Naruto: Marrying Kushina Uzumaki From The Start!

"How is his chakra this strong?" Uchiha Madara muttered in shock, hidden in the shadows.

Before him stood Yoruichi, controlling three massive wooden constructs resembling Thousand-Armed Buddha statues. Though not the full "Sage Art: Wood Release—True Several Thousand Hands," their sheer presence sent unease through Madara.

Madara hesitated. If he didn't act now and eliminate Yoruichi, there was a chance his location might be exposed through Yoruichi's actions. Yet, the risk of facing him head-on was daunting.

As Madara weighed his options, the three wooden constructs attacked. Their enormous hands grabbed numerous White Zetsu, draining their life force and turning them into withered husks. Nutrient-rich fluids dripped to the ground as the intercellular energy of Hashirama's cells was absorbed.

A water dragon, unleashed by the Third Mizukage, smashed against the wooden constructs repeatedly, achieving nothing but a few splashes.

"This isn't worth it," Madara murmured. "He's strong. Too strong. Even in my prime, fighting Hashirama's Sage Art: True Several Thousand Hands was overwhelming. This boy's power... it's a threat I can't ignore."

Madara's figure faded into the darkness. "Another adjustment to the plan. Patience is key."

Zetsu followed his lead, retreating into the earth. Even the White Zetsu still emerging froze mid-motion, withdrawing quickly.

"You're not escaping!" Yoruichi's voice boomed.

The wooden constructs swept the battlefield, pulling out retreating White Zetsu like weeds. Each Zetsu was absorbed, and Yoruichi's chakra reserves, initially depleted, surged back. The overflow of energy fed into the Yin Seal on his forehead, its mark deepening with power.

###

As the intercellular energy filled Yoruichi, his synchronization with Hashirama's template reached new heights.

75%... 85%... 87%...90%

"Just a bit more," Yoruichi whispered, excitement in his voice.

The moment his synchronization hit 90%, knowledge flooded into his mind. Techniques like *Sage Mode*, *Sage Art: Gate of the Great God*, and even the legendary *Sage Art: Wood Release—True Several Thousand Hands* became clear.

Yoruichi's focus wavered, and the Third Mizukage seized the opportunity.

"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"

A razor-thin, high-pressure stream of water shot out from the Mizukage's mouth, cutting cleanly through Yoruichi's body and one of the wooden constructs.

*Boom!*

Yoruichi's form exploded into a puff of smoke—just a shadow clone. The wooden construct crumbled, splintering into shards.

High above, Yoruichi floated, observing the battlefield with his glowing golden eyes. Red marks adorned his face, and a circular red crest shimmered on his forehead—his perfected Sage Mode.

The Mizukage froze as their eyes met. "Wait… where did everyone go?" The Mizukage suddenly realized he was alone. "Madara! You lied to me!"

Without hesitation, the Mizukage turned to flee.

*Bang!*

A blur streaked across the sky and smashed into the ground, forming a massive crater. At its center, the Mizukage lay sprawled, his body trembling with fear.

Yoruichi landed gracefully before him. His Sage Mode aura flared, and his golden eyes pierced through the Mizukage's resolve.

The Mizukage coughed up blood as Yoruichi stepped on his chest, pinning him to the ground. His spine cracked audibly.

"Don't move," Yoruichi commanded coldly.

"I… I'll do anything! Spare me!" the Mizukage gasped, blood spilling from his mouth.

Yoruichi didn't reply. Instead, he seemed lost in thought, reflecting on the battle.

Three seconds. That's all it took.

Two clean interruptions to the Mizukage's jutsu, followed by a decisive strike. The strength of Sage Mode and Hashirama's Wood Release was unparalleled.

###

Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed in Yoruichi's mind.

[Ding! Three options available based on the current situation.]

[Option 1: Spare the Third Mizukage. Reward: The Mizukage's loyalty.]

[Option 2: Seal the Third Mizukage. Reward: Unique sealing jutsu scroll.]

[Option 3: Kill the Third Mizukage. Reward: S-Rank Character Card—First Mizukage, Byakuren.]

Before Yoruichi could choose, the system chimed again.

[Ding! Option 3 completed. Reward granted.]

Yoruichi blinked in confusion and looked down. The Mizukage lay motionless beneath his foot, lifeless.

"Well… that was anticlimactic," Yoruichi muttered.