsu gasped.
"With divine power, dragon horns on his head, and Water Style so powerful it changes the terrain, it's not an exaggeration to call Sasuke a 'Water God'!"
Black Zetsu agreed reluctantly.
"That's true, but what's more shocking is... Sasuke has mastered Sage Techniques!"
"Sage Techniques?"
Black Zetsu's expression was solemn.
"In the past, Senju Hashirama defeated Uchiha Madara largely because of Sage Techniques!"
White Zetsu exclaimed.
"In that case, isn't Sasuke incredibly powerful now?"
Black Zetsu replied seriously.
"That's right, and don't forget the intelligence that Sasuke used Susanoo in the battle to seal Orochimaru. In other words..."
White Zetsu quickly added.
"Sasuke can also use the special abilities of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
He was amazed.
"What a terrifying talent! I'm afraid even Itachi isn't Sasuke's match now; perhaps only the leader can contend with him..."
Jūgo remained calm. Since Sasuke used Sage Mode, it meant he was serious. He was proud to be Sasuke's confidant for three years.
As Jūgo guessed, Sasuke was ready to end the battle quickly.
Swish, swish, swish!
In the blink of an eye, Sasuke completed the seals.
"Sage Art: Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
The water dragon soared into the sky, its momentum covering the heavens.
Yin!
The water dragon skimmed the water's surface, creating waves several meters high, crashing into Kakuzu.
Kakuzu was shocked and quickly controlled the Water Mask to resist.
"Water Style: Water Curtain!"
Unfortunately, the water curtain was torn apart by the water dragon in an instant, and the Water Mask was also hit into the water and disappeared.
Kakuzu was stunned.
"Damn, what kind of power is this? Wait, where did that kid go?"
Just then, a chirping sound came from behind. Kakuzu turned hurriedly. The Chidori Sharp Spear was already close at hand.
Chi!
Kakuzu's heart was pierced, and his body slowly fell.
Sasuke retracted the Chidori Sharp Spear.
"It's over... huh?"
He narrowed his eyes, puzzled. The original body was dead, so why hadn't the clone disappeared?
Just then, the Lightning Mask opened its mouth.
"Lightning Style: False Darkness!"
A shocking electric shock shot straight at him.
Jūgo was alarmed.
"Sasuke is in danger!"
White Zetsu commented.
"You're still too young; your combat experience isn't as good as that cunning Kakuzu."
Black Zetsu countered.
"No, it's too early to say that now..."
It happened in a split second. Sasuke quickly condensed lightning chakra in his left hand, pushing his left palm forward fiercely.
Sizzle!
The False Darkness blasted into Sasuke's palm. For a moment, the lightning was so intense it even eclipsed the sunlight! Soon, the lightning dissipated.
White Zetsu exclaimed.
"What, Sasuke is unscathed?"
Black Zetsu marveled.
"From the results, Sasuke's lightning mastery has far surpassed Kakuzu's. What a terrifying talent!"