The Raikage and Tsuchikage joined forces, accompanied by elite ninjas from both villages. Their mission: eliminate Saigoji Youmu, leaving no chance of survival.
After a day's pursuit, they tracked Saigoji Youmu to a specific location and prepared to move to the next. As he traversed a valley, a voice rang out:
"Guillotine Drop!"
A figure enveloped in black lightning leaped from a concealed spot, raising his foot to stomp forcefully on Saigoji Youmu below.
Boom. Crack.
Ice shards scattered. The Third Raikage's foot halted less than a foot above Saigoji Youmu's head, stopped by a thick layer of ice.
"What a quick response," the Third Raikage thought, astonished. His attack speed, enhanced by the Lightning Style Chakra Mode, was as swift as lightning. Few in the ninja world could evade his surprise attacks.
"I've been waiting for you," Saigoji Youmu's calm voice reached the Third Raikage's ears.
Simultaneously, a sharp, thick icicle jutted from the ice above Saigoji Youmu's head, thrusting rapidly at the Third Raikage.
Clang.
The sound resembled clashing metal. Caught off guard, the Third Raikage was propelled into the air before landing heavily on the ground.
"As expected of someone who defeated Hanzō of the Salamander. Truly impressive," the Third Raikage remarked, brushing dust from his attire. He remained unscathed, though his clothing bore significant damage from Saigoji Youmu's recent attack.
"Unexpectedly, it was Cloud Shinobi who ambushed me." Although the current Third Raikage wasn't as aged as depicted in the original series, his signature black lightning and the unique Lightning Style Chakra Mode of the Cloud Shinobi Village made his identity unmistakable to Saigoji Youmu.
"There should be no animosity between me and Cloud Shinobi. Why are you targeting me?"
"Why?" It wasn't the Third Raikage who answered Saigoji Youmu.
"If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for residing in Konoha."
Saigoji Youmu looked up toward the voice's origin. Onoki had appeared in the sky unnoticed.
Whoosh, whoosh.
Figures emerged swiftly from hiding, surrounding Saigoji Youmu at a short distance. These ninjas bore the forehead protectors of the Cloud Shinobi Village. Additionally, Rock Shinobi, previously lying in ambush, surfaced from the ground, forming a larger encirclement.
"Oh~. So, Rock Shinobi Village is involved as well." Saigoji Youmu surveyed the surroundings, a cold glint in his eyes. His time in the Hokage world had been brief. The mindset from his previous life hadn't entirely shifted. Just because he refrained from provoking others didn't mean they wouldn't target him. Some required a stern lesson.
"You are a remarkable junior. Unfortunately, you're our enemy." The Third Raikage shook his head regretfully.
"Don't worry; they won't intervene for now. Your opponent is solely me."
"Unnecessary." Saigoji Youmu drew the western sword from his waist, pointing it forward. "You and Onoki, come at me together."
Boom. Crackle.
Several small icebergs materialized. Originating from Saigoji Youmu's position, the icebergs expanded outward. With each progression, their size increased substantially. Wherever the icebergs advanced, both Rock Shinobi and Cloud Shinobi were ensnared, immobilized within the ice.
After a brief moment, the iceberg's spread ceased only after the farthest ninja was also frozen. In an instant, ninety-nine percent of the besieging ninjas perished. Only Onoki and the Third Raikage remained unaffected.
"What... what?" Shock flickered in the eyes of Onoki and the Third Raikage. To ensure the siege's success, they had mobilized numerous elite teams, totaling nearly a hundred ninjas. Among them were two Elite Jōnin; about a third were Jōnin, with the remainder being Elite Chunin. Including themselves, it should have been more than
sufficient to eliminate a Kage-level master. Yet, they hadn't anticipated that, at the battle's onset, they would be the only ones left on their side.
"Alright, the clearing is over." Saigoji Youmu turned slightly to face Onoki and the Third Raikage.
"You..." The expressions of Onoki and the Third Raikage turned utterly grim, though a hint of trepidation lingered in their hearts.