Takayama Haru ignored the others and walked straight ahead.
No one dared to stop him.
"Takayama Haru, what do you think you're doing?!"
Danzo, Koharu, and Mitokado Homura quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his path as soon as they saw him enter.
If Takayama Haru crossed this line, he'd have to pay the price.
"Get out of my way!"
At that moment, the three elders could hardly believe their eyes.
The overwhelming presence emanating from Takayama Haru made them feel like collapsing to their knees in worship.
A closer look, and their eyes nearly popped out.
"Sage Mode?!"
Among the three, Homura began trembling uncontrollably, stammering and unable to speak.
Just then, two streaks—one golden, one silver—landed swiftly behind them.
It was Minato Namikaze and Sakumo Hatake!
As soon as they arrived and saw the clash between the Nine-Tails and Two-Tails within the Four Violet Flames Formation, they frowned deeply.
Seeing their arrival, Koharu felt slightly more confident. With two elite dark forces captains present, even someone as bold as Takayama Haru wouldn't act recklessly.
She turned to speak to him: "Takayama Haru, if you dare to—"
Before she could finish, Takayama Haru slapped her across the field.
Danzo, Homura, Minato Namikaze, Sakumo Hatake, and even the kneeling Administrative Department shinobi were stunned.
He just slapped Koharu into the air?!
Minato and Sakumo's first reaction was sheer horror.
The bloodlust and chakra radiating from Takayama Haru felt as immense and unstoppable as a mountain.
Standing in front of him, they felt completely powerless.
Just how had Takayama Haru become so terrifying in just a few days?
Even Konoha's hero, Sakumo Hatake, felt the same oppressive pressure.
Koharu had always prided herself as one of Konoha's four elders—who dared strike her?
Danzo and Homura exchanged worried glances, a deep sense of unease rising in their hearts.
Koharu crashed to the ground, eyes wide and lips numb with shock.
Even now, she couldn't understand—where did Takayama Haru find the nerve to hit her?
I'm a Konoha elder! You dare strike me? Do you know the consequences?
Wait until Hiruzen returns—you're dead!
Touching her face, she saw her hand covered in blood. Her front teeth were completely knocked out—her mouth drenched in crimson.
"You're finished, Takayama Haru! You're dead!"
Koharu's eyes were red with rage. She had never been so humiliated.
"Minato! Sakumo! Why haven't you arrested this traitor yet?!"
Minato hesitated. He wanted to stop Takayama Haru, but the image of the Third Mizukage being sealed into a coffin flashed through his mind. Rationally, he looked to Sakumo.
This is something the elders should handle. I'll learn from them.
Sakumo frowned. "Sirs, may I ask—what's going on here? Who's inside the formation?"
"What's going on? We sent Lady Uzumaki Mito to reinforce the seal on Nioh, and he interfered, causing all of this!"
"He even attacked me! He's a traitor to Konoha!"
Koharu had clearly lost her mind.
To be hit in front of so many people—she wanted Takayama Haru torn apart.
But Haru ignored all of them and charged straight toward the Four Violet Flames Formation.
Inside the barrier, Kushina Uzumaki, Mito Uzumaki, and Nioh were all aware of Haru's arrival.
Airao grinned again, "Heh, another one? Do you humans dare lower the barrier?"
Before he could finish, Nioh was kicked across the field by Mito Uzumaki, who had nearly turned into a full Tailed Beast.
Kushina's eyes welled with tears as she saw Haru.
"Takayama Haru!"
Just as she was about to reach him, Mito shouted urgently, "Don't touch the barrier! The formation is laced with violet flames—touching it will burn you alive!"
Kushina's face went pale. She looked to Haru and yelled, "Haru! Don't touch it!"
But it was too late. Haru's hand was already on the barrier.
SIZZLE!
He winced in pain, stepping back as his fingers were scorched by the purple flames.
The fire crawled along his arm, burning away at his skin.
Kushina saw his charred black hand and burst into tears. "Takayama Haru!"
Koharu, still bleeding and toothless, spat out more blood and sneered.
"Without Kage-level power, you can't break the Four Violet Flames Formation from the outside!"
"This whole disaster—the Two-Tails and Nine-Tails going berserk—is all your fault! You're the villain here!"
Takayama Haru stared at her coldly. "Today, I will end you."
...
Author's Note:
Thanks so much to everyone who's followed this story for so long!
We're reaching a major turning point in the plot—epic battles, dramatic twists, and way more action coming your way!
Tonight at midnight, a huge release is dropping—over 20,000 words!
The first 5 chapters will go live along with the updated code.
Your author is ready to stay up all night!
I've taken a lot of heat lately, and honestly, I don't know how many of you are still with me.
This past half-year has been tough. I've made almost no income—it's been rough.
So I'm asking—no, begging—everyone to subscribe tonight at midnight. Please!
If subscriptions break 1,000, I'll update 10 extra chapters a day!
I'll skip sleep and work through the night just for you all!